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Nicknamed The City of Roses, Portland is earning a reputation for becoming one of the most successful downtown city centers in the U.S., as noted by several pacific northwest publications. Their award winning mass transit system is one of the most advanced in the U.S, whisking locals to and from its lush green parks and Old Town attractions: In addition to its International Test Rose Garden, attractions include: Pioneer courthouse Square, a pedestrian only amphitheater, brick piazza where Portlanders enjoy free concerts, lovely fountains and lunchtime camaraderie, many museums , Portland’s Classical Chinese Garden reflecting a Ming–style walled garden honoring the city’s Asian influence, and nightlife from fine dining to the performing arts to convivial dining and sports events. Portland is the exciting city at adventure’s beckon call with the Willamette valley wineries, Oregon's extraordinary ocean beaches and Mt. Hood rising majestically above the city drawing skiers, bikers and hikers, all just a short distance away.
Mt Hood and The Gorge region of Oregon offer a sweeping variety of striking scenery. From Troutdale heading east along the Columbia River on the Historic Columbia River Highway, travelers weave through the spectacular gorge then inland via Mt Hood Loop Highway crossing over Mt. Hood’s awe inspiring summit. There are five impressive waterfalls along the route including Multnomah Falls, one of the highest in the U.S. tumbling 620 feet.
Willamette Valley, carved by the graceful Willamette River, is rich in fertile soil producing a lush, green landscape seasonally embroidered by dynamic color. It is quintessential Oregon where visitors can find farmer’s markets and roadside stands dotting the countryside, historic covered bridges, small farming towns that offer unique art, galleries, and local personalities that keep visitors returning year-round. The Willamette Valley’s Wine region is particularly known for pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and riesling varietals.
Possibly the most famous destination in the Northwest is the spectacular Oregon Coast, spanning some 300 miles of white sand beaches, of which not a grain is privately owned - preserved for all to enjoy. Many lodging choices are found in this region. Our travel consultants at Destination Northwest will help you choose those that ideally fit your needs while exploring this sensational stretch of the great northwest.
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Cape Perpetua, the highest lookout point along the Oregon Coast, is home to a temperate rain forest and offers 26 miles of hiking trails. Venturing along the southerly route, travelers discover an unspoiled, mesmerizing stretch of mostly undeveloped coastline – compared by some to the California’s sourthern coast before it was discovered by the masses.
Southern Oregon affords many treasures within this complex region of lakes, canyons, mountains and wild rivers. A sun-kissed region, it is also referred to as Oregon’s banana belt. The region encompasses engaging destinations that include Crater Lake National Park, Ashland’s Shakespeare festival, Roseburg and the Umpaqua Valley where visitors find a dozen notable wineries, Oregon Caves National Monument, the “wild and scenic “ Rogue River spawning from springs filling the crystal blue waters of Crater Lake then flowing through 215 miles of wilderness before joining the Pacific Ocean near Gold Beach.
Central Oregon is best known for its recreational towns and lakes. The dryer more arid climate along the eastern slopes of the Cascades is ideal for golf resorts, hiking and fishing. Outdoor enthusiasts are offered over 35 golf courses, access to hundreds of trails and more than 300 high mountian lakes, world-class fishing and an array of accommodations. Just south of Bend, sits the unincorporated, organized community of Sunriver, a resort-town specializing in year-round facilities and recreation for its 1,500 residents and a choice of accommodations for the many travelers who come to visit.
Many of Oregon’s most significant historic events took place here, including the founding of the Oregon Trail. It is the ancestral home of Chief Joseph, and home to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Eastern Oregon’s vast interior consists of expansive fossil beds on display at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and cutting across its northeastern section, Interstate 84 connects interesting towns like Pendleton to La Grande, Baker and Ontario through pristine mountainous areas and over striking passes like Deadpan’s Pass.
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