The Best Outdoor Pursuits in Oregon

Biking the Oregon Coast: With U.S. 101 clinging to the edge of the continent for much of its route through Oregon, this road has become one of the most popular cycling routes in the Northwest. The entire coast can be done in about a week, but there are also plenty of short sections that make good day trips.

Windsurfing in Hood River: Summer winds blast through the Columbia Gorge and whip up white-capped standing waves that have turned this area into the windsurfing and kiteboarding capital of the United States. People come from around the world to ride the river here.

Fly-Fishing for Steelhead on the North Umpqua River: Made famous by Zane Grey, the North Umpqua is the quintessential steelhead river, and for part of its length it's open to fly-fishing only. The river and the elusive steelhead offer a legendary fishing experience.

Rafting the Rogue River: Of all the state's white-water-rafting rivers, none is more famous than the Rogue. Meandering through remote wilderness in the southern part of the state, this river has been popular with anglers since the early 20th century for its beauty and great fishing. Today you can splash through roaring white water by day and spend your nights in remote lodges that are inaccessible by car.

Mountain Biking in Bend: Outside the town of Bend, in central Oregon, dry ponderosa pine forests are laced with trails that are open to mountain bikes. Routes pass by several lakes, and along the way you'll get great views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor.