When you think of Oregon, a thriving forest with its wandering streams and towering mountains likely comes to mind.  Oregon’s many natural features and recreational opportunities make the state a major tourist attraction.  Home to one of the nation’s most extensive park systems, Oregon is a playground for outdoor recreation.  However, there is much more to Oregon than its looks.

Travel and tourism is Oregon’s 3rd largest employer, and for good reason.  From the cultural attractions of the Portland Metro area to some of the country’s best skiing on Bend’s Mt. Bachelor, the amenities found within Oregon’s borders become, quite simply, a treasured way of life for those that call Oregon home.

The Cascade Mountain range divides not only the major variations in Oregon’s climate, but also the western third from the rest of the state.  To the west of the Cascades there can be found relatively heavy precipitation and moderate temps.  Those areas east of the Cascades experience relatively little precipitation and more extreme temps.

Oregon can be divided in to 7 major areas: Central Oregon, Portland Metro, Willamette Valley, Mt. Hood & the Gorge, Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon and the Oregon Coast.

Oregon Facts:

1. There are several state and private universities across the state, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University
2. The Portland Trailblazers is the state’s professional basketball team, and the Portland Timbers are the Major League Soccer team, coming in 2011
3. There are 60+ craft breweries across the state
4. Oregon is one of two states in the US without a sales tax, and without self-serve gas stations
5. The Portland area was dubbed ‘Silicon Forest’ for it’s advanced technology industry

Central Oregon embraces the best of what Oregon has to offer, on a more intimate scale.  Just miles from the Mt. Bachelor ski resort, Bend is at the center of the area’s happenings, with a welcoming and cosmopolitan appeal.  Bend is renowned for its world-class dining, destination resorts, and recreation.  Whether it’s fly fishing on the Deschutes River, climbing scenic Smith Rock, hiking, biking, white water rafting, or teeing off at one of Bend’s world-renowned golf courses, a world of recreation is quite literally minutes away.

In northwest corner of the state, Portland Metro area is a hub of urban adventure, known for its vibrant arts community, urban green spaces, and a world-class public transportation system – making it one of the most livable cities in the US.  Called the City of Roses, Portland is home to the International Rose Test Garden, which contains over 550 varieties of roses.  Nike is headquartered in the Portland Metro area, and Intel has made the Portland Metro area home to its largest site in the world.  An area large enough to support much of Oregon’s industry yet small enough to enjoy a stroll through the many intimate parks and gardens, there is no doubt why so many Oregonians call it home.

South of Portland, the Willamette Valley is a beautiful area brimming with history and romantic scenery.  The area surrounding the Willamette River, this was the destination of choice for the emigrants on the Oregon Trail in the 1840s.  The heart of Oregon’s agricultural industry, the growing season beckons visitors to its many farmer’s markets, wineries, covered bridges and historic towns.

North of Central Oregon on up to the state border to the awe-inspiring Columbia River, the Mt. Hood/Gorge recreation area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.  Mt. Hood is home to four ski areas, including historic Timberline Lodge, which offers North America’s longest ski season.  In addition, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is North America’s largest night skiing area.  The Hood River Valley not only presents views of invigorating waterfalls and some of the world’s best windsurfing, but is one of the largest fruit-growing regions in Oregon.

To the east, Eastern Oregon’s topography transforms to widespread views of rolling hills, desert lands and wild rivers.  The Old West comes alive with museums regarding the Oregon Trail, the Pendleton Round-Up and remnants of Lewis & Clark’s infamous journey.  With attractions like the John Day fossil beds, the Painted Hills, the Steens Mountains and Hells Canyon, dropping down 8000 feet to become the deepest river gorge in North America, heading east is as beautiful as it is historical.

For a more temperate climate, Southern Oregon offers everything from world-class theater to the deepest lake in the US.  Ashland is home to the Tony-Award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs annually February through October.  Crater Lake is not only the deepest lake in the US, it is Oregon’s only National Park.  Picturesque and bustling with hikers and sight-seers, it is a must-see.

363 miles long, the Oregon Coast is marked with dramatic scenery, gracious coastal towns, and some of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.  Whether it’s rocky cliffs or limitless sandy beaches, the character of the scenery is matched only by that of the activity found in its quaint coastal villages.  From Astoria south to Brookings, countless legendary seafood spots and offshore salmon fishing, sand-dunes begging for visitors to take them on, the popular Seaside Promenade and a world-class aquarium welcome avid fun-seekers.

Oregon - United States - Luxury Homes - Information provided by courtesy of Norma DuBois - Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate