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.

On Location with ‘Lean on Pete’

March 29, 2018
Another made-in-Oregon film to hit the big screen, “Lean On Pete,” may have you yearning to visit Eastern Oregon’s high desert. Released in spring 2018 after broad acclaim at several international film festivals, the feature-length drama stars Steve Buscemi, Chloë Sevigny and Charlie Plummer. It filmed mostly in the small Eastern Oregon community of Burns for a couple of months in 2016, during the Harney County Fair, Rodeo & Racemeet — a pro rodeo event that draws cowboys and cowgirls from far and wide. More
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Eastern Oregon , Filmed in Oregon ,

Gear Up to Play at Portland’s Gateway Green

March 28, 2018
If you’ve spent much time in Portland, you know that bicycling is a way of life. Whether you hop on a bright orange BIKETOWN cruiser or take part in a Sunday Parkways ride (May through September) along the city’s cycle-friendly greenways, it’s not hard to find a way to get out in the fresh air on two wheels (or one, like Portland’s famed Unipiper). One of the region’s most popular spots for bicycle adventuring is the Gateway Green, parts of which first opened in 2017. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Bicycling , Mountain Biking , Family Fun , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation ,

A Dog’s Guide to Trails in Central Oregon

March 16, 2018
Here are some of the Adventure Dogs’ top trails and dog-friendly spots for their humans to refuel in and around Bend. More
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Central Oregon , Pet-Friendly Travel , Hiking & Backpacking ,

SUP in the City

March 7, 2018
Look out on the river or lake any day and you’ll see that stand-up paddleboarding has grown exponentially, with paddlers of all types and levels of thrill-seeking. You can get a workout as you paddle through the middle of the city on your lunch break — an especially popular pastime in Bend. You can kneel, sit, stand or do yoga on your board — an exhilarating way to spot wildlife and recharge in nature. More
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Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) , Paddle Sports ,

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 , Waterfalls ,

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 ,