15 Top Things to Do in Oregon

Travelers come to Oregon for its lush forests, rugged coastline, towering mountains, and all that this Pacific Northwest jewel has to offer. And residents like to think their state is “weird” and wonderful in many unique ways.

Fortunately, allied travelers have the chance to experience all of it. Whether you find healthcare jobs in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Bend or locations in between, the state offers many great attractions and distractions to explore during your time off.

So, call a Club Staffing recruiter and add these 15 things to your Oregon bucket list!

15 things to do in Oregon:

1.    Dive into the deep blue waters of Crater Lake. Crater Lake exceeds 1,900 feet at its deepest point, earning the title of the deepest lake in the United States. Spend time exploring this national park to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere.
2.    Raft down the Rogue River. Flowing more than 200 miles from Crater Lake in the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean, this scenic river offers a variety of small and large rapids and excellent wildlife sightings. After a long day of rafting, travelers can relax in one of the inviting restaurants in the town of Rogue River or other stops along the way.
3.    Go climb a mountain. Mount Hood dominates the backdrop of many an Oregon photo, and expert climbers can experience this awesome peak up close. But hikers and climbers of all skill levels can find dozens of options in Oregon’s mountain ranges. Choose a trail that suits your ability, go with a guide if needed, and get ready for cool, crisp air and views you’ll brag about for years to come.
4.    Satisfy your cravings for craft beer on the Bend Ale Trail. Want some fresh air with those hops? This mountain town of just over 80,000 hosts 14 breweries to sample and enjoy.
5.    Get lost in a million books at Powell’s City of Books. This Portland mainstay is the largest new and used bookstore in the world, taking up an entire city block. Wander through all 9 rooms and among 3,500 sections to find something for every taste, including many out-of-print and hard-to-find titles.
6.    Wind your way through Willamette wine country. Did you know Oregon has a famous Pinot Noir? You can taste it for yourself as you tour the vineyards and wineries in the picturesque Willamette Valley.
7.    Check out a cheese tour. Take a self-guided tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory, learning history while you taste different cheeses or even frozen treats at the Tillamook Ice Creamery. You’ll find it all in the small town of--you guessed it--Tillamook, at the southern part of Tillamook Bay.
8.    Find your favorite food truck. With over 500 food carts and trucks in Portand, it could take more than a 13-week assignment to find the best. But it doesn’t hurt to try, right? Food truck “pods” offer the greatest variety of vendors in one spot. From Asian fusion to street tacos, and from vegan choices to good ‘ol comfort food, allied travelers are sure to find something to suit their tastes.
9.    Rock the Rose Test Garden in Portland. The “City of Roses” stands up to its nickname in this romantic and beautiful spot in Washington Park. Visitors can stroll through International Rose Test Garden and experience 7,000 rose varieties and spectacular views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range. Summer visitors to Portland will also find an extensive calendar of events to enjoy as part of the annual Rose Festival that helped put this city on the map.
10.    See sea lions along the seashore. Try this back-to-nature version of “Where’s Waldo,” picking out these lazy and beautiful creatures among the rocks. The Sea Lion Caves north of Florence is a privately owned wildlife preserve that boasts some of the best viewing spots. While you’re at it, soak in all of the scenic overlooks along the ruggedly beautiful Oregon coast.
11.    Discover dinosaurs at Prehistoric Gardens. This famous roadside attraction along Oregon’s Highway 101 coastal route gives visitors an idea how big dinosaurs really were with 23 “life-size” sculptures. Little and big kids alike will love the adventure and the history lessons as they walk through the fern-draped paths of this lush rain forest, with a Jurassic Park-like effect.
12.    Cycle for a cause, or just for fun. Oregon has an active biking community, with numerous opportunities to ride with other like-minded cyclists. Steep mountain trails, scenic bike paths and city parks are all possible for bicyclists at varying skill levels. Check out upcoming cycling events and more at Ride Oregon Ride.
13.    Devour some Dungeness crab. These giant crustaceans are served up fresh, up and down the coast, and you can even go crabbing with your own boat in places like Newport. Other Pacific Northwest seafood favorites include oysters, salmon and more.
14.    Sample the Shakespeare season. The city of Ashland hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, producing 11 plays from February to early November every year. Choose from exciting productions on three different stages, including one outdoor theater for a little Shakespeare under the stars.
15.    Fancy some falls for breathtaking views. From the iconic Multnomah Falls at the Columbia River Gorge to Punch Bowl Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and more, Oregon offers some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls for hikers and photographers to enjoy. Use this Oregon waterfall map to find the ones closest to your allied travel assignment.

LOOKING FOR allied travel jobs in Oregon? Contact the placement experts at Club Staffing.