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.

Spring Waterfall Hikes

March 2, 2018
Oregon, how we love you. Every spring, we seem to experience all four seasons at once — a wee bit of rain, a good dose of sunshine, a crisp chill (sometimes a dusting of snow) and eventually, the warmth of the sun. It all makes for one spectacular season to hit the trails and take in the sights and sounds of a spring waterfall hike. More
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Southern Oregon , Umpqua , Lakes & Reservoirs , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Waterfalls , Sustainable Travel , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Oregon’s Strange Things

February 28, 2018
There are some sights in Oregon that are true scientific oddities — forces of nature that wonder with enough intrigue for their own TV series. One of those is the “Humongous Fungus” in Eastern Oregon, a giant mushroom that is actually the largest single living organism in the world. Another is the ghost forest in Neskowin, where the earthly remains of an ancient forest are buried in soil deep below the sandy beach. Here’s how you can visit these peculiar sites with fascinating backstories on... More
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Favorite Trips ,

Old-Time Charm in Oakland

February 23, 2018
Located in the foothills of the Umpqua National Forest and Willamette National Forest, Oakland is a small town with a thriving community spirit. In 1968 the Oakland Historic District was the first to be placed on the state’s historic register and is also on the National Historic Register. More
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Southern Oregon , Oakland , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail ,

Uncover These South Coast Secrets

February 20, 2018
The friendly towns between Port Orford to Brookings — along Oregon’s 60 miles of southern-most coastline — are looking for love from adventure-seeking hikers and bikers, campers and roadtrippers. Here’s a mile-by-mile guide to those secluded beaches and other attractions ripe for exploring. More
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Oregon Coast , Favorite Trips ,

Indulge in These Tasty Oregon Treasures

February 14, 2018
Whether it be a first date or golden anniversary (or any old Saturday night), there’s always reason to celebrate with some of Oregon’s most decadent treats: native truffles, oysters and sparkling wine. Typically reserved for special occasions, you can’t help but feel happy when eating oysters, indulging in truffles and breaking out the bubbly. It all sounds so fancy, but Oregon’s chefs and artisans make it easy to enjoy a luxurious evening in all corners of the state. Here’s how you can find the freshest,... More
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Restaurants , Eat & Drink ,

Paella Party in Portland

February 13, 2018
Some foods are meant for parties. Paella — the classic Spanish rice dish typically studded with chorizo, chicken, shellfish and veggies — is one of them, arriving at the table sizzling hot from the fire and ready for sharing. Like most Spanish food, it’s best when paired with an abundance of strong cocktails and good company. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Culinary Experiences , Restaurants , Eat & Drink ,

Chef Justin Wills’ Picks for the Central Coast

February 6, 2018
It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with Justin Wills, chef/co-owner of the award-winning Restaurant Beck in Depoe Bay. The two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Northwest has brought his progressive cooking techniques and passion for foraging and sourcing local ingredients to a second restaurant, Sorella, in the Nye Beach district of Newport. More
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Oregon Coast , Depoe Bay , Culinary Experiences , Restaurants , Seafood , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Dive Into Oregon’s Black Roots

January 29, 2018
Through hands-on displays with music, crafts, storytelling, dialogue, fashion, historical mementos and more, the "Racing to Change" exhibit tells the story of the black fight for equality, which continues today here and across the United States. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Culture & Heritage Events , Trip Ideas , Culture & History ,

Guide to Oregon Glassblowing

January 26, 2018
To many Oregon glassblowers, their work is both art and science. You can experience the adventure of glassblowing in Oregon by learning to make your own glass ornaments, paperweights, floats and other creations in a beginning glassblowing workshop. More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Art Galleries & Studios , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

New Coast Lodge Celebrates Nature’s Playground

January 12, 2018
There are bike and surfboard racks on the walls of your room, and wet suit racks in the shower. But that’s hardly the first thing you’ll notice when you step into one of the guest rooms at the new Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City — the first new lodging property to open on the Coast in several years. More
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Oregon Coast , Pacific City , Hotels & Motels , Resorts , Places to Stay ,