Oregon is known predominantly for its expansive forests, rainy days and hippie culture, but that's certainly not all there is to this state. To call it diverse would be an understatement - both its citizens and its landscape vary so widely it's almost impossible to put a label on the state. The coastline is rugged and rocky (but undoubtedly beautiful), while the mountainous eastern part of the state hosts an abundance of sharp, snow-capped mountains. In between you'll find the High Desert, sprawling, lush forests, waterfalls and wineries. You'll find more craft breweries in Oregon than you will almost anywhere else in the country. The majority of the culture subscribes to the "shop local" criterion.
The Oregon coast might just be the best place in the state to take a scenic drive in your Oregon rental car - all 300 miles of it. Dotted with small oceanside towns, great seafood, tide pools filled with crabs and other critters, plus miles of gorgeous hiking trails, it's one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. The coastline runs all the way from Lincoln City in the north to Yachats in the south along Interstate 101.
Mt. Hood, an 11,000 foot mountain, situated in the Columbia River Gorge, is excellent for serious hikers, skiers, swimmers and fishers. Located in northern Oregon, this mountain is technically a volcano. It's a haven for outdoor sports lovers, to be sure, but it's surrounded by quaint towns, great shops and cute cabins. Many people also cycle the area in their down time - when they're not sampling even more craft breweries, that is.