What Is Oregon Famous for?

Oregon is famous for food, hikes, and keeping it weird. Which of these famed Oregon activities will you take on next?
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The birthplace of Nike, host of an annual naked bike ride, beloved foodie destination, and home to more natural wonders than you can count,
Oregon
is ready to impress you. This iconic Pacific state is famous for everything that makes life worth living.
You probably know Oregon primarily as the hippie home of
Portland
’s weirdos. While you’re not wrong, there’s a lot more to Oregon than Portland! From the coastal getaways on the Pacific Ocean to the high-desert towns in southern and central Oregon, prepare to fall in love with this state’s diverse culinary and cultural offerings. Seriously, Oregon is famous for good reason!
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What is Oregon famous for? 

Natural wonders, from coast to mountains

Whatever kind of outdoor adventures you’re into, Oregon has it in spades. You can ski, hike, climb, paddle, and more, thanks to the Beaver State’s prime location stretching from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the high desert in the east.
If you’re looking for coastal destinations, try Coos Bay, Newport, Depot Bay, Seaside, or the picturesque
Cannon Beach
where you can see puffins at a huge sea stack. There are nine lighthouses on the coast here. 
For epic hikes, check out the world-famous
Crater Lake
, Mount Hood, Mount Tabor (the extinct volcano in the middle of Portland), Rooster Rock, and the
Columbia Gorge
, where the Pacific Crest Trail passes through fields of wildflowers. Don’t miss the
Hood River Fruit Loop
!
Don’t skip the tourist destination Multnomah Falls or the mysterious Painted Hills in Central Oregon.

Oregon Trail pioneer history 

Oregon is famous for its role in mid-1800s pioneer history, as waves of emigrants crossed the United States seeking rich agricultural land. This state is proud of its history, and there are
numerous
museums
(some where you can see real wagon ruts), themed experiences, and
ghost towns
dedicated to honoring the farming families that made the treacherous trip by wagon via the
Oregon Trail
.  

Home to Tillamook Cheese Factory, the largest in the world

Not far from the Pacific Coast is the
Tillamook Creamery
, where you can tour the factory, taste samples of cheese and ice cream, and buy some cute
dairy-themed merch
. This is some of the best cheese in America, and it’s well worth a visit.

Illegal to pump your own gas

Finally, there’s one thing that’s weirdly famous about Oregon. It is actually illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon! The only other state with a similar law is
New Jersey
On the one hand, it’s awesome that this law has led to the creation of more jobs for Oregonians. You never have to get wet in the PNW rain or handle a groaty nozzle. On the other hand, this rule can be really annoying when the clerks are busy and you have to wait—or if you forget and try to pump your own gas then someone comes running towards you waving their arms and yelling. 
Ready to take a closer look at some of Oregon’s iconic cities and what they are famous for? Let’s go.

What is Portland famous for? 

International Rose Test Garden established: 1917
Oregon Centennial Exposition and International Trade Fair held: 1959
One of the top 10 US cities for: Living!

Arts & culture 

You’ve heard the phrase “Keep Portland weird,” right? Well, Portland is full of diverse, artsy, and independent businesses that embody the meaning of weird. This is a truly liberal metropolis, due in no small part to the number of artists and progressive thinkers who live and make here. 
There’s a burgeoning film industry here as well as the country’s largest independent bookstore,
Powell’s
. Portland is also home to
Street Roots
, a local newspaper produced and distributed by the homeless. This city is the birthplace of Nike and it’s also the home of advertising superstar
Wieden+Kennedy
. You’ll find galleries,
movie theaters
, and
theaters
on every corner. 

Incredible food and craft beers (and kombucha!)

The Portland food scene is famous for good reason. Chefs here are incredibly innovative and there’s a real commitment to working with local ingredients. Plus, it’s one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the entire nation. If you’re looking to sample some of Portland’s best food and drinks, try:

Bicycle culture

In keeping with the eco-friendly vibes of Portland,
biking
is a serious pastime for many locals. You can spot people commuting to work by bike, heading to meet up with friends by bike, or even participating in the annual
World Naked Bike Ride
Portland even earned the “platinum” designation for being a bike-friendly community, the highest rating given out by the League of American Bicyclists. 

What is Ashland famous for?

Golden spike planted to complete the railroad: December 17, 1887
Establishment of Lithia Park with healing water: 1908
One of the top 10 US cities for: Theater, mountain biking

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

In 1935, Angus L. Bowmer founded the
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
in the midst of the
Chautauqua
arts movement. General admission to those first shows was just $0.50. Today, OSF commissions a variety of new works and puts on performances of classic Shakespearean plays year-round. The outdoor theater venue is not to be missed!

Creative culinary offerings

Ashland is close to Oregon’s wine country, an advantage that local chefs utilize to produce stunning tasting menus highlighting local ingredients paired with Oregon wines. Among the most well-known restaurants in Ashland are
Alchemy
(there’s a foie gras butterfinger on the menu right now),
New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro
,
Morning Glory
for breakfast, and the quirky
Oberon’s
.

Alice in Wonderland trail network 

Whether you’re mountain biking or hiking, these
Lewis Carroll-themed trails
are perfect for escaping the city and exploring the magical hills of Southern Oregon. The Red Queen and Alice in Wonderland loop is pleasantly challenging at 4.8 miles and rewards you with epic views of the Ashland area.

What is Bend famous for?

Being the beer capital of Oregon: More than 22 breweries on the Bend Ale Trail
Golfing: More than 24 courses in Bend
One of the top 10 US cities for: Affordable and adventurous desert vacations
Best visited in the summer, the city of Bend offers tons of high desert activities—without the sky-high prices of other desert destinations like
Las Vegas
or
Palm Springs
In winter, ski at
Mount Bachelor
. In the summer, hike South Sister, float the
Deschutes River
, or join the locals for
mountain biking
. There are even caves nearby! (Try spelunking at the
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
.) 
While you’re in the area, make sure to drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. In winter, you will need chains, and the views are not as scenic. 
There’s also luxury to be had in Bend. The brewpub
McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School
location has a soaking pool ($5 per person). Hotels like the
Sunriver Resort
offer plenty of live music and relaxation opportunities just outside of town. All the lodges and restaurants in this area are up for the challenge of keeping you cozy, well-fed, and entertained in any weather
This area was indigenous land prior to the arrival of settlers in the late 1800s. It’s worth learning about the past and present of
Native tribes
in the Bend area such as the Wasco, Paiutes, Clatskanie, Molalla, and Cayuse. Visit the
Raven Makes Gallery
to support indigenous artists.

How to save money on car insurance in Oregon

Oregon is famous for its quirkiness, outdoor recreation, and incredible eats.
Jerry
is famous for car insurance savings. We’re a match made in heaven!
To save money on car insurance in Oregon—which you should definitely do before you plan an expensive trip—get the free Jerry app. In 45 seconds, you’ll get to see competitive rates from top insurance companies. If you find a lower rate than your current policy, just tap to switch. Jerry deals with all the boring stuff like paperwork and phone calls. 
How would you like to save more than $800 a year to put towards your next adventure? That is the amount that the average Jerry user saves, thanks to our spiffy bargain-hunting app! 
“Since I’m under 25, I thought paying a lot for insurance was normal.
Jerry
made it easy to find affordable insurance. It was even easy to switch insurance agencies. I went to bed and woke up with new insurance.” —Steven C.
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