OREGON 8 or 12 DAYS

Oregon is a diverse and picturesque state in the Pacific Northwest, known for its wide array of attractions. It boasts vibrant cities like Portland, renowned for its food scene and cultural heritage. The state is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including Crater Lake and the Columbia River Gorge. The Oregon coastline is particularly noteworthy, with its striking cliffs, rugged headlands, and pristine sandy beaches, providing breathtaking views and picturesque sunsets.

Tips:

• Wildfire season in Oregon typically occurs during the summer and early fall months, with the highest risk period spanning from July through September. It's crucial to stay informed about current wildfire conditions.
  During periods of high wildfire activity commonly referred to as "smokey days," it's essential to take precautions and adjust your plans when visiting the state. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) which provides air quality levels.

• Oregon's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and rain gear, regardless of the season.

• Travel Guides: Fodor’s Oregon and Moon Oregon.
  

DAY 1 and 2

• Arrive at Portland airport and transfer to your hotel.

• Do I need a car in Portland?

  —There are many ways to travel around Portland without renting a car. In addition to car- and ride-share services, the city also has an extensive public transportation system that includes bus service, a streetcar, and a MAX Light Rail. There’s also the option to rent a bike or electric scooter.

• Spend time exploring Portland's neighborhoods like Pearl District and Alberta Arts District.

  • Pearl District - is best known for its wide array of restaurants, breweries, galleries and shops. <map>

  • Alberta Arts District - is bustling year-round. Discover local art, live music and a wide range of bars and restaurants. <video> <Learn more>

• Visit Washington Park, home to the International Rose Test Garden and the Oregon Zoo.

  • The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest rose garden in the United States. The picturesque garden was established to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. Today, awash in fragrance, some 10,000 roses consisting of more than 610 different varieties, await each season.

• Visit Powell's City of Books. It is a renowned independent bookstore in Portland, covering an entire city block. With an extensive selection of new and used books, it's a literary treasure often called the world's largest independent bookstore.

• Enjoy dinner at one of the city's renowned food carts. Portland's food carts are mobile vendors serving diverse cuisines from stationary trailers. They're a prominent part of the city's culinary scene, offering a wide range of options in vibrant cart pods.

• Overnight: Portland (2 nights)

DAY 3

• Embark on a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge.

• Visit Multnomah Falls and hike to the top for a stunning view. Standing at 620 feet tall, it is arguably one of Oregon's most visited landmarks. <trail map> <transportation options>

  • Multnomah Falls must be booked in advance between late May and early September

    • Advance tickets required.

  • How to Plan Your Visit to the Falls.

  • It’s a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland.

  • Pets are allowed at Multnomah Falls, but must be controlled and on a leash at all times.

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at Crown Point Vista House <location> for panoramic views.

• Biking - The Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway is 70-mile car free roadway from Estacada to Detroit, riding on remote roadways – all of it following the course of rivers. At either end of the route, the towns of Estacada or Detroit are full-service towns with many options for eating. <Video>

• Overnight: Portland

• Driving time: Portland —-> Multnomah Falls, 40 miles, 1 hour.

DAY 5 - 7

• Journey to the town of Bend. A charming mountain town nestled in the Cascade Range, known for outdoor adventures, craft breweries, and stunning landscapes, offering hiking, skiing, and a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere.

• Discover the beautiful Deschutes region for some scenic hiking.

  • Best enjoyable short hikes.

  • One of the most popular trails is The Deschutes River Trail. Located just minutes from downtown Bend, this picturesque trail follows the meandering Deschutes River, offering stunning river views, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for hiking and biking, it provides an accessible escape while still being close to the heart of Bend.

  • Enjoy the vibrant downtown area of Bend, known for its popular craft breweries. With its quaint streets lined with unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and restaurants it exudes a welcoming atmosphere. The Deschutes River flows nearby, offering recreational activities like kayaking and riverfront parks for relaxation. This lively downtown area is a gateway to outdoor adventures and a perfect blend of culture, food, and natural beauty.

• <Bend Travel Guide>

• <Where to stay in Bend>

• Travel to Sisters, Oregon The drive is about 40 minutes from Bend.

  • Located 40 miles from Bend at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, Sisters offers scenic drives, hiking and relaxing walks.

  • Aside from nature, this small Central Oregon city is also known for its unique Old West ambiance and creative arts community.

  • <Learn more>

• Overnight: Bend (3 nights)

• Driving time: Portland—->Bend. 3.5 hrs.

  
  

DAY. 7

• Journey to Crater Lake National Park. Home to the strikingly blue Crater Lake, a deep caldera formed by a volcanic eruption, surrounded by pristine forests and cliffs, offering awe-inspiring views and a serene natural wonder.

• Spend the day exploring the park, taking in the breathtaking views of the lake, and hiking some of the trails.

• Consider taking a boat tour (during summer season) or enjoying a picnic by the lake.

• Overnight: Crater Lake Lodge. <reservations>

• Driving time: Bend —> Crater Lake.

  • Crater Lake —> Redmond airport.

  • Crater Lake—> Portland airport

• Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is located in the heart of Central Oregon and is currently serviced by American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

  • Note: One-way car rental fee from Portland to Redmond may apply.

• You also have the option to return back to Portland and fly to your destination.

DAY 8 (if your continuing on your trip)

• Travel to the southern coast of Oregon.

• Visit the charming town of Bandon and explore its scenic beaches and iconic rock formations and artistic community. The town is renowned for its world-class golf courses, including the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe.

• Visitors can explore the historic Old Town district, where they'll find boutique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants.

  • Explore must-see places like Bandon's Coquille River Lighthouse, Bullards Beach State Park and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint all offering stunning views of the coastline.

    • <Bandon area map>

  • Explore scenic Beach Loop Drive, a five-mile tour showcasing rocky spires, offshore formations, and sandy beaches. Enjoy breathtaking viewpoints, tide pools, and abundant wildlife. Immerse yourself in the area's history and natural beauty, making it a quick trip or a full-day adventure.

• Explore the beaches.

• Discover Old Town Bandon. <Bandon walking map>

• Overnight: Bandon (2 nights)

• Driving time: Crater Lake —> Bandon, 3.5 hrs

  
  

DAY 9

• Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

• Explore the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail. The trail is paved for the first half-mile to a viewing area. From there the trail takes visitors down into the dunes. The popular 2-mile round-trip out to the beach and back follows a fairly-level and hard-packed trail through the sand to the beach. <map of trail>

  • There is also a longer hike which you can inquire at the Recreation Visitor Center.

  • Take a thrilling dune buggy ride, go sandboarding, or simply enjoy a walk along the beautiful sandy coastline.

• Overnight: Bandon

• Driving time: Bandon —> Oregon Dunes area, 1 hr.

DAY. 10 and 11

• Drive along the scenic Oregon Coast Highway.

• Stop at seaside towns like Newport, where you can visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and enjoy fresh seafood.

• Continue to Cannon Beach, known for Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach is a quaint, refined seaside village. <Learn more> <route>

• Best hikes at Cannon Beach.

  • Download the AllTrails app.

• Overnight: Cannon Beach (2 nights)

  • <Where to stay>

• Driving time: Oregon Dunes—> Newport, 1.5 hrs

  • Newport —> Cannon Beach, 3hrs.
    

DAY 12

• Return to Portland.

• Spend your last day visiting any missed attractions or indulging in shopping and dining experiences.

• Departure from Portland.

• Driving time: Cannon Beach —> Portland, 1.5 hrs.

Clouds:

• Portland and coastal Oregon: the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.

  • The clearer part of the year in Oregon begins early June till mid-October.

  • The clearest months of the year in Oregon are July and August.

  • The cloudier part of the year begins around late October till late May.

• Bend + Central Oregon is distinguished by a high desert climate and is located inland.

  • The Cascade Range, which runs north to south through the state, acts as a barrier, preventing the marine influence from reaching the central and eastern side. As a result, Central Oregon tends to have a more continental climate with greater temperature extremes and much less rain and clouds.

  • With low humidity and clear skies, you can enjoy sunny days and cool nights, with more significant temperature variations between day and night.

  • May through October are best to visit the region.

• Monthly water temperature for the Oregon coast.

• Sunrise and sunset times.