|
Support Mercy Corps |
 |
Oregon is a popular state with visitors for many reasons. It is rich in history and scenery with a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages; although many consider the coast of Oregon to be the most beautiful jewel in the state's crown. |
| Oregon coast beach scene near Tillamook |
There are, however, many challengers in the valleys west of the Cascades, in the forests and lakes along the Cascade Range, in the high desert areas of eastern Oregon, and the Wallowa Mountains in the northeastern part of the state.
Crater Lake National Park (on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway) and the Oregon Caves National Monument (near US199) in southern Oregon are major attractions as are the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (near the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway and US26) in eastern Oregon and the Fort Clatsop National Memorial (near US101) in northwestern Oregon. The National Park Service web site has excellent introductory information about these properties.
| TravelData21 provides two primary data resources for travelers planning a trip in Oregon. Our highway logs will let you "drive" a number of popular and scenic highways in Oregon by scrolling your chosen routes. |
 |
| Elk Lake near the Cascade Lakes Highway with Mount Bachelor in the background |
Go to the highway introduction page or use the Oregon Highways and Byways link in the navigation bar to the upper left for information and links that will be useful in planning your trip. Other highway logs are planned for publication in the near future.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has an excellent collection of maps (in .pdf format) on its web site. Click here for a map of the state with major cities and highways. Other statewide maps are available with greater detail.
We have also compiled a list of airports in Oregon and a collection of information pages for commercial and general aviation airports to help you choose the airport that will be best for you. The airports home page also has information about time zones and links for road conditions and weather in Oregon.
 |
A third option is to choose one of the links to the left to select a place or region that might be of interest to you. These places are among the most popular with visitors, and we shall be adding other locations to this list in the near future.
|
| A trail wagon at Flagstaff Hill near the National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill near Baker City in eastern Oregon |
You can also use the links to major web sites below for an overall introduction. As you explore our other pages you will find many more links to recreational and historic sites and other points of interest.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a large number of locations throughout the United States that will appeal to travelers with an interest in nature, wildlife, archeology and history.
The Oregon Historical Society is an excellent resource for learning about the history of this state and the people that contributed to many of its important achievements. The Society's offices are located in Portland.
The New Perspectives Series on the West on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) web site offers an excellent introduction to the people, places and events that have been prominent parts of the history of the western United States.
Travel Web Sites: The Travel Oregon web site is the official Oregon tourism site and is a good source of information for travelers. Regional web sites include the Central Oregon Coast Association, the Southern Oregon Visitors Association, the Central Oregon Visitors Association and the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association are also very good sources for information.
The state parks and national forests and parks in Oregon offer excellent facilities and recreational opportunities for campers and other visitors.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's web site will provide you with information on the state parks throughout the state.
The National Forest Service maintains several properties in Oregon. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on Oregon's coast is under the jurisdiction of the Siuslaw National Forest.
Opportunities to view wildlife abound along the coast and inland areas. One of the most popular and highly recommended is the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport on US101. The Bureau of Land Management also has a selection of locations for wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities.
The Public Lands Information Center has a web site that is another excellent source of information for visitors to Oregon.
The Oregon Cascades Birding Trails web site will appeal to visitors and residents with an interest in bird watching.
Recommended Reading: Travelers with an interest in the history of places they visit will find In Search of Western Oregon by Ralph Friedman to be an interesting companion as they travel US101 and other highways running east from US101. The book also has many comments on present day points of interest along the highways. Another book by Mr. Friedman that covers other parts of the state is Tracking Down Oregon. Roadside History of Oregon by Bill Gulick covers many parts of Oregon and is organized by regions and highways.
Roadside Geology of Oregon helps to explain many of the geological features in the state that inspire curiosity among travelers. Old-Growth Forest Hikes by John and Diane Cissel guides nature lovers to trails to enjoy hiking among the old trees in forests in Oregon and Washington.
Guides: Let's Go - Alaska and the Pacific Northwest; Moon Handbooks - Oregon | Columbia River Gorge