Whether your friend loves to hike, bike, ski, surf, climb, golf or paddle, you’ll find all the ways to help them gear up in Oregon. Outdoor retailers across the state are stocked for the season, plus their employees are ready to give their firsthand recommendations. Local experts also bring their insight to paper with best-selling guidebooks about the top urban and nature trails. Don’t forget that Oregon guides and tour operators offer gift certificates for immersive and educational experiences – which often include exclusive access to their favorite locations and gear.
Your loved ones will appreciate the gift of an experience — while at the same time you get to show your love with a piece of Oregon. Best of all, you’ll be supporting the local businesses that make the state so special. Make an impact with your dollar and give the gift of Oregon. Here are some ideas for the adventurous friend in your life.
For Anglers
Fishing is a way of life in Oregon. Gift your favorite angler with hand-tied flies from Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop and Big Y Fly Company or custom rods by Wraptor Rods, Highliner and Santiam Fishing Rods. Opportunities for guided fishing trips abound in Oregon, from Hook Fly Fish on the Deschutes, to Yaquina Bay Charters along the Coast, to Little Creek Outfitters on the John Day River and beyond.
Read stories about Oregon fishing.
For Birders
Every birder needs a notebook to jot down their field notes, and Portland’s Scout Books makes easy-to-use options. Oregon Pack Works makes bags specifically for birders. Find extensive collections of field guides, binoculars, spotting scopes and more at the Portland Audubon Nature Store. Contributions to organizations like Audubon Society of Portland, Lane County Audubon and Klamath Bird Observatory helps fund the protection of birds and their habitats.
Read stories about Oregon birding.
For Climbers
Oregon is considered the birthplace for American sport climbing, so it makes sense that the state also spawned bouldering businesses, too. Metolius Climbing offers everything from chalk bags and carabiners to holds and cams. Newbies can learn the basics (and earn bragging rights) with Smith Rock Climbing Guides, Smith Rock Climbing School and Chockstone Climbing Guides. For snow climbs, check out Timberline Mountain Guides.
Read stories about Oregon climbing.
For Cyclists
Oregonians love two-wheeled adventures and upgrading their gear. There’s nothing sweeter than a custom bike from the likes of Joe Bike, Sweetpea, Ahearne Cycles in Portland, Argonaut Cycles in Bend, and DeSalvo in Ashland. Mountain biking is the focus at Ashland Mountain Adventures, Oakridge Bike Shop, Baker City’s The Trailhead, Mt. Hood Bicycle in Welches and Pine Mountain Sports in Bend. Find waterproof jackets at Showers Pass and bicycle bags from North St., both based in Portland.
Read stories about Oregon bicycling.
For Hikers
Bend’s Hydroflask manufactures water bottles with hikers in mind, while Picky Bars keeps athletes fueled for endurance. In Portland, Danner makes weatherized boots with insulation and grip meant for winter exploration, plus other collections for summer trails and hunting. Get the right clothing for every weather condition (remember, Oregonians wear layers) with Columbia Sportswear. Oregon-made daypacks include sailing-inspired Truce, art-focused Free Range and Mazama hydration packs. Here’s a perfect gift for lovers of Oregon State Parks: annual day-use parking permits are $5 off through December.
Read stories about Oregon hiking.
For Skiers
Powder-seekers can get ready to ride with skis and snowboards from Portland’s Deviation Works and ON3P, Hood River’s TREW Gear, and Bend’s SnoPlanks. Also in Portland, Cliogear makes lightweight ski packs. Learn more about Oregon’s ski and snowboard brands. Of course, a season pass to one of Oregon’s acclaimed ski areas would be well received. In between runs at Mt. Bachelor, the Oregon Trail of Dreams offers special snowy tours on dogsleds.
Read stories about Oregon snow sports.
For Surfers
Surfers know some of the West Coast’s best (albeit cold) waves are found in Oregon. Find boards from a surf legend at Gerry Lopez Surfboards in Bend. Coos Bay’s Tilley Surfboards crafts one-of-a-kind boards inspired by the Oregon Coast, and Portland-based Murdey Surfboards is known for a high level of glasswork. Surf shops share the stoke, including Coos Bay’s Bahama Boards, Ocean Pulse and and Ossie Surf Shop both in Newport, Seaside’s Cleanline Surf. Find gear and lessons at Moment Surf Company in Pacific City, Safari Town Surf in Lincoln City, and Pura Vida in Otter Rock.
Read all about Oregon surfing.
For Golfers
With 200+ acclaimed public golf courses — designed by the likes of Cupp, Palmer and McLay Kidd — it’s no wonder Oregon ranks highly among golfers. Look for hand-forged tools and accessories from Beaverton’s Seamus Golf, with locally sourced wool. The champion courses of Bandon Dunes and Sunriver Resort offer iconic branded merchandise. Find stay-and-play packages at Salishan Coastal Lodge and Florence Golf Links on the Oregon Coast, Running Y in Southern Oregon, and Tetherow and Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon. Or opt for a gift card from Aurora’s Langdon Farms or Bend’s Pronghorn Resort.
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For Paddlers
Oregon is a water lover’s playground. Southern Oregon’s SOTAR produces rafts, inflatable kayaks and catarafts for the state’s wild rivers. Find gear at Portland-based Next Adventure’s Portland and Scappoose Bay paddling centers. For a guided whitewater rafting trip, book with the likes of Northwest Rafting on the Rogue, North Umpqua Outfitters on the Umpqua, Momentum River Expeditions on the Klamath, Horse Creek Outfitters on the McKenzie, Sun Country Tours on the Deschutes, Blue Sky Rafting on the Clackamas, or OARS on the Owyhee, among many others. Kayakers and paddleboarders can float with eNRG Kayaking, Kayak Tillamook, South Coast Tours, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, JO Paddle, ROE Outfitters and more. For those who’d rather relax, consider a brews-and-boat tour.
Read stories about Oregon paddle sports.
