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Portland has no trouble being known as the strangest city in America. That became clear from the moment I arrived a few months ago.
As the first visitor I came across drag shows in food truck parks, ”Karaoke from hell‘, And every city center seemed to float with patchouli oil.

It goes without saying that Portland is the most popular destination of Oregon, and it is certainly not everyone’s taste, because this city has been notorious, let’s say, broad -minded, in recent years with controversial back and forth changes that friendly locals I personally spoke, is the cause that this once bustling bohemian port sets aside.
Whether you are a fan of the “city of roses” or not, there is one thing that is certain – much of Oregon is overlooked in the shadow of California, along with the good or bad headlines of Portland.
But that will change quickly, because a few less well -known cities are destined to become Oregon’s new hotspots this summer.
Medford: Last call for Crater Lake!


Ever heard of Medford? Well, you will probably do that this year.
Practical cuddling of the state line in California is in an underrated city that is full of an emerging wine scene, a buzzing provincial stock exchange and access to a part of the most amazing nature of the Pacific Northwest, which is the main reason why Medford is to see A peak in tourism.
In case you have missed it, the only legal access to Crater Lake National Park will start three years from 2026. So the summer of 2025 is the best time to escape to one of America’s most beautiful destinations that are known for being Beardly blue water.
Crater Lake feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but that is where Medford comes to the rescue as an easy gateway.


To be clear, Portland is more than five hours away, while Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is just over an hour away. Both airports organize Alaska, Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta and United, and they offer a broad selection of direct flights.
And while you are in the city this summer, view a local favorite, the Jackson County Fair Locked up on 15-20 July 2025 in the nearby Central Point.
Regarding the right Medford, there is a range of picturesque wineries that offer award -winning wines and sensational dishes. While HomeTogo Just revealed Portland and Astoria as the best foodie destinations of Oregon, do not sleep in the trendy restaurants of Medford, such as The Beatrice And DecantBoth with almost perfect Google reviews.
North Bend: New flights put this coastal facade on the map


Maybe you know Bend, Oregon. How could you not do with the last in the world Blockbuster store?!
But you may not know North Bend, a completely different destination along the lesser -known coast of Oregon compared to the proliferation of California.
On one side of North Bend you have Calm Coos Bay, not to be confused with the adjacent city with the same name.
On the other hand you have a beautiful coastline of the Pacific Ocean with spacious beaches, such as Horsfall BeachWhere a recent beach visitor loved how untouched it felt and said there were “sand dollars everywhere!”.


North Bend is a relaxed pleasure for those who want to avoid the summer bustle of large quotes or popular beach cities … or the “zombies” of Portland.
The best of all is that North Bend is now easier to reach than ever. Their small regional airport in the southwest of Oregon is planned for New daily flight From the most important hub of Denver, so that you can skip the road trip from Portland or Eugene and fly directly into it.
North Bend is not only a beach city, it is the dream of an outdoor enthusiast, whether it is for serene walks in the forest, step -by -step waterfalls or more campaigning mountain biking as popular places Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ledge.
TripAdvisor’s Top Oregon precious stones to discover before 2025


If for some reason neither Medford nor North Bend, your imagination tickles this summer, Tripadvisor A Top 10 list of Oregon Hidden Gems before 2025:
- Crater Lake National Park (told Ya!)
- Silver Falls State Park
- Ecola State Park
- Pittock Mansion
- The Grotto (National Sanctuary of our sad mother)
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Smith Rock State Park
- Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
- Forest park
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument




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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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