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.

7 Things Not to Miss in Lincoln City

June 16, 2016
Have you seen the Oregon Coast from the viewpoint at Cascade Head? This hidden gem of a hike – through groves of Sitka spruces and summer wildflowers — offers panoramic views of the Salmon River estuary, with Cape Foulweather and Devils Lake in the distance. It’s all in Lincoln City, home to a lot more… More
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Oregon Coast , Lincoln City , Shopping , Hiking & Backpacking , Windsurfing & Kiteboarding , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Astoria’s Columbia River Maritime Museum

June 15, 2016
My kids love adventure stories — shipwrecks, buried treasure, nautical mysteries, tales of survival against all odds. That’s exactly what we found at the nationally renowned Columbia River Maritime Museum, one of the highlights of our recent trip to Astoria. We headed up there — myself, my husband and two boys, 10 and 7 —… More
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Oregon Coast , Astoria , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Museums , Educational Activities , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions , Events ,

Explore Newberg’s Culinary Hot Spots

May 30, 2016
We all know Newberg as the gateway to Oregon wine country, and it’s still a dream for oenophiles — downtown is home to nine tasting rooms. But lately, this little city is drawing attention as a food and beer destination too, with a brand-new brewery and two restaurants that were recognized with James Beard Award nominations… More
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Willamette Valley , Newberg , Artisan Producers , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Cycle Oregon Descends on the Southern Oregon Coast

May 25, 2016
Five years ago, Bandon residents cheered as 2,000 cyclists peddled past sea stacks and cranberry bogs into this beach town at the mouth of the Coquille River on the Southern Oregon Coast. This year Cycle Oregon’s Week Ride (Sept. 10-17, 2016) is set to stop in Bandon again, one of six coastal communities that will host the… More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Bicycling , Sports , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Car-Free Trips to the Gorge

May 19, 2016
Touring the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the most scenic routes you can take in all of Oregon. But what if you could see the sights without having to drive? More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Troutdale , Lakes & Reservoirs , Tour Companies , Culture & Heritage Events , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Waterfalls , Bicycling , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Ride the Mountain Bike Trails of Ashland

May 10, 2016
Up to 10 times a week in the summer, Bill and Sue Roussel load a van full of mountain bikers and gear into their shuttles, drive up to the Mount Ashland Ski Lodge and let riders navigate down 5,000 feet of fast, flowing singletrack. Depending on the route, the ride can stretch up to three hours — 13 to… More
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Southern Oregon , Ashland , Tour Companies , Bicycling , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

How to Hike in Forest Park

April 25, 2016
Whether you prefer to walk, run, bike, call birds, spot wildlife or just head out for a woodsy stroll, Forest Park has been an urban oasis for decades, one of the most beloved and iconic parts of the city. Today the park’s signature trail — the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail — just became even more safe and accessible, with a brand-new pedestrian bridge that links the trail over busy West Burnside Street. More
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Portland Region , Portland , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation ,

Family Road Trip: Wacky & Weird Oregon

April 20, 2016
Sometimes when you’re road tripping with the family, the best entertainment for everyone in the car is absolutely free — and this is especially true here in Oregon. From geologic wonders to good old conspiracy fun, check out these treasures that are sure to bring out the kid in all of us. In Central Oregon, Fort Rock Basin — better known… More
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Southern Oregon , Gold Hill , Amusement Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Museums , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Picnic with the Best Views in Central Oregon

April 7, 2016
Whether it’s a simple sandwich or salad or the fanciest charcuterie board, packing a picnic is a relatively easy way to inspire even more delight on any Oregon road trip. Especially during spring and summer in Central Oregon, the open roads, the hilltops, lakes and azure skies beckon. We chatted with the ladies of The Portland… More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Road Trip: Oregon City

March 22, 2016
Oregon City just might be one of the prettiest little cities within a stone’s throw of Portland. Just 13 miles south of the big city, a day trip to historic Oregon City — the state’s first capital and the end of the Oregon Trail — can feel like a trip back in time. You can… More
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Portland Region , Oregon City , Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Tour Companies , Beer & Breweries , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Rivers & Streams , Museums , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,