Oregon
OREGON’S 7 REGIONS
THE COAST
Oregon's nearly 400 miles of beaches and dunes are all open to the public, offering endless vacation possibilities. Grand resorts, family-friendly hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and full service campgrounds are available all along the Coast. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make this one of the state's most popular regions.
PORTLAND
Outstanding public art, dozens of urban parks and green-spaces, a lively downtown, and a world-class transportation system are just a few of the many reasons to visit this jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Downtown Portland boasts an amazing array of attractions, including an outstanding collection of cast iron and terra cotta architecture, the largest new-and-used bookstore in the world, a nationally acclaimed art museum, and a vibrant culinary community
MT. HOOD/COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
Mt. Hood, the tallest of Oregon's Cascade peaks, stands watch over the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge from a height of ll,239 ft. The often-photographed glacier-glazed peak is home to year-round skiing and snowboarding. Run-off from its volcanic slopes enriches soil in the valleys below, which are famous for their production of pears, peaches, cherries, apricots and apples. One of the largest concentrations of high waterfalls in the nation spills forth from the cliffs and ledges that wall in the mighty Columbia River to create the nation's only national scenic area.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
For the thousands of pioneers who came across the Oregon Trail, this rich and verdant valley truly was the promised land. Flanked by the Coast Range and the Cascades, the valley takes its name from the river that flows through it. Historic cities and towns, settled more than a hundred years ago by emigrants from all over the world, are found throughout the region, but the area is perhaps best known for its diverse agriculture, which includes all kinds of vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, nuts, hops, and Christmas trees.
SOUTHERN OREGON
Long recognized by the Hollywood set as the perfect getaway, Southern Oregon offers visitors a well-balanced mix of natural and cultural wonders. History buffs will find a wide variety of historical sites and points of interest across the region. Whitewater enthusiasts and anglers can seek endless adventure on the Rogue, Klamath and Umpqua rivers, and theater aficionados flock to Ashland every year for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Medford is home to both Harry and David's Country Village and the Jackson & Perkins Rose Garden.
CENTRAL OREGON
Although Oregon is often associated with rain, Central Oregon enjoys blue skies and sunshine nearly 300 days a year, offering a year-round playground for kids of all ages. Its high desert landscape offers almost constant views of snowcapped Cascade peaks and features geologic marvels such as Smith Rock State Park, Newberry National Volcanic Monument and several Lava Lands attractions.
EASTERN OREGON
Eastern Oregon accounts for more than half of the state, geographically speaking. But with a relatively small population, this remarkable region is truly one of the west's last great wide open spaces. Miles and miles of open road punctuated by small towns with big personalities are waiting to be discovered. Stand in the ruts left by thousands of wagons headed west along the Oregon Trail. Help modern day cowboys round up cattle. Look for fossils in John Day and be sure to stop in at the major interpretive centers throughout the region offering visitors a chance to gain a better understanding of Oregon's history through the eyes of its Native peoples.
Courtesy of Oregon Tourism Commission - 800.547.7842
Photo #1 - Crater Lake - Courtesy of Photographer Brent Bradley
Photo #2 - Mt. Hood - Courtesy of Photographer Brent Bradley
Photo #3 - Ecola - Courtesy of Photographer Brent Bradley
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