If you think Oregon is the land of eternal rain, think again. It’s a place of wide-open spaces, with only 3.6 million inhabitants in nearly 100,000 square miles. It’s a land that contains at least seven ecosystems—from the damp territory west of the Cascades to the high deserts of the Great Basin, from towering volcanic peaks to the mighty Columbia River estuary. With lots of elbow room and a relaxed atmosphere, Oregon offers something for everyone: wilderness and wine country, the rich heritage of many Native American peoples, a colorful and quirky cultural scene, and the history of westward expansion. Oregon: An Explorer’s Guide gives you all the tools and information you need to explore this great state, with lodgings for all budgets and preferences, dining options for every taste, and activities of all kinds. No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, you’re sure to find it in the beaver state and in the pages of this comprehensive guidebook.

Here a whopping 17.5 million acres comprise 10 National Forests; there’s a long list of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers; and 22 national wildlife refuges and 22 state refuges protect all sorts of habitats and species, from sea lions to butterflies.

If you want the insider’s take on this stunning part of the American West and a strong grounding in history and nature, look no further: Longtime Oregon resident and writer Denise Fainberg shares the best places to hike, bike, climb, bird-watch, raft, dine, museum-hop, and more. Her exhaustive research will help you find yourself amid pristine rivers, rain forests, glaciers, and hot springs; relish fine local wines and beers and the fresh, innovative cuisine of the Pacific Northwest; and discover artsy and educational pursuits in Oregon’s funky and friendly cities. Oregon is truly a great destination.

Denise Fainberg has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. She is a freelance writer whose credits include Washington: an Explorer’s Guide (2007). Her work has appeared in the travel sections of the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, France Today, Spiritual Life, and others. A resident of Bend, Oregon, Fainberg teaches foreign languages at Central Oregon Community College and enjoys hiking, bird watching, and her grandchildren.

$21.95 (Can. $27.50)
978-0-88150-863-5
6 x 9, 512 pages, Paperback, 100 black & white photographs, 10 maps, Index