Oregon
Oregon has some of the most diverse landscapes, including desert,
coast, valley and mountains, all in an easily navigable package.
There are seven regions: the Coast, Portland, Mt. Hood/Columbia
River Gorge, the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Central Oregon,
and Eastern Oregon. Each area has its own unique geography and
culture.
Oregon's nearly 400 miles of beaches and dunes are all open to
the public, offering endless vacation possibilities. Grand resorts,
family-friendly hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and full service
campgrounds are available all along the Coast. Mild temperatures,
dramatic scenery and a wide range of recreational activities make
this one of the state's most popular regions.
Outstanding public art, dozens of urban parks and green spaces,
a lively downtown, and a world-class transportation system are
just a few of the many reasons to visit this jewel of the Pacific
Northwest. Seasonal rain showers never dampen this city's sense
of whimsy and wonder, and dozens of family-friendly events and
festivals take place throughout the year.
Mt. Hood, the tallest of Oregon's Cascade peaks, stands watch
over the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge from a height of ll,239
ft.. The often-photographed glacier-glazed peak is home to year-round
skiing and snowboarding. One of the largest concentrations of high
waterfalls in the nation spills forth from the cliffs and ledges
that wall in the mighty Columbia River to create the nation's only
national scenic area.
Long recognized by the Hollywood set as the perfect getaway, Southern
Oregon offers visitors a well-balanced mix of natural and cultural
wonders. History buffs will find a wide variety of historical sites
and points of interest across the region. Whitewater enthusiasts
and anglers can seek endless adventure on the Rogue, Klamath and
Umpqua rivers, and theater aficionados flock to Ashland every year
for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival..
To the east, seven different wildlife refuges can be found in
Klamath Basin, home to the largest wintering concentration of bald
eagles in the lower 48 states. The centerpiece of the region, Crater
Lake National Park, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2002.
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