The state of Oregon, located on the Pacific Northwest coast of the USA, is about two-thirds the size of Germany, but only has about four million inhabitants. So there is a lot of space for life in nature and a wide variety of sporting activities and, since the hard times of the pioneers are over, a lot of space for the myths of the Wild West. Picturesque beaches on the rough Pacific coast, excellent wines from one of the numerous local vineyards or a visit to the hip and artistic metropolis Portland, which spoils the palate with many culinary specialties, round off the stay in Oregon. Portland is the new endearing trend city of the northwest.
For today’s visitors, there are good hotels, rustic guest ranches, inexpensive inns and exclusive resorts, and relaxing and stress-free days can be spent on the numerous campsites. There are many trails for activities to experience the most beautiful landscapes on foot or by bike.
Our recommendation
Oregon – one of the most mystical states in the USA – is an insider tip even in winter. The landscapes are very varied, nature is wild, untamed and mysterious – a winter wonderland of a very special kind! And the city of Portland is a perfect starting point for tours in the charming and varied surroundings.
Popular highlights
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and is picturesquely situated on the edge of the cascade chain, at the confluence of the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River. The numerous green parks and the proximity to nature, the mountains and the sea make this city so unique. Portland also has a young art, music and pub scene, which gives it this very special nonchalance. Excellent wine bars with delicious Pinot Noir from Oregon’s wine region, numerous small breweries with their own beer creations, trendy restaurants in partly old factory buildings and cool shops in often Victorian townhouses characterize the relaxed atmosphere. Portland is just hip and trendy!
In addition to the impressive skyline, the city’s sights include the Washington Park above the city, the many museums, such as the outstanding Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the world’s largest independent bookshop, Powell’s Books.
Oregon is also a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its great landscapes. It is not for nothing that the residents speak fondly of their “7 Wonders of Oregon”.
The spectacular coastline along the legendary Highway No. 101 can drive is Oregon’s first natural wonder.
The most popular beach on the 584 km long coast is Cannon Beach with the characteristic Haystack Rock protruding from the water. The coastal region around the picturesque town of Newport is not only known for whale watching, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and beautiful beaches, but also for the two impressive lighthouses Yaquina Head and Old Yaquina Bay. The probably most photographed lighthouse in Oregon is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. It is located north of the historic coastal town of Florence, which invites you to stroll through the town. Florence is also the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The majestic sand dunes up to 150 m high stretching along the coast stretch over a length of 64 km.
The majestic Columbia River Gorge, located east of Portland, is the second natural wonder. The wide rock gorge inspires with dreamlike waterfalls, breathtaking views and mystical forests. Natural wonder number three is the ever snow-capped and sleeping volcano Mount Hood, with its more than 3400 meters the highest mountain in the state. Another natural wonder, the fourth, is the miraculous Painted Hills, which are bathed in bright colors from ocher to yellow to red. A dreamlike sight that you will not soon forget!
In the northeast of the state there is another wonder of mother nature with the Wallowa Mountains. The impressive mountains are also known as the Alps of Oregon and are an ideal hiking destination for the whole family. Another scenic highlight is the Crater Lake National Park with its approximately 590 meter deep, dark blue crater lake – natural wonder number six – which is framed by high mountains. The park is considered a recreation area and is also perfect for hiking and astonishment.
The seventh natural wonder are the striking, towering volcanic ash sculptures in Smith Rock State Park. The park is located in the center of Oregon and, in addition to the bizarre tufa rock formations, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities to offer, including climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Just 35 minutes away is the lovely and livable city of Bend, the mecca for all kinds of outdoor activities in Central Oregon.
Arrival and best travel time
The largest airport in Oregon is Portland International Airport. Since 2015, Condor has been offering direct flights from Frankfurt to Portland from June to October, Icelandair offers numerous flights from German airports via Reykjavik from May to October and Delta / KLM flights all year round via Amsterdam. When you arrive you should note that there is a time difference of nine hours compared to Central Europe.
There are two different climates through the Cascade Mountains that run through Oregon from north to south. Western Oregon has a rather humid marine climate and is mild all year round; east of the cascade chain, on the other hand, it is more continental, dry, with hot summers.
Cold winters with snowfall are quite common, while the summer months are often hot in lower locations. Oregon is a year-round travel destination. However, the best time to travel is between May and October, when there are pleasantly warm temperatures and relatively little rainfall.
List of all zip codes for the state of Oregon, OR. Sorted by city. For each zip code listed, names of city and county are provided. For specific information of each postal code, please click the following links for Oregon zip codes.
- COUNTRYAAH: How many airports are there in Oregon? Here, you will find a full list of all airports in alphabetical order as well as airport abbreviations for Oregon.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER: Find the most commonly used abbreviations about the state of Oregon. We offer a comprehensive list of major cities, state profile, common acronyms and map of Oregon.
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Note: Check COUNTRYAAH for top 10 cities in the state of Oregon.
Highlights
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
On the 53km long Rim Drive, which leads around the deepest water in the USA, beautiful views of the azure lake are guaranteed.
EXPLORE PORTLAND BY BIKE
The city has a very well developed transport network for bicycles and can therefore be ideally explored on a bike tour.
THE MOUNT HOOD TERRITORY
The Mount Hood National Forest not only shines with historic mountain huts and farm-to-table kitchens, but also with a lot of nature.
PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
In the western hills of Portland is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens with great views of Mount Hood.
Portland
Small local breweries, a variety of food trucks and loads of outdoor activities make Portland a popular travel destination.
Portland is the largest city in Oregon, she is young, green – and a little bit crazy. It is also called the “City of Roses” because there is a famous rose garden above the city, the International Rose Test Garden. The Portland Rose Festival is also held here every year. But what else makes Portland so unique? For some it is the greenery in the city, the fresh air and the fact that it is never far to the mountains, rivers and the sea. For others, it is the many indie rock concerts and the special art scene that give the city this very special nonchalance. On top of that, the residents of Portland also have a taste for good food and excellent drinks – a fantastic selection of many delights awaits you in the city’s restaurants and bars. It’s best to experience the great variety for yourself.
ATTRACTIONS IN PORTLAND
Portland’s trendy neighborhoods
The best way to feel the atmosphere of Portland is to stroll through the many different, colorful and varied neighborhoods, where the creative people are at home. So you will find trendy shops, exciting pubs and fine restaurants everywhere – it’s the mix that matters!
The Pearl District is one of the most popular areas. North of downtown there are fine boutiques, great restaurants, many bars and beautiful galleries. Idyllic parks invite you to linger. The first Thursday of the month is the date for art lovers and connoisseurs, because then the “First Thursday Gallery Walk” takes place. Galleries and shops are open longer and artists liven up the streets and turn the district into a festival mile. Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest independent bookstore, has around one million books and is also located in the Pearl District.
Northwest Portland, also called Nob Hill, joins the Pearl District to the west. Victorian architecture and unusual boutiques offer particularly exciting opportunities for shopping. You should take a trip to the International Rose Test Garden, the symbol of the city.
From there you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Portland skyline and Mount Hood. The Body Vox group dance center, the historic Cinema 21 and the Voicebox Karaoke Lounge are cultural highlights of the city.
Hippies and hipsters meet in the Hawthorne District in the southeast of Portland, where a colorful variety of cozy restaurants, food carts, vintage shops, cafes, boutiques and quaint pubs characterize the cityscape.
Exciting markets in Portland
The Portland Saturday Market near the Willamette River is the nation’s largest and oldest craft market and is held outdoors every Saturday and Sunday from early March to Christmas. Exciting handicrafts by artists and craftsmen from the region are offered at over 250 stands. In the week before Christmas, the market is open every day – just right for last minute shopping.
The Portland Farmers Market takes place in seven different locations in Portland and on different days of the week. Over 200 local Oregon producers participate in these farmers markets. Here you can get fresh, local products and freshly prepared food.
Tax Free Shopping in Oregon
No sales tax is charged in the state of Oregon – elsewhere it is up to 7 percent. That’s why there are so many different ways to do great shopping in Portland and throughout Oregon. Downtown Portland has numerous brand stores and a variety of vintage and specialty stores. Designers like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana or Louis Vuitton are represented here. Oregon’s largest mall, the Lloyd Center, is in northeast Portland. About an hour south and just off Interstate 5 is the Woodburn Premium Outlet, the largest outlet shopping mall in the western United States. Nike, Bose, Under Armor, Gap, Converse and Tommy Hilfiger are just a few of the over 100 shops in this mall.
Getting to Portland and out and about in the city
The Portland International Airport (PDX) is very easy to reach from Europe. Condor offers a non-stop flight from Frankfurt several times a week. Icelandair flies over Reykjavik several times a week, and Delta / KLM even has a daily non-stop flight from Amsterdam.
Portland itself has a very good public transportation system. The MAX light rail runs from the airport to Downtown Portland, which takes only 35 minutes and is extremely cheap. The tram is called Portland Streetcar and connects many quarters west and east of the Willamette River. You can enjoy a special view of the city from the Portland Tram Cable Car.
Portland is also known as Biketown, because a total of 1000 bicycles are available at 20 stations. Bike sharing is a practical way to explore the city. The city center has many public spaces and parks to offer, so it is easy to explore by bike or on foot.
