It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 37th to visit is none other than Oregon, abbreviated OR. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Beaver State is calling all adventurers.
Visit state # 37 – OR
| State Motto | Alis volat propriis “She flies with her own wings” |
| State Flower | Oregon grape |
| State Bird | Western meadowlark |
| State Gem | Sunstone |
| State Capital | Salem |
| Famous Foods | Blueberries, huckleberries, marionberries, Dungeness crab, hazelnuts, Voodoo donuts, salt & straw ice cream, Tillamook cheese, Pinot Noir, and more. |
Oregon is a U.S. state situated in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of three contiguous states with a coastline at the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Washington state to the north and California and Nevada to the South. The Snake River forms a section of its state line with Idaho in the east. The state is full of history. From 1842-43, the famed Oregon Trail brought new settlers to the area. British claims to the territory were ceded to the U.S. in 1846. Oregon would go on to become the 33rd state in 1859.
The picturesque state is home to great National Forests. Mount Hood National Forest, east of Portland and south of the Columbia River Gorge, consists of a dormant volcano capped by glaciers. It is loved for its amazing, forested mountains, alpine lakes and streams, pristine trails with scenic views, and featuring Mount Hood, a stratovolcano, and the highest mountain in the state. The Willamette National Forest, stretching for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon, is home to eight wilderness areas, including the popular Three Sisters Wilderness and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, offering backpacking and day and night hiking opportunities that sweep hikers past rich meadows, lakes, waterfalls and more. The Umpqua National Forest, nestled on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, showcases the state’s immense natural beauty and geologic history.
Oregon boasts Crater Lake National Park, the state’s only national park, made of the remnants of Mount Mazama. A rim drive of the lake is one of best things to do in summer, making it a favorite season to visit. There are also boat tours available with stunning views of Wizard Island. Folks also enjoy viewing numerous waterfalls in the region and observing wildlife such as elk. The meadows are especially stunning in the spring season when wildflowers are in bloom. Fall provides a bounty of color, too. Wintertime is most amazing and offers an abundance of sports for folks who enjoy the outdoors, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The beaver state offers a mix of natural sites as well as fun and visitable cities. Portland, in Oregon’s northwest, is one of the most well-known destinations. It is noted for its vibrant art, theatre, and music scene. A visit here is chock full of adventures and attractions to include the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and more. Seaside, an historic beach town on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, is the largest resort town in Oregon. This beachy hot spot features a grand oceanfront promenade with beautiful views. Seaside also possesses a rich arts and music vibe. There, the seaside aquarium is a main attraction for families visiting the area. Newport, on Oregon’s western coast in Lincoln County, features an historic bay front with large fishing fleet and world-class aquarium. It is one of many charming places that dot the Oregon Coast. Newport is especially loved for its history and has earned the title, “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.” There are also historic beaches, the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and Yaquina Bay Bridge. Bend, on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, is another great city worth visiting. It is an ideal jumping-off point to nearby attractions including Deschutes National Forest, featuring rivers, mountains, and scenic byways. This central city offers award winning dining and lodging experiences, relaxing spas, and outdoor enjoyment year-round. Whether you go golfing or bungee jumping, horseback riding or bird watching, or hike trails or take an historical tour through town, the options on fun are endless.
Food for thought.