About the Author

Lizzie Keenan

Lizzie Keenan is the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Regional Specialist. She spends her days working closely with destinations and tourism businesses around the world to help them bring their stories of sustainability to life. As a California native, Oregon is a new and exciting playground for her to explore. You can often find her running through the streets of Portland, stopping for “mandatory” breaks at her favorite food carts and coffee shops to fuel up.

Connecting with the Gorge: Mosier Plateau Trail

July 4, 2016
Five miles east of Hood River and 16 miles west of The Dalles sits the town of Mosier. Though it has a population of just 437 people, this quaint town is overflowing with warm smiles, abundant fruit orchards and stunning hiking and biking trails. One such trail worth visiting is the Mosier Plateau Trail. This 3.5-mile moderate out-and-back… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Mosier , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Hiking & Backpacking , Attractions , Events ,

A Lesson in Adventure on the Rogue River

June 1, 2016
At the base of Oregon’s Table Rocks rushes the explosive and bountiful Rogue River. Known for abundant salmon runs, gripping whitewater rafting adventures and engaging historic treasures, this part of Southern Oregon is a must-stop for families, historians and adventurers alike. Once inhabited by the Takelma Indians, this region is not just rich in flora… More
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Southern Oregon , Central Point , Lakes & Reservoirs , Guides & Charters , Tour Companies , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Boating & Jet Boating , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Riding the Post Canyon Trails

February 22, 2016
The Post Canyon Bike Trail System in Hood River is a must-visit attraction for locals and visitors alike. Whether you come for the workout, an adrenaline boost, or a fun day with the family, Post Canyon provides a wealth of non-motorized trail opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. Located in the Columbia River… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Trip Ideas , Bicycling , Sustainable Travel ,

Oregon’s Native Olympia Oyster

September 10, 2015
Off the beaten path, just south of Oceanside, lives Netarts Bay. Spanning seven miles of Oregon coastline, Netarts offers visitors stunning views of both the ocean and the wild coastal rainforest. There are adventures available for all interests here, from hiking and boating, to crab fishing and clam digging. Access to local cuisine is a… More
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Oregon Coast , Oceanside , Trip Ideas , Sustainable Travel ,

Discover Table Rocks

July 9, 2015
What do the dwarf wooly meadowfoam and fairy shrimp have in common? They both live atop the Southern Oregon volcanic plateaus known as the Table Rocks.  Located just outside Medford, Table Rocks receives over 50,000 visitors each year who come looking to enjoy some of Oregon’s most diverse flora and fauna. However, visitors coming through… More
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Southern Oregon , Medford , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Sustainable Travel , Attractions ,

Oregon’s First Whitewater Surf Park

February 23, 2015
Kayakers everywhere were barrel-rolling for joy when the Bend Whitewater Park opened on the Deschutes River. The park's whitewater section is controlled by computers to create a dynamic a wave play area — the first of its kind on the West Coast. More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Guides & Charters , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Sustainable Travel , Attractions ,

Restoring the Camas Country Mill and Schoolhouse

February 11, 2015
For over 125 years, the Lower Fern Ridge School has stood on the outskirts of Eugene, playing the role of schoolhouse, honey house and decaying storage space. That was until Tom and Sue Hunton, owners of the Camas Country Mill, decided to give it new purpose. Tom is a second-generation Oregon farmer, working on the… More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Trip Ideas , Sustainable Travel ,

The Human Access Project

December 22, 2014
Will Levenson has a very clear image in his mind of what kind of city he wants to live in, a city that is in love with it’s river. The source of that dream stems from one place - Oregon’s Willamette River. Levenson has been a Portland resident for more than 15 years. On his… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Sustainable Travel , Attractions ,

The Jupiter Hotel

December 12, 2014
What does tourism mean to Al Munguia, the General Manager of the Jupiter Hotel in Portland? It means two things. “First and foremost it means jobs, livelihoods,” Munguia remarked. Secondly, tourism brings us all together. “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you will be changed by having gone there and experienced a… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Trip Ideas , Sustainable Travel ,