Willamette Valley is a broad agricultural valley in northwestern Oregon, stretching between the Cascade Range and the Coast Range. The Willamette River runs through its center, while fertile farmland, wooded foothills, vineyards, orchards, and small communities fill the surrounding landscape. Portland lies at the valley’s northern end, with Salem and Eugene among its principal cities.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers an enchanting coastal escape along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack that rises 235 feet above the sand, this charming town is a visual feast for visitors. This natural landmark, surrounded by tide pools, is a prime spot for bird watching and marine life observation. The beach's scenic beauty, combined with its dramatic rock formations and golden sands, makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a city where ancient walls surround over 30 historic temples, and daily life continues just steps away from centuries-old rituals. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the city still reflects its origins through distinctive architecture, moats, and cultural practices. Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are two of the most visited temples within the Old City, offering a chance to see traditional Lanna-style design.
Farther from a continental landfall than any other group of islands on earth, the twelve Marquesas jut out of the open Pacific just south of the equator, shrouded in a constant cloud cover.
Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio.
Photo Credit: Photo by Patrick Bigelow on Unsplash
Coos Bay is the Coast's largest urban community and a major wood products shipping center, thanks to the deepest harbor between San Francisco and Puget Sound. In addition to museums, shops and theaters, Coos Bay is well known for its myrtlewood and diverse activities in beautiful surroundings. Visit the Coos Art Museum; fish for chinook and coho salmon in the Coos River or the ocean; take a drive out to Golden and Silver Falls State Park.
Other Popular Destinations in Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a city where natural beauty and urban innovation coexist harmoniously. Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and framed by volcanic mountains, Portland offers an array of outdoor adventures alongside its renowned cultural scene. Visitors can explore the lush expanses of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., or take a leisurely stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which showcases exquisite traditional Japanese landscape design.
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.