Notable Cities and Towns in Oregon

Beyond the major Willamette Valley cities, Oregon's most interesting places often lie in its geographic extremes — the coast, the high desert, and the eastern mountains.

Ashland
Southern Oregon's cultural gem — the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (the most attended regional theater festival in North America, founded 1935) runs February through October. Ashland's brick Victorian downtown, the Lithia Park (a Japanese-inspired city park), and the proximity to the Rogue Valley wine region make it a destination far disproportionate to its 22,000 residents.

Hood River
The windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the US — the Columbia River Gorge's wind funnel creates ideal conditions at the Hood River waterfront. The Hood River Valley (world's largest pear-producing region) and the proximity to Mount Hood's ski areas make this a year-round outdoor destination. The Hood River Fruit Loop (a 35-mile orchard and winery route) is finest in spring (blossom) and fall (harvest).

Cannon Beach
The most visited coastal town in Oregon — Haystack Rock (235 feet, one of the largest coastal monoliths in the US), Ecola State Park, the Coaster Theatre Playhouse, and the Cannon Beach Arts Galleries make this a year-round Pacific Northwest coastal destination. The town's strict signage and design ordinances preserve its character.

Joseph (Wallowa County)
The gateway to the Wallowa Mountains — Joseph is a small ranching town (population 1,100) that has become a center for bronze foundry art. Valley Bronze and Josephy Center for Arts and Culture serve the remarkable art scene here. The Chief Joseph Days rodeo each July honors the Nez Perce Chief.

Florence
On the central coast, the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area — 40 miles of coastal sand dunes between Florence and Coos Bay. Rhododendron Drive in spring, the Sea Lion Caves (world's largest sea cave), and dune buggying are the main draws.