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Portland is the setting for portions of the vampire classic Twilight.

Oregon’s Iconic Movie Locations

MAKE ICONIC OREGON MOVIE LOCATIONS YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION written by Jean Chen Smith Did you know more than 700 movies and television shows have been filmed in Oregon? If you are a film buff like me, visiting movie set locations makes for an entertaining vacation. Driven by interest in movie and television locations, “film tourism” is projected to grow in the upcoming years. From major motion pictures to indie films, here are some of our favorite film location destinations, with suggestions of where to stay and dine so you can get into full travel mode. Twilight PORTLAND Although many films have been shot in Portland, we chose Twilight because of the beautiful cinematography that captures the atmosphere of the city. It centers on the lives of high schoolers Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) as they fall in love under dangerous circumstances because of Edward’s family…

Agriculture and ranching in Central Oregon owe their existence to water from rivers like the Deschutes and Crooked.

All Around the Water Table

Collaborative water management in the Deschutes Basin helps keep the region afloat written and photographed by Daniel O’Neil Collaboration comes naturally to Central Oregon. With a wall of mountains to the west, and relative isolation heading in all other directions, the Deschutes Basin has to fend for itself. In such an arid landscape, one that’s also known for agriculture, ecosystems and fast-growing cities, negotiation and compromise become especially critical when water is involved. “Whiskey’s for drinking, and water’s for fighting,” or so they say in the world of water resource management. While Central Oregon has fought over water in the past, during the last three decades the region has discovered that water, too, makes for a fine drink between friends. Such an approach to water serves the Deschutes Basin and all of its inhabitants, making sure there’s just enough to go around for today and tomorrow. In 1987, a group…

The Ultimate Foodie’s Road Trip Guide to the Oregon Coast

The Ultimate Foodie’s Road Trip Guide to the Oregon Coast

written by Jean Chen Smith | illustrations by Jenna Lechner The Oregon Coast offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the state. Although hugely popular in the summer and fall, spring is actually an excellent time to go because the temperature tends to be mild and you will likely experience fewer crowds. Although you might encounter rain, as Oregonians, that is nothing new, so just be prepared by dressing appropriately. Along with spectacular vistas and hiking trails, the 363-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean showcases a solid roster of restaurants worth visiting. Whether you work your way from Astoria down to Brookings, or start from the south and head north, our lineup features some of the best spots to stop along the way, in addition to accommodations to relax and get some shut-eye. Astoria Established in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in Oregon, with many historical buildings and…

One of six historic covered bridges in the small and charming town of Cottage Grove.

Quintessential Small Towns & Main Streets to Explore in 2025

7 Oregon towns that will make you question the big city life written by Jean Chen Smith I am nearing my ten-year anniversary as an Oregonian, and I still feel as though there are pockets of this state to be discovered. Coming from suburban New Jersey and having worked in New York City for almost a twenty-year stretch, I have come to appreciate the small hamlets and communities spread across our great state, which is just a tad bigger than the United Kingdom. I love the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of our daily lives for some downtime— that is why small towns are so enticing. They offer history, charm and a laid-back pace of living. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and wildlife. We have rounded up seven of our favorite idyllic small towns and main streets in the state. Perhaps they are…

A holiday family sleigh ride on the edge of the Deschutes National Forest at Sunriver Resort. (photo: Sunriver Resort)

Oregon’s Best Holiday Experiences

From coastal lights to mountain sleigh rides, make the most of the season with Oregon’s best holiday celebrations and cozy escapes written by Cathy Carroll Oregonians’ winter holiday celebrations are as diverse as its landscape, with each region offering new and time-honored traditions. It’s the perfect chance to sample a bit of both. Dive into a speed-dating comedy show, perfect for a season that often calls for a romantic partner. Let horse-drawn sleigh rides carry you over rivers and through snowy woods. Bask in the glow of thousands of colorful lights illuminating botanical gardens perched above the sea. Immerse yourself in the fun of floating parade-goers paddling upstream and city-street caroling competitions that challenge you to utter a “humbug.” It’s all here, with inviting retreats offering getaways that impart true and new tastes of local culture and spirit. Portland Fun & Flirty: A Comedy Dating Show DEC. 12, 7 p.m….

Local ranch owners assisted each other digging trenches and fire lines long before the fire reached town. (photo: Becky Clark)

Spray, Oregon, Rallies to Fight Lone Rock Fire, Saving Homes and Land

A small Oregon town’s response to this summer’s Lone Rock Fire written by Joni Kabana “It’s just what we do.” These words, barely audible, a resident of the small town of Spray spoke for everyone that morning about saving the town from a massive wildfire. His head bowed, I could feel the collective weight this fire had on him and many local volunteer firefighters. Local residents came off their farms and out of their houses and, for twenty-seven days, fought the relentless and unforgiving fires that would burn more than 100,000 acres in Wheeler County alone. From local teenagers to elders, both men and women joined at the front lines of the rapidly advancing fire, digging trenches, cutting trees and spraying flames to protect their own ranches, their neighbors’ farms and the beloved tiny town of Spray. As the fire burned on and closer to my home, we received the…

Find a campsite with a good, flat area for setting up your tent.

The Ultimate Tent Camping Guide for Beginners

… AND THE GEAR TO GET YOU THERE written by Jean Chen Smith | illustrations by Maggie Wauklyn Something stirs in my soul when I am surrounded by nature in our state. It is an awakening of the senses—hearing the birds sing their unique melodies, smelling the Douglas firs, watching the flutter of branches as a bluebird takes flight, and even feeling the raindrops on my face. These are some of the reasons I love camping so much. When temperatures warm, one of my favorite things to do is pack the car up for a two- or three-night tent camping adventure. Tent camping can be both easy and affordable. You are able to drive up to the campsite location without having to lug all your gear on your back. In some instances, you must reserve a spot ahead of time. Some campgrounds have facilities such as communal showers and bathrooms….

The beautiful, ancient monoliths at Cannon Beach make for a picturesque evening.

An Oregon Wellness Quest

7 DESTINATIONS TO REBOOT & RECHARGE THIS SPRING written by Jean Chen Smith As the days start to get longer and temperatures increase, we find the early promise of spring in all its splendid glory—the lush trees, the vibrant yellows of daffodils and emerging green grass. Shedding our heavy layers of jackets, sweaters and boots, along with the primal instinct for hibernation, I know I’m ready to get out and travel. This time of year is my favorite for seeking wellness experiences. Health and well-being can look different for everyone, ranging from spa retreats to meditation gatherings. Why not take this year to redefine what it means to be whole and healthy? Try something new instead of taking the same type of journey year after year. I know for myself, new adventures are a great way to stimulate my senses and knock me out of the ordinary. Here is a…

Biking through the lower reaches of the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

The Country’s Greatest Ride

By road bike or e-bike, Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun is a top American journey through time + elevation written by Kevin Maxphotography by Whitney Whitehouse Some people have heard about the Going-to-the-Sun Road and make plans to cycle it and train for months to be fit enough to gain the sustained vertical feetto the top. Others have listened to their most athletic (and somewhat nauseating) friends recall with laughter the 3,200-foot climb to the top of Logan Pass. “I was pushing 275 watts at the summit, man!” Still others may completely tune out one of Glacier National Park’s most spectacular experiences because it’s simply beyond their physical limit. On a spring morning last year, I joined a group of riders who fit into each one of these profiles on a push for this Glacier experience. Half of us were on bicycles—road bikes—the other half were on e-bikes. Our hybrid crew could not…