This travel guide will take you to all the beautiful places to visit in Oregon.
I have lived in this state all of my life until recently. I have lived in the Rogue Valley, the Willamette Valley, Portland in the north and on the slopes of Mt. Hood. I have made many trips both short and long across the Cascade Mountains to the central and eastern parts of the state. I have traveled the full length of the breathtaking Oregon coast.
I will show you the fun and beautiful attractions in the cities and towns and in the wild, and stunning unpopulated areas.
Oregon is lush and green. It is dry and brown. It has snowcapped peaks, pristine rivers and creeks, prairies in bloom, deer, bear, and coyotes.
I grew up in the southern part of the state. I lived on a farm and then I lived in, Jacksonville, an old gold rush boom town where I learned to pan gold when there was nothing else to do on a hot summer day. I visited cellars in old houses that had wine casks as big as travel trailers, fine wood carved bars, empty wine bottles, spider webs and tunnels that disappeared into the blackness. I grew up hearing the stories of the pioneers that came west on the Oregon Trail. I spent time at my uncle's ranch up the Applegate River in his log cabin and experienced living without electricity, radio, and telephone.
When I left home I moved to the Portland area. I learned to ski on Mt. Hood. I explored logging roads in the Cascades, hiked into wilderness areas, sailed on mountain lakes, hunted mushrooms in dense forests, and camped out miles from any road.
I will take you--
From the city of Portland to the Columbia River, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, windsurfing on the Columbia, and then driving around snow-capped Mt. Hood through timbered forests to Timberline Lodge.
From Mt. Hood past pristine high mountain lakes to the city of Bend and Mt. Bachelor, The Three Sisters, white water rafting on the Deschutes River, and golfing on an indian reservation. This is the land of Ponderosa Pine, junipers, and sagebrush.
From Bend to the spectacular Crater Lake and then on to the beautiful Rogue River Valley. Jacksonville, a gold rush boom town that seems frozen in time but also has the world famous Britt Music Festival. Ashland with its Shakesperian theater. And also the jet boat trips on the Rogue River to the Pacific Ocean.
Heading back north to the Wild Life Safari, the McKenzie River, Silver Creek Falls, and lava fields formed by exploding valcanos.
From Portland through the wine country to the spectacular Oregon Coast with its wonderful sandy beaches, lighthouses, surfing, deep sea fishing, and gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
To eastern Oregon with its cattle ranches, wheat fields, the wild Snake River, wildlife reserves, John Day Fossil Beds, and rock climbing .
I will show you maps so you know where to go and how to make your trip shorter if you have less time. I will tell you what things you just can't miss and some things you need to know to stay safe if you haven't been in rugged country before. Things like snakes, bears, ticks, rip tides, and rolling logs in ocean surf. No, now don't get worried. I have seen several bears but only one rattle snake in over 50 years.
I don't live in Oregon any more. I now live in a very beautiful European country. Am I homesick? Yes, I have to say that I am a little bit. Writing this web site may help that or it may make it worse. I don't know. Frequent trips back will probably be in order.
Great Oregon Vacations This Blog is where you can see the most recent additions and changes to Great Oregon Vacations.
Portland Oregon Airport Portland Oregon Airport -- voted best in 2007--what to expect and why you will like it too.
Oregon Coast All the things to see and do on the Oregon Coast. A must see when visiting Oregon.
Oregon Dunes The Oregon Dunes are 47 miles of sand dunes on the Oregon Coast where you can drive your ORV, dune buggy, or just enjoy the natrual environment.
Portland Oregon A guide to all the wonderful things to see and do in Portland
Portland Restaurants Portland Restaurants reviewed by readers. Find out the restaurants readers like and recommend.
Portland Hotels Downtown Best downtown Portland hotels from luxury to economical and practical for romantic getaways, business visitors, and tourists.
The Columbia River Activities and places to visit on the Columbia River in Oregon
Newport Newport, Oregon--Read about the many attractions of Newport, its beaches, lighthouse, aquariums, Nye Beach, and neighboring beaches.
Central Oregon Central Oregon is an outdoor playland all seasons of the year. Skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, cycling, rock climbing, golf, and more.
Bend Bend Oregon is a popular destination for outdoor sport enthusiasts.
Bend Hotels Bend hotels, motels, inns, vacation rentals are all available for you in Bend Oregon
Southern Oregon Southern Oregon offers an extensive outdoor recreation vacation as well as some of the country's best cultural events.
Eastern Oregon -- Outdoor Paradise Eastern Oregon, the place for outdoor recreation. Hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, and more.
Willamette Valley Oregon The Willamette Valley was the end of the Oregon Trail. Today it is the location of Oregon's largest citites and its most productive farms.
Oregon Wineries Oregon wineries make some of the best wine in the world.
The Oregon Trail Thousands of Oregon Trail pioneers traveled to Oregon by covered wagon and the ruts made by their journey can still be seen today.
Vacation Rentals in Oregon Choose from these vacation rentals in Oregon. Choose your area to find a vacation home to fit your needs.
Romantic Getaways in Oregon Romantic getaways in Oregon ideas--Oregon Coast, Oregon wine country, the mountains.
Oregon Gold Prospecting Oregon gold prospecting is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Find out how and where.
Oregon Wildlife Seeing Oregon wildlife in their own habitat can be thrilling but sometimes can be dangerous. You need to be informed when venturing into unpopulated areas.
Oregon State Map Find where you want to go on an Oregon State Map. Gives you an overview of the state plus an interactive map for more detail. Includes a map of the Oregon Territory.
