America trip | Best of Oregon State

Located in northern Oregon, Mount Hood is the state's highest mountain and an unforgettable destination for hikers, climbers, skiers and tourists. At 3425 metres, this glacier-covered peak is one of the most visited mountains in the world, as it offers excellent snow conditions for skiers all year round. Visitors to the mountain often stay at the famous timber and stone Timberline Lodge, built in the 1930s, which offers truly breathtaking views of the mountain. Be sure not to miss the beautifully scenic driving route known as the 'Fruit Loop', which in summer offers spectacular views of wildflowers, fruit trees and some beautiful alpine lakes.

The city of Bend, located in central Oregon between the Cascade and Maury mountain ranges, is a popular destination in both summer and winter. When it is warm, you can head to the beautiful Cascade Mountains for canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, camping and hiking on forest trails, while the powerful Deschutes River offers opportunities for whitewater rafting and sport fishing. South of Bend is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you can view lava flows and explore ice caves, while the winter resort of Mt. Bachelor is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state of Oregon. For those interested in the history of central Oregon, the High Desert Museum is well worth a visit.

Situated in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is home to America’s deepest lake, known simply as ‘Crater Lake’. This impressive park is an ideal destination for hikers, horse riders and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, many of which offer incredible views of the lake’s famous Wizard Island, a cinder cone volcanic island near the western shoreline. Visitors can also look forward to viewing the lake on a guided boat tour or whilst exploring the 53-kilometre-long ‘Rim Drive’, which circles the lake and offers a number of idyllic picnic spots from which to admire the park’s exquisite natural scenery.

Along California's northern coast stretches a series of protected forests, beaches and grasslands that make up the Redwood National and State Parks. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park has trails through dense ancient forests and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park hosts Fern Canyon - with its tall, plant-covered walls. Roosevelt elk can be spotted in Elk Prairie and Lady Bird Johnson Grove is home to the tallest trees in the world. The parks' vast prairies, oak forests, wild rivers and rugged coastline offer visitors spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. These include: kayaking trips, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife spotting and camping in the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Oregon coast - a nearly 560km stretch of the US Pacific coastline - is one of the country's premier tourist regions and offers incredible natural attractions. This favourite among roadtrippers and backpackers is divided into three distinct tourist areas. Oregon's north coast offers the quaint town of Astoria overlooking the Columbia River. There is also beautiful Cannon Beach and nearby Ecola State Park, and finally Tillamook, the main destination for kayaking and hiking. Oregon's central coast is known for its dramatic sea cliffs and rocky bays and includes areas with many activities, such as the Sea Lion Caves and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (near Yachats). The south coast of Oregon has a beautiful year-round climate, many sandy beaches and the beautiful Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Set on the rugged Oregon Coast on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Coos Bay is a robust port town located in Coos County, Oregon. Ideally situated between Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Shore Acres State Park, the town is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts eager to enjoy fishing, whale watching, cycling, bird watching and quad biking on the dunes. For more easy-going travellers, a stroll along downtown Coos Bay offers various shopping, entertainment and dining facilities as well as gift shops. Highlights include the Historic Egyptian Theatre, Liberty Theatre, Coos Art Museum, and Coos History Museum. A wander along the Coos Bay Boardwalk is ideal for visitors eager to purchase fish at the market or enjoy lunch on the picnic tables while taking in gorgeous views of the bay.

Jacksonville, Oregon, is located about eight kilometres west of Medford, surrounded by rolling hills and the winding Rogue River. Brick pavements pass antique shops, cafes and galleries housed in former banks and saloons, with each building preserving a piece of history from the gold rush era. The Beekman House Museum and other heritage sites provide insights into domestic and social life, while walking tours pay attention to churches, houses and inns that have changed little since the 19th century. Off the streets, the Jacksonville Woodlands walking trail network winds through forests and over hills, connecting old mining sites with spots for birdwatching and wildflower viewing. Seasonal events, such as the Britt Music & Arts Festival, bring performances to outdoor stages. A short drive takes you to the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, where rolling vineyards welcome visitors for guided tastings and cellar tours.

From the skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country roads of New England, The United States of America is a place of beauty and of unprecedented diversity. Visit the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Empire State Building, the Iconic Statue of Liberty and catch a glimpse of the lights of Las Vegas! Not to mention the country's natural treasures: the many national parks with beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The beaches on both the east and west coasts are also well worth a visit. The United States is a country of such vast dimensions that a lifetime in the United States can still feel like you have barely seen any of the country.

Located on the east coast of America, the beautiful state of Oregon is known for its diverse landscapes of mountains, farms, forests and beaches. The state's famous capital, Portland, is a popular cultural hub with many coffee shops, boutiques and local restaurants to explore. Those looking for outdoor experiences can explore a variety of natural areas, including the breathtaking Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge and the imposing peak of Mount Hood. This vast wilderness serves as an ideal setting for various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and swimming. Other popular attractions in Oregon include: the Willamette Valley, with an abundance of world-famous vineyards; the impressive Oregon Caves National Monument; and the tranquil McKenzie River with its riverside hiking trails and scenic picnic spots.

A vibrant port and important fishing centre, Newport is a popular destination on the Central Oregon Coast. With a great selection of attractions and activities, travellers can explore the unique Newport Wax Museum; visit the excellent Oregon Coast Aquarium, home to an amazing array of marine animals; and visit the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Centre to learn more about marine research in the region. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, offers breathtaking views of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area from its climbable tower. After a day of exploration, head to the charming Bayfront area to watch the sea lions hang out and enjoy some of Newport's famous seafood.

Medford is the largest city in southern Oregon and offers a wide range of exciting attractions and activities. Visitors can look forward to popular tours of this premier wine region's most prized estates: Caprice, Abacela, EdenVale and 2Hawk. At the same time, the centre is full of shops selling other local products and crafts. For those interested in learning more about the area's rich history, the Crater Rock Museum offers a fascinating collection of gems and minerals, and the Butte Creek Mill dates back to 1872 and is still in operation. Active travellers are spoilt for choice, with fantastic hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, mountain biking in the Rogue Valley, boating on Crater Lake, kayaking, rafting and fishing on the Rogue and Upper Klamath Rivers, and skiing on Mt Ashland, the main winter sports area in southern Oregon.