Oregon welcomes you! Our state is famous for mountains, waterfalls, forests, high desert and a beautiful coastline that is free for everyone to visit. If this is your first trip to the United States, this guide will help make your visit easy and fun.

Why Oregon Is Worth the Trip

  • Geographic Diversity: Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S., meaning you can cover a lot of ground in one trip.
  • Epic Scenery: Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park (with the deepest lake in the U.S.), a dramatic coastline, towering waterfalls, forests and high-desert landscapes.
  • Mild Weather: We have dry summers and cool, wet winters on the western side, and a drier, cooler climate on the eastern side of the state.
  • Outdoor Adventures: You’ll find world-class hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and paddling. Many rental shops have equipment like bikes, skis, kayaks, paddleboards and more. You can find shops by visiting our Outdoor Recreation page, or choosing a Guided Adventure as a way to dip your toe into an expert-led activity with no previous experience.
  • Food and Drink: We’re known for our craft breweries, coffee culture, farm-to-table dining, farmers markets, self-guided food trails and more than 1,000 wineries focusing on everything from world-class pinot noir to chardonnay and everything in between, reflecting the terroir of our 23 distinct winegrowing regions.
  • Welcoming Culture: We’re pretty friendly here, and you should have no problem meeting kind people along the way.
  • Room to Roam: The ninth-largest state, Oregon has a population of 4 million people, with nearly half of those people living in Portland and surrounding suburbs. In addition, all of our beaches have public access and nearly half the state is covered in forests.

Before You Go: Travel Basics

  • Visas: Most visitors from abroad will need a visa or ESTA (visa waiver) approval to enter the U.S. Check U.S. State Department requirements before you book flights.
  • Driver’s License: Most foreign driver’s licenses are accepted. An International Driving Permit is helpful but not required.
  • Public Transit: Portland has excellent light rail and buses via TriMet. Amtrak offers train service between Portland, Eugene, and Seattle, and busses throughout the state.
  • Tours: Guided tours are a great option if you prefer not to drive.
  • Outlets: Oregon uses standard U.S. outlets (Type A & B plugs, 120V). Bring a plug adapter or universal converter for electronics.

When to Visit

  • Summer (June–September): Best weather for road trips and outdoor activities.
  • Spring and Autumn: Fewer crowds, mild weather, colorful wildflowers or autumn leaves.
  • Winter: Excellent skiing (Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor are favorite locations) and quiet coastal getaways where you can watch storms and enjoy cozy indoor time.

Money and Tips

  • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD). Major credit cards widely accepted. See the currency exchange rate converter.
  • Tipping: Standard is 15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–2 per bag for luggage handling.
  • Tax: Oregon has no sales tax, so the price you see is what you pay.

Getting Here and Around our State

  • Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX): Oregon’s main international airport, with easy connections from major hubs like Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C. and Los Angeles.
  • Interstate 5 runs north/south through the center of our state from Portland, through Salem, Eugene, Medford and Ashland. I-5 connects us to Washington at the north end and California at our Southern border. (See I-5 map.)
  • Highway 101 also runs north/south, but this beautiful drive is along the coastline with an opportunity to enjoy ocean views, cute towns and dramatic scenery. (See Oregon Coast Highway map.)
  • Most international travelers rent a car or RV to road-trip through Oregon’s Scenic Byways and small towns.

For more information about travel around Oregon, see our Transportation page.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Book hotels early, especially near national parks and the coast in summer.
  • Pack layers of clothing and a rain jacket — weather can change quickly.
  • Add onto your Portland trip: Visit the Painted Hills, Willamette Valley wine country and Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway near Bend. Learn about our seven tourism regions.

More information