Oregon is another state with a variety of geological landforms, producing a diverse group of natural attractions that entice thousands of tourists each year. There is a beautiful coastline with various habitats, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and even volcanoes. What a kaleidoscope!

     The city of Portland is the major gateway. In some cases, it is a throwback to the hippie days of the 1970’s. The people are laid back and carefree, probably a great place to live. The city’s main attraction is Washington Park, a huge expanse of green, overlooking the city. The park contain the Rose Test Garden, a showcase of thousands of varieties of the fragrant and lovely plants.

Rose Test Garden

The park also contains an extensive, classic Japanese Garden which is a delight to stroll.

Japanese Garden

 From the park, visitors can get the best view of the city an its omnipresent companion, Mount Hood.

Portland Skyline

   The Columbia River, which divides Oregon from Washington State, flows nearby and draws tourists to its scenic drive and waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls, tallest in Oregon.

Multnomah Falls

       The Oregon coast is another attraction. It is long and varied and a pleasure to drive. You can see places such as, Cannon Beach, with its sea stacks,

Cannon Beach

   and the Oregon dunes, a beautiful stretch of the coastline.

Oregon Dunes

   Pitcher Plants are the order of the day at Darlingtonia State Botanical Site. These insect-eating plants are fascinating to observe.

Darlingtonia

   To me the best attraction in Oregon is Crater Lake National Park, in the southern part of the state. The lake, formed from an extinct volcano (Mt Mazama), is extremely deep and has the lovliest blue color.

 There is even a crater within the crater which forms Wizard Island.

Wizard Island