As a state, Oregon is full of dualities. On the one hand, Portland’s urban center pulses with alt-cool; on the other, thousands of acres of vast evergreen forest remains refreshingly untamed. It’s this juxtaposition that forms the heart of the Pacific Northwest and exploring the state means recognizing that the enterprising spirit that brought the pioneers 200 years ago is still going strong. Each year, Oregon travel attracts adventurers with snowy mountain peaks, a rugged coastline and arid, eastern plains. Let Travel + Leisure’s Oregon travel guide lead you through the spaces in between.
Things Not to Miss in Oregon
• The hike to the top of Multnomah Falls for a bird’s eye look at the Columbia River Gorge.
• A day spent between the pinot vines in Willamette Valley wine country.
• A cup of warm cocoa at Mt. Hood’s historic Timberline Lodge after a day spent on the slopes.
• An afternoon spent between the stacks at Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the World.
• A hike along the shore’s of Crater Lake’s sapphire blue waters
When to Go to Oregon
Oregon is known for its rain, and for good reason. Although its temperate climate keeps its temperatures mild for the most part, wet weather can stretch from November through June. Many people choose to travel to Oregon during the summer months and take advantage of long, sunny days and dry heat, a combination that’s ideal for outdoor exploration.
-
10 Cheap Beach Vacations the Whole Family Will Love
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. Beach vacations are the classic family vacation, but they're also great for romantic getaways, trips... Read More
-
A Man Plugged His Playstation Into a Portland Airport Monitor so He Could Play Video Games Before His Flight (Video)
A man in Portland’s International Airport last week turned one of the airport’s informational screens into a personal video game console, proving there... Read More
-
This Snow-covered Winter Wonderland Train Route Is the Best Way to See the Pacific Northwest (Video)
The Amtrak Cascades route travels 467 miles through the Pacific Northwest from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon, and showcases... Read More
-
Teen Climber Survives 500-foot Fall Down Oregon Mountain (Video)
A teen mountain climber miraculously survived a 500-foot fall from a snowy Oregon mountain this week. The adventurous 16-year-old was out with... Read More
-
This Luxury Resort Will Help You Build Your Own Snow Cave for the Ultimate Winter Adventure
It’s now totally normal for travelers to sleep inside a wine barrel, a giant potato, and even a Vegemite jar. So, it’s only natural that this winter... Read More
-
British Airways and United to Launch New Routes From the West Coast to London, Dublin (Video)
Getting to Europe from the West Coast next summer is about to get easier as United Airlines and British Airways both announced new direct routes this... Read More
-
This High-speed Train Is Expected to Go From Portland to Vancouver in Just Two Hours
An idea for a new train line may get you from Portland to Vancouver in less than half the time it would take to drive. The Cascadia Rail has a... Read More
-
11 Strange but Delicious Ice Cream Flavors Around the World — From Maine Lobster to Gin and Tonic
You don’t have to settle for vanilla any longer.A sweet, frosty ice cream cone is a quintessential dessert, but if you’re an adventurous foodie, you... Read More
-
My Ideal Way to Explore a New City Is by E-Scooter — Here's Why
When my family visited Portland, Oregon, a couple months ago, we spotted the city's new electric scooters everywhere. So, after walking around and... Read More
-
15 Secret Speakeasies That Serve up Some Seriously Good Cocktails
Even though Prohibition is long over, people’s love for vintage-themed bars is at an all-time high. Speakeasies are no longer a thing of... Read More
-
The Coolest Coffee Shops in the U.S.
Nothing says good morning like a great cup of coffee.And while there are coffee shops that can do the job on seemingly every corner, some are simply... Read More
-
These Are The Best Breweries In Portland, Oregon
Craft brewing is a huge part of life in Oregon, and Portland actually has more breweries per capita than any other city in the world. The entire state... Read More
-
These Lighthouses Double As Boutique Hotels, Quaint Bed and Breakfasts, and Charming Retreats
Historically, the duty of a lighthouse keeper was vitally important but also very isolating. These guardians of the shore were in charge of operating... Read More
-
8 Outdoorsy Trips Perfect for Retirees Who Love Spending Time in Nature
Now that a job isn’t limiting when and where you travel, you can take advantage of every season and spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors. Resorts... Read More
-
You Can Sip on Your Favorite Wines While Doing Yoga at These Oregon Wineries
The Willamette Valley, located in Oregon, is a 150-mile stretch from the Columbia River in the north all the way down to Eugene in the South. Known for... Read More