What's Going On In Oregon This July?

June 27, 2008

Summer is here!

This month, we have fun ideas to get you splashing around Oregon, from learning to windsurf in the Columbia Gorge to dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean. We're even giving away a Southern Oregon rafting vacation in honor of liquid fun.

If you’re more inclined to sip than swim, July is Oregon Craft Beer month and you’re invited to the Oregon Brewer’s Festival at Portland’s Waterfront Park.

See you in Oregon, where we’re using the brand-new Oregon Trip Planner to plan an exciting summer vacation.

~The Editors

P.S. Tell Us How We're Doing!

Artists Take Oregon by Storm

June 25, 2008

Oregon, and specifically Portland, has been known for its quirky attractions and events. These days, Oregon has become home to a number of local artists. According to the Oregonian and the National Endowment for the Arts, "There are more artists than ever before in the United States -- about 2 million -- and Oregon is one state where the number of artists has grown decisively, jumping from 15th nationally in 1990 to eighth in 2000. And that underscores the perception that Oregon, and specifically Portland, is one of the country's more popular artist havens."

Click here to read the full Oregonian article. Keep on making dreams come true in Oregon!

Salmon Fishing- It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over...

June 20, 2008


By Dermot Maty

Needless to say it has been a tough year to be a salmon and a tough year to be a salmon pursuer. With the crazy weather, cold water, low counts, and seasonal closures one is easily led to believe that there is no Salmon Fishing in Oregon this year.

But, that is just not true!

Don’t believe me? Well just ask Gary and Sharon of Columbia County what they think.

Gary and his better half spent last Saturday testing out some new sunglasses by starting at the brilliant chrome reflection off the two beautiful Spring Chinook salmon they had just caught!

Continue reading "Salmon Fishing- It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over..."

Silver Star Mountain's 5-Star Views

June 19, 2008

Photo: Brad and Chris near snow trail

By Dawn Rasmussen

Travel in the Pacific Northwest sometimes sees no borders, and while this is a Travel Oregon blog, one hike in nearby Washington State is just too good to pass up… it starts with humble beginnings in Portland and ends sweeping views of northern Oregon as the delicious finish.

This past weekend, the sun was shining mightily under azure skies, and we were inspired to stake our claim on some great vistas while the weather held. Brad, the dogs, our friend Chris and I packed ourselves into my Subaru and headed out the Columbia River Gorge, with Silver Star Mountain as our destination.

Continue reading "Silver Star Mountain's 5-Star Views"

The Gorge Games, not just sports but also great entertainment!

June 16, 2008

By Pepe Raphael, Entertainment Director for The Gorge Games

My very first experience of the Columbia Gorge was playing “Pray for Wind” with my band, The Bottle Blondes a few years ago. We played this very same event a couple of years in a row and the one thing I learned from this experience was first and foremost Hood River’s ability to attract the most fun audiences on the planet, their commitment to the arts and passion to their beautiful outdoor living.

The Gorge is a true testament to how much Oregonians care about the environment and it is really inspiring to see how it has been beautifully protected throughout the years.

Continue reading "The Gorge Games, not just sports but also great entertainment!"

What's Going on In Oregon This June?

June 13, 2008

Did you know that Oregon is turning 150 next year? As we approach our sesquicentennial celebration, we decided to look at the different cultures and peoples that have influenced this special place called Oregon.

With you in mind, we compiled a fun list of heritage attractions and festivals, including Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, Native American Pow Wows, Alpenfest and so many others.

Even this month's Chicken Paprika recipe hails from an exotic culture.

See you in Oregon, where we're tracing our roots!

~The Editors

Couple Climbs Oregon's 100 Highest Points

June 11, 2008

Pam Otley and Jay Avery of Salem recently became the first couple to climb the 100 highest points in Oregon. Of all the places they've climbed, their favorite points were found in the Wallowas.

Otely said, "The Pueblos are deserty and all have roundish tops, the Steens are very pretty, but the Wallowas have such a variety of geology and vegetation, and then you get to a summit and there's just mountains, mountains, mountains around you that can't be beat all those white granite basins. It's very much like the Sierra in some places. I could be a spokesperson for the Wallowas."

Please visit www.katu.com to read the entire fascinating article.

For more information on exploring Oregon's wilderness, please visit our Outdoor Recreation section.

U.S. Mail Boats on the Rogue River


By Noreen Wineland

When planning our trip to the southern Oregon coast in August 2006, my niece Katie and I had only heard of the jet boat tours out of Gold Beach but had never had the chance to take a ride. But in a stroke of luck, a friend offered us a complimentary pass for two. So one morning in the middle of our trip we found ourselves driving to the Rogue River Mail Boats, not entirely sure of what to expect.

It was a beautiful summer day. We arrived a bit early as requested and were seated in the third row of the boat. We were given wool blankets to be used as seat cushions or as a cover from the wind. To sum it up, WE HAD A BLAST! We were treated to hours of beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and jet boat fun. Jet boat fun includes going over the rapids several times just to “get it right” and turning around 360 degrees in the river in a variety of places. Our jet boat driver and guide was diligent in pointing out eagles and their nests, osprey, deer and even a bear. They have someone taking photos from one of the bridges and we came away with a great photo of us on the boat to remember the trip.

Continue reading "U.S. Mail Boats on the Rogue River"

Rose Parade Fun

June 8, 2008

Parade in Portland means Rose Festival

Despite the ominous clouds, thousands lined up the streets of Portland to watch the Grand Floral Parade this morning.

traveloregon - View our 'rose festival' photos on Flickriver

Free Fishing Weekend June 7th & 8th

June 5, 2008


Calling all fishing lovers!

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has created a Free Fishing Weekend, which is set to take place this Saturday and Sunday, June 7th and 8th. During this event, you will have the opportunity to fish, crab or clam without having to purchase a license anywhere in the state (check out locations here) Bring a friend, or even the whole family, and enjoy this Oregon tradition.

For more information on Free Fishing Weekend, please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hiking Through the Long Winter

By Dawn Rasmussen

Photo: Viewpoint along Salmon River

This past winter, Oregon got a pretty good helping of snow. In fact, in some areas, there’s still snow several feet deep at fairly low elevations. What this means to hikers and backpackers is more trips later in the season, rather than earlier access to Oregon’s backcountry. Never fear: we are a hardy bunch and are patient, too.

Brad and I decided upon a hike which we thought ought to be fairly snow-free since the elevation was fairly low, so we packed up the gear and the dogs, met our friend Chris, then headed out. Our intention was to hike up to the top of Salmon Butte, located near the Salmon River and the town of Welches (on the way to Mount Hood).

Continue reading "Hiking Through the Long Winter"

Gorge Games Super D Race

By Brandon Ontiveros

If you want to ride one of the top Super D mountain biking courses in the country, come to Hood River. I’m telling you, this place has the goods. Our race starts at a heliport sandwiched between majestic Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams; both Cascade volcanoes ranging above 11,200 feet. Putting it lightly, we have breathtaking views from atop.

From the starting line you’ll immediately encounter very technical, rocky, and wide open single-track. You don’t want to go down here! After blasting this section, the fun just begins. We now enter tree line, where it’s very fast and steep sections of trail. Inside this dense forest it remains technical and fast until the end. You want to be on your game throughout this race because most sections are rooted, rocky, loaded with berms, and encapsulated in the trees. We also have sections that will benefit riders for taking the “gnarliest,” but fastest lines. Most top riders will figure this out. Expect the pros to complete the course around the 40-minute mark. Since we are in the mountains, trail conditions and weather change frequently.

Continue reading "Gorge Games Super D Race"

Starlight Parade Highlights

June 1, 2008

Thanks to Mike Vogel for this excellent video of the Starlight Parade highlights. This video was shot on SW Broadway, facing Pioneer Square.

Starlight Parade at Pioneer Square

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