"Oregon: A Treasure Often Overlooked" Top 5 Page for this destination Oregon by richiecdisc

Oregon Travel Guide: 5,150 reviews and 13,033 photos

stop and smell the lavender in Oregon - Oregon

Despite all its physical beauty, Oregon is a state that is often overlooked. When people go west, young man, it's normally to the golden state of California. Too expensive, lacking adventure? Washington fills the void. But there is Oregon, squashed between the two, lucky to lure transients from one to the other, speeding on its Interstate.

no lack of scenic treasures

Oregon's admittedly beautiful coast

Its rugged coast garners its fair share in transit but exploration of the state as its own entity is still lagging. It's not for lack of scenic treasures. Aside from its admittedly gorgeous coast, Oregon boasts a strong candidate for the most stunning lake in the world, a myriad of pretty waterfalls set in lush temperate rain forest, an iconic mountain peak, a hip alternative city, and even a vast desert. Sound like Washington? It should but subtract half the people and you will soon wonder why you are not one of them.

a tale of three trips

All-World Crater Lake

I have been to Oregon three times. The first time in the fall of 1994 was a real surprise. I was driving down from Washington State after falling in love with the National Parks there as well as Seattle only to find Oregon was every bit its equal. The second trip was a brief stopover in Portland on my way back from Alaska. The most recent visit was in the summer of 2008. It was great showing the gorgeous state to my wife who had never been. We did not cover quite as much ground as I had on my initial trip but we spent more time enjoying the things we did see. This page will be a combination of those trips. Hope it makes you want to visit the great state of Oregon soon.

Last visit to Oregon: Jul 2008
Intro Updated Oct 30, 2009
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Reviews (25)

prime hiking in Oregon Sports & Outdoors (1)

Oregon's many terrains mean you won't get bored hiking in this great outdoor paradise. Trails are well-groomed and there... more travel advice

tough to watch your weight Warnings and Dangers (1)

With so many tasty goodies in Oregon it's tough to keep your weight down even if you are being active. The coast in... more travel advice

open to see panorama-WIDE angle - Oregon

Oregon is all about the great outdoors What to Pack (1)

The Pacific Crest Trail goes through Oregon so if inclined by all means bring a backpack. A day pack is fine for other... more travel advice

camping with Mt. Hood as your neighbor - Oregon

with views of Mount Hood Hotels (4)

Trillium Lake Campground was another real find on our trip to the Mount Hood area. Located at 3600 feet, it offers a... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Disc Golf
Transportation (1)
driving around Oregon is a joy
Favorites (1)
man, that steak was good
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Comments (95)

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Nemorino Jun 28, 2011 at 10:16 AM

A fine introduction to Oregon! Makes me realize how much I missed when I went through there many years ago. I never knew there was a Lavender Valley in Oregon, on the same latitude as southern France.
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Bwana_Brown Dec 29, 2009 at 5:46 PM

Richie, how did I miss this updated page from its early beginnings?! Great tips on ruggedly beautiful Oregon and a place that is definitely on my 'must see' list!
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toonsarah Dec 23, 2009 at 11:12 AM

The more I read of your Oregon adventures, the more I start to recall our own, including our first US microbrewery somewhere on the OR coast! I really must sort through the old 35mm pics ...
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Trekki Nov 8, 2009 at 2:17 AM

My god, Oregon seems to be THE beer country! I am amazed about the flavours :-) Oh and yes, the temperate rainforest of Silver Falls any time for me, and the beautiful campgrounds as well :-) Oh and Lavender Valley :-)
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DoreenDe Oct 30, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Maybe you did't get a room but at least a filet mignon....
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sennaya Aug 20, 2007 at 11:45 AM

Wow, very picturesque photo! Thanks for sharing. We hope to see it soon!
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alza May 5, 2007 at 8:37 PM

glad you have such beautiful pics of places I want to visit soon! Some pics are amazing! Deschutes is one place on my list.
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ZanieOR Jun 18, 2005 at 8:05 PM

It's a long way from Floriday, but I agree it's time for you to return. I'm glad you appeciate my home state!
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oneonta_ni Jan 6, 2005 at 3:05 AM

I think you are long overdue a return visit to Oregon - this time to the east side.:o)
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blue_sky04 Nov 29, 2004 at 6:16 PM

Great pictures and nice description. I certainly agree with you that Oregon has beautiful places to visit as I lived there for 1.5 years & visited some of those fantastic places including the Crater Lake.