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
Resources to help plan your trip
Portland’s bar scene goes far far beyond offering a little something for everyone. The city is rich with knowledgable bartenders and cocktail innovators. From swanky mixed drinks to tiki bar delights, cutting edge wine bars, and, of course, craft brews, Portland is the place to find your new favorite tipple. You’re going to love the city’s late-night scene.
Multnomah Falls. Forest Park. Mount Hood. They’re some of the hiking world’s most beloved spots and, lucky you, they’re all within reach during your time in Portland. From day hikes to backpacking, Portland and the area beyond will keep your feet busy for miles. There are loop trails a-plenty so you never have to see the same tree twice. Prefer going up up up a mountain hike? No problem. So lace up your boots, you’ve got ground to cover.
Portland started the craft beer revolution and the city remains home to a vibrant and ever-growing group of breweries. Belly up to the taps at one of the city’s oldest brewpubs or try something new new new. No matter which beer stop you choose from the list below, you’re golden. There are, of course, plenty of IPAs around town but, no matter your taste, Portland is sure to serve up what you love to drink. Pick a few from the list below and make a night of it. Want to try several breweries in one night (or day)? Ride around with Brewcycle (a multi-person traveling bar you help pedal) or Brewvana (a good old bus tour).
Portland has long been one of America’s culinary “it” cities and that won’t change anytime soon. The city’s cooks do so many things so very well: from doughnuts to dishes that focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Eat around the world without leaving the city limits with visits to the legendary food cart scene as well as top spots like Ava Gene’s, Kachka, and Hat Yai (their Thai fried chicken will make you want to move to Portland). Pull up to one of these restaurant tables and you’ll find yourself challenged and delighted and definitely eager for more.
As the sun goes down behind a shroud of gray, Portland lights up. Step into the night and join a community hell-bent on having a good time.
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