If you enjoy hiking through majestic forests, wandering through rose-filled gardens, or spending long afternoons sampling great wine, you'll surely find plenty to love in Oregon. The Pacific Northwest state is well-known for its unapologetically quirky city of Portland, celebrated for its excellent dining scene and bike-friendly neighborhoods. However, some of the best things to do in Oregon involve getting away from the urban areas, where you can explore snow-capped mountains, arid high deserts, waterfall-filled forests, and nearly 400 miles (644 kilometers) of beautiful coastline.
The weather here is far from predictable, but much of the state is at its most pleasant in summer, particularly in July and August, when the chances of rain are relatively low (by this region’s standards) and the weather is sunny and warm. However, summer is also wildfire season in Oregon, so it’s wise to be prepared for the possibility of smoky skies well into September.
While Oregon does have some train and long-distance bus service options, the best way to get around the massive state is by car, particularly if you want to get out and experience the great outdoors. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour options available that will take you out to the coast, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Willamette Valley wine country. Most depart from Portland.
The Beaver State has many hot springs, and while there are a few developed hot springs resorts in the Willamette Valley, there are many located out in the forest that only charge a nominal fee for parking and maintenance. Some of the most popular include Bagby Hot Springs near Estacada, Terwilliger (aka Cougar) Hot Springs east of Eugene, and Umpqua Hot Springs in the southern part of the state.
