Skip Europe This Summer: This Gorge in Oregon Is Just as Stunning as the Slovenian Countryside

The term "underrated gem" gets thrown around quite often and is not always deserved when used. However, it is also important to remember that some places can be very well-known and beloved by those who live nearby, but can be utterly forgotten about when the scope becomes wider. This is the case for the Columbia River Gorge in the United States and Slovenia outside of Europe. 

Formerly part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia is a country in Europe that many travelers may not have heard of, but have certainly seen images of (if you have an LG TV, one of the screensavers is of Lake Bled from Slovenia). Although you’ll notice influences from Germanic, Italian, and Slavic culture, the country retains a distinct sense of self and has become a secret favorite of many Europeans looking for a gorgeous vacation. Similarly, the Columbia River Gorge is not a place that many people outside of the Pacific Northwest will have heard of, but they’ve certainly seen it in movies such as “Twilight” and “Wild.” Meanwhile, lucky locals take advantage of the area’s natural beauty to hike, raft, bike, or take scenic drives. 

Visually, although the Slovenian countryside and the Gorge are not identical, they do share multiple features. Both are known for their dramatic landscapes with impressive mountains, valleys, waterfalls, forests, and rivers. As a result, both also allow for all manner of activities to take place from waterports in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Additionally, although it won’t shock anyone that the Gorge, as part of Oregon, sees quite a bit of rain and fog, it may surprise them to know that Slovenia is also a very rainy country with thick layers of fog. In fact, its capital Ljubljana is considered to be one of the wettest capitals in all of Europe. 

Agriculture is also close to the heart of both the Gorge and the Slovenian countryside. Although the Willamette Valley in Oregon is best known as the space for farmland and wineries, the Gorge has been gaining recognition in this as well, with many orchards dotting the hillsides as well as vineyards. Wine, in particular, has been a focus — credited to the vast differences in temperature along the Gorge that can allow for different types of grapes to grow and thrive (heat to the east and cooler temperatures to the west). The Slovenian countryside, in comparison, has dedicated themselves to wine for a lot longer, but is still not as popular as they should be, with the title as one of the most underrated wine destinations in Europe. They too also have many orchards, and are known for the diverse array of fruits they offer. 

So, whether you’re looking to go canyoning in the Slovenian mountains or visit one of the many waterfalls alongside the Gorge, both will keep you delighted and awed with their natural landscapes and the activities that go hand-in-hand with them. Additionally, if you’re looking for a delicious glass of wine to end the day with, both locations will leave you absolutely swamped with options to choose from. But, maybe you disagree with this comparison and have a better one? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!