Including Portland, & Crater Lake NP
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
Oregon has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Native American tribes, pioneering settlers, and diverse immigrant communities. Visitors can learn about the state’s history and heritage at museums, historic sites, and cultural centers throughout the state. The Oregon Trail, a historic pioneer route that stretches from Missouri to Oregon, offers opportunities for exploration and learning about the challenges and triumphs of early settlers.
Oregon offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and urban delights that make it a captivating destination for travelers of all interests and backgrounds. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline, hiking through ancient forests, sampling local wines, or savoring the eclectic charms of Portland, Oregon is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Regions
Oregon can be broadly divided into eight distinct regions:
- Willamette Valley: Located in western Oregon, the Willamette Valley is known for its fertile farmland, vineyards, and the city of Eugene. It is Oregon’s most populous region and a hub for agriculture, wine production, and outdoor recreation.
- Portland Metropolitan Area: Centered around the city of Portland, this region includes the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the urban cultural attractions of Oregon’s largest city. Portland is renowned for its food scene, breweries, and vibrant arts community.
- Central Oregon: This region is characterized by high desert landscapes, including the cities of Bend, Redmond, and Sunriver. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring volcanic landscapes.
- Eastern Oregon: Stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho border, Eastern Oregon is known for its vast open spaces, including the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon, and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It offers opportunities for ranching, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.
- Southern Oregon: This region includes the cities of Medford, Ashland, and Grants Pass. It is famous for its Rogue River Valley wine region, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, and the natural beauty of Crater Lake National Park.
- Oregon Coast: Stretching along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns like Cannon Beach, Newport, and Astoria. It offers scenic drives, whale watching, and outdoor activities.
- Columbia River Gorge: This scenic area stretches along the Columbia River and serves as a natural border between Oregon and Washington. It is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and windsurfing opportunities in places like Hood River and The Dalles.
- Mt. Hood Territory: Located around the iconic Mount Hood, this region offers outdoor recreation year-round, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and scenic drives along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. It includes towns like Government Camp and Hood River.
The Same
As what seems to often happen, the DINKS hit up a major city, the Family visited a state park, and the only overlap was trying local cuisine.
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is a popular doughnut shop known for its quirky and creative doughnut flavors and designs. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut has expanded to several locations across the United States. The doughnut shop offers a wide variety of unique flavors, including the iconic Voodoo Doll doughnut, which is shaped like a voodoo doll and filled with raspberry jelly, and topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake. Other popular flavors include the Bacon Maple Bar (Our favorite), the Old Dirty Bastard (a raised yeast doughnut with chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos, and peanut butter), and the Grape Ape (a doughnut with vanilla frosting, grape dust, and grape flavored Tang). No visit to Oregon is complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut, the iconic doughnut shop known for its quirky creations and colorful decor.
The DINKs
Portland
Portland, Oregon, known as the “City of Roses,” is a vibrant and eclectic city nestled in the Pacific Northwest. Portland embraces its quirky, offbeat reputation with pride. From the iconic “Keep Portland Weird” slogan to the annual Naked Bike Ride, the city is known for its eccentric events and alternative subcultures. Visitors can explore unique attractions such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the International Rose Test Garden, and the quirky shops and cafes of the Hawthorne and Alberta districts.
Foodie Paradise: Portland has earned a reputation as a food lover’s paradise, with a thriving culinary scene that celebrates local, sustainable, and artisanal fare. The city’s food carts, scattered throughout downtown and various neighborhoods, offer a wide array of international cuisines and inventive dishes. Portland is also known for its craft breweries, coffee roasters, and farm-to-table restaurants, making it a haven for foodies of all stripes. Portland’s diverse and dynamic beverage scene offers something for every palate, from innovative craft beers and artisanal spirits to unique and locally-produced wines.
- New Deal Distillery (900 SE Salmon Street): Located in the heart of Portland’s Distillery Row, New Deal Distillery offers handcrafted spirits made from locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their award-winning vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, and learn about the distillation process during guided tours.
- Rogue Brewery (1339 NW Flanders): Rogue Brewery is a beloved institution in the craft beer scene, known for its innovative brews and commitment to sustainability. The Portland location features a lively brewpub where visitors can sample a wide selection of beers on tap, including Rogue’s signature ales, lagers, and stouts, as well as seasonal and experimental brews.
- Widmer Brothers Brewing ( 929 N. Russell Street): Founded in 1984, Widmer Brothers Brewing is one of Portland’s most iconic breweries. Known for pioneering the American-style Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers has played a significant role in shaping the city’s craft beer culture.
- Deschutes Brewery (210 NW 11th Ave): While originally from Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House offers a comprehensive selection of their acclaimed beers, along with a unique menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Pine State Biscuits (NE Alberta, 2204 NE Alberta Street): Pine State Biscuits is a local favorite for hearty and delicious Southern-inspired fare. The founders are from NC so we had to give it a try. Their signature dish is the Reggie Deluxe, a mouthwatering biscuit sandwich filled with fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and gravy. Other menu highlights include biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato tots.
The end of the Oregon Trail
The end of the Oregon Trail marks the culmination of one of the most iconic and consequential journeys in American history. For thousands of pioneers in the 19th century, reaching the end of the Oregon Trail meant the fulfillment of dreams, the promise of new beginnings, and the start of a new chapter in their lives. For these weary travelers, arriving at the end of the trail brought a sense of relief and accomplishment after months of arduous travel across rugged terrain, harsh weather conditions, and numerous obstacles. It marked the end of a journey fraught with challenges, including disease, accidents, and encounters with Native American tribes.
Upon reaching their destination, pioneers faced the task of establishing new homes, farms, and communities in the fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest. The Willamette Valley, with its fertile soil, temperate climate, and abundant natural resources, offered a promising future for settlers seeking land, opportunity, and a better life for themselves and their families. Today, the end of the Oregon Trail is commemorated by historic sites, museums, and interpretive centers that preserve the legacy of the pioneers who made the journey westward. Visitors can explore the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City, as well as other landmarks and attractions that pay tribute to this transformative period in American history.
The Family
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is a breathtaking natural wonder and one of the crown jewels of the Pacific Northwest. At the heart of Crater Lake National Park lies the stunning Crater Lake, a deep, blue lake formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged terrain, Crater Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which are among the purest in the world. Visitors can marvel at the lake’s beauty from numerous viewpoints along the rim, including Rim Village and Watchman Overlook.
- Outdoor Recreation: Crater Lake National Park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking is a popular activity, with over 90 miles of trails winding through the park’s diverse landscapes. Highlights include the 33-mile Rim Drive, which encircles the lake and offers stunning panoramic views, as well as trails leading to waterfalls, old-growth forests, and volcanic formations.
- Scenic Drives: In addition to Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park is accessible via several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which stretches from California to Oregon, passes through the park and showcases the region’s volcanic history and natural beauty.
- Visitor Center and Interpretive Programs: The park’s visitor center offers exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs that provide insights into the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history. Visitors can learn about the formation of Crater Lake, the park’s volcanic origins, and the Native American tribes who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
Summary
In their exploration of Oregon, both the DINKs and the Family embarked on journeys that celebrated the state’s unique offerings while enjoying the indulgence of Voodoo Doughnuts. The DINKs immersed themselves in Portland’s vibrant urban culture, savoring quirky delights like Voodoo Doughnuts and tracing the historic Oregon Trail to its poignant end. Meanwhile, the Family ventured into the pristine wilderness of Crater Lake National Park, where the sapphire-blue waters and rugged volcanic landscapes left an indelible impression. Each experience was tailored to different aspects of Oregon’s allure — one focusing on city life and cultural exploration, the other on natural wonders and outdoor adventure. Ultimately, whether navigating the bustling streets of Portland or marveling at the breathtaking beauty of Crater Lake, both journeys captured the essence of Oregon in their own distinct ways, leaving lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the state’s diverse landscapes and rich history.
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