Oregon

"The Beaver State"

Oregon is a state of natural wonders and you will find amazing beauty throughout with historic towns and sleepy fishing villages, ski resorts and wineries. Windswept beaches, verdant forests and snow-capped peaks give way to sweeping rangelands, towering rock formations and dramatic river valleys in this incredibly diverse land. Besides 363 miles of pristine public beaches, high-desert country, painted hills and wine-producing valleys, Oregon is home to North America’s deepest river gorge (Hells Canyon), the country's deepest lake (Crater Lake) and the world’s secondmost- climbed mountain (Mt. Hood), which also happens to host North America’s only year-round ski season. Whatever your passion, Oregon’s natural and scenic variety – coast, mountains, rivers, high desert, plains, forests and valleys – lends equally to exhilarating outdoor adventure or tranquil exploration. And with more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state as well as no sales tax and plenty of shopping opportunities there is plenty to discover.

Experience Oregon’s hidden travel gems for yourself. You'll find award winning golf courses, culinary masterminds, world-class spas and tucked-away luxury properties, all in the midst of wide open beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lush forests and amazing mountain peaks. Oregon – loves dreamers.

Oregon is a state of natural wonders – windswept beaches, verdant forests and snow-capped peaks. It has more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state – and no sales tax.

From November to June, visitors might spot thousands of gray whales which pass along the Oregon coast. And don’t miss Crater Lake National Park and the 33-mile drive around the rim for some truly breath-taking scenery.

Land Area: 62,111,361.5 acres (96,002 square miles)

Population: 3,790,060

State Capital: Salem

Largest City: Portland

Local Time: PT – 8 hrs behind UK

Of the 10 different climate zones in the world, Oregon offers seven

Crater Lake N.P.; Oregon Caves national monument, John Day Fossil Beds national monument and Fort Clatsop national memorial.

Oregon isn’t a place you see as much as you do. You can cruise the beautiful coast, hike volcanic mountains, paddle crystal-clear lakes and ride dune buggies through deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for world-class pinots, some of the best food and craft beer in the country, epic cycling, kayaking, windsurfing or just about anything else.

The thing about exploring Oregon’s outdoors is that you’ll never be able to do it all in one lifetime. Hike the rugged coastline or the wooded Willamette National Forest. Camp in the desert near Steens Mountain or explore the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains (also known as “Little Switzerland”). Rent an RV from Cruise America, and park yourself in the volcanic foothills of Mt. Hood, the old-growth beauty of the Umpqua National Forest, or a mountain lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Oregon State Parks offer beautiful picnicking spots as well as yurts, tepees, rustic cabins and RV spots for rent.

Oregon’s food and drink artisans are trendsetters and tastemakers. The state boasts premium craft beer, micro-distilleries and 17 wine regions, as well as handcrafted sea salt, ice cream, cheese and more. The New York Times Magazine refers to Oregon as an “ever-expanding culinary utopia.” Oregon’s award-winning chefs, restaurants and farmers appear in national and international publications, and you can often meet those culinary artisans in person. Don’t miss tasty annual events like the Oregon Truffle Festival in January, the Oregon Cheese Festival in March and Feast Portland, a world-class celebration of food and drink, in September.

Unlike most states in the U.S., Oregon has no sales tax. You’ll save 5 to 10 percent on everything you buy. Find the brands you love at stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M and Apple, or try Made in Oregon shops for Oregon’s unique products and gifts. Outlet shoppers will save on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike and Gap at centers in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend and Phoenix. Hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Hawthorne in Portland; and in Bend, Hood River and towns along the Oregon Coast.

The toughest part of golfing in Oregon is choosing from nearly 200 public courses. Play through spectacular stretches of sand dunes perched high above the Pacific Ocean, tee off in the heart of sun-filled wine country, or revel in the mountain views of Central Oregon’s 30 high-desert courses. Don’t miss Bandon Dunes, named Oregon’s best golf resort by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, where a young Tiger Woods won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur Championship.

While European settlement in Oregon is less than two centuries old, Native Americans have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Learn about Indigenous cultures, past and present, at Oregon’s interpretive centers, casino resorts and museums. At the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, learn about the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla people, and explore exhibits and events showcasing their traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion and food. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs share their heritage at The Museum at Warm Springs. This museum is home to one of the most exquisite collections of Plateau Native American artifacts in the country, along with arts, history and culture demonstrations by tribal members.