Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, on the North American continent. Its landscape is notably varied, and that variety is what most visitors come for: a state that can offer very different kinds of scenery within a single trip.
Salem is the state capital, while Portland is the largest city. Visitors who want a city base often start in Portland, then travel outward to the rest of the state. Salem makes a quieter stop for those interested in the seat of state government.
What to expect
- Diverse landscape: the state is described as having a wide range of terrain, so a trip can change character quickly from one area to the next.
- Pacific Northwest setting: its position on the Pacific coast shapes the region's identity and its outdoor character.
- No sales tax: a practical point for shoppers, since Oregon is known for not levying a state sales tax.
Planning your visit
Oregon is also known by the names OR, the Beaver State and Pacific Wonderland, which you may see on signs, maps and travel materials. Because the state is large and its regions differ, it helps to decide early which part you want to see, whether that is the city, the countryside or the coast, and to plan your route around that choice.
