Jen Anderson

In Oregon, every town has a story to tell. Many of the state’s hottest destinations for biking, paddling, fishing, fresh seafood and craft beer have only recently landed on the map for visitors. For decades, these communities had been working to reinvent themselves, to forge a new identity after timber, railroad and other industries slowed. More

Remember last spring, when we exaggerated ever so slightly? The “Oregon, Only Slightly Exaggerated” animated campaign is back for spring 2019, with many of the same sweet characters — large and small — that made a lasting impression on visitors across the world. The art team at Wieden+Kennedy had a blast reinventing the latest whimsy-filled multimedia project, which, like the first campaign, was inspired by real-life locations in Oregon. More

From the Hot Wheels they wooshed around the floor when they were small to the Pinewood Derby cars they designed as Scouts, my boys have always had a need for speed. Engineers at heart, they are fascinated with how things work — how to make things faster, stronger, more efficient. So a trip to the World of Speed Motorsports Museum in Wilsonville, 20 miles south of Portland, proved to be a worthy family excursion. More

You may have noticed the array of boutique hotels have popped up downtown Portland and in the hip Pearl District and central eastside — all geared toward visitors with an eye toward style and personality. Think: local tea and coffee in each room, colorful art and book collections in the lobby, and rustic, modern decor. Much to the delight of hungry visitors, most of these hotels are home some of the most exciting restaurants in town — either for their bold cuisine, killer rooftop views... More

Hundreds of thousands of pioneers traveled west on the Oregon Trail in the 19th century and landed in The Dalles (then called Dalles City), the end of the primary land route. Here, they either decided to settle, raft the Columbia River farther west or later risk a treacherous trip by wagon on the Barlow Trail. Among the pioneers was a young girl named Matilda Hendricks, who settled with her family in The Dalles to farm wheat and raise cattle in the fertile Fifteenmile Creek Valley. More

Three thousand years ago, a volcanic eruption in Central Oregon pushed a giant flow of lava southwest toward the McKenzie River. The lava scorched the forest and redirected the flow of the river, creating what’s known as Clear Lake. More

Warning to all adrenaline junkies: These skyward adventures will make you swoon. Oregon’s clear skies, big winds, rugged landscapes and accessible waterways all add up to endless opportunities for some one-of-a-kind airborne experiences. More

Ahh, spring in Oregon is in the air. It’s that time when soft pink cherry blossoms, purple and white lupines, red and yellow tulips, and hot pink rhododendrons dazzle against bright blue skies. (OK, sometimes it’s still drizzly and gray but don’t worry, blue skies are usually just around the corner.) More

These trailblazing craftswomen embody Oregon's official state motto: "She flies with her own wings." More

When it comes to spring break, the pristine landscapes of of Central and Eastern Oregon offer a different type of “wild” experience. Just a few hours’ road trip from the city, the stress of exams and social media fade away, giving way to sagebrush plains, craggy mountain ranges and lush forest trails, ripe for camping, hiking, biking and yes, even hot springs. Here are four reenergizing, budget-friendly getaway for the student (or student at heart) in your life. More