Great Oregon Vacation Spots

If you're wondering where to head for a vacation this year, Oregon is an incredible state and has many things to offer. Oregon's climate is mild. There are places in Oregon that enjoy a healthy snowfall for skiing, and while there are locations in Oregon where rain is seemingly non-stop, part of what makes Oregon so beautiful is the rainfall. This rain produces lush green mountains and fields that make the ride to your destination a verdant pleasure, indeed. Here are just a few spots to visit in beautiful Oregon.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport:

The Oregon Coast Aquarium was opened in 1992 and is considered one of the top aquariums in America. The aquarium boasts "Passages of the Deep", a walk-through acrylic tunnel featuring up close visual encounters with sharks and different species of fish swimming all around you.

The hands-on exhibit is a favorite with children, where they can touch smiling rays, harmless sharks, starfish, and other marine life as well. All of the outdoor exhibits are fun and educational, with an emphasis on fun. Visit a giant Octopus, playful sea otters, slippery seals, and much more marine life. You can walk the trails to the sea aviary where you can view different species of seabirds such as the Guillemots and Puffins.

Wallowa Lake Tramway in Joseph, Oregon:

This is a truly awe inspiring ride. The gondola opened in 1970 and is a 3700-vertical-feet journey straight up to the summit of Mt. Howard. The view is breathtaking.

As you rise above the Wallowa Lake Village and Wallowa Lake you are given an incredible view of the peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain you can enjoy the summit by walking trails lined with a plethora of alpine plants and vegetation. And you can enjoy the many activities on Mt. Howard including the Summit Grill and Alpine Patio. Hanging gliding is a favorite, as well as hiking along the beautiful trails where there are mountain lakes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Rogue River Jet Boat Rides in Gold Beach, Oregon:

Mail boats began moving the mail up the river in 1895 and soon began taking passengers along as well. The Lower Rogue River is where this journey starts. The Rogue River Tour Boats travel 52 miles up the river into the Wild and Scenic Area, and right into the federally protected Wild and Scenic Area. You'll soon find yourself in the middle of wildlife and wild lands in this exciting yet safe whitewater trip. Bring a lunch and get prepared to get very wet.

Oregon Caves National Monument in Cave Junction, Oregon:

All we can say is, "Breathtaking and awe inspiring." The Oregon Caves National Monument is 480 acres of pure geological heaven. At ground level the land resembles a prehistoric world. There is and old growth coniferous forest with a Douglas fir tree ranking the biggest girth in Oregon. There are hiking trails through the forest, and the underground marble cave was created by completely natural forces over hundreds of thousands of years. Geologists estimate that the Oregon Cave National Monument passages and chambers are 3 to 5 million years old. The caves are open from March through Thanksgiving and are a sight to behold.

These are just a few of Oregon's beautiful vacation spots, and if you get the chance, come visit one of the most beautiful states in America. There's plenty to do and see.

Sources: www.discovernewport.com (The Oregon Coast Aquarium)

www.wallowalaketramway.com (Wallowa Lake Tramway)

www.roguerivertrips.info (Rogue River Jet Boat Rides)

www.southernoregon.org (Oregon Caves National Monument)