When many people think of the Beaver State, their first reactions often relate to Portlandia. There is so much more to the area, though. The Pacific Northwest offers scenic nature views without sacrificing any of the conveniences of larger cities. Let’s take a look at Oregon’s bucket list attractions!
10. Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery
(image via Wikipedia)
Gold Hill
Located on what legend says is forbidden ground, the Oregon Vortex is a fun attraction that bends the limits of your imagination. It consists of a series of optical illusions, the most popular of which is the House of Mystery. While in the attraction, the height of visitors appears to vary depending on where they are standing in the room.
9. Oregon Truffle Festival
(image via Facebook)
Eugene
The culinary arts are always celebrated in Oregon, and the Oregon Truffle Festival offers no better example. Each year, chefs, food journalists, and people who simply love food flock to Eugene to catch a taste of many different truffle dishes. The festival also boasts other events, such as the dog championship and dinner series.
8. Powell’s City of Books
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Portland
As the largest independent chain bookstore in the world, it is only natural that the original Powell’s in Portland’s Pearl District draws visitors from all over. If you go in a group, stick together; it’s easy to lose yourself in the thousands of titles that line the shelves. Depending on when you go, you can attend one of the many special events or book readings.
7. The Yurts in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Winchester Bay
In the unique yurts at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, you will find all the conveniences of home with the addition of beautiful Oregon forest views. The deluxe yurts contain a kitchen, a television, a bathroom, and enough room to do pretty much anything you could do in your own house.
6. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
(image via Flickr)
Portland
Nong Poonsukwattana moved to Portland from Bangkok in 2003 and quickly became a legend for her Nong’s Khao Man Gai food cart. In 2014, she opened her first brick-and-mortar restaurant in town, and it isn’t uncommon for there to be a line around the block for guests to taste her famous jasmine rice and chicken dishes.
5. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
(image via Getty Images)
Ashland
Between February and November, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival puts on eleven plays annually. The theatre has done so every year since 1935 except during World War II. Each of Shakespeare’s plays has been put on by the organization, as well as more than 300 other works.
4. King Estate Winery
(image via Flickr)
Eugene
Founded in 1991, the King Estate Winery quickly made a name for itself as one of Oregon’s premiere organic distilleries. Visitors come from around the world to try their famed pinot gris and pinot noir. The winery also includes a restaurant that serves high-class food made from locally grown ingredients.
3. Enchanted Forest Theme Park
(image via Wikipedia)
Salem
Since it was opened in 1971, the Enchanted Forest has devoted itself to rides and attractions based on Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, and Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The park works to recreate the atmosphere of an old European village. If you go during the warmer months, be sure to check out the Summer Comedy Theatre.
2. International Rose Test Garden
Portland
Portland is often referred to as the ‘City of Roses,’ which makes sense when you visit the International Rose Test Garden. One of Oregon’s many outdoor gems, this garden was first established a century ago to preserve a species of European roses that were under threat of extinction due to the bombings of the First World War.
1. Crater Lake National Park
(image via Flickr)
Klamath County
As an anonymous traveler once said, “When they were choosing the Seven Wonders of the World, they must not have made it to Oregon.” Caused by an ancient glacier, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the Western Hemisphere. Seen by many as a sacred place, the crystalline waters and surrounding forest make for gorgeous views.
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