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.

5 Ways to Enjoy Lake Billy Chinook This Summer

July 26, 2026
With its epic geology, The Cove Palisades Park feels exceptionally remote, yet it’s extremely accessible — about 2.5 hours southeast of Portland and 40 minutes north of Bend, just a few miles off Highway 97 for travelers coming from Mt. Hood or the Columbia River Gorge. Beloved for its hiking, fishing, camping and boating, here are 5 ways to enjoy the lake this summer. More
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Central Oregon , Lakes & Reservoirs , Destinations ,

How to Backpack the McKenzie River Trail

July 23, 2026
As recent as 1,600 years ago, lava covered the floor of part of what’s now known as the McKenzie River Trail — the spectacular outdoor wonderland an hour east of Eugene in Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range. Today, the beauty of these lava fields and forested trails — as well as the triple whammy of Sahalie and Koosah waterfalls and Tamolitch Falls (better known as Blue Pool) — make this one of Oregon’s most enchanting places for lovers of nature and outdoor recreation. More
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Willamette Valley , McKenzie Bridge , Campgrounds , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Scenic Byways , Back Country Guides , Guides & Tours ,

Top Tips for Visiting Central Oregon This Summer

May 6, 2026
Insiders and locals know there's a lot you can do to avoid Central Oregon's most crowded hot spots in the summertime. Try these more under-the-radar spots for less stress and a more meaningful experience in this spectacular region of Oregon. More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Guides & Tours ,

8 Ways to Enjoy Crater Lake This Summer

March 29, 2026
One of Oregon's top summer attractions, Crater Lake National Park is your playground for hiking, biking, camping and road trips galore. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days at the park, here are eight top ways to enjoy Crater Lake this summer. More
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Southern Oregon , Klamath Falls , Lakes & Reservoirs , Favorite Trips , Parks & Recreational Areas , Family Fun , Destinations , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation ,

Chef-Powered Coffee Brand Takes Root in Portland

October 20, 2025
Why does Portland love coffee so much? Maybe it’s the rain, which makes us crave hot beverages. Or the social connections and community bonds that form in a coffee shop. Or the sheer number of passionate artisans who care deeply about innovation and perfection in their craft. Whatever it is, Portland has long been at the forefront of coffee culture in America, even ranked in some recent surveys as Number 1. Now there’s one more coffee collaboration on the scene, by Kann Coffee — named...
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Portland Region , Portland , Artisan Producers , Coffee & Tea , Culinary Experiences , Eat & Drink ,

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 ,