Oregon
Portland
One of Oregon’s nicknames is “The Pacific Wonderland”— and it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find a mountain with nearly year-round skiing, a sweeping gorge boasting more than 70 waterfalls, and vineyards that produce some of the world’s best Pinot Noir —all within easy driving distance of an exciting yet welcoming metropolis. Portland offers the culture, cuisine and atmosphere you’d expect from a major American city, but what makes it truly unique is its setting amid forests, rivers and mountains. Built of distinct communities that stretch beyond the city’s border, the greater Portland region is defined by a sense of independence, creativity and connection to the land. Whether exploring the central city or wine country, Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll quickly find the qualities that make this place a real wonder.
Crisscrossed by rivers, mountains and vineyards, Metropolitan Portland offers more than urban adventure. Within a few minutes’ drive of downtown Portland are Pinot-producing wineries (most with year-round tasting rooms), kayak-friendly waterways that nudge wildlife preserves and, of course, the glorious foothills of Mount Hood. And if it is urban adventure you crave, be warned that Portland, the Rose City, is not your run-of-the-mill urban megalopolis. An effervescent arts community, dozens of urban parks and green spaces, a lively downtown, complete with an open air plaza that serves as the community’s living room and a world-class public transportation system, are just few of the reasons that make this one of the country’s most livable cities.
Oregon Coast
Oregon's nearly 363 miles of pristine, public coastline is made up of diverse terrain that changes from rugged cliffs to evergreen forests to Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches. From Astoria in the north to Brookings in the southern tip, follow the shoreline past a smorgasbord of one-of-a-kind attractions including scores of quaint towns with a penchant for serving up legendary seafood, historic lighthouses, breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks, a cornucopia of galleries and museums and a world class aquarium. Mild temperatures, dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make the coast one of the state's most popular regions.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a year-round recreational area offering the best of outdoor activities including, hiking, biking, golf, whitewater rafting and kayaking, windsurfing and kite-boarding, boating, bird watching, photography, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing – the list is endless. Indoor options are also readily available with world-class museums, wine tasting, superb dining opportunities, shopping and spa services. There is truly something for everyone in the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River is the second largest river in North America, starting in northern Idaho and southeastern British Columbia, and traveling over 1,200 miles to the ocean. Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge. A visit to the area is not complete without a visit to the breathtaking waterfalls.
Willamette Valley Wine Country
The Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon’s agriculture country. During the spring and summer growing seasons, roadside stands dot the country lanes, and farmers’ markets appear in the valley’s historic towns. Covered bridges beckon drivers to explore the many back roads, and the valley’s flat terrain and temperate climate make it a favorite for hikers and cyclists, who also enjoy the paved paths in the college towns of Eugene and Corvallis. Nestled among its rolling hills are over 200 wineries producing a medley of vintages—Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling to mention a few. The valley, dubbed Oregon’s Wine Country, is one of Oregon’s major wine-growing regions.
