"Hidden Oregon: Including Portland, the Coast, Cascades and Columbia River Gorge", by Maria Lenhart, is a fun travel guide for anyone who wants to get off the beaten tourist track in Oregon State. I used it on my recent visit to Portland and found the chapter on the Columbia River Gorge very helpful.
This Oregon travel guide begins with the chapter "Oregon Wandering". This section gives a wealth of information on the history of Oregon, annual events, weather, visitor centers, and more. The rest of the book is organized by region: Portland, The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, The Heart of Oregon, Oregon Cascades and Eastern Oregon.
In each section you'll find listings for lodging, dining and attractions in addition to special notes about "hidden" destinations. These are places that are loved by locals but often overlooked by visitors. Restaurants, inns, attractions and parks can all be found with the "hidden" designation. You'll find helpful maps and travel itineraries as well.
You'll also find more history sprinkled throughout each section. I particularly like the story about the naming of the city of Portland. It was almost called Boston. I don't want to give away the whole story so you'll have to get the book to read about it!
Oregon has tons of outdoor activities for travelers to enjoy and "Hidden Oregon" is full of listings to get you outside into the real Oregon. Besides reviews and information about hikes, beaches and parks, you'll find specific recommendations, like visiting Fall Creek National Recreation Trail in the Spring to catch the wildflowers.
As the book states in the Introduction, this travel guide will "help you discover the true nature of Oregon and put you on the path of adventure." If you love adventure and like to avoid the typical tourist fare when you travel, then this is the Oregon travel guide for you.
