Oregon

Oregon Outdoors

The thing about exploring Oregon’s outdoors is that you’ll never be able to do it all in one lifetime. Hike the rugged coastline or the wooded Willamette National Forest. Camp in the desert near Steens Mountain, or explore the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains (also known as “Little Switzerland”). Rent an RV from Cruise America, and park yourself in the volcanic foothills of Mt. Hood, the old-growth beauty of the Umpqua National Forest, or a mountain lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Oregon State Parks offer beautiful picnicking spots as well as yurts, tepees, rustic cabins and RV spots for rent.

Food & Drink

Oregon’s food and drink artisans are trendsetters and tastemakers. We’ve got craft beer, micro-distilleries and 17 wine regions, as well as handcrafted sea salt, ice cream, cheese and more. We aren’t the only ones who relish Oregon’s flavor. The New York Times Magazine refers to Oregon as an “ever-expanding culinary utopia.” Oregon’s award-winning chefs, restaurants and farmers appear in national and international publications, and you can often meet those culinary artisans in person. Don’t miss tasty annual events like the Oregon Truffle Festival in January, the Oregon Cheese Festival in March and Feast Portland, a world-class celebration of food and drink, in September.

Tax-free Shopping

Unlike most states in the U.S., Oregon has no sales tax. You’ll save 5 to 10 percent on everything you buy. Find the brands you love at stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M and Apple, or try Made in Oregon shops for Oregon’s unique products and gifts. Outlet shoppers will save on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike and Gap at centers in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend and Phoenix. Hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Hawthorne in Portland; and in Bend, Hood River and towns along the Oregon Coast.

Golf

The toughest part of golfing in Oregon is choosing from nearly 200 public courses. Play through spectacular stretches of sand dunes perched high above the Pacific Ocean, tee off in the heart of sun-filled wine country, or revel in the mountain views of Central Oregon’s 30 high-desert courses. Don’t miss Bandon Dunes, named No. 1 golf resort by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, where a young Tiger Woods won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur Championship.

American Indian Heritage

While European settlement in Oregon is less than two centuries old, American Indians have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Learn about native residents, past and present, at Oregon’s interpretive centers and museums. At the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, learn about the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Indian tribes. Exhibits and events showcase traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion and food created by these tribes. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs share their heritage at The Museum at Warm Springs. This museum is home to one of the most exquisite collections of Plateau Native American artifacts in the country, along with arts, history and culture demonstrations by tribal members.