America is home to many beautiful states, but even amongst them, Oregon’s picturesque beauty stands out. Oregon’s diverse environment allows it to be home to beaches, mountains and even desserts. There’s just so much to experience in Oregon, you’d have to come down and see it for yourself.
Starting your journey from Portland International Airport? Pick up a car rental at Hertz Car Rental, right from the airport’s doorstep. Having a car on hand will greatly help you if you want to get the most out of Oregon. Take a road trip around the state to truly get a sense of all Oregon has to offer.
After picking up your car rental at Portland airport, spend some time in Portland and learn more about the state’s largest city. Portland is home to many fascinating spots, from antique dinners serving homey old-school fare to quirky theatres hosting live musicians. Portland is even home to the world’s largest bookstore, Powell’s City of Books, a must visit for any bookworm.
After taking in the sights of Portland, start your road trip by driving east to the Columbia River Gorge. The large canyon is home to multiple waterfalls and hiking trails. The canyon has many viewpoints for you to appreciate the scenery or snap a quick selfie.
From the Columbia River Gorge, drive down south to the Mt. Hood Meadows. Beautiful in the summer and absolutely breathtaking in the winter, this place is worth a visit any time of the year. Mt. Hood provides a wide array of activities, from snowboarding in the winter to kayaking on the wide lakes in the summer.
Drive further down from Mt. Hood to reach Bend. The area surrounding this quaint city is home to many amazing caves and mountains. Take a dip in the Tamolitch Pool, a turquoise pool that’s sure to leave you in awe with its crystal clear waters. Visit the campgrounds at Spark Lake to spend the night and even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
A fitting end to your road trip would be to head over to the only national park in the state, the Crater Lake National Park. This park is a popular photography spot since the skies are so clear and far from light pollution, you can even see the Milky Way at night over the Crater Lake.
In a state like Oregon, it’s worth taking out a car rental and going on a road trip. But even while cruising along highways to your destinations, remember to be mindful of the state’s driving rules and regulations. Oregon is a very bicycle friendly state, with some of its cities allowing cyclists on the roads. Although some cities have designated bicycle lanes for their cyclists, some go without and instead the cyclists mix with the cars on the main roads. Just remember to keep your composure and be aware of your surroundings when driving!
