OREGON 8 or 12 DAYS
Oregon is a beautiful state in the Pacific Northwest with many attractions. It has lively cities like Portland, known for great food and culture. The state features stunning places like Crater Lake and the Columbia River Gorge. Its coastline is special, with tall cliffs, rocky shores, and clean sandy beaches, offering amazing views and sunsets.
Tips:
🔥 Kindly be advised that wildfire season typically runs from July through September. We recommend monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and remaining flexible with outdoor plans.
🌤️ Additionally, Oregon’s weather is famously unpredictable; it is worth noting that packing layers and rain gear is essential regardless of the season.Travel Guides: Fodor’s Oregon and Moon Oregon.
DAY 1 and 2
Arrive at Portland airport and transfer to your hotel.
Do I need a car in Portland?
—The city offers many easy ways to get around without a rental car, including ride‑shares and
a large bus network, a streetcar, and a MAX Light Rail. Plus the option to rent a bike or electric scooter.Spend time exploring Portland's neighborhoods like Pearl District and Alberta Arts District.
Pearl District - is known for its many restaurants, breweries, galleries, and shops. <map>
Alberta Arts District - it’s busy year-round. Enjoy local art, live music, and many bars and restaurants. <video> <Learn more>
Visit Washington Park, home to the International Rose Test Garden and the Oregon Zoo.
The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest rose garden in the U.S. It was built to trial new rose varieties. Today it has about 10,000 roses of over 610 types, filling the air with scent each season.
Visit Powell's City of Books. It is a famous independent bookstore in Portland, spanning a whole city block. It offers many new and used books and is often called the world's largest independent bookstore.
Enjoy dinner at one of the city's renowned food carts. Portland's food carts are small mobile stands that sell different foods. They’re a key part of the city’s food scene and offer lots of choices in busy areas.
Overnight: Portland (2 nights)
DAY 3
Embark on a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge.
Visit Multnomah Falls and hike to the top for a stunning view. At 620 feet, it’s one of Oregon’s most visited landmarks. <trail map> <transportation options>
Multnomah Falls: Timed-use permits are required from late May to early September.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Falls.
It’s a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland.
Pets are allowed at Multnomah Falls but must be leashed and under control at all times.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at Crown Point Vista House <location> for panoramic views.
Biking - The Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway is a 70-mile, car-free bike route from Estacada to Detroit that follows rivers on quiet roads. Both towns have plenty of places to eat. <Video>
Overnight: Portland
Driving time: Portland —-> Multnomah Falls, 40 miles, 1 hour.
DAY 4 - 6
Journey to the town of Bend. A charming Cascade mountain town known for outdoor adventures,
craft breweries, and beautiful scenery, with hiking, skiing, and a relaxed, lively vibe.Discover the beautiful Deschutes region for some scenic hiking.
Most enjoyable and memorable short hikes.
One of the most popular trails is The Deschutes River Trail. Minutes from downtown Bend, this easy trail follows the Deschutes River with great water views, green trees, and plenty of wildlife—ideal for hiking or biking.
Explore downtown Bend, known for its craft breweries. Its quaint streets have indie shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants, giving a welcoming vibe. The nearby Deschutes River offers kayaking and parks to relax. This lively area blends culture, food, and nature for outdoor fun.
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Zydeco
Bos Taurus
900 Wall
Brickhouse
Blacksmith
Pine Tavern
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Deschutes Brewery
Crux Fermentation Project
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1. Downtown Bend 🏙️🍻🚶
Best for: First-time visitors, walkability, food & nightlife
Pros: Tons of restaurants, breweries (Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing Co.), shops, the Deschutes River, and Drake Park are all within walking distance.
Vibe: Lively, charming, convenient.
Accommodations: Boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
2. Old Mill District 🛍️🎶🏞️
Best for: Shopping, concerts, river views, and modern amenities
Pros: Redeveloped area along the Deschutes River with scenic trails, REI, shops, dining, and Les Schwab Amphitheater for live music.
Vibe: Upscale and modern with easy access to the outdoors.
Accommodations: Riverhouse on the Deschutes, Hilton Garden Inn, vacation rentals.
3. Westside / Galveston Avenue Area 🍕🍺🌲
Best for: Local vibe, quick access to hiking, biking, and craft beer
Pros: Near the base of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Bachelor, with a strong local foodie and beer scene (like 10 Barrel and Sunriver Brewing).
Vibe: Trendy, active, and residential with a laid-back feel.
Accommodations: Smaller inns, B&Bs, Airbnb-style lodging.
Travel to Sisters, Oregon — about a 40-minute drive from Bend.
Located 40 miles from Bend at the Cascades’ base, Sisters has scenic drives, hikes, and easy walks. Beyond nature, this small Central Oregon town is known for its Old West feel and active
arts community.
Overnight: Bend (3 nights)
Driving time: Portland—->Bend. 3.5 hrs.
DAY. 7
Journey to Crater Lake National Park. Home to the vivid blue Crater Lake, a deep volcanic caldera
surrounded by clean forests and cliffs, offering stunning views and peaceful natural beauty.Spend the day exploring the park: enjoy stunning lake views and hike a few trails.
Consider taking a boat tour (during summer season) or enjoying a picnic by the lake.
Overnight: Crater Lake Lodge. <reservations>
Driving time: Bend —> Crater Lake.
Crater Lake —> Redmond airport.
Crater Lake—> Portland airport
〰️〰️
On Day 8, you can elect to depart from Redmond, OR to return home or continue your trip to the southern and coastal areas of Oregon.
〰️〰️ On Day 8, you can elect to depart from Redmond, OR to return home or continue your trip to the southern and coastal areas of Oregon.
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is located in the heart of Central Oregon and is currently serviced by American Airlines, Alaska Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.
Be advised: One-way car rental fee from Portland to Redmond may apply.
You also have the option to return back to Portland and fly to your destination.
DAY 8 (if you’re continuing on your trip)
Travel to the southern coast of Oregon.
Visit the charming town of Bandon and its beautiful beaches, famous rock formations, and lively art scene. The town is known for top golf courses like Bandon Dunes, drawing golfers from all over.
Visitors can explore Old Town, with boutique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants.
Explore must-see places like Bandon's Coquille River Lighthouse, Bullards Beach State Park and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint all offering stunning views of the coastline.
Explore scenic Beach Loop Drive, A five-mile route with rocky peaks, sea rocks, and sandy beaches. Enjoy great views, tide pools, and abundant wildlife. Explore the area's history and nature, whether for a short visit or a full day.
Explore the beaches.
Discover Old Town Bandon. <Bandon walking map>
Overnight: Bandon (2 nights)
Driving time: Crater Lake —> Bandon, 3.5 hrs
DAY 9
Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Explore the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail. The first half-mile of the trail is paved and leads to a viewing area. After that, it goes down into the dunes. The popular 2-mile round trip to the beach is a flat, firm path through sand. <map of trail>
There is also a longer hike which you can inquire at the Recreation Visitor Center.
Ride a dune buggy, try sandboarding, or walk along the sandy beach.
Overnight: Bandon
Driving time: Bandon —> Oregon Dunes area, 1 hr.
DAY 10 and 11
Drive along the scenic Oregon Coast Highway.
Stop at seaside towns like Newport, where you can visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and enjoy fresh seafood.
Continue to Cannon Beach, known for Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach is a quaint, refined seaside village.
<Learn more> <route>Best hikes at Cannon Beach.
Download the AllTrails app.
Overnight: Cannon Beach (2 nights)
Driving time: Oregon Dunes—> Newport, 1.5 hrs
Newport —> Cannon Beach, 3hrs.
DAY 12
Return to Portland.
Spend your last day visiting missed sights or enjoying shopping and meals.
Departure from Portland.
Driving time: Cannon Beach —> Portland, 1.5 hrs.
Clouds:
Portland and coastal Oregon: the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.
The clearer part of the year in Oregon begins early June till mid-October.
The clearest months of the year in Oregon are July and August.
The cloudier part of the year begins around late October till late May.
Bend + Central Oregon is distinguished by a high desert climate and is located inland.
The Cascade Range, which runs north to south through the state, acts as a barrier, preventing the marine influence from reaching the central and eastern side. As a result, Central Oregon tends to have a more continental climate with greater temperature extremes and much less rain and clouds.
With low humidity and clear skies, you can enjoy sunny days and cool nights, with more significant temperature variations between day and night.
May through October are best to visit the region.
Monthly water temperature for the Oregon coast.
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people:
Budget: $3,000
Moderate: $4,500
Luxury: $6,000 +
Oregon Gallery
🎬 Video
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