Beginning just at Portland's doorstep, the Columbia River Gorge offers miles of unparalleled scenery and outdoor recreation options. The western end of the Gorge is rich, dense woodland, while in the east the landscape transitions into rolling, golden grasslands and sage-covered semiarid deserts.

Most residents of Oregon and Washington remember when Mt. St. Helens blew her top. An earthquake in 1980 preceded her eruption, blanketing towns hundreds of miles away in volcanic ash and permanently altering the mountain's face. Plants and animals in the blast zone were destroyed instantly, as were 57 people -- scientists and residents.

Life returned to Mt. St. Helens sooner than experts expected, and today there are once again green trees, guests and squirrels. For the last two decades visitors have been able to visit the volcanic cone and surrounding area for a personal look at the damage and recovery process.

The largest urban area in Oregon, Portland is renowned as a clean, green and friendly city. Radiating around the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the Portland area's lush green cityscape and inviting, walkable neighborhoods are the result of its mild temperate rainforest climate combined with progressive urban planning.