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Oregon: a state of natural Wonders

Starting this June, British Airways will fly direct to Portland from Heathrow five days per week, making the state of Oregon a much easier place to get to. Find out how to unlock the grand vistas and urban secrets of this magnificent state

This is a feature from Issue 10 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

Nestled in America’s Pacific Northwest, understated Oregon is often overlooked in favour of it’s southern neighbour, but it’s natural attractions – towering rock formations, verdant forests, dramatic river valleys, snow-capped peaks, windswept beaches and rolling vineyards – are anything but modest.
Add to that a choice of historic towns, cute fishing villages, mountain resorts and one of America’s hippiest cities, and you might start to wonder why Oregon isn’t being talked about more. However, the lack of crowds only adds to the appeal and ensure that peace and solitude are never out of reach.

Hip Urban Hub

Portland is not just your gateway to this immense state. Once you visit, you’ll understand that this city has a unique spirit. It is a hipster hotspot, with accolades for is cuisine, vibrant arts scene, great theatres and funky shopping districts.
There are no less than six distilleries and a new crop of urban wineries producing inside the city limits, and that paired with over 500 food carts dotted around the city will keep your taste buds coming back for more.
Eco-friendly is the norm in Portland, where bikes are the favoured way of seeing the sights, from the shimmering city lights to the leafy squares and parks and picturesque riverfront.

Epic Vistas

Wherever you roam in Oregon, natural wonders abound. The perfect circle of Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon is the deepest in the USA (at 1,943 feet) but despite its mesmerising views, it remains uncrowded and unspoilt. 
Located in the north-eastern corner of the state, Hells Canyon is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America (7,913 feet) and you’ll catch your breath as you gaze at the Blue Snake River winding through the velvet green hills. Interested in geology? The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the richest in the world and Oregon Caves National Monument is naturally carved in an outcrop of solid marble. 

Is adventure calling? Smith Rock towers above Central Oregon and lures climbers from around the globe for the challenge of conquering its craggy heights. The less adrenaline-fuelled amongst you can hike around its base and still enjoy exceptional views.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which runs from the mouth of the Sandy River to the mouth of the Deschutes River, includes gorgeous waterfall hikes and scenic cycling on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Thirty miles south of the Columbia River, Mount Hood has five ski areas – all-in-all 400 trails over three ranges, offering bountiful options for all abilities. 
Water-based activities are always an option in a state with 6,000 lakes, 112,000 miles of rivers and streams and 363 miles of coastline. Try stand-up paddleboarding on sapphire lakes or kayaking through canyons or along the Pacific Coastline. On the Ocean, you can catch your own Dungeness crab, watch for whales seals and puffins, or just make footprints in the sand. And if you want to stick to the road, a trip down highway 101 is a great way to see Oregon’s historic lighthouses.

Hit the road

Oregon is blessed with 29 designated Scenic Byways, more than any other state in the USA. Accommodating varying interests, the state has divided the options into All-American Roads, Oregon State Scenic Byways, Tour Routes and National Scenic Byways and an interactive online map helps you create your perfect road trip.
You can go your own way, but Oregon has hundreds of licenced guides and operators who will help you get the best out of the state. Most offer themed tours but some let you customise your own itinerary.

Maybe you want to taste Oregon’s bountiful produce? Try a farm-to-fork tour or go behind the scenes at a local brewery or winery with a guide who can be the designated driver.
Want to get outside? Taking a naturalist-led hike or kayak tour can help you better understand the environment you’re travelling through. If you’re looking for thrills, book a white-water rafting trip or ride a mountain bike down one of Oregon’s famous single-track trails. Whatever piques your interest, there’s an Oregon guide waiting to show you their incredible state.

This is a feature from Issue 10 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.