Oregon is one of the most beautiful, historically rich, and culturally diverse states in the United States. When visiting, it’s important to make sure you spend your limited time well and get to experience as much of the state as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled 9 of the very best guided tours to make your Oregon stay a memorable one!
Wanderlust Tours offers any number of awesome tours throughout Oregon, but one of their most popular is the Volcano Natural History Tour. From the website description: “Wanderlust Tours’ guides will lead you deep into the belly of an ancient volcano to explore the highlights within this volcanic caldera.” The walk totals two miles and offers a unique look at one of nature’s greatest treasures.
With over 70 breweries in the Portland area alone, brew tours have cropped up all over. One of our favorites is the Brewvana line of public brewery tours. “Our tours include all of your beer samples, light appetizers, pilsner glass and pretzel necklace!” You can even create your own private tour or go on a walking tour.
Oregon White Water Adventures takes full advantage of Oregon’s proximity to some of the best whitewater rafting in the United States. They have a wide variety of trips available, including tours that take as little as half a day and up to three days. A few of the river options include the McKenzie, North Umpqua, Deschutes, and more.
Take in the dazzling views of Oregon waterfalls from the air on the Wonderful Waterfalls Air Tour. You’ll fly over the Vista House, Bonneville Dam, and the Bridge of Gods for a 45-minute excursion in a three-seater airplane. It is truly a breathtaking experience.
Travel back in time as you board the small-group train from Hood River, Oregon to Parkdale, Oregon. You’ll travel through scenic vistas as your path winds through woods, vineyards, and orchards. The entire trip is just under five hours, with a 45-minutes stop in Parkdale. Great for kids and nature lovers of all kinds.
The Umpqua River’s beauty is known far and wide and has inspired artist and poets alike. With this nine-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to travel much of it, getting up close and personal with wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, beaver, muskrat, mallards, and more. You’ll stop by a replica of Fort Umpqua, which is now staffed by interpreters that will help explain the all-important fur and lumber industries. On the way back, you’ll stop at a vineyard to try the Umpqua valley’s specialty wines.
Speaking of wine, if you can’t get enough, then you might want to schedule your Eugene Wine Tour ticket now. This six-hour tour departs from Eugene, Oregon, in a stretch limo or party bus to take you to Iris Vineyards, then to King Estate Winery, Silvan Ridge Vineyard, and Noble Estate Winery. Free drinks included.
Jacksonville, Oregon, flourished during the Gold Rush and is now a National Historic Landmark for its history as part of the Wild West. You’ll ride atop a Segway as your personal guide takes you through the town, “visiting areas of beauty and historical significance.” Set aside two hours for the tour and take your camera for pictures of local wildlife, such as deer and turkeys.
What better way is there to get acquainted with Oregon than from helicopter? For just under five hours, you and your party will experience Oregon by air while you sip on champagne and take in the scenic beauty. Then, you’ll be let off at a winery where you’ll get to sample many of Oregon’s best wines before being taken home again.
