182 years ago, The Oregon Trail led pioneers to lush forests, humbling mountains and vast desert. These days the air remains just as fresh but modern pioneers have since paved the way for some alternatively refreshing additions. Getting a taste of the historic trail through a new-age journey, I managed rounded up some of the coolest local eateries, activities, and natural spots for millennials to hit. Start out in Portland and road-trip around from the stunning coastline to Eugene, Willamette Valley and as many fun spots as you can fit in between. The somewhat off-the-beaten path is an unconventional adventure ideal for any young traveler.
Fly into PDX (if you're not already within driving distance) and find out for yourself why everyone is so keen to "Keep Portland Weird." Creative, nonconforming and quirky. Whatever you wanna call it — there's something perfectly odd about this urban city. Try out the classic Voodoo Doughnuts, shop around Pearl District boutiques or grab a bite from a local food truck.
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2Oregon Coast
Image Source: Ariana Dickson
Get into something comfortable and prepare to road trip your way to the coast. Pass through Tillamook for some fresh ice cream or a super cheesy grilled-cheese on the way. The public can freely access every sandy inch of beach along the Oregon Coast so pick your spot — it's well worth the trip!
Continue the adventure and drive a bit further inland . . . you'll land up along the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon. Home to the University of Oregon — the city is packed with biking trails, nightlife and natural-food stores. You can visit the
Fifth Street Public Market for cafes and locally owned shops, sip on some Ninkasi craft beer after a brewery tour and then walk over to Sam's Bond Garage for an intimate night of live music.
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4Kombucha on Tap
Image Source: Darcy Bacha
If you're a kombucha-lover like me — You need to check out Townshend's Tea Company. Their kombucha brand Brew Dr. Kombucha is made entirely in-house, from leaf to bottle. It's organic, local and seriously delicious! Try all of the cutely named flavors on tap and refuel before carrying on along the trail. You can always sip on some simple tea, too, if that's more your scene.
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5Silver Falls State Park
Image Source: Ariana Dickson
Get out of Eugene and go to Silver Falls State Park — the largest state park in all of Oregon — for every hiker, historian and nature-lover. The scenic treasure is just 20 miles southeast of Salem, the state capital, and has a really strong historic presence. Head to the well-known South Falls to catch a look at the striking 177-foot waterfall and walk behind it before trekking along the Trail of Ten Falls!
For anyone looking to zen out along their travels and do something a little bit different — Goat Yoga may be your calling. Lainey Morse started the trend in Corvallis, Oregon after trying her hand in goat therapy. The therapeutic outlet has stirred up a lot of conversation and is now available on the farm or at the vineyard. It's the original goat yoga . . . so, why not? Be prepared for a lot of laughs.
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7Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Image Source: Ariana Dickson
If you're lucky enough to visit Oregon sometime between the end of March to early May, be sure to catch the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. 40 acres of bright, colorful varieties backed by the beautiful Mt. Hood. It's a sight to see and definitely a must-do. If you have the time you can make your way to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge to trace the final leg of the actual Oregon Trail!
With Portland as your home base on this little modern-day Oregon trail, there's lots to explore along the way. Consider wandering through the Willamette Valley for beautiful, woodsy wine country and farm-to-fork destinations or head straight back to SE Division Street for a hipster, Portlandia type vibe. This is a choose-your-own adventure kinda journey.
