Portland Media Kit

Surroundings (destinations outside Portland)

"One of the best things about [Portland] is how quickly visitors can get out of town: true bucolic landscapes ... commence just past the city limits, and within an hour or two, it's possible to be surfing at Cannon Beach or skiing — even in summer — on Mount Hood, the magnificent dormant volcano that looms over the town." – Travel + Leisure magazine

Portland's appeal is partly due to its close proximity to Mount Hood, the North Willamette Valley's vineyards, wild rivers, lush fields and the rugged Oregon coast. All of this makes a Portland a great starting point for a wider exploration of the region.

Willamette Valley Wine Country

Oregon wines have gained international attention because of their delicate ﬂavor, crisp ﬁnish and relatively low alcohol content. The success and popularity of Oregon's more than 300 wineries can in part be attributed to the Willamette Valley's ideal location — the valley sits on the same latitude as France's Burgundy wine region. The area encompasses Yamhill County, Washington County, the Red Hills of Dundee and Eola Hills. The entrance to the Willamette Valley Wine Country is just 20 miles (32 kilometers) from downtown Portland, and many of the wineries offer tours, tasting rooms and other features.

Oregon Wine Board – www.oregonwine.org
Willamette Valley Visitors Association – www.oregonwinecountry.org
Willamette Valley Wineries Association – www.willamettewines.com

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Just outside Portland – 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) to be exact – the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers 292,500 acres (118,371 hectares) of unparalleled scenery and outdoor recreation options.

A leisurely drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway is a popular way to experience the gorge. One of the ﬁrst stops heading east from Troutdale is the Vista House at Crown Point. Built in 1916 as a monument to Oregon's early pioneers and a respite for travelers, Vista House is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Here visitors soak in panoramic views of the gorge. The old highway features several waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, Oregon's highest at 620 feet (189 meters). Hiking trails and picnic facilities are available at several of the waterfall sites.

The Gorge's Hood River – a ski town during winter – becomes a beach bum's paradise every summer with unparalleled windsurfing, quaint galleries and beer from America's first employee-owned brewery, Full Sail Brewing. Located one hour from Portland (and just 30 minutes from Mount Hood), it's also in the middle of orchard country, accessible via a 35-mile (56-kilometer) driving tour known as the Hood River Fruit Loop. Spring brings a blossom festival; fall is harvest fest time.

Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association – www.crgva.org
Friends of Multnomah Falls – www.friendsofmultnomahfalls.org
Friends of Vista House – www.vistahouse.com
Historic Columbia River Highway – www.byways.org/explore/byways/2141
Hood River – www.hoodriver.org
Hood River Fruit Loop – www.hoodriverfruitloop.com

Mount Hood

Rising an impressive 11,235 feet (3,424 meters), this majestic peak 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) southeast of Portland in the Cascade Range is a dormant volcano. Mount Hood is well known as the home of Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, and Timberline Ski Area, which boasts the longest ski season in North America. Whether skiing, snowboarding, climbing or just sightseeing, it's easy to appreciate Timberline's appeal to travelers.

Additional ski areas on the mountain's expansive shoulders include Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and Ski Area, Summit Ski Area, and Mount Hood Skibowl, the largest night skiing area in North America.

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and Ski Area – www.cooperspur.com
Mount Hood Information Center – www.mthood.info
Mt. Hood Meadows – www.skihood.com
Mount Hood Skibowl – www.skibowl.com
Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory – www.mthoodterritory.com
Summit Ski Area – www.summitskiarea.com
Timberline Lodge and Ski Area – www.timberlinelodge.com

The Oregon Coast

Oregon's rugged coastline is a photographer's dream. A trip down the coast can include stops in historic Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies; Cannon Beach, loved by shoppers and art collectors; the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where nearly one million visitors watch the cheese-making and packaging processes each year; Depoe Bay, a popular whale-watching site; Newport, home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium; and sand dunes and Sea Lion Caves in Florence.

Oregon Coast Visitors Association – www.visittheoregoncoast.com

Crater Lake

More than 7,000 years ago a violent eruption blew the top off of Mount Mazama, creating Oregon's most famous natural wonder – Crater Lake. With depths of 1,932 feet (589 meters), this is the deepest lake in the United States (seventh deepest in the world). Established in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is Oregon's only national park. The park is open year-round; however, winter access and services are limited due to heavy snow. (Crater Lake receives 533 inches/1,354 centimeters of snow annually.) The restored Crater Lake Lodge is open mid-May through mid-October. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, guided snowshoeing expeditions, hiking, camping and boat tours of the lake.

Crater LakeNational Park – www.nps.gov/crla
Crater LakeNational Park Lodges – www.craterlakelodges.com

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