9 things you need to know before you go to Oregon

12.04.2024 - 07:11 / lonelyplanet.com

When I tell people I grew up in Oregon, I can almost see the stereotypes going through their heads. Depending on how familiar with the state they are, people seem to think I grew up camping and hiking (I didn’t), that I love beer (I don’t) or that I drive way too slowly (my parents would tell you quite the opposite).

What they don't guess is that that I’m utterly confused when I have to pay sales tax in other states; that I abhor pumping my own gas; and that although I grew up in Oregon there are parts of the state I’ve yet to see.

One thing I can say for sure, however, is: we do things a bit differently in Oregon. Here are the key things you need to know before you come for a visit. 

Covering an area of just under 100,000 square miles, Oregon is really big (bigger-than-the-entire-UK big) and many of the state’s roads­ – particularly in the national forests, the Columbia River Gorge and along the Oregon Coast – are ridiculously scenic. It’s wise to give yourself extra time to stop at viewpoints and take it all in.

While you’re expected to pump your own gas in most of the US, that is not the case in Oregon. From 1951 up until 2023, it was actually illegal to pump your own gas in most of the state (with a few exceptions). While some gas stations are now allowed to let you take control at the pump, many still have attendants on staff to do the fueling for you. Others allow customers to pump diesel, but nothing else. If you prefer a DIY experience at the gas station look for signs that read “self-serve” ­before you rush out of the car.

Most of Oregon’s biggest cities are cool and rainy throughout most of the year, which means we only have a few months in the summer to make up for lost time outdoors. Camping, hiking, and backpacking are all wildly popular among Oregonians and visitors alike, and many people set alarms in order to book campsites as soon as they become available (that is: first thing in the morning, six months in advance for both state parks and national forest campgrounds). You'll need a permit to hike or camp in parts of the Central Cascades Wilderness between mid-June and mid-October too. Typically, 40% of permits become available in early spring while the remainder go live for online booking one week in advance.

Plan your outdoor adventures in Oregon with this guide to the best state parks. 

Spend much time in urban Oregon and you’ll likely see someone leave an empty pop-can on top (rather than inside) a public garbage can. Plastic, glass and aluminium beverage containers (but, oddly, not wine bottles) all have a bottle deposit in Oregon. Buy most bevies at an Oregon store and a 10-cent deposit per bottle will be tacked onto your bill. You can later bring your bottle back in return for your