The state of Oregon has one of the most diverse landscapes of
any state in the Union, with its towering, thick forests, arid
scrublands, wide prairies, deserts and scenic Pacific coastline.
Oregon lies in the northwest section of the USA, bordered by the
ocean, and the states of California, Washington, Idaho and Nevada.
Along its northern boundary lies the Columbia River, and its area
encompasses the fertile Willamette Valley and two mountain ranges
(Pacific Coast and Cascade) where lift-serviced alpine skiing is
offered throughout the year.
Most of Oregon's countryside, from beaches and valleys to
mountain peaks, is unspoiled, and the state has been dubbed 'God's
country'. The state boasts natural attractions like Hell's Canyon,
the deepest river-carved gorge in northern America, as well as more
than 6,000 lakes (including famous Crater Lake, deepest lake in the
USA) and more than a hundred thousand miles of rivers and streams.
In addition more than half of the state is covered in natural
forest. This makes it a delight for nature lovers, although its
merits as a tourist destination are somewhat marred by an
over-abundance of rainy days.
Although Salem is the state capital, the largest city in Oregon
is Portland, straddling the Willamette River. The modern, compact
and vibrant city is the commercial and touristic hub of the state,
famed for its locally brewed beer and multitude of roses.
It is far easier to head west on the 'Oregon Trail' today than
it was for the historic pioneers in their covered wagons, but
visitors are no less delighted by the charms of this destination
than were the gutsy emigrants of the mid-1800s.
Time Zones
Climate Info
Oregon's climate is generally moderate, divided into east and
west by the Cascade Mountain Range. The mountains block the moist
winds blowing in from the sea, which moderates the temperature and
brings heavy rainfall to the western part of the state, where most
of the main cities are situated. The east is drier and has more
extreme temperatures. Temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) in winter
and 68°F (20°C) in summer along the coastal belt, and 25°F (-4°C)
to 78°F (26°C) in the eastern part of the state. Heavy snowfalls
are common in the Cascades in winter.
The airport is sited 9 miles (14km) from downtown
Portland.
Time Difference:
GMT 8 (GMT 7 from March to
November).
Contacts:
Tel: Toll free 1 877 739 4636 or (503) 460 4234.
Getting to the city:
Portland's MAX light rail system serves the airport, connecting
to the heart of the city, for a fare of around $2 and travelling
time of around 40 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes between 4.30
a.m. and midnight. All transportation pick ups are located in the
central area of the airport terminal's lower roadway on the baggage
claim and departure level.
Car rental:
The Car Rental Centre on the first floor of the parking garage
has Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz offices.
Alamo/National and Thrifty have kiosks outside the CRC.
Airport Taxis:
The airport is also served by taxis and limos, although these
may need to be ordered by telephone. Taxi rates are regulated and
the fare to downtown should be $25. Reputable providers include
Broadway Cab Company (Tel: (503) 227 1234) and Green Cab (Tel:
(503) 252 442).
Airport Facilities:
The airport has several ATMs, a currency exchange bureau, and a
shopping mall called the 'Oregon Market', which includes
restaurants, coffee bars and a pub. There is also a postal service,
information desks and a state-of-the-art conference centre.
Car Parking:
Portland International offers ample parking options, including
long-term and economy, in close proximity to the terminal building
with a direct connection to the I-205 highway.
The foremost of Portland's famed rose gardens, the International
Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917 during World War I, when
hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from
the bombing in Europe. Since then the garden has served as a
testing ground for new varieties. The 7,700 ....
The foremost of Portland's famed rose gardens, the International
Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917 during World War I, when
hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from
the bombing in Europe. Since then the garden has served as a
testing ground for new varieties. The 7,700 rose bushes,
representing 550 varieties, are enhanced by fountains, paths and
statues, with free tours offered by trained volunteers. Highlights
of the garden are the award-winning miniature roses planted along
the centre aisle, the Shakespeare Garden in the southeast corner,
and the Frank L Beach Memorial Fountain, designed and built by
local artist Lee Kelly.
The award-winning Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the
Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a
vast variety of animals, including Asian elephants, Peruvian
penguins and Arctic polar bears. All are housed in their natural
habitats, and the zoo is also an internationally....
The award-winning Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the
Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a
vast variety of animals, including Asian elephants, Peruvian
penguins and Arctic polar bears. All are housed in their natural
habitats, and the zoo is also an internationally recognised centre
for wildlife preservation and research. Combined with a programme
of summer concerts, a variety of seasonal events and an olde worlde
railway ride which connects to Washington Park, the zoo is
Portland's favourite attraction, drawing around a million visitors
a year.
Named the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids', this walled classic
garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens
found in Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China. It combines the
elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to
create balance and harmony. The garden i....
Named the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids', this walled classic
garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens
found in Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China. It combines the
elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to
create balance and harmony. The garden is both a living museum of
flora and fauna and a cultural heritage garden. The classical tea
house in the evocatively named Tower of Cosmic Reflections offers a
tactile experience of the art and culture of Chinese tea.
The most atmospheric neighbourhood in downtown Portland, the
Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. Old warehouses have
been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are
lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops and art
galleries. Gallery walks are held on the f....
The most atmospheric neighbourhood in downtown Portland, the
Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. Old warehouses have
been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are
lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops and art
galleries. Gallery walks are held on the first Thursday of each
month. 'The Pearl' is home to Portland's iconic Powell's
bookstore.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for
young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing
with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children
can undertake science experiments. The complex also contains a
planetarium (one of the most technolog....
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for
young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing
with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children
can undertake science experiments. The complex also contains a
planetarium (one of the most technologically advanced in the
country), the Omnimax theatre and the submarine USS Blueback, which
featured in the popular movie, 'Hunt for Red October'. The museum
also hosts a plethora of interesting temporary exhibitions.
Cannon Beach is Oregon's most famous and popular
coastline among Portland tourists. The beach is dominated by
Haystack Rock, a 235-foot (71m) steep formation that can be walked
to in low tide. The first tourist to the beach was William Clark,
during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. The same n....
Cannon Beach is Oregon's most famous and popular
coastline among Portland tourists. The beach is dominated by
Haystack Rock, a 235-foot (71m) steep formation that can be walked
to in low tide. The first tourist to the beach was William Clark,
during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. The same nine miles
(14.5km) of sandy beach, beautiful hiking trails, and tidal pools
filled with sea life are there for new explorers to discover. A
touristy beach town gives present day visitors quaint hotels,
cottages and restaurants.
Mount Hood Meadows, 67 miles (108 km) east of
Portland, is one of the largest ski resorts in Oregon. It has both
alpine and nordic ski areas and offers night skiing. Its position
on the sunny, wind-protected east side of Mt. Hood gives Mt Hood of
the best snow in the Pacific Northwest. There is no a....
Mount Hood Meadows, 67 miles (108 km) east of
Portland, is one of the largest ski resorts in Oregon. It has both
alpine and nordic ski areas and offers night skiing. Its position
on the sunny, wind-protected east side of Mt. Hood gives Mt Hood of
the best snow in the Pacific Northwest. There is no accommodation
in the resort itself although many nearby hotels and lodges offer
shuttles to the slopes. The scenery over the snow-dusted Central
Cascade Range is magnificent, reason enough to pause between
runs.
Transport:Meadows offers roundtrip weekend and holiday
transportation to the mountain from Portland. The pickup locations
are located next to TRIMET park and rides and transit centers. The
round-trip price is $59 including lift pass.
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the world's top windsurfing
destinations, home to around 70 recognised locations. Visitors can
explore the sport's home base at Hood River, which overlooks the
tremendous Columbia river from the Oregon side. Strong winds funnel
through tall canyon walls, making fo....
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the world's top windsurfing
destinations, home to around 70 recognised locations. Visitors can
explore the sport's home base at Hood River, which overlooks the
tremendous Columbia river from the Oregon side. Strong winds funnel
through tall canyon walls, making for a scenic arena for
adrenaline-fuelled water sports.
If that sounds a bit intimidating, beginners will be better
situated in The Hook, a protected area next to Hood River where
several schools teach the basics. Kite surfing has also become a
popular wind/water sport on the river. Even for those who have no
interest in fighting the elements, Hood River is an inviting place
to watch the colourful sails swarm below.
