Editor’s Note: With a new year comes new resolutions and we’ve got a load of ideas for 2009. This is a four part series reflecting on how to make a “fresh start” in 2009. (Read Part 1)

SEE SOMETHING SPECTACULAR…
From Crater Lake to Painted Hills and the Rose Garden to Cape Perpetua, there are plenty of spectacular places to explore in our beautiful state.

And what’s more, through April 30, incredible views at Oregon’s hundreds of day-use and overnight parks come at great values with special “Discovery Season” rates and packages.

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Got a hankering to explore Oregon’s spectacular scenery? Here are some ideas to get your started….

Crater Lake National Park
Home to the deepest lake in America, Crater Lake National Park is an 183,224-acre vacation wonderland. Visit and experience the awe-inspiring first look from the edge of the six-mile wide caldera into the lake that is known for its azure waters. Hike the old-growth forests, take a boat ride to Wizard Island, fish and camp—or stay and dine at Crater Lake Lodge (open May to October). See Crater Lake…

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Part of the Siuslaw National Forest at the central Oregon coast, Cape Perpetua sits high above the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views all around. More than 20 miles of forest-view and seashore-view trails weave through 2700 acres of preserved land. Here, you can hike to see a 500-year-old Sitka Spruce Tree, among other spectacular specimens of nature. Visit Cape Perpetua…

Painted Hills & Fossil Beds
Trails running through the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Eastern Oregon offer up close looks at the colorful hills and huge collection of fossils in this area. Nearby, the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center has nearly 40,000 fossils on display, including early cousins of Rhinoceros, Saber Tooth Tigers and other exotic animals. Experience the Painted Hills and Fossil Beds…

International Rose Test Garden
From May through October, you can see for yourself why Portland is called the Rose City. Venture to Washington Park to experience the huge spectrum of colors and splashes of fragrant blossoms from more than 10,000 rose plants. On a bright and sunny day you can see the cityscape with Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, as backdrop.

Giddy up…you’ve got some exploring to do!