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Oregon

Wines & wilderness in the Pacific Northwest

Oregon tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Oregon is a scenic wonder both wild and adventurous, known for its vibrant cities, burgeoning wine scene and spectacular natural world. Indeed, although its rugged landscape of mountains, rivers and forests will draw you in, the residents of the largest city, Portland, are eager to claim their city as the most sophisticated and cultured in the US. Plus, it’s now even easier to explore with the launch this summer of a new direct British Airways flight, operating five time a week between London Heathrow and Portland.

Almost 400 miles of rugged, unspoilt coastline runs along the Pacific, dotted with fishing villages and historic lighthouses, while further inland you'll find rich valleys of pastures and vineyards. In the east of the state you can find the true 'wild west' along the Oregon Trail, the desert ground tracks left behind by the ox-drawn wagons of the first settlers 150 years ago. Below, you'll find our top picks for the state, from scenic self-drives to a range of characterful and stylish hotels – something for all tastes. To plan your Oregon adventure, contact our specialists today.

Vibrant Portland

Portland is Oregon’s hip urban hotspot with national accolades for its cuisine, a vibrant arts scene, superb theatres, an abundance of outdoor space and shopping districts inspired by the creative spirit of the city. Then, just a short drive from the city centre, The Columbia River Gorge and majestic Mt. Hood offer year-round recreation including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and biking.

Back within the city limits, each vibrant neighbourhood has its own unique flavour. You’ll find contemporary art galleries in the Pearl District, independent boutiques and international chains in Nob Hill and whimsical street art in the Alberta Arts District. Hawthorne’s indie spirit is reflected in its vintage stores and the always-popular Bagdad Theatre and Pub.

And, there’s plenty for foodies, too. A culinary capital of the US, Portland’s dining scene is second to none, with everything from award-winning gourmet restaurants to artisan coffee shops, craft beer breweries and the world’s first vegan mini mall. Then there’s the famed Portland Farmers’ Market where you’ll find fresh, seasonal bounty from the state’s finest independent producers. Elsewhere, acclaimed music venues such as the Doug Fir Lounge, Aladdin Theater and Mississippi Studios have set many local bands on the path to nationwide fame, while Downtown, you’ll might want to while away the hours at Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest new and used bookstore, which spans an incredible three floors and an entire city block.

Oregon's natural world

Cowboy adventures, whitewater rafting, quiet mountain retreats – Central Oregon has it all. The region’s geological history, marked by explosive volcanic activity, is showcased at several state and national parks, while its rich cultural history is on display at the High Desert Museum in Bend. Meanwhile, the spirit of the West is alive and well in the high deserts found to the east, where snow-capped peaks look down to jagged red rocks and dusty plains, which in turn give way to rushing rivers and rolling fields of wheat. Whatever your passion, Oregon’s natural and scenic variety – coast, mountains, rivers, high desert, plains, forests and valleys – lends itself equally to exhilarating outdoor adventure or tranquil exploration.

Expert guides

Oregon is home to hundreds of local licensed guides, ready to show you the best of the state. Most offer themed tours while others let you customise your own itinerary. If you want to get a taste of Oregon’s bountiful food and drink, consider a farm tour complete with dining, or taking a behind-the-scenes tour at a local brewery or winery with a guide as the designated driver. Interested in getting outside? Take a naturalist-led hike or kayak tour to better understand the state’s unique terrain. For adrenaline seekers, book a whitewater rafting trip down one of Oregon’s many rivers or ride a mountain bike down the state’s world-famous single-track trails with a trained guide on hand to show you the ropes.

 


 

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Top itineraries in Oregon

Oregon, USA

Oregon Fly-Drive

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,310 pp incl. flights

A luxury self-drive pairing the spectacular landscapes of Crater Lake National Park and the vineyards of Oregon wine country with stays in sleepy coastal towns and the chance to explore Portland's thriving arts scene.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Pacific Northwest Self-Drive

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,805 pp incl. flights

See America’s rural Northwest on this all-encompassing self-drive. From Seattle, you'll hit the region's most scenic roads, tracing a route between staggering volcanoes, rugged coastlines and bohemian cities.

Top places to stay in Oregon

Exterior, The Benson, Portland, Oregon

The Benson, Portland

Contemporary hotel

The historic Benson hotel is just moments from Portland’s unique appeals and offers a luxurious start or end to your Oregon holiday, with contemporary rooms, two gourmet restaurants, nightly drinks and live jazz.

Weasku Inn, Grants Pass

Weasku Inn, Grants Pass

Historic lodge

Built in 1924 as a fishing lodge, this cosy retreat on the banks of Oregon's Rogues River has hosted such legendary personalities as Walt Disney and Bing Crosby.

The Nines, Oregon

The Nines, Portland

Contemporary hotel

Resting atop the landmark Meier & Frank Building, the hotel’s interiors are visually striking and its service impeccable.

Brasada Ranch

Brasada Ranch, Bend

Contemporary ranch

Experience the landscapes that greeted Oregon Trail migrants some 200 years ago through a lens of fine dining, spa retreats and luxury amenities; it’s been named by Condé Nast Traveler as the ‘Best Resort in the Pacific Northwest’.

Oregon articles

Oregon, USA

Oregon in-depth

Wexas USA specialist, Rachel Mostyn, travels to Oregon and discovers a state rich in natural wonders, cultural heritage and cutting-edge urbanity – perfect for a fly-drive holiday.

Joe's Donuts, Portland, Oregon

Oregon for foodies

Tucked away in America's northwest, Oregon has long been known for its pioneering charm and wild natural world. Discover just how this most lovable of states has given itself over to more genteel attractions, from wine tastings to farmers' market delights.

Meet our Oregon experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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