Sunday, December 6, 2009

Why Outdoor Lovers Love Oregon

By Jon Tan



Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a landscape of endless wonder, sculpted by wind and wave. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the nation can be seen at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the Sea Stacks at Bandon Beach and the Devil's Punch Bowl near Newport. But the Coast is more than beaches, sheer cliffs and lighthouses. It is also home to a harvest of seafood and some of the finest cheeses to be found anywhere.

The Coast also offers endless opportunities for sports enthusiasts, from salmon and steelhead fishing to wildlife watching. Even a winter visit has its special charm with the chance to watch migrating whales from your front row seat near a blazing fireplace.

Portland

Tantamount to Portland's "livability" is its natural setting. Its International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is only one of more than a dozen major parks and recreation areas. Portland also offers a variety of outdoor activities to meet every taste. Mt. Hood & The Gorge region combines one of the world's greatest rivers with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be found in the United States.

The town of Hood River has become the center for wind surfing in the Northwest, while skiers can choose among three locations: Ski Bowl, Timberline and Mount Hood Meadows. Willamette Valley Hazelnuts, hops, mint Christmas trees, oats, grapes, grapes and more grapes:

The Willamette Valley may be the most diverse agricultural region in the world, and an endless series of roadside stands gives visitors the chance to sample this diversity of tastes and flavors. The Valley is probably most famous for its wines, which authorities rank among the finest in the world. Sports enthusiasts can choose among kayaking, river rafting, biking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking and even llama trekking.

And, for covered bridge fans, the valley is a special find with more than three dozen bridges located within the region. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland to Crater Lake National Park. The Britt Music Festivals in Jacksonville to the Oregon Caves National Monument.

Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon offers year-round cultural and recreational activities of every type for the visitor. During the winter, the Mt. Ashland Ski Area offers downhill and cross-country skiing with spectacular 360-degree views across the Cascade and Coast Ranges.

Grants Pass, the gateway to the wild and scenic Rogue River, offers rafting, fly fishing, jet boat excursions, antique shops, the Rogue River Loop and the Applegate Trail. The rich farmlands of the Rogue Valley are home to more than a dozen wineries, and the world famous Harry & David pear orchards.

Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon can be described with a series of superlatives: the deepest gorge in North America (Hell's Canyon), the largest geological fault in North America (Steens Mountain), and the richest find of prehistoric fossils in the world (the John Day Fossil Beds).

Central Oregon

Central Oregon offer visitors activities ranging from rock climbing, kayaking, and fly fishing to downhill skiing, snow shoeing and dog sledding. The High Desert Museum in Bend is one of the finest natural history museums in the West.

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out his site called at Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com to learn how to secure bargain last minute all inclusive vacations!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Tan

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