Oregon is a state that enjoys the Pacific coastline with its shoreline neighbours of Washington to the north and California to the south. It also borders the body of Idaho to its east and in the southeast is the desert terrain of Nevada. The capital of Oregon is Salem and it is located near the ‘Silver Falls Tour Route’ which also accommodates the Silver Falls State Park – a hiking paradise loaded with gushing waterfalls in the northwest of Oregon.

Portland is the most populated city in Oregon and it hosts an international airport. It is from here that many visitors may get their first taste of the Byways to Heaven. The most applauded starts in Portland and memorably it is known as ‘The King of The Roads’. Its official name is the ‘Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway’. It is applauded for the creative principle that its engineer imposed ‘not wanting to destroy what God had already built’. He set out to complement nature’s already accomplished achievements. This road though the best it is only the beginning – the state of Oregon is blessed with many that line its diverse landscape: a glorious repast of senses, panoramic views that stretch in every direction; scents of forested flora, mountain air and salt tinged coastline; and not forgetting the distinguishing sounds that makes each terrain’s habitat unique.

The ‘Pacific Coast Scenic Byway’ runs parallel to the western shore of the ocean travelling from the northern edge of historically rich Astoria – an old American settlement and then on towards the south border. Take in the sun at any of the many beaches or enjoy the pastimes of leisurely activity surfing, water skiing or trip out on a boat to appreciate the whales and other marine mammals.

The ‘Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway’ already indicates what lies in store. It lies in the south west and runs between Medford – the home of the other international airport – and Klamath Falls. Klamath Falls offers many attractions including the home of Crater Lake National Park. This lake is the deepest in the United States; with hiking and biking in the warmer seasons to skiing and snowshoeing when the colder weather comes. Just above this scenic route lies another - ‘The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway’ - that runs over the two rivers it is named after. These rivers are very popular with fast water enthusiasts: kayaks, canoes and whitewater rafting.

‘The Outback Scenic Byway’ lies further eastward of Klamath Falls. It offers a rugged view of Oregon’s landscape, and again further eastward, the ‘High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway’ outlines the challenging but beautiful landscape that the arid desert can provide. In the North East, the mountain ranges beckon with the spectacular ‘Hells Canyon Scenic Byway’ – the home of the deepest gorge in North America with the towering mountains and the wild Snake River to complement your greatest road trip.

There is plenty of self catering vacation rental accommodation in Oregon from the urban accommodation of apartments and townhouses to rustic cabins in this wild and wondrous state of North America.

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