Contemplating a trek to our neighboring state? Oregon offers experiences for every taste, from wine and beer lovers to nature enthusiasts.
“Spectacular scenery, dynamic cities and culinary adventures make it hard to run out of things to do in Oregon,” Lonely Planet’s guide notes, “but it would be fun to try.”
It is indeed. The gorgeous coastline offers jaw-dropping sea stacks off the southernmost coast and beachy towns with sandy strands to the north. Portland brims with urban fun and exciting dining options, and Bend caters to craft beer fans and outdoor adventurers alike with hiking trails, fishing spots and lava tubes — and tours that combine both, including brews and views outings.
Lonely Planet puts Crater Lake at the top of its list of experiences that belong on every visitor’s must-do tally. The result of a volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago, the caldera of Mount Mazama slowly filled with rainwater and snowmelt, resulting in a lake that’s considered the deepest in the country and one of the most beautiful on earth. It’s also one of the most visited, with half a million visitors, primarily in the summer months.
Here’s a peek at all 10 experiences. Check out the details, including recommendations on where to go, what to see and where to stay, at www.lonelyplanet.com.
Top 10 Oregon experiences
1 Discover Crater Lake National Park
2 Drive the Oregon Coast Scenic Byway
Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor stretches along 12 miles of incredible coastline. (Getty Images)
3 Check into Weasku Inn near Grants Pass
4 Sightsee in Portland
5 See Shakespeare in Ashland
Twilight adds to magic of the open-air Allen Elizabeth Theater stage at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival. (Jackie Burrell/Bay Area News Group)
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6 Sip through the Willamette Valley
7 Play outdoors in Bend
8 Explore Native American culture
9 Explore the Columbia River Gorge
Sunrise illuminates the dramatic landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, as seen from Crown Point. Built in 1918, the Vista House at Crown Point offers spectacular views of the river. (Getty Images)
10 Soak in the hot springs
