11 Things Every True Oregonian Does At Least Once Before They Die
Living in Oregon, you’ll never run out of amazing things to do and see (and eat). Although Oregonians are truly a unique and varied bunch, there are some quintessential experiences that almost all of us end up having at one point or another. From floating down a river to braving the line for a Voodoo Doughnut, here are 11 unique things that many Oregonians can say they’ve done, or will do. How many of these experiences have you crossed off your bucket list?
Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is a spectacular natural wonder that you simply have to see with your own two eyes.
Some of the most delicious produce in the country is grown right here in Oregon, and as many Oregonians know, there's no better way to experience it than by picking up fresh produce from your local farmer's market.
All over the U.S., people associate the state of Oregon with its most famous doughnut shop: the one of a kind Voodoo Doughnuts. This popular little shop often has a line of people all the way down the block waiting for up to an hour to sink their teeth into one of the delicious, quirky doughnuts. If you've ever in Portland, it's a quintessential experience, and in my experience, a worthwhile one.
Salt & Straw, Portland's most renowned and unique ice cream shop, has garnered a similarly enormous following in recent years. Hop in line at one of their Portland locations for a mouthwatering scoop of ice cream with flavors like Abiqua Olive Oil, Pear & Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, and more.
One of the best ways to see Oregon is to jump in the car and take a drive through the countryside. It's especailly magical to take a few days to explore, staying at hotels, B&Bs, or campsites along the way.
Multnomah Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, and it's also one of the most picturesque. Every year, thousands of people visit this massive natural wonder and walk right up to the historic bridge that straddles it's middle, where you can feel the cool mist from the waterfall on your skin.
Did you know marionberries were created in Oregon, and that the Beaver State actually grows over 90% of all marionberries in the world? It makes sense, then, why marionberry pies are such an iconic Oregon food. Plus, they're downright mouthwatering. (Find out about our favorite places to grab a slice of marionberry pie here.)
Throughout Oregon, you'll find amazing wineries and vineyards that come in all shapes and sizes. The Willamette Valley in particular is full of gorgeous wineries where you can stop in for a tour, a wine tasting, a picnic, or a farm-to-table meal. It's a great way to relax and explore Oregon's bucolic countryside.
In the summertime, one popular way to spend a hot day in Oregon is to grab an innertube and head to one of Oregon's lovely, lazy rivers. Here's a photo of floaters on the Deschutes River.
Rogue Ales, Deschutes Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Ninkasi, the list goes on and on. Oregon's breweries and brewpubs offer some of the most delicious, innovative beers in the country, and there's nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing pint right from the source.
Oregon's smooth, windswept beaches are a perfect place for flying kites. There are even numerous amazing kite festivals on the coast in Lincoln City, Rockaway Beach, and Brookings.
How many of these things have you done? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out our hidden beaches road trip.
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