Best Oregon Tours in April

Information on Traveling in Oregon

Popular Cities and Major Oregon Attractions

Below are Oregon's major urban hubs, which you may wish to spend time visiting.

Portland

Portland is the state's largest city and a common starting point for travel in Oregon. The city itself is full of charm, showcasing a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Washington Park: This single location houses the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden, widely considered one of the most authentic outside of Japan.

Powell’s City of Books: The world’s largest independent bookstore occupies an entire city block and is a landmark for travelers.

Tax-Free Shopping: Oregon has no sales tax, making Portland a prime destination for purchasing electronics and clothing at Pioneer Place or the Pearl District.

The Oregon Coast

Oregon coast travel is unlike beach trips in the southern US. The water is cold, but the scenery is rugged and spectacular.

Cannon Beach: Famous for Haystack Rock, this is a walkable town with art galleries and easy beach access.

Newport: Home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the historic Yaquina Bay Bridge.

Florence: Known for the Sea Lion Caves and the massive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can ride dune buggies.

The Columbia River Gorge

Located just 30 minutes east of Portland, this national scenic area is one of the most accessible Oregon attractions. The historic highway takes you past dozens of waterfalls. Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot two-tiered waterfall, is the most visited natural site in the state.

Crater Lake National Park

Located in Southern Oregon, this is the deepest lake in the United States. Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, the water is famous for its intense blue color and clarity. A drive around the Rim Drive offers panoramic views, though the road often closes due to snow from late autumn through late spring.

Suggested Oregon Travel Itineraries

Transportation and Getting Around

Nearby Sights and Extensions

Oregon is often part of a broader West Coast vacation. Because the state is centrally located, it is easy to extend your itinerary.

Washington State: Seattle is only a 3-hour drive north of Portland. Many itineraries combine Olympic National Park in Washington with the Oregon Coast.

Northern California: If you drive south down the Oregon Coast, you will naturally reach the California Redwoods. A popular "Pacific Northwest" route involves driving from San Francisco to Seattle, passing through the Oregon coastline.