About the Author

Jen Anderson

Jen Anderson is a longtime journalist and travel writer/editor who is now Travel Oregon’s Content & Community Manager, helping to align content for visitors via social media, print and web. She’s called Oregon home for 25 years and loves finding the latest places to eat, drink and play around the state with her husband and two boys. Brewpubs, beaches and bike trails top the list.

Accessible Road Trip in Eastern Oregon

September 11, 2025
Find our entire Accessible Road Trip series here: 1. Willamette Valley / 2. Central Oregon / 3. Portland Region / 4. Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge / 5. Southern Oregon / 6. Eastern Oregon / 7. Oregon Coast Houston Vandergriff has been to all 50 states, about 30 countries and seven Canadian provinces — spending most of his time with a camera in hand. The globetrotting photographer, who has Down Syndrome, took his first trip to Eastern Oregon in spring 2025, and continued finding...
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Accessible Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast

Find our entire Accessible Road Trip series here: 1. Willamette Valley / 2. Central Oregon / 3. Portland Region / 4. Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge / 5. Southern Oregon / 6. Eastern Oregon / 7. Oregon Coast Shane Burcaw is well aware of the disabled challenges travelers face on a regular basis. There’s uncertainty in any new location when it comes to transportation, restrooms, hotel rooms, dining spaces and more, not to mention navigating through busy airports and pathways. So when he and his...
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Accessible Road Trip Through Southern Oregon

Paralympians Kyle Coon and Jessica Tuomela have traveled the world climbing mountains and running triathlons without use of their sight. The couple traveled to Southern Oregon with their guide dogs to experience the region’s natural wonders and world-class attractions. More
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas , Retail ,

Accessible Road Trip Through Central Oregon

Kaylee Bays was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at age 21 and has taught herself to dance from her wheelchair; she now empowers others to do the same. She takes a 3-day road trip through Central Oregon to enjoy accessible activities like paddling, hiking, hot springs, museums, live music and more. More
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Dark Sky , Native American Culture , Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Culture & History , Attractions , Places to Stay ,

Accessible Road Trip Through the Willamette Valley

Accessibility advocate Shane Burcaw travels to Oregon's Willamette Valley to experience the region's wheelchair-friendly activities and attractions. More
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Accessible Road Trip Around the Portland Region

Zahna Simon is a professional dancer and artist who has been Deaf since birth. She thrives on creative energy and personal expression, which made Portland the perfect destination for a trip in spring 2025.  More
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas ,

Accessible Road Trip Around Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge

August 5, 2025
Find our entire Accessible Road Trip series here: 1. Willamette Valley / 2. Central Oregon / 3. Portland Region / 4. Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge / 5. Southern Oregon / 6. Eastern Oregon / 7. Oregon Coast Jennifer Allen returned home from Oregon in spring 2025 with one song on her mind: “Hakuna Matata” (translation: no worries), from “The Lion King.” Allen, a global travel blogger, visited the Mt. Hood & Columbia Gorge Region with her 9-year-old daughter, Nella, and 10-year-old son, Jaden,...https://www.freebridgebrewing.com/ More
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Accessible Travel , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Activities , Cities & Regions , Guides & Tours , Transportation ,

Oregon’s Fly-Fishing Revolution

March 4, 2025
Fly fishing used to be a pastime you might learn with your grandpa. You either grew up with the secrets of the tacklebox and the river in your family, or you didn’t. That’s not the case anymore, as Oregon fly-fishing guides and enthusiasts have been extending their hands to broaden their base. Another major reason for fly fishing is cool these days? A host of female fishing guides and community groups have emerged in the space, targeting urban weekend warriors who may not have the... More
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Lakes & Reservoirs , Tours & Guided Trips , Native American Culture , Rivers & Streams , Fishing , Filmed in Oregon , Regions , Tribal Nations , Outdoor Recreation , Culture & History , Back Country Guides , Activities , Guides & Tours ,

Finding Brotherhood on the Oregon Coast

January 6, 2025
Devin Boss recalls watching the waves crash against the rocks at Thor’s Well on his recent Oregon Coast road trip with friends. "It's probably like in the top five things I've ever witnessed in nature," he says of the natural attraction in Yachats, just down the path from Cape Perpetua Visitors Center. "It was like standing at the foot of a volcano, so amazing to witness the raw power of nature. I could've stood there forever." The experience led to a 15-minute documentary by Boss, "What... More
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LGBTQ+ , Kayaking , State Parks , Parks & Recreational Areas , Scenic Drives , Health & Wellness , Filmed in Oregon , ATVing , Beach Activities , Regions , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Guides & Tours ,

Guide to Japanese Culture in Oregon

December 9, 2024
As a third-generation Japanese American who grew up in the melting pot of Hawaii, I’d never appreciated being surrounded entirely by Asian cultures during my childhood. As an Oregon resident for my entire adult life, it’s delightful to see so many Oregonians and visitors getting to experience Japanese heritage and influences. Here are a few ways to dive into these experiences. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,