Oregon

From vibrant cities like Portland and Bend, to pristine nature both inland and along the cliff-studded Oregon Coast, this Pacific Northwest state is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for art, culture, food, outdoors adventures, or some combination.

A photo of a beautiful waterfall in Oregon surrounded by evergreens and orange-leafed trees in the fall.

Make beautiful places—like Bend—a part of your trip to Oregon.

Photo by Aleksander Todorovic/Shutterstock

Overview

When’s the best time to go to Oregon?

Many will say that Oregon is best visited in the summer, when the state sees less rain, long days, and warm temperatures. Although more rainy, spring and fall bring their own kind of charm, and winter is the ideal time of year for enjoying Oregon’s ski and snowboarding slopes.

Can’t miss things to do in Oregon

Oregon has a wide variety of activities for travelers. Some highlights of travel in the state include:

  • Exploring the artistic and culinary scenes in the quirky, creative city of Portland.
  • Wine tasting in Willamette Valley.
  • Sipping your way through Oregon’s acclaimed craft beer scene.
  • Road tripping along the Oregon coast.
  • Hiking the iconic Multnomah Falls and going for a scenic drive along the Colombia River.
  • Mountain biking, hiking, or skiing on Mount Hood.
  • Visiting Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
  • Getting outdoors, any time of the year, in nature-loving Bend.
  • Attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.

Practical Information

No matter what time of year it is, bring a great rain jacket. In summer months, prepare for heat and in winter, snow. Fall and spring weather are all over the map, so wear your layers for a comfortable stay.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
HOTELS
Why rough it? These hotels put you inside America’s most stunning landscapes without sacrificing creature comforts.
The hotels on this list are as thoughtful about accessibility as they are about design, going beyond compliance to make travel more comfortable and intuitive for disabled guests.
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
These state park campsites rival the beauty of U.S. national parks.
The designation is given to destinations with exceptional night sky visibility, allowing for incredible views of the stars and other astronomical phenomena.
Go on an epic hut-to-hut journey with these outfitters.
The 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo is happening on June 17 in Oregon’s biggest city.
From eating at new and exciting restaurants to hiking in parks filled with ancient trees and traditions, here’s how to spend a weekend in Rose City right now.
A weekend getaway at one of these lakes is good for the soul.
Vacation rental company Vacasa is dishing up spooky-season nostalgia with this three-night-only “Ghostbusters” rental.
The City of Roses is home to some of the most unique hotels in the Pacific Northwest, from a tiny house and converted school to a hipster favorite and elegant grande dame, the options are varied in both style and price. But other wonderful places to stay can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest state.
This two-for-one sale lets you bring along a companion for free in a private Amtrak Roomette.
No matter your passion, Portland has you covered. The tax-free shopping wonderland is loaded with stores to tickle the fancy of shoppers both casual and obsessed. From Powell’s City of Books—easily one of the best bookstores in the United States—to Wildfang, where the coolest patriarchy smashers hang, and, yes, all the chain stores, Portland’s got the goods. Some of the city’s shopping hubs include downtown Portland, Pioneer Place, 23rd Avenue, and the Pearl District. Fuel up with some java at the coffee shop of your choice because there is serious shopping to be done.