Top 5 Places to Visit in Oregon
1. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach is a big favourite among Oregon’s resort visitors, stretching along the state’s 300-mile long coast and located around 80 miles to the west of Portland. Cannon Beach has gone through a few identity changes for sure, started as an atmospheric, charming, and rustic artist-community that nowadays has adopted all the character of an upscale resort with all the fancy restaurants, boutique shops, and cool art galleries. Cannon Beach History Center is a mandatory stop for those visitors, who are intrigued by the past of the area, however, the most striking feature of the resort is the beach itself. In addition, this beautiful rustic beach is unique because it features the 72-meter high Haystack Rock that is the largest of the monolithic rocks dotted along the rugged coastline.
2. Crater Lake National Park – Located in Southern Oregon, one of the most popular natural attractions in the state is the deepest lake in the country. This almost 600 meters deep Crater Lake National Park is a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred on Mount Mazama almost 8000 years ago. The lake’s tranquil sapphire waters are one of the most amazing natural settings you can experience in the state of Oregon and the 90 miles treks winding around the national park offer the amazing opportunity to enjoy these stunning views.
3. Portland – Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon. Portland is located on the banks of the Willamette River almost to the point, where it meets with the state of Columbia. The surrounding Mount Hood and the Pacific Ocean just a quick drive from the city create the perfect backdrop for this modern yet laidback and tranquil place. The many green areas, parks, and gardens dotted around Portland add even more to the overall relaxed vibe and promise a lot of joys and pleasure for all outdoor activities lovers. Portland is also a home of a very eclectic and exciting dining, music, and art scene that attract many tourists and visitors every year in the wonderful “City of Roses”.
4. Astoria – Astoria is one of the most historically important cities in the state of Oregon. It is located just a few miles southwest of the spot where the explorers Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. Only five years later and John Jacob Astor established the first United States settlement on the West Coast that is nowadays known as the city of Astoria. The city is blessed with a scenic setting mostly thanks to the Columbia River, while the picturesque Astoria-Megler Bridge and its surroundings are a renowned element of the cityscape of Astoria. Additional attractions in the city include the wave-shaped Columbia River Maritime Museum and the region’s unique Victorian architecture that is best showcased by the multicoloured Flavel House.
5. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – Oregon’s Cascade Mountains are definitely a hotspot for natural beauty and the best way to explore them is by hopping on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Despite being only 66-mile long, the scenic byway provides all visitors with an abundance of natural beauty, stunning views, jaw-dropping settings, and opportunities for outdoor fun. The route is making its way to some really intriguing settings including winding along river valleys, up mountains, and past beautiful lakes. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway starts from the city of Bend and leads you through amazing settings up to the dense pine forests in the mountain.