FTC Forum
Special Category => பயண கட்டுரைகள் - NATURE AND TRAVEL => Topic started by: MysteRy on May 17, 2014, 09:20:02 AM
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Top 10 Places to visit in Oregon, USA
From Portland to Medford, from the Pacific to the Mountains, Oregon connects Washington to California and is a great vacation spot. Cruises down the scenic Oregon Coast Highway, Route 101, for some of the most breathtaking scenery - whether ocean or mountain, canyon or river. Explore this top 10 ranging the length and breadth of this diverse state.
1. Crater Lake
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This has the wow factor! A volcano lake, or caldera, Crater Lake is picture perfect all year round. Formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama, it is vast: stretching five miles across by six miles wide and deep and it's deep: around 350 metres. This makes it the deepest lake in the western hemisphere. Crater Lake also boasts some of the clearest, most wonderful waters in the States, with nothing flowing in nor out. See the skies reflected in its completely still surface. The cliffs rise dramatically on every side: up to 2,000 feet high. If you can, take a light aircraft or helicopter to take in the entire vista, or take the winding mountains roads up and hike the rest of the way. It's best done in summer or late spring, as the roads can be treacherous or closed in the snow. Follow the signs from Route 97 inland in the south of the state; just over 80 miles northeast of Medford.
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2. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
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Here in ancient Oregon, between Kimberly and Dayville on Highway 19 are the Painted Hills. This 14,000 acres park is home to fossil beds some 44 million years old: the Eocene and Cenezoic. There are over 700 different identified sites and possibly many more, so start from at the James Cant Ranch Historic District and its visitor centre on Highway 19. Marvel at the beautifully preserved mammals and plants from so long ago, all in incredible scenery amidst the mountains, palisades and along the John Day River. Three of the best spots are at Sheep Rock, Clarno and the Painted Hills. Entrance is free of charge to all sites and centres and there are a number of short and easy trails. An amazing place to absorb the scenery and learn about the prehistory of the state when the earth itself was young.
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3. Multnomah Falls
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Zipping back up to the north, just 40 minutes east of downtown Portland on the Columbia River, this waterfall is a highlight of the beautiful Historic Columbia River Highway. The river itself forms the boundary with Washington state and it cascades dramatically in two tiers, falling some 190 metres. A bridge spans the plateau between the two stages of the falls and makes an outstanding vantage point. Unlike many falls, this one flows year round in a thin veil, and attracts millions of visitors. If you're feeling energetic, you can walk the trail to the top, in just over a mile, ascending 600 foot. There are longer loops too.
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4. Cannon Beach
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In 1806, explorer William Clark described Cannon Beach, near the mouth of the Ecola Creek, in these glowing terms: "the grandest and most pleasing prospects ... in front of a boundless ocean”. This holds true today. Haystack Rock looms from the ocean, the sands seem endless, as do the views. It's misty and ethereal, the waves roll in, and the trees and hills stretch down almost to the beach. People do come for the ocean mostly, but there is so much more to see and do. Watch the adorable puffins in springtime, hundreds of Grey whales passing south each day in winter, then north in the late spring. Fawn over the sealions or scan the skies for hundreds of birds. Enjoy good food in a sleepy, small town that has resisted development and the homogenous chains, opting instead for an individual, authentic feel. Hike through the Ecola State Park and along the Tillamook Head Trail to the nearby town of Seaside. Cannon Beach is truly a splendid place.
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5. Smith Rock State Park
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Our whistlestop tour of the state continues near Terrebonne, high in the hills in the centre of Oregon. It's still only 140 miles from Portland, however. For deep canyons, towering cliffs and climbing: this is the place. Look down at the meandering Crooked River or up where golden eagles and falcons soar. The park is open year round, and is home to some wonderful wildlife including beaver, otter and deer. There are literally thousands of climbs, but you can also hike, camp and bike for many miles along the canyons floors. Get there from Redmond just off Highway 97.
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6. Astoria
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Back in the north, where the mighty Columbia River meets the ocean and Oregon meets Washington, Astoria in Clatsop county is a splendid, historic port town. The 4 mile long Astoria-Megler bridge crosses the river to the northern neighbour state, marking the end or beginning of the Oregon Coast Highway. The bridge alone is worth a visit to Astoria. But there is much more here. This is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies and was on Lewis and Clark's expedition of 1805. So, there are lovely Victorian houses to see and four museums - including the Maritime Museum which is one of the USA's best for nautical memorabilia and model ships. The waterfront is superb for shopping, dining and fishing, and you can step back in time on the 1913 trolley bus to explore in comfort.
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7. Portland
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No visit to Oregon is complete without hitting the largest city, Portland. It's a modern, thriving city in the north west, where the Columbia and Willamette rivers meet. Known as the city of roses, its a green place full of flowers, thanks to its mild maritime climate with warm summers. It is also green by ethos: with excellent public transport making it a joy to get around and leave the car at home. Many bridges span the Willamette and you can see both the great skyline and the mountains in the distance, including Mount St Helens. Closer to home, it actually sits on a lava bed and has extinct volcanoes within the city limits! This also adds to the lush fertility of the area. There are three state parks, plenty of museums and many more rose gardens. Foodies love the place, as do those who want to sample the renowned produce of several local micro breweries.
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8. Sea Lion Caves
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On the incredible Oregon Coast Highway, the 101, just north of Florence and on the very midpoint of the state's coast, is the world's largest sea cave. And the name is kind of a giveaway as to its famous residents. The cave is over 25 million years old and a staggering 125 feet high. It's the perfect shelter for not just the hundreds of sealions, but for birdlife too. Puffins, guillemots, gulls and cormorants nest here, high into the vaulted dome. From the viewing platform near the gift shop and lighthouse you are afforded a view of up to twenty miles, enabling you to watch migrating whale and orca. To get down into the cave there are steps and a lift, so wear sensible footwear. The cave is open every day except for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
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9. Eugene
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A little over 100 miles south on I5 inland is Oregon's second city: Eugene. A fifth of the size of Portland, it is nicknamed the Emerald City. The Willamette also flows here, as does the McKenzie River. It is another green town with a strong arts and crafts, alternative vibe. It's Ken Kesey's hometown and his ideas brought in a lot of original hippies and to this day it is laid back and welcoming. A university town, it has a great entertainment scene for both classical music and ballet to garage bands and theatre. Its a great base from which to explore the lush countryside of waterfalls, rivers and forests ... or stay in town to enjoy the museums and galleries.
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10. Ashland
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Shooting way down south on the I5, just fifteen miles shy of the Californian stateline, we come finally to Ashland in the foothills. With just 20,000 residents this is a tiny city but it has big appeal, and is the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This has grown over the last century to be an award-winning celebration of the bard, drawing international theatre groups and theatre lovers. It brightens up the winter months and extends through the summer - hosted in a range of venues. Arguably the best is the outdoor Elizabethan stage, created in the Fifties in a replica style. Theatre and cabaret are big news here, as are festivals. Take in the film festival in Spring, and enjoy the collegiate, artsy scene all year round.
Oregon has the best of natural wonders, the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, coupled with cute towns and lively cities. From the Columbia River to the coast, from the high hills to California, it has something for all the family and is a definite must on your vacation wish list.