Exploring Oregon by car, train, bus or bicycle

17.04.2024 - 20:37 / lonelyplanet.com

Oregon is a big state with a lot of scenery, from towering forests that have stood for centuries to long stretches of windswept coastline offering head-turning views at every bend. While parts of the state – particularly cities and larger towns – are pedestrian-friendly, you’ll need a good transportation strategy to see the best of the state.

Here’s what you need to know before deciding how to get around Oregon.

If you want to sit back and enjoy the view, or are simply looking for an eco-friendly alternative to driving, you can't beat seeing Orgeon by train. Amtrak runs two lines through the state: the Coast Starlight and the Amtrak Cascades. The former connects Seattle to Los Angeles, cutting across Oregon along the way. This line calls at Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Chemult (near Crater Lake) and Klamath Falls before crossing into California. The Amtrak Cascades follows a similar trajectory from Portland, but only goes as far as Eugene, making it a great option for Willamette Valley sightseeing, but less than ideal if you want to cover the whole state. When it comes to checking out the scenery, the Coast Starlight has an advantage, as it features two levels of seating and an observation car with enormous windows.

Oregon is huge, and not all of it is connected by public transportation, especially once you get out of the larger cities. The best way to maximize your time here is by renting a car (or a van or RV) and exploring independently. If you come between October and May, be prepared for the possibility of snow when crossing higher-elevation areas, especially if you’re traveling east of Interstate 5 (I-5), the West Coast’s main north-to-south artery. Forest fires in the summer occasionally also cause road closures. For up-to-date information, consult the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck tool.  

These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Oregon.

Oregonians love their bicycles, and if you’re an experienced cyclist who doesn’t mind traveling light, you can see a lot of the state on two wheels. Quite a few Oregon hotels offer bike storage (some will even let you take your bike into your room), and hiker/biker camping is offered in many of Oregon's state parks on a first-come, first-served basis. Plenty of designated Scenic Bikeways across the state have been mapped out to give cyclists of varying levels of experience a taste of Oregon's celebrated scenery.

If you have plenty of time but a tight budget, get around Oregon by long-distance bus. Greyhound offers the most routes through the state, with service up and down I-5, to Central Oregon destinations such as Bend, and onwards to remote parts of Eastern Oregon. German long-distance bus company FlixBus, who acquired