Oregon is known as the “Beaver State” as beavers were once very prolific in the state. This state is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. The capital of Oregon is Salem and its most populous city is Portland.
The mountainous regions of the western part of Oregon have four mountain peaks including Mount Hood (highest point in the state) which was created from volcanic activity and earthquakes. The landscape of Oregon varies from rainforest in the coastal areas to desert in the southeast.
The climate of the western part of Oregon is influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Although temperatures are usually mild, extremes of heat and cold have been known to affect parts of the state. Some of the western slopes get as much as 200 inches of water annually. Central and Eastern Oregon is much drier than the rest of the state.
Oregon has two international airports including Portland International airport and Klamath Falls International Airport. Oregon has everything to satisfy the traveler in search of adventure - volcanoes and deserts, forests and prairies, ocean coastline and rainforests.
Mount Hood offers thrill seekers its world-famous year round adventures with downhill skiing and snowboarding. The natural landscape also offers thrills such as hiking, rock climbing, boating, rafting, wind surfing and mountain biking.
The beautiful state of Oregon also offers various activities in its cities, Portland, Ashland, Eugene, Salem and Corvalis.
If you are in Portland, check out the International Rose Test Gardens at 400 SW Kingston Ave – OR 97205. This spot has amazing fountains, interesting statues and numerous displays of artistic endeavors which fill the park with beauty and ingenuity. More than 6000 rose bushes cover the landscape with beauty, color and perfume. Free tours allow visitors to enjoy concerts at the park while enjoying the beauty of this “queen of flowers”.
The Classical Chinese Garden (239 NW Everett – OR 97209) occupies an entire city block in Chinatown. Designed by an architect from Suzhou, Portland’s sister city, this beautiful walled garden offers beautiful orchestrated vistas of color, rock, vegetation and symbols of beauty. This attraction is also called “Garden of Awakening Orchids”.
Ideal for the entire family is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (1945 SE Water Ave – OR 97214) where the planetarium, submarine tour and Omnimax Theater keeps everyone engrossed and educated at the same time.
One of the not-to-miss attractions in Portland is Imago at 17th SE 8th Ave – OR 97214. This is show that combines the mastery of mime, dance and acrobatics to provide non-stop entertainment for the viewers. Although this theatre had its humble beginnings in 1979 as a mask theater, it is now well known for incorporating every style of art from classical to existential forms. Imago is a must for visitors of all ages.
Remember to visit the 100 year old Oregon Symphony Orchestra with its incredible collection of musicians and one of the largest orchestras in the nation. From classical concerts to youth or pop, this elegant theatre offers over eighty shows a year.
