Oregon

Portland is a hip, urban hotspot with national accolades for its cuisine as well as a vibrant arts scene, great theatres and funky shopping districts inspired by the creative spirit of the city. It has eco-conscious residents who ride bikes everywhere, adding to the city's booming bike culture. Get a taste for the food scene at some of the more than 500 food carts, which are located in 'pods' all over the city. A new crop of urban wineries is producing wine inside city limits, and you can visit their tasting rooms to try numerous vintages, while Distillery Row is home to six local distilleries making everything from whiskey and gin to rum and aquavit. Shopping is great in the Pearl District, once an industrial area that now holds upscale boutiques and the city's highest concentration of galleries. Be sure to check out Northwest 23rd Avenue, a stretch inside a residential neighbourhood with big trees and old bungalows that holds clothing shops, shoe stores and fine restaurants. The city is dotted with small squares and parks offering coffee shops and an urban city feel. The most prestigious being Pioneer Square where recently the awards ceremony for the international games was held. Make sure you try test the Squares acoustics which have a bizarre amplification effect.

Cowboy adventures, whitewater rafting, quiet mountain retreats – Central Oregon has it all and luring rock climbers from around the world, Smith Rock towers high above central Oregon, challenging all who come to conquer its craggy surface. The region's geological history, marked by explosive volcanic activity, is showcased at several parks, and its rich cultural history is on display at the High Desert Museum in Bend.

The spirit of the West is alive and well in the high desert of Eastern Oregon, where snow-capped mountains, dusty plains and jagged red rocks look down on rolling hills of sage, wild rivers and fertile wheat fields. Located in the north-eastern corner of the state, Hells Canyon at 7,913 feet is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America.

With 29 designated Scenic Byways in Oregon, more than any other state in the USA, there’s no shortage of options for travellers who want to experience Oregon’s natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, varying geology, amazing wildlife, and awe-inspiring vistas.

Travel Oregon have a new story map - an online map with text, photos, and links to audio and video. You can pan, zoom and explore the map for a more in-depth look into the many options each route offers. The new interactive map divides these routes into four sections: All-American Roads, National Scenic Byways, Oregon State Scenic Byways and Tour Routes. These routes can all be accessed through the website, which details driving distances in metrics and minutes, and recommends the best time of the year to drive the particular route. Once you've found your desired route, we can create a tailored holiday itinerary to your requirements.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or merely looking for a relaxing drive in the country, Oregon’s Scenic Byways will reveal the many wonders that await.

• At 1,943 feet, Crater Lake in Southern Oregon is the deepest lake in the USA.
• Located in the north-eastern corner of the state, Hells Canyon at 7,913 feet is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America.
• The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest fresh-water marsh in the USA.
• Naturally carved within an outcropping of solid marble, Oregon Caves National Monument is one of southern Oregon's oldest attractions.
• The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the richest fossil bed sites in the world.
• Luring rock climbers from around the world, Smith Rock towers above central Oregon, challenging all who come to conquer its craggy surface.

Turning a great holiday into lasting memories just got a whole lot easier. We have a wide range of day trips for you to consider, from city tours to more specialised experiences. All are fully-guided and narrated so you won’t miss a thing. Some tours are for adrenaline seekers, whilst others are at a more relaxed pace.

Our hope is that this selection will provide inspirational ideas to enhance your holiday. If you are interested in something which isn’t featured, tell us and we will do what we can to make it happen.

It is strongly suggested that you pre-book anything which is important to your holiday enjoyment to avoid disappointment, particularly if you are travelling in high season or it is an activity with limited availability. Also, having everything planned and booked will save you time and hassle when you arrive, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your holiday.

All of these trips can be included in your holiday quotation or, if you have already booked your holiday with us, they can be added to enrich your adventure.

Click here to view our digital sightseeing booklet for Oregon.