Coastal highways, evergreen forests, rolling fields and high-desert landscapes: Wherever your Oregon travels take you, sit back, slow down and take it all in. Finding awe in Oregon’s natural wonders is a powerful way to bring joy and perspective to our lives. We invite you to find time for reflection, rejuvenation and gratitude as you visit Oregon.
Here are a few tips as you plan your adventures.
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. In fact, the state’s landscapes include four of Earth’s five major biomes — aquatic, grassland, forest and desert — and visitors in Oregon are lucky enough to get to play in all of it.
- Epic Scenery: Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park (which has a depth of 1,949
feet/592 meters, which makes it the second-deepest lake in North America), and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America (7,900 feet/2,408 meters) along with dramatic coastline, towering waterfalls, forests and high-desert landscapes. - Welcoming Culture: We’re pretty friendly here, and you should have no problem meeting kind people along the way. Connect with your community here.
- Tribal Nations: Indigenous people have inhabited what is now Oregon since time immemorial with cultures as rich and diverse as the landscapes they live on. They scored petroglyphs in rock canyons like Picture Rock Pass and left behind the world’s oldest pair of footwear at Fort Rock. Proud ancestors of those first people make up nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon.
- Public Coastline: The 363-mile/584-kilometer stretch of Oregon’s Pacific coastline is open to the public and boasts 115 state parks along Highway 101.
- 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. See more on Oregon’s weather here.
- 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.
- 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.
- No Sales Tax: Oregon has no sales tax, which is another reason to buy Oregon crafted goods on your trip.
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.
- What to Pack: Oregon has vastly different regions and weather conditions. Here’s a handy packing list guide for all seasons.
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. Be sure you’re ready for winter driving!
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 such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, London, Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver, B.C.
- Eugene Airport (EUG) in the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Southern Oregon, and Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) in Central Oregon offer regional access if you’re heading straight to wine country, Crater Lake or Central Oregon.
- 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
- Pack layers of clothing and a rain jacket — weather can change quickly (packing guide).
- 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.
- Oregon recently became the first state to earn an “Accessibility Verified” status from Wheel the World, a global platform for accessible travel. To plan your accessible trip to Oregon, visit our accessibility page or contact our partners at Wheel the World.
