Oregon, Pacific Northwest Appeal

Oregon, a beautifully diverse state, exposes towering cedars and lush evergreen forests to breathtaking views of active volcanoes, orchards and vineyards, mountains and four hundred miles of scenic coastline. Inns are scattered across the state, and ooze with gracious hospitality and warm ambiance. From the 1896 farmhouse with beautiful mountain views, Italian style villas in the countryside, beautiful contemporary craftsman-style homes with panoramic ocean views, to quiet cabins in the Mt. Hood woods, Oregon displays an assortment of unique places to rest your head.  Accessorized with antique armoires, cozy fireplaces, hot tubs, four-poster beds lined with the finest linens and in-suite baths featuring organic soaps, well, you may never want to leave your room. To start your day, a private chef will cook a farm fresh or gourmet breakfast complete with lavish teas and homegrown coffee. Only hours from California, its charming villages, cosmopolitan cities, culture and year-round activities offer up the perfect getaway.  

Portland

Portland, dubbed “The Rose City,” is truly one of the most romantic cities in the United States. From the historic Old Town District to the Portland Opera and the Oregon Symphony, every cultural venue exists including old theaters, art galleries, nature parks, and a thriving waterfront. The city offers a variety of restaurants to meet every taste, including microbreweries, which are plentiful around the city and consistently frequented by locals. 

Mt. Hood and The Gorge

An hour away from Portland lays Mt. Hood and the breathtaking cliffs on the Columbia River Gorge. With spectacular views of quaint riverfront towns and countless waterfalls, the town of Hood River has become the center for wind surfing in the Northwest. Skiers can choose among three locations: Ski Bowl (which offers the country’s largest night skiing area), Timberline and Mount Hood Meadows.

Oregon Coast

Seaside communities dot the entire Oregon Coast, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the Devil’s Punch Bowl near Newport and the Sea Stacks at Bandon Beach.  Sheer cliffs and lighthouses are postcard perfect, while the coast supplies endless opportunities for sports enthusiasts, from salmon fishing to wildlife watching – including whale migration.

Willamette Valley

An endless series of roadside stands gives visitors the chance to sample diversity of Oregonian flavors: hazelnuts, hops, mint, Christmas trees, oats, and especially grapes. The Valley is probably most famous for its wines, which authorities rank among the finest in the world. Sports enthusiasts can choose among kayaking, river rafting, biking, skiing, snowboarding and even llama trekking. For covered bridge fans, the valley features more than 3 dozen bridges located within the region.

Central and Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon contains the deepest gorge in North America (Hell’s Canyon), and the largest geological fault in North America (Steens Mountain). Central Oregon offers visitors activities ranging from rock climbing, kayaking, and fly-fishing to downhill skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. The High Desert Museum in Bend is one of the finest natural history museums in the West.

Southern Oregon

Summer Shakespeare festivals thrive in Ashland. During the winter, Mt. Ashland offers downhill and cross-country skiing with spectacular 360-degree views across the Cascade and Coast Ranges. Grants Pass, the gateway to the wild and scenic Rogue River, offers rafting, fly fishing, jet boat excursions and antique shops.

From the crashing surf of Cannon Beach to the captivating rose gardens of Portland, Oregon is one of America’s most diverse and enchanting gems on the West Coast. It’s just a taste of what you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest.

For Carefree Vacations, Sherry Martin  

Learn more about Sherry Martin        

Photography by Sherry Martin        

Portfolio: www.sherrymartinphotography.com        

Blog: http://dynamictraveler.wordpress.com

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