Spanning the border between Oregon and Washington, the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge carves its way through the Cascade Range, creating a natural playground that’s as diverse as it is stunning. It is, without a doubt, one of the best scenic drives in the United States. But the hiking is even more spectacular. On two feet, [...] The post 11 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Oregon is best known for its diverse landscape, the rugged Pacific coastline, the volcanic Cascade Range, and numerous old-growth forests. The largest city, Portland, is famous for its eccentric, “keep Portland weird” culture and iconic parks. The state’s capital, Salem, is also rich in history, offering a glimpse into Oregon’s early beginnings. When I first [...] The post Things to Do in Oregon – The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Looking for coffee places in Portland? Look no further. I am coffee obsessed. It’s safe to say I need it pretty much every day, and I’m fortunate that my home town of Portland is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture as well as being a foodie destination. Home to a vast array of coffee shops [...] The post Where to Find Good Coffee in Portland appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Since Oregon is my home, I always look here first when I get the itch for a good hike. If you’re looking for a detailed guide to Oregon hikes, look no further! Epic Oregon Hikes In my 25+ years of living here, these hikes are my ultimate favorites. I’ll share with you the nitty gritty [...] The post The 7 Best Hikes in Oregon appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it cannot be denied that the sights, sounds, and smells of a good Christmas market will entice even the heartiest of Scrooges. The Pacific Northwest provides visitors with a magical winter wonderland. Cozy small towns are blanketed in fresh snow, evergreen treetops glisten with twinkling lights, and the crisp […] The post The Best Christmas Markets in the Pacific Northwest appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Like many Oregonians, I’ve spent my fair share of spending the night under the stars, listening to the sounds of Oregon’s iconic craggy shoreline as the waves wash up along the shore. No matter where in the world my travels take me, nothing beats the lure of the Pacific, the intoxicating scent of fresh sea […] The post Camping the Oregon Coast – the Ultimate Guide appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Find the best Oregon road trip ideas here, for all reasons, for all seasons. Come discover your own Oregon! The post 5 Best Oregon Road Trip Ideas appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

This article was written by my good friend John Schoppert, who lives in Southern Oregon and intimately knows the Southern Oregon Coast. Dropping over the edge of 50 floors of a sand dune precipice onto a hair-raising incline is no laughing matter. Or is it? Outside of Florence, Oregon, on the southern Oregon coast, is […] The post Southern Oregon Coast: The Thrill of Fiction or Natural Facts? appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

Pacific Northwest vacations are the very definition of outdoor adventure. Here I go again, giving myself another impossible task. The outdoor adventures are never-ending in the PNW. And so I struggle with putting together this list of the best outdoor activities in Oregon in Washington, because amazing adventures are literally everywhere, covering every square mile. […] The post 6 Best Outdoor Vacations in the Pacific Northwest appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more

This is a guest post from some great people that know exactly where all the best road trips are in Oregon – the DMV.  Planning your next road trip? A road trip in Oregon is something you’ll fall in love with. Drive along the scenic coastline or pass by tranquil rivers and lakes, thick forests, […] The post Top 10 Destinations for Road Trips From Oregon appeared first on Explorer Sue ..read more