‘Oregon? That's one of the southern states, isn't it?’ ‘Above California? I thought it was Seattle coming right there.’ ‘Well, I only know Florida, New York and California.’
Or even simple question marks in people's faces are often the answer when I tell them where I spent one of my two years in the USA. I myself didn't feel much different when I first heard about the state of Oregon and first had to see where it was. It is a pity, because the state, which has grown incredibly close to my heart over time, has so much to offer.
From desert-like landscapes to beaches and sea, from natural hot springs to breathtaking waterfalls, from volcanoes to beautiful forests and not to forget, from the deepest lake in the USA to countless hiking opportunities, Oregon has really everything to make the outdoor heart beat faster. In one year, I was able to see a lot on the weekends through road trips, but the list goes on and on. As you may already be hearing, I think that more attention should be paid to this state. So now a few more reasons that makes the state so fascinating for me and my favorite places and best tips for you, if you (hopefully!) ever travel to Oregon. And even if you're not (yet) an outdoor fan and prefer to take exciting city trips, this state has the potential to change that.
Still my personal place number 1 is definitely Crater Lake; not only America's deepest lake, but also simply fascinating and breathtaking. As the name suggests, the lake was created by a volcanic eruption and now not only offering campers, photographers and passionate hikers the pure goose bumps. In summer you also have the chance to go swimming at a certain spot on the lake. Or for the extra adrenaline kick, just jump in - the lake is deep enough! A small island in the middle of the lake, called ‘Wizard Island', offers something very mysterious to the lake.
One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon are the painted hills. These unique hills are not only worth a visit for their appearance, but also for hiking. This will also show you how impressive and varied nature is in Oregon. Many fossils have already been found in the area, which makes it extra valuable and therefore particularly well protected.
I've been to Smith Rock State Park twice. From May to October you can jump from North America's highest bridge as a bungee jump. After the jump you can go for a relaxed hike in the State Park. But if you want to take the adrenalin kick a little further, you can not only watch the slackliners practicing there, but also try it out yourself. When hiking, keep your eyes open for the famous ‘monkey face', a rock formation similar to a monkey's face.
Another highlight is the Columbia River Gorge, not only America's largest National Scenic Area, but also the river that separates the states of Oregon and Washington. Along this river there is everything from small beaches to opportunities to rent kayaks or do other water sports. Those who prefer to be in the heights rather than on the water should dare the way up to ‘Angel's Rest'. The road is definitely not an easy one and brings some challenges with it, but the view will pay off. If you don't feel up to the challenge, but still want to enjoy a breathtaking view, you can comfortably drive up to ‘Crown Point', by car. Also, from there the Gorge can be overlooked wonderfully and in particular to the famous golden hour, the time before the sun sets, photographers will have huge joy. Moreover, along the river, just an hour from the city of Portland, you will find the longest waterfall in Oregon. At 190 meters, Multnomah Falls is definitely one of the attractions of the Columbia Gorge, which you can not only admire from below, but also hike up and see from above.
Mount Hood. Not only for countless hikes I came back again and again to this really impressive volcano, but also in winter for skiing. At 3,429 meters, it is Oregon’s highest mountain and offers winter sports all year round, making it unique in North America. Best views of Mount Hood you can get from the three lakes nearby called Mirror Lake, Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. Also, a trip with camping is for sure worth it.
Last but not least, Oregon's coast, which has a lot to offer as well. My personal favorite place is Cape Kiwanda at the beach Pacific City, because from there you not only have a super beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, but with a little luck you can also watch whales. Even if the water is often not warm enough for a relaxing swim, surfers and other water sports enthusiasts will get their money's worth and the extensive beaches invite you to take a stroll along the beach. The smaller towns along the coast like Cannon Beach or Seaside, offer sweet shops and fresh local food. In Cannon Beach also famous movies like ‘The Goonies', ‘Twilight' or ‘Free Willy' were filmed and you can watch the magnificent ‘Haystack Rock' rising out of the water. Oregon's beaches are also perfect for watching and admiring sunsets. The colors in which the sky appears are hard to describe with words and definitely something that everyone should have seen once in their life.
So, these were a few tips from so many things you can see and do in Oregon. Oregon simply has its charm at any time of the year and always offers new opportunities for discovery. Nevertheless, it is not only nature that makes this state so attractive to me, but also the people, whom I have always found to be very open, positive, always ready for a joke, relaxed and helpful. You get used to this friendliness very quickly and adapt accordingly. Anyone who loves nature but also likes to go shopping will be happy, because Oregon is one of the four countries that do not have sales taxes.
As you can see, there's something for everyone here, and those who are looking for a bit of adventure should quickly plan a trip to the wonderful, various, happy state of Oregon.
