Oregon is one of those states in America that has too much scenery. From mountains to ocean to plains to wine country and all the activities to go with them. I wish there was a way they could share with other states (but not UT, CO, ID, or MT). Then we can all have similar amounts of cool. Sorry other gorgeous states. You already have enough awesome.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Oregon more than a few times for work and play. Years ago on my first visit for work, I was (ironically) sequestered to the inside of a factory with no windows. I knew then, as I drove from the airport to location and back again, that I needed to return. 
On another work trip for a photo shoot, I was gifted the task of finding locations for hikers, kayakers, scientists, and bird-watchers. I pinched me too. We started in the Columbia River Gorge (above) and “worked” within scenic overlooks, forest trails, and a few of the many waterfalls (below).
UPDATE September 2017. There has been an awful forest fire in this area. Many of the Columbia River Gorge trees have been lost. Check ahead to see how much of the scenery has been altered.
We traveled along the Columbia River back to Portland.
Portland is a must-stop or if you need to get your city vibe on. Yes, the hip factor thrives here. Do the food trucks, neighborhoods, and the truly local joints.
If not Portland, see other cities of Oregon. Certainly stop in the small towns…
…Newport is one of them. On the same photo shoot, we collaborated with a family at a lighthouse in the morning and researchers among the dunes (doing real work) in the late afternoon. We had lunch near the harbor of fishing boats and dinner with a view of the coast. Yes, my job is occasionally very cool. This gig was one of my favorites and it has since been filed under Production Nirvana.
If you decide to visit Oregon, seeing everything in one trip can be a challenge. On my most recent visit (for fun) we could have taken a week to do the coast only. From Astoria to the California border is about 380 miles – but you’ll easily add mileage along the way to see, eat, shop, and fill your camera with photos. I do know you’ll add extra time to heal your sore neck – from gawking.
I could easily fill your screen with more photos and continue to gush about the Oregon scenery but there aren’t enough adjectives – and this is not a travel blog. I would simply put forth that this State is easily one of the top five in America. 
Travel is subjective, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all human beings have different tastes. My travel tips for Oregon (and anywhere) are: experience the little things, meet the local people, try something new, see something not recommended by the travel bureau, and create your own scenic overlook. 
Whether work or play, plan on visiting more than once…
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Jamie Vesay 