Oregon

If you're looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, Oregon is one of the best states in America to visit. From windsurfing to downhill skiing, you'll find almost any outdoor activity you're interested in. Oregon has a tremendous variety of natural features, from its mountains through the Columbia River Gorge to the Pacific Ocean coastline, making a wide variety of outdoor adventures possible.

When you need a break from all that adventure, visit one of Oregon's laid-back cities. Portland, the largest city, is a great base for trips to Mount Hood, the Gorge and the coast. After a full day of hiking or biking, you can dive into the thriving cultural scene. You'll eat, drink and hear great music all over the city. Portland is particularly well known for its many excellent local breweries, which produce draught after draught of the finest microbrewed beer.

South of Portland, Eugene is a cozy college town, known for its relaxed atmosphere and its progressive politics. Its residents seem to have an unusual interest in sports, especially running. It's no surprise, then, that sports giant Nike got its start in Eugene, producing running shoes for the University of Oregon's track team.