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With a little bit of everything from mountains to deserts to broad valleys, Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse areas in the United States. Bordered on the west entirely by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by rugged mountains makes visiting this state unique from day to day. Today, Oregon is both the lumberyard and waterwheel of the American west. It produces more timber than any other state and its hydroelectric resources provide energy to cities in a wide area. Definitely make a point to see the three sisters, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainer. All are volcanic mountains you can see from the summit area at most ski chalets. Albany is a city made famous for its covered bridges, having more of them than any part of United States with the exception of New England. Albany has three national historic districts featuring just about every architectural style popular in the U.S. since 1850. However, its specialty is Victorian. This city boasts hundreds of Victorian homes that are available for touring during July and December.
Other areas of interest in Oregon are Crater Lake National Park, which offers access to a volcanic caldera containing Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a great sightseeing area where the Columbia River joins Oregon and Washington, and Grants Pass, the center for fishing and white-water rafting. For ski buffs, Oregon has some of the best-groomed trails, as well as fabulous powder runs. Check out Mt. Bachelor, Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Willamette Pass. Oregon offers a full range of accommodations, including lodges, bed and breakfast, inns, resorts, and first-class/deluxe hotels. Outside of the major cities expect more country inns and lodges. If you are in the cascades region, look for fishing lodges, resort condos, or bed and breakfasts. If you are around the Native American-owned Kah-Nee-ta resort you can stay in a teepee. Make sure you check out the famous lodges, Timberline Lodge, Crater Lake Lodge, and the Columbia Gorge Hotel.
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Oregon
Careful when
gathering mushrooms. If you are looking for the rare Matsutake Mushroom
you'll need a permit from the US Forest Service.