Why Oregon? Because Oregonians are wild, adventurous and inquisitive. Oregon is a place where people often find themselves roaming endlessly with no other goal than the next great meal, powdery slope, lighthouse view or salmon run.

And in this mythical landscape sits two iconic features: the soaring basalt cliffs forming the tremendous Columbia River Gorge and the snow-capped peak of the state's highest volcano, Mt. Hood.

Within these boundaries, you'll find no end of delights — towering old-growth forests, gushing waterfalls, spawning salmon and the mighty waters of the river. The valleys and hillsides are dotted with family farms and orchards, where chefs harvest fresh ingredients for their seasonally changing menus. This trove of natural wonders lures folks year-round, but especially in the summer, when crowds can tamper your pursuit of solitude; thankfully, you'll often find quieter, lesser-known spots just around the corner. We encourage you to approach Oregon the way Oregonians do, with a sense of humor and adventure.