Western Oregon

Western Oregon is a region of the state known for its lush forests, fertile farmland, and stunning coastline. The region is home to the bustling city of Portland, which is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and world-renowned craft beer scene. The Willamette Valley, located in the heart of Western Oregon, is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world and is famous for its Pinot Noir wine. The region’s stunning coastline, stretching for 363 miles, features breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and quaint seaside towns. Visitors to Western Oregon can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and surfing.

Oregon’s Lavender Season Is About To Explode And These Summer Festivals Smell Like Pure Magic

There are certain moments in Oregon that feel almost unreal. The first warm evening on the coast. The smell of pine after rain in the Cascades. Sunlight breaking through vineyards in wine country. And then there’s lavender season. Every summer, parts of Oregon suddenly burst into waves of purple....

This Tiny Oregon Italian Restaurant Feels Like A Secret Mediterranean Escape In The Foothills

There are some restaurants you stumble across once and never forget. The kind of spot you tell your friends about weeks later because you’re still thinking about the meal. Tucked along Highway 58 in the tiny community of Pleasant Hill, just southeast of Eugene/Springfield, Cioppino House is...

The 42 Best Oregon Mom & Pop Restaurants to Eat At in 2026

We're going a bit out on a limb here at That Oregon Life. This story began as a sort of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" compilation, but after a giant list of my own and a slew of recommendations from friends all over the state, we realized that wasn't going to work. "Mom & Pop" encompasses so...

This Beloved Tigard Restaurant Has Been Serving Comfort (And Legendary Pie) Since 1979

There are restaurants you try once… and then there are the ones you grow up with. The ones where the coffee is always hot, the booths feel like they’ve heard a thousand stories, and the pie case quietly calls your name before you even sit down. In Tigard, Oregon, that place is Banning's Restaurant...

The Best Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast and the Exact Dates You Should Go in 2026

There are few experiences on the Oregon Coast that rival the quiet thrill of tide pooling. Give me a stretch of rocky shoreline and I’ll spend more time crouched down than actually walking, scanning every crevice for movement, color, and life. Beachcombing has its charm, but tide pooling is...
Once A Shoe Grease Factory In The 1920s, This Oregon Warehouse Is Now A Foodie Paradise

Once A Shoe Grease Factory In The 1920s, This Oregon Warehouse Is Now A Foodie Paradise

Hip, down to earth vibes, amazing fresh food, and sustainable products aren't exactly the type of thing you'd expect in an old shoe grease factory, but that’s exactly what makes Mac Market in McMinnville so special. McMinnville’s Granary District has a hidden gem: Mac...

Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Are You Ready For The “Big One?” Most Oregon Highways Will Be Knocked Out

Grocery stores will be empty, gas stations will be out of gas, and roads in and out of western Oregon will be so damaged that travel by road will likely be impossible for months, or potentially even years afterwards. Are you prepared for the "big one?" We hear about...

Top 4th of July Fireworks Shows in Oregon for 2024

Top 4th of July Fireworks Shows in Oregon for 2024

Have you made plans yet for Independence Day 2024? I'm not the best at making plans ahead of time for the holidays, so seeing a list of local events I can attend with my family and friends is always helpful for me. If you're like me and are looking for something fun...

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