You've probably already heard the jokes: Oregonians have webbed feet and they don't tan, they rust. Even people otherwise unfamiliar with Oregon seem to know that it rains a lot here. There's simply no getting around the fact that few states receive as much rain or cloudy weather as Oregon (except Washington, Oregon's northern neighbor). However, Oregon's rainfall no longer seems to have the effect it once did. Sure, it still keeps the landscape green, but it's no longer keeping people from moving here.
Once, Oregon was the promised land of 19th-century pioneers, and today, it is an amalgam of American life and landscapes. Within its boundaries, the state reflects a part of almost every region of the country. Take a bit of New England's rural beauty, its covered bridges, and its steepled churches. Temper the climate with that of the upper South to avoid harsh winters. Now bring in some low, rolling mountains such as the Appalachians; rugged, glaciated mountains such as the Rockies; and Hawaiian-style volcanoes and lava fields. Add a river as large and important as the Mississippi -- complete with paddle wheelers -- and a coastline as rugged as California's. Of course, there would have to be sagebrush and cowboys and Indians. You could even throw in the deserts of the Southwest and the wheat fields of the Midwest. A little wine country would be a nice touch, and so would some long, sandy beaches. Finally, you'll need a beautiful city, one whose downtown skyscrapers are framed by high, forested hills and whose gardens are full of roses.
To explore such a diverse state takes quite a bit of planning, and knowing ahead of time the best that the state has to offer can make a visit much more enjoyable. After traveling the length and breadth of the state, I've chosen what I feel are the very best attractions, activities, lodgings, and restaurants. These are the places and experiences you won't want to miss.
