More than 12 miles (20 kilometers) of trails wind along the Deschutes River in Bend, passing some of the most scenic riverside areas of the Pacific Northwest. Popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, the trail meanders through the heart of Bend, while other unconnected parts weave into ponderosa pine forests and—unexpectedly—lava zones.
One of Oregon’s best-known museums, the Columbia River Maritime Museum celebrates the region’s nautical history, from the earliest days of Native American boat-building up to today. Right on the Columbia River, and housed in a modern, wave-inspired building, it’s home to a large collection of vessels and other artifacts.
Housed in a striking building, characterised by triangle peaks designed to mirror the mountains of the Cascade Rage, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts is the main arts and performance venue in the city of Eugene. Come here for a Broadway play, a performance by the Eugene Ballet Company, or to attend the annual Oregon Bach Festival—one of the world’s most popular celebrations of all things Bach.
On the outskirts of Ashland, Dana Campbell Vineyards is a great stop if you're looking for a low-key place to sip wine while taking in beautiful views. Here you can sample wines made from a variety of grapes grown on-site, including tempranillo, malbec, mourvèdre, and viognier.
Drake Park in Bend is the ideal spot for attending an outdoor event, relaxing along the nearly half-mile riverfront, or wandering the acres of green spaces and trails. This community park is located just steps from downtown and features a stage, public art, and river access.
Railfans visiting Portland find refuge at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC. Constructed on the site of a since-demolished roundhouse, ORHC showcases three steam locomotives and vintage rail cars, hosts seasonal events, and lets visitors peek into an operating machine shop. ORHC celebrates the heyday of Portland's industrial past.
A fixture of Bend's craft beer scene, Deschutes Brewery Bend Tasting Room & Beer Garden offers tastings and fun guided tours to learn everything you need to know about beer making. Visit this pioneer in the American craft beer movement and sip its innovative array of brews.
Spread out over roughly 100 acres (40 hectares), Lithia Park is the largest green space in the Southern Oregon city of Ashland. The park extends from just south of Ashland's Downtown Plaza to just beyond the Granite Street Reservoir, about a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) walk south, and flanks both sides of the Ashland Creek.
Engage in pioneer activities such as making butter and dipping candles at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive and Visitor Center. The interactive museum celebrates the conclusion of the pioneers’ long journey from Missouri to Oregon City and recreates what it was like to travel by covered wagon on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s.
Situated on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is celebrated for its huge collection of pieces from around the world. There's a focus on art from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, while changing exhibitions ensure there’s often something new to see.
The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake sits in the hollows of a volcanic crater far in the eastern Oregon Cascades. Most people come to see the awe-inspiring lake itself, but beyond its shores, you can hike through old-growth forests and explore the rugged high desert of Crater Lake National Park.
In the heart of the Southern Oregon city of Ashland, Downtown Plaza is the city's main square and a great place to hang out and people watch. At the center is a fountain topped by a statue of a pioneer known locally as “Pioneer Mike”.
On the outskirts of Ashland, a city best known for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Belle Fiore is a sprawling winery with multiple tasting rooms and dining options, plus a massive main building that resembles a castle. It produces a variety of wines—including Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat—in French, Spanish, and Italian styles.
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are just a few of the wines produced at Eliana in Southern Oregon, a family-owned winery started by rose growers who brought their passion for flowers to the wine business. You can either stop by their original Ashland winery, or head to nearby Medford to visit the newer main tasting room.
While most people associate Oregon wine with the lush Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge region, the mineral-rich soils in parts of Eastern Oregon are great for wine-growing, too. The people behind Copper Belt Winery in Baker City know this, and the winery is celebrated for producing a huge range of delicious wines from grapes grown in higher elevations.
Founded in 2018, Glacier 45 Distillery produces all-natural vodkas in a range of flavors—think blood orange, hot cinnamon, cucumber, huckleberry, and more—plus gin and bourbon whiskey. You can try it for yourself at its tasting room in downtown Baker City, Oregon.
