

Cheap Car Hire Oregon USA






Welcome to Oregon: the Beaver State
The scenic State of Oregon is a land of incredible diversity, offering everything from snow-capped mountains and dense forests to dramatic coastlines and serene lakes. Whether you’re visiting the bustling city of Portland, hiking in Crater Lake National Park, or exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon is a state that rewards those who seek adventure. Dubbed the ‘Beaver State’ from the state's early history, when beavers were abundant in the region and played a crucial role in the fur trade, which was a significant part of Oregon's 19th century economy. Visiting this character-rich state with a hire car allows you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace, spending time in some of Oregon’s top cities or discovering jaw-dropping national parks and stunning wildlife.
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is known for its quirky vibe, sustainable practices, and vibrant arts scene. The city is surrounded by nature, with nearby hiking trails and lush green spaces. Portland's downtown offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Pearl District, once an industrial area, has transformed into a hub for art galleries, trendy shops, and craft breweries. A must-visit in Portland is the Portland Japanese Garden, which offers serene views of the city, and the International Rose Test Garden, where you can stroll through fragrant blooms. If you’re into food, Portland is famous for its food trucks, which serve everything from tacos to gourmet donuts. Don’t forget to check out Powell’s Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world.
For nature lovers, Crater Lake National Park is a must-see. The deep blue waters of Crater Lake were formed from the collapse of an ancient volcano, and today it is one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the world. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives along the Rim Drive, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. In winter, the park is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Whether you’re taking a leisurely boat ride across the lake or embarking on a challenging hike to Mount Scott, Crater Lake offers an unforgettable experience in one of the most stunning natural environments in the U.S.
Driving in Oregon
As you drive through Oregon, the landscapes unfold like a vibrant canvas, teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The lush, green forests of the Cascade Range give way to rugged coastlines, where you might catch sight of the majestic bald eagle soaring high above, or a playful sea otter bobbing along the shore. In the east, the high desert offers stunning vistas with sagebrush and rocky outcrops, where pronghorn antelope and mule deer graze under the vast sky. The state’s wetlands and river valleys teem with life—look for the graceful herons hunting along the shore or flocks of migrating waterfowl taking to the sky. The thick woods and mountain meadows are alive with the sounds of chirping sparrows and the rustle of elk moving through the underbrush. Oregon's landscapes shift dramatically, from the dramatic cliffs and misty coast to the alpine meadows of the Cascades, creating a truly immersive natural adventure.
Oregon’s epic coastline stretches for over 500 glorious kilometres (360 miles), and a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is a exhilarating way to explore this area. The rugged shoreline, dotted with charming seaside towns, sandy beaches, and impressive cliffs, offers some of the best views in the country. Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock, is a popular spot for beachgoers and photographers alike. If you enjoy hiking, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a must-see, where you can explore towering sand dunes and picturesque coastal forests. Along the way, you’ll find small towns like Florence and Newport, known for their historic lighthouses and seafood.
The Columbia River Gorge offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. At over 100 kilometres-long canyon, and carved by the Columbia River, the Gorge is home to lush forests, towering waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Visitors can hike along scenic trails, visit historic sites like the Vista House at Crown Point, or take a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall, is a must-see, and you can even hike up to a viewpoint for a closer view of the falls. For the more adventurous, the area offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. The artsy city of Eugene is the cultural heart of the Willamette Valley, boasts a close proximity to both wilderness and vineyards. The valley is one of Oregon’s premier wine regions, producing world-class Pinot Noir from the grapes harvested from the rolling hills where leafy roads are ideal for a leisurely drive and wine tasting. Eugene itself is a laid-back college town, home to the University of Oregon. Visitors can explore the local shops, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, and take in the arts and music scene. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy the nearby Willamette National Forest, where you can hike, camp, and explore the region’s dense forests. Oregon is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and birds, thanks to its diverse landscapes, which range from coastal rainforests to arid deserts. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the state’s national parks and forests to spot animals such as black bears, elk, mule deer, and bobcats. Oregon is also famous for its numerous bird species, with opportunities for birdwatching in the wetlands of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Flyway.

Scenic Oregon is an accessible state to explore, especially with a rental car. The city of Portland serves as the main gateway to the state, with Portland International Airport (PDX) served by both domestic and international flights from all over the world. Superb road connections ensure it’s easy to head out to the surrounding nature areas from the airport, such as stunning Mount Hood, the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, or the wildlife-rich Oregon Coast. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Oregon at your own pace, whether you're venturing through the state’s cities, mountains, or beaches. The Oregon coast is home to sea otters, harbour seals, and a variety of seabirds, including pelicans and puffins. In the forests, you might encounter spotted owls, red-tailed hawks, and various woodpeckers. The state’s rivers and lakes are also great places for spotting waterfowl like mallards and Canadian geese. You’ll also see a huge number of migratory bird species in eastern Oregon.
Tips and FAQs
Road tripping through Oregon is an exhilarating adventure, with ever-changing landscapes—from the rugged coastlines and towering cliffs to lush forests and volcanic peaks. Scenic byways wind through charming towns, offering endless opportunities for outdoor thrills like hiking, wildlife spotting, and discovering hidden waterfalls and dramatic vistas.
Oregon, USA
Population: Approximately 4.2 million
Annual Visitor Figures: Around 35 million
Average Summer Temperatures: 21°C (70°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 1°C (34°F)
Time Zone: GMT -8 (PST), GMT -7 (Daylight Saving Time)

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