Why visit Oregon? Oregon is a US state filled with diversity in its landscape. It has popular coastal areas in the west, while sandy deserts grace the eastern part. Oregon has volcanic mountain ranges, forests, rivers, a national park, and 5 affiliate sites managed by National Park Services. Not to mention Portland, known for being extremely quirky and the largest city in Oregon.
So, let’s learn more about this stunning US state as an expert Oregon trip planner.
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Fun Facts About Oregon
- Oregon has over 6,000 lakes. It includes Carter Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
- This diverse state is home to 10 Native American groups.
- Oregon is the only US state with a two-sided flag. The front features the state seal, while the reverse has a gold image of a beaver.
- Springfield, Oregon, inspired the popular show “The Simpsons.”
- Oregon has over 200 ghost towns.
Brief History of Oregon
In the 18th century, the Europeans began exploring the Oregon territory. During the 19th century, specifically in the early 1800s, the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) ventured into the region, carefully recording its natural resources and evaluating its suitability for colonization. An increase followed this exploration in the non-native population in the area.
In 1848, the United States Congress organized Oregon as a territory. It became the 33rd state of the US on February 14, 1859. In the 20th century, Oregon embraced environmental awareness. It nurtured sustainability and the arts, particularly in cities like Portland.
Oregon embodies a harmonious blend of natural splendor, forward-thinking principles, and cultural diversity. It remains one of the USA’s most beautiful and naturally rich states.
Top Destinations in Oregon
Your Oregon trip plan should include the following top destinations.
1. Portland
The beautiful Portland is the largest city in Oregon and, thus, witnesses thousands of tourists annually. You can find direct flights to Portland from almost every major part of the world. So, you can start your Oregon trip from here.
Book lovers shouldn’t miss journeying through the famous Powell’s City of Books. You can also pay a visit to the tranquil Lan Su Chinese Garden. Don’t forget to check out Washington Park and witness the breathtaking beauty of the International Rose Test Garden. Take a 30-minute drive to visit the famous ghost town of Bridal Veil. You can explore a cemetery, abandoned homes, and post office here.
You will need three to four days to explore Portland to its fullest.
2. Cannon Beach
If you enjoy spending time on beaches and listening to the magical sound of waves, Cannon Beach should be a part of your Oregon trip planning. This charming seaside town has a lot to offer. You can stroll along its sandy shores and enjoy the tide pools. Visit the popular Haystack Rock and explore the vibrant boutiques and art galleries. Moreover, you can also hike in the nearby Ecola State Park for stunning panoramic views.
Two to three days are enough to explore Cannon Beach.
3. Bend
If you enjoy outdoor activities and adventures, Bend will be a paradise. Explore the Deschutes National Forest and participate in exciting adventures like mountain biking, hiking, and exploring lava tubes. You can also check out Mount Bachelor, which has something for every season. For example, you can enjoy skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
You will need three to four days to explore Bend.
4. Crater Lake National Park
If you have one extra day, check out the iconic Crater Lake National Park. Here, you can experience Crater Lake’s magnificence and hike along the rim to witness stunning panoramic views. You can also go on a boat tour to see the breathtaking sapphire-blue waters enclosed by majestic cliffs.
The park can be explored in one day.
5. Coastal Road Trip
Along with the above destinations, you can go for the adventurous 7-day Oregon coastal road trip. The journey starts on Highway 101. Along this scenic route, you will come across coastal regions, majestic cliffs, and vast sandy shores. Explore regions like Seaside, Lincoln City, and Gold Beach. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Oregon coastline. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
What Do You Need to Do Before Traveling to Oregon?
Here are some Oregon trip essentials you should include in your Oregon trip plan:
- Visa and Documents: If you are not a US citizen, you will need a passport and a tourist visa to enter the US. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before leaving for the airport.
- Clothing: In Oregon, the temperature can vary throughout the day. So, carry different layers of clothing, rain gear, comfortable shoes, etc. Rain is not uncommon, so being ready for it is wise.
- Other Essentials: For outdoor activities, you will need hiking boots, a backpack, camping equipment, etc. Bring a guidebook or download a travel app for easy navigation. Also, consider carrying some cash in hand for minor shopping.
The Best Time to Visit
If you prefer outdoor activities and exploring the coastal regions, June to September would be the best time to explore Oregon. Oregon has a warm and pleasant temperature and less rainfall during these months.
What to Expect From the Culture of Oregon
Tipping Etiquette
Oregon has similar tipping practices to the other parts of the US. In restaurants, leaving a tip of 15-20% is common. This same range of tipping is also appreciated by bartenders, taxi drivers, etc.
Cultural Norms and What to Not Violate
Oregon’s culture includes respecting the environment and other people’s personal space. So, tourists should be environmentally conscious and practice proper waste disposal. Avoid standing too close to other people, and don’t violate the rules of natural areas.
Best Area to Stay While in Oregon
The area you stay in should have multiple tourist attractions nearby. It should be well-connected to public transport and have numerous good restaurants and other amenities. Such areas in Oregon include Pearl District in Portland, Downtown Ashland, Pacific City, and Cannon Beach.
Is It Safe to Travel Solo in Oregon?
Oregon is considered to be extremely safe, in general. According to the data from the FBI, Oregon’s Pacific region has the second-lowest rate of violent crimes in the US. So, you can travel solo in Oregon, but ensure to take general safety precautions.
General Safety Expectations in Oregon
- Be mindful of your belongings and avoid going to unknown and poorly-lit areas.
- Take proper safety measures while engaging in outdoor activities.
- Follow the Leave No Trace Behind principles while hiking and camping.
Best Ways to Get Around Oregon
An essential part of an Oregon trip plan is planning how to get around in Oregon. Here’s what you should know:
Flights
Oregon has multiple airports. You can easily find flights to the Portland International Airport (PDX) from other parts of the world. Check out and compare flight ticket prices for your Oregon trip plan.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are a popular choice for tourists in Oregon. Car renting allows you to explore both urban areas and remote landscapes. Most hotels will help you find a good and reliable rental car.
Buses
You can easily find public transportation like buses and streetcars to explore major cities like Portland, Eugene, etc.
Famous Local Dishes To Try In Oregon
Here are some famous local delights that your Oregon trip plan should include:
- Marionberry Pie: Oregon is known for its flavorful berries. So, the Marionberry pie (made from a certain type of blackberry) is a local favorite. It has a flaky crust and a delicious sweet taste.
- Dungeness Crab: Oregon has fantastic seafood. You can find the best Dungeness crab cakes, crab boils, and crab bisque in the state.
- Hazelnuts (Filberts): Your Oregon trip plan wouldn’t be complete without the delicious hazelnuts. Oregon is the leading hazelnut producer in the US. You can enjoy them in lavish chocolates or as a delightful addition to salads.
One-Week Budget Range for Traveling in Oregon
A 7-day trip to Oregon can cost around $1300 to $2000 for a solo traveler.
Money-Saving Tips in Oregon
- Use public transportation to explore major cities like Portland, Eugene, Bend, etc.
- Oregon is popular for its food trucks. So, you can opt for them if you’re looking for delicious and fulfilling meals at a reasonable cost.
- Explore low-cost areas like public parks, local markets, hiking trails, etc.
- Choose walking tours or bike to nearby attractions.
Conclusion
So, that was your complete Oregon travel guide! Travel-Wise is here to become your reliable Oregon coast trip planner and help you plan the vacation of your dreams. You can leverage our AI itinerary generator to generate top-notch itinerary ideas for your Oregon trip and explore community-submitted itineraries. You can use our Help Guides to understand more about trip planning. Further, use Travel-Wise as your Oregon trip planner app to curate all the ideas, journal, and keep every information in one place.
Travel-Wise also lets you invite friends and family for trip collaboration and share your experiences with others in our community! So, don’t wait! Join our community today!