See the real Oregon through local eyes

Seeing a destination through the eyes of those who know it best, the locals, helps you to really witness it from a truly authentic perspective. Oregon is no different and experiencing this enigmatic state this way will elevate your trip from good to outstanding. Whether it's simply seeking out hidden gems or exploring a landmark with the help of an expert local guide, Oregonians will help you see their state just like they do. Getting there is easy, too, thanks to daily direct flights from June 2024 to Oregon from London Heathrow with British Airways. Here are three great ways local guides can help you get under the skin of Oregon...

1. They take care of all the planning

The state of Oregon covers an area larger than the UK, so in the space of a single trip you can’t expect to explore it all. Visitors face an overwhelming array of choices as they navigate a plethora of tourism websites and guides. Having an expert on hand to plan a route tailored to your hobbies and interests will help to ensure that no time is wasted as they help you strike a balance between must-sees and hidden gems. Use your guide’s connections to tap into local wisdom about the trendiest restaurants, cafés, breweries and wineries. Follow their recommendations for specialist operators to find yourself snowshoeing through a wintry forest or whitewater rafting under a blue summer sky. But remember, curating the perfect itinerary is only one aspect of the work that goes into creating a memorable holiday. Hire a guide and they’ll take care of logistical details such as specialist gear, opening hours and the best place to park. Their advice will also be season-specific, minimising the risk of inclement weather impacting your plans.

2. They take you to secret spots

One of the things that makes travel so special is the chance to stumble upon places that are overlooked by others. It’s a real privilege to spend time in these secret spots but finding them without local knowledge is a challenge. That’s where Oregon’s licensed guides come into their own, sharing their passion for food, history, culture or outdoor adventure in places that you might not discover by yourself. Certified guides can secure access to parts of the state that are off limits to independent visitors, such as within protected reserves, private estates and gardens, along secluded waterways and on otherwise inaccessible hiking, biking or horseback riding trails. For instance, picture yourself as the star of an old Western on an equine adventure near Smith Rock or immersed in the juniper, cottonwood and aspens of Whychus Canyon Preserve on a volunteer-led nature walk. Likewise, a guided excursion is the only way you’ll secure a permit to paddle through the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, home to bald eagles, ospreys, belted kingfishers and brown pelicans.

3. They help you gain a real connection to Oregon

Writer George Bernard Shaw famously once said that “England and America are two countries divided by a common language”, parroting an idea originally penned by Oscar Wilde. You could easily argue that the concept holds true for independent tourists – despite the absence of a language barrier, visitors to Oregon might still struggle to make a meaningful connection with their surroundings as they explore unfamiliar territory. Engaging the services of a guide changes everything. Instead of looking at places with an outsider’s eyes, seize the opportunity to see the state from a local’s perspective. For example, join a spring cave clean up team on a visit organised by Wanderlust Tours (not affiliated with the magazine) in conjunction with Deschutes Brewery, which rewards helpers with craft beer at the end of the day. Alternatively, ramp things up a notch on a voluntourism trip, when you’ll marry stewardship and adventure. Past trips led by First Nature Tours have included the chance to support wildfire recovery and habitat regeneration along the McKenzie River Corridor.

Top guided experiences in Oregon

Portland’s urban neighbourhoods and rural landscapes beyond the city contain a wealth of possibilities for visitors, but searching for what appeals most can be time-consuming. Instead, no matter what your interests or location, outsource your plans to an expert. The state’s top guided experiences suit everyone: foodies, history buffs, outdoor adventurers and thrill seekers. In the capable hands of Wine de Roads, you'll pedal between the region's premier wineries to simultaneously soak up tastings knowledge of the area. On a walking tour with Around Portland Tours, unlock the history and heritage of the state’s largest city through its architecture and food. Further east, head underground in Pendleton to enter a shady past world of opium dens and bordellos. Develop mountaineering skills on Mount Hood with Kaf Adventures or sign up for an action-packed rafting trip with North Umpqua Outfitters in Southern Oregon. Sample forest bathing with the Cascades Outdoor Center or book a guided drift boat fishing trip on the McKenzie River with Roaring Fork Guide Service. Hike, bike, canoe, climb or fish in the best company – those who’ve turned their passion into a way of making a living. Your safety and satisfaction is their priority, so you can be assured of a good time.

Make it happen

Getting to Oregon is easy thanks to British Airways, who will operate daily direct flights to Portland, Oregon, from London Heathrow from June 2024. A generous 23kg baggage allowance is offered on every flight. Looking to take your Oregon trip that bit further? If you fancy adding a hotel stay or car hire to your trip, then you can book a package holiday through the expert team at British Airways Holidays. A deposit of as little as £60pp* secures your ATOL-protected trip.

*Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Explore more of Oregon

Travel to Oregon with British Airways