Oregon Travel Guide

US Oregon

Having a varied landscape with high volcanic mountains, picturesque pacific coast and captivating history, Oregon is one of the most visited states in the US.

Oregon – Geography

A determinant role in the present image of the state’s topography is played by two main mountain ranges, the volcanic Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range with their highest peak in Mount Hood (3425m). The mountains offer incredible sceneries, welcoming numerous tourists every year. The Columbia River is also an important element in the local topography and economy, being also one of the largest rivers in the entire US. The state also has an important number of natural lakes like the Blue River Lake, Cougar Lake or the Crater Lake, formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano.

The costal region offers diverse landscape from high cliffs and promontories to sandy or rocky beaches, all surrounded by abundant forest vegetation.

The local climate varies according to region and elevation, therefore most of the territory has a temperate climate with oceanic influences offering mild temperatures and high humidity. Still the high peaks of the mountains will remain snow capped all year round and the eastern part of the state will get smaller amounts of precipitations due to stronger continental influences.

Oregon – Flora and Fauna

Oregon has a rich and diverse flora and fauna represented by coastal rainforests, dense fir forests with the emblematic Douglas fir, grasses and numerous animal species characteristic to each type of flora. All these beauties can be admired in any of the state’s numerous protected areas. The most representative natural parks are the Crater Lake National Park, John Day Fossil Beds national Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument and more.

Oregon – Population

Population here is located mostly in the western part of the state in the Willamette Valley. Most of the locals work in agriculture, industry and tourism.

The capital city is Portland, it has about 576.000 inhabitants and is mostly known for being a “green” city and also “The City of Roses”, climate making this area ideal for cultivating roses.

Other important cities are Eugene, Salem and Gresham, all near the Pacific coast.

Oregon – Tips for Tourists

If you decide to travel to Oregon you must know that a visa is required for almost any nationality, and also a valid machine readable passport. Some nationalities need also return or onward destination tickets. Visas should be obtained before departure by contacting a local embassy or a local consulate office.

The regional currency is the American dollar which can be converted at any local bank, hotel or exchange office.

Oregon – Transport

In spite of the large uninhabited surfaces and rough terrain, Oregon has a well developed transport infrastructure. The railroads are here since the nineteenth century and are still a very frequently used means of transport. The fastest and easiest way to get to this state is by air using one of the numerous local international airports, the most important being Portland International Airport.

Oregon - Resorts

With such a diverse landscape and numerous outdoor activities, Oregon welcomes an important number of tourists every year. Here you can go biking, camping, salmon fishing, hiking, caving, horseback riding, skiing or yachting, enough options in order to satisfy even the most demanding visitors.

For a relaxing ski vacation Mt. Bachelor is one of the best places to choose and you can find good accommodation at the Blue Spruce Bed & Breakfast. The rustic hotel offers great accommodation surrounded by nature with self sufficient rooms, fireplace for a cozy atmosphere and home cooked meals. There are also numerous outdoor activities available besides skiing for both families with children and singles.

Another captivating activity here is kayaking. For such an adventurous holiday you can choose the Youngberg Hill Vineyard & Inn, a beautiful country inn surrounded by vineyards and offering a spectacular view over the Coast Range and Willamette Valley. Its location near the valley makes it the perfect place to sleep over. The inn also offers the best accommodation in an old world ambiance, numerous facilities and daily wine tasting.

Oregon will surely surprise you with its beautiful places, rich culture and locals’ hospitality.