If you’re looking for a vacation destination with variety, try a little Internet research to learn about Portland, Ore., and its surrounding mountains, forest, farmland and scenic Pacific Ocean coast.
www.pova.org/visitors/
Start your travel planning at Portland’s tourism Web site and click on “Visitors” for some of the many things you can see and do. Take a look at “Attractions: Portland” to learn about the city’s famous rose gardens and the historic Pearl district. If you have a yen for golf or skiing, head for “Outdoor Portland.” Also provided is a guide to the weather – it’s comfortable and isn’t as rainy as spots such as Atlanta or Indianapolis.
www.mthoodterritory.com/
South and east of the city, explore scenic drives, rivers, trails and farms in Clackamas County, the home of 11,245-foot Mount Hood. The annual Tomato Tasting Festival &Salsa Taste-Off is coming up in September, along with the Mount Hood Autumn Festival. Wineries and breweries are listed under “Country Pleasures,” but you’ll have to use one of those search menus to find them. Then dig into “Great Outdoors” to learn about boating, biking, hiking, guest ranches, winter sports and hot springs to soak in.
gorp.away.com/gorp/location/or/ru_port.htm
Gather more helpful information on the Portland region from GORP with emphasis on camping, hiking, winter sports, fishing and biking.
www.countrysideofportland.com/
Head west out of Portland to reach the coast, but on your way take time to explore Washington Country home of farmers markets, vineyards and bicycle trails. Click on “Visitors” to learn more, especially about wineries. There’s a brief outline of other attractions under “Things to See and Do,” but no details – click on “Request Information” and order guides the old-fashioned way, on paper.
www.nps.gov/focl/102004LCNHP/index.html
Since this is the 200th anniversary of the Lewis &Clark Expedition’s arrival at the Pacific, it’s a great time to visit the newest entry in the National Park system, the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks, which includes several sites on the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River.
Roger Petterson, Associated Press
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