OREGON: NATURALLY
North of California lies the big country, writes Eli Orzessek.
Crater Lake National Park
With intensely blue water, Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States at about 589m. Native Americans witnessed its creation 7700 years ago, after a violent eruption caused a tall peak to collapse. If you’re visiting in summer, take a bike ride around the rim, or try a hiking trail or boat tour. In winter, visitors can embark on guided snowshoe tours with a ranger or try out some Nordic skiing on the trails. However, the lake is often invisible due to clouds and fog — but you can check out the National Park Services’ webcam at nps.gov/crla before you leave to be sure there’s a view when you get there.
Portland
Of course, no trip to Oregon is complete without spending time in Portland. Find out why it’s known as The City of Roses by checking out the annual Portland Rose Festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, or stop at the International Rose Test Garden. Bookworms will love getting lost in Powell’s City of Books — a true destination bookstore that’s well worth travelling to
— which holds more
Oregon Coast
Take a road trip down the coast which is lined with hiking trails, lighthouses and great golf courses and you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy along the way. Start in Astoria and jump on US Highway 101. History buffs will have a great time in this port city, with lots of museums and landmarks to explore — including the famous 112-year-old shipwreck of the Peter Iredale. Further along, take a stop at Cannon Beach — it’s great for surfing, hiking and whale-watching, as well as being a filming location for 80s’ movie The Goonies. You’ll also want to make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory — but save room for snacks. Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area and enjoy a feed of fresh seafood in the small town of Bandon.
Mt Hood
The highest mountain in the state, Mt Hood towers over northern Oregon, about 30km east of Portland. The dormant volcano is home to ski resorts, as well of plenty summer recreation areas and historic tourist attractions. Drive the Mt Hood Scenic Loop for a beautiful journey through rivers and mountains, taking in Portland, Hood River and Mt Hood National Forest. If you’re visiting in winter, check out Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort — the largest of the local ski hills — or the historic Timberline Lodge, used as the exterior of the hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. In summer, you’ll find about
1600km of hiking trails to explore, with beautiful lakes, old-growth forest, waterfalls and alpine meadows to take in.