Oregon, United States - Travel Guide

Oregon is the Pacific Northwest's most diverse state - from Portland's hipster foodie scene to the dramatic Oregon Coast, volcanic Crater Lake, and world-class Willamette Valley wineries. Snow-capped Mt. Hood towers over it all. Known for craft beer, farm-to-table dining, and incredible outdoor adventures.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$180/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

oregonportlandcrater_lakeoregon_coastwillamette_valleycolumbia_gorgepinot_noircraft_beerpacific_northwesthikingwaterfalls

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

SlayTo do something exceptionally well

Y'allYou all (yawl) - Southern classic

LowkeySubtly / Kind of (loh-kee)

No capNo lie / For real (no kap)

It's givingIt has the vibe of...

Climate

Climate varies dramatically. Portland has mild, rainy winters (40-50F) and warm, dry summers (70-85F). Coast is cool and foggy year-round. Central Oregon is high desert with cold winters and sunny summers. Mountains see heavy snow.

Getting There

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the main gateway with excellent domestic connections
Eugene (EUG) and Medford (MFR) offer regional access
Amtrak Coast Starlight runs through the state
I
5 runs north
south, I
84 east to the Columbia Gorge

Getting Around

Rental car essential for exploring Oregon's diverse landscapes
Portland has good public transit (MAX light rail, TriMet buses) and is bike
friendly
Coastal Highway 101 is spectacular but slow
Winter driving in mountains requires chains

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required for US travel
Excellent healthcare in Portland metro
Rural areas may be far from hospitals
Tick awareness in forested areas
Standard travel precautions apply

Staying Connected

All major US carriers work throughout
eSIM: T
Mobile, Verizon, Airalo US plans
Coverage excellent in cities
Spotty in mountains, coast, and rural areas
Download offline maps for remote areas

Local Cuisine

Dungeness Crab must_try

Sweet, tender crab from the Pacific coast. Best enjoyed simply boiled with drawn butter, especially during winter crab season (December-August).

Marionberries regional_speciality

Oregon's state berry - a blackberry variety developed here with intense flavor. Used in pies, jams, and even beer.

Oregon Pinot Noir beverage

World-class Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. Oregon's cool climate produces elegant, complex wines rivaling Burgundy.

Portland Food Cart Cuisine street_food

Portland's food cart pods offer everything from Vietnamese to Ethiopian to Korean tacos. Innovative, affordable, and quintessentially Portland.

Tillamook Cheese regional_speciality

Premium cheddar from the Oregon coast since 1909. The factory tour includes samples and their ice cream is exceptional.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Crater Lake Lodge Accommodation

Book 6-12 months in advance

The historic lodge on the rim of Crater Lake is the only in-park accommodation with limited rooms and a short summer season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Timberline Lodge Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Historic WPA-era lodge on Mount Hood is iconic and popular year-round for skiing and summer hiking.

Oregon Coast Yurts and Cabins Accommodation

Book 6-9 months in advance

Oregon State Parks yurts and cabins along the coast are affordable and extremely popular with limited inventory.

Willamette Valley Wine Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Oregon Pinot Noir country is popular. Premium winery tastings (like Domaine Drouhin, Eyrie) require appointments.

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