Vacation Rentals in Oregon

With an area of 95,000 square miles, Oregon is the 10th largest state in the USA, and sits just below Washington and north of California. It may be remote from Chicago or New York, but it’s easy to reach, whether you choose to fly, drive or take an Amtrak train. And with a range of mountains, beaches, cities and lakes to explore, it’s also a state that offers plenty of variety.

If you want to get to Oregon as quickly as possible, major airports like Portland International, Eugene and Southwest Oregon offer interstate connections, while you can drive from Seattle to the north or San Francisco to the south via I-5. Amtrak also run transcontinental rail services like the Empire Builder and the Coast Starlight, which stop in Portland.

If you just want to see the rock formations and beaches of the Pacific Coast, you can rent a car and cruise along I-5, or take Route 101, which tracks the coast exactly. There are also routes into Oregon’s interior, like Route 138, which makes the ski slopes and outdoor activities at Crater Lake easy to reach.

Oregon is famous for its mountains, waterfalls and forests, attracting millions of outdoor lovers every year. Head to beauty spots like Crater Lake or Klamath Falls, strap on a pack and explore.

Oregon’s Pacific Beaches may be slightly colder than California, but many of them are truly stunning. Don’t miss highlights like the shipwreck at Astoria or the views from Ecola State Park.

The towns and cities of Oregon are famously creative and easygoing. Check out the music, art and markets of bohemian Portland, enjoy the parks and galleries in Eugene, or relax in laid-back Klamath Falls.

Crater Lake is one of the foremost alpine recreation areas in the USA. Rent skis and explore the many cross-country skiing trails, take the controls of a snowmobile and witness gorgeous views from the mountain slopes.

With its bridges that span the Willamette River, an array of parks and plenty of cafes, bars and galleries to check out, Portland is a beautiful city, and there’s no better way to see it than with an organized bike tour.

Oregon’s summer schedule is packed with music festivals, including What the Festival in Dufur, and Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival – and there should be something for all tastes.

One of the great things about Oregon is its blend of cities, scenery and beaches. You can easily spend a week sunbathing or surfing at stunning beaches like Cannon Beach, Yachats or Manzanita.

When you’re there, don’t miss Oregon’s delicious local produce – which stretches from oysters and craft beers to ice cream, wine and artisan cheeses. It’s a gastronome’s paradise.

If you intend to spend some time on the beaches of Oregon, it’s best to schedule your trip between June and September, when the chill of winter is a distant memory. But if you are heading to Portland or Eugene to enjoy their urban attractions, spring and fall are actually preferable, with smaller crowds and plenty to do. Crater Lake and other ski areas are open for business from late November through March, so if Alpine sports are your thing, that’s the time to visit.

It might also help to check out the dates of local food and drink festivals, as these events offer a unique chance to sample all of the specialties the state has to offer. Portland’s main event (Feast Portland) takes place in mid-September, while Eugene stages its Food and Drink Festival in May.

Getting around Oregon can be time-consuming (it’s a big state!), so plan your journeys in advance if you intend to see as much as possible. If you rent a car, it might make sense to find a rental home in between Eugene, Portland and the major beaches. Somewhere in the Salem area would be ideal.