Oregon is a stunning, welcoming and eclectic state that boasts some of the best outdoor spaces and adventures you can dream of. The exciting and busy city of Portland is filled with art and culture at museums such as the Oregon Centre for Contemporary Art or the Imago Theatre where there is always a ballet or fresh new performance to fall in love with. Live music, incredible restaurants and regular festivals all line the charismatic streets of the busiest city in Oregon.
But if the city life is not what you are dreaming of, then the rest of Oregon is certainly a perfect natural playground! Oregon has seven distinct and beautifully diverse regions, each offering incredible experiences and once in a lifetime moments. If you are hoping to ski, fish, hike, kayak, zip line or see some of the most beautiful beach and mountain views ever - Oregon will definitely have something to show you!
With a state as impressive and diverse as Oregon, it can certainly be overwhelming to know where to start, and what to see first! A great way to make sure you are not wasting any time and getting straight to your adventure is by taking a guided tour or trusting a guide to show you the very best that the state has to offer. Take a look below at what we think are the best trips and adventures to take in Oregon, with the unmissable insider advice and expert knowledge of Oregon’s amazing guides!
Kayaking Along The Coast
The first must see region of Oregon is the incredible 363 miles of coastline, made up by quaint towns, sea breeze and wildlife watching. To truly explore the coast, take a guided tour through crystal clear waters or white-water rapids, all from a kayak or paddleboard! If you are looking to escape into nature, surrounded by rugged, coastal scenery, then a customisable, river trip may be what you are looking for. Don’t worry about supplying your own kayak or paddleboard as your local guides are there to help with anything you need, including equipment, expert knowledge and the very best routes along Oregon’s four gorgeous rivers! Never worry about taking the right route, the guides really know their stuff! Southern Coast Tours offer a wide variety of river tours throughout the year, depending on what level of difficulty you are looking for and what season you want to explore!
Take a break from your boat and explore the water by snorkelling or fishing, the guided tours on offer can be anything from one hour long to two days long! Another great aspect of Oregon’s kayak tours are their accessible kayak launch points, which allow for easy access to the boats, including transfer platforms and handrails. With so much to choose from its no wonder kayakers visit Oregon from across the world just to take these incredible river tours.
Americas Hub World Tours
Hiking Through Oregon
Taking a guided hike is possibly the best way to see the diverse state of Oregon. There are a wide variety of guided and unguided options that explore the beauty of Oregon at your personal pace. Enjoy mountain routes and meandering loops, stopping to enjoy the scenery and towns you encounter on the way. Journey through Oregon, up South Sister Volcano or along the gorgeous and winding Oregon coast, all with the insider knowledge and secret routes that come with hiring a guide! Guided hikes give you the freedom to plan your trip as you would like, paired with the unbeatable advice and guidance that comes with taking a guided trip – if you are looking for a hike with a focus on the flora and fauna surrounding you, or the history of the trail, then there is a guide for you in Oregon! The wide variety of short hikes, scenery, lake views and longer journeys make a truly unforgettable trip made complete with a day of hiking.
Wildlife Viewing
Oregon also provides the perfect opportunity to relax, take out your camera and enjoy spotting some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. Out at Depoe Bay whales can be spotted during the December – January months, and during the spring and summer when they travel towards Alaska. Being able to see so many whales and learn about their behaviours and movements is a truly unforgettable experience. Another incredible and natural way to see wild animals in Oregon is by visiting the elk! These unique animals roam around Oregon and there are designated viewing areas all around the state! You can watch these majestic animals interact with one another in their natural habitat. For a truly amazing experience, spend a day with TT Wildlife Tours, who offer incredible horse drawn elk viewing tours during the beautiful Oregon winters. You will never forget this experience, led by talented and experienced guides who will take you safely to the best places to see elk, all on horseback!
Vineyard Experiences
Oregon is not only the perfect place to explore, adventure and discover amazing new activities and thrills, but also the best place to sample top quality wines, beer and food! Talented and passionate guides can take you round the very best vineyards, breweries and farms, to give you that authentic Oregon flavour. Willamette Valley in particular has become well known for their vineyards and wine experiences! Hear from experts about the incredible wines, production and journey from grape to glass – after your private wine tour, take a scenic bike ride or hot air balloon ride around the gorgeous surrounding area that is gorgeous Oregon. Wineries are open year round and are extremely popular for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the simpler pleasures Oregon has to offer. For the most relaxing experience we recommend First Nature Tours, who can help you plan out your perfect vineyard day!
Horse Creek Lodge and Outfitters
Biking Trip
The final guided experience you really must not miss out on while you are in Oregon is a cycling tour, whether a mountain biking trip, road biking or fat biking, cycling really is the best way to see the state! Loop through mountain paths, ride along gorgeous beaches or through lush forests, all while seeing the very best views that Oregon has to offer! No matter your skill set or what kind of scenery you want to immerse yourself in, there will be a guided route that is perfect for you. With a talented and experienced guide, even the more challenging cycle routes will be a breeze helping you to enjoy the ride all the more. Your guides will be there for you with route planning, the best areas for the season you are visiting and supply any equipment you need, riding with a guide really is the most relaxing experience and one you won’t forget! Oregon has countless scenic bikeways that are just waiting to be explored!