Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. The western side is dominated by the Pacific coast, dense forests, mountains, and cities such as Portland and Salem, while eastern Oregon becomes much drier and more remote, with high desert, open plains, and enormous canyons. Between the coast, Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake, and the isolated landscapes farther east, Oregon has always stood out to me as one of the better states for combining a road trip with outdoor adventures.
Explore Portland
Portland is Oregon’s largest city and the main urban destination in the state. Despite its size, Portland is known for its parks, trees, and easy access to the outdoors. Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods offer restaurants, breweries, museums, historic areas, and plenty of places to explore on foot. Pioneer Courthouse Square sits in the heart of the city and hosts events throughout the year, while the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and other outdoor destinations are all within easy reach of Portland.
Explore Crater Lake
Located in the mountains of southern Oregon, Crater Lake is one of the most spectacular natural places in the state. The lake fills the enormous caldera left behind after the collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago and reaches a depth of nearly 2,000 feet, making it the deepest lake in the United States. The intense blue water surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs makes Crater Lake one of those places that looks almost unreal when you first see it.
Explore Oregon’s Coast
Oregon’s Pacific coastline is one of the most dramatic stretches of coast in the United States, with rocky headlands, sea stacks, forests, beaches, and small coastal towns stretching for hundreds of miles. The water is generally cold even during the summer, so this isn’t necessarily a traditional beach destination. For me, the appeal is much more about the scenery, hiking trails, wildlife, and exploring the rugged coastline itself.
Explore Salem
Salem is Oregon’s capital and a smaller, quieter alternative to Portland. The city has numerous parks and green spaces along with a compact downtown containing restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. The Oregon State Capitol is one of the city’s main landmarks, while the surrounding Willamette Valley is known for its farms and vineyards. Salem’s location also makes it an easy base for exploring more of western Oregon.
Explore Eastern Oregon
With most of Oregon’s population and best-known destinations concentrated in the west, eastern Oregon feels like a completely different part of the state. Instead of the wet forests closer to the Pacific, the landscape becomes dry and open, with high desert, mountains, enormous canyons, and sparsely populated valleys. I found this side of Oregon especially interesting because of how remote it feels. ATV riding, hiking, camping, and exploring places such as the Owyhee Canyonlands give eastern Oregon a much more isolated and adventurous character than the state’s better-known western destinations.
