Sure, the days are a smidgen shorter and the nights are cooling off (mercifully). But there is still lots of glorious late summer and early fall weather ahead to enjoy Oregon’s 6,000 lakes, 112,000 miles of rivers and 363 miles of coastline.
Of course, these Indian Summer days after Labor Day weekend and the start of school herald the perfect time to get all the “goodies” but none of the crowds. This is a shoulder season when lodgings reduce prices somewhat and boutiques and restaurants aren’t bulging with tourists. If you can travel midweek, it is to your great advantage.
Rafting
Look for rafting opportunities on Oregon’s many mighty rivers including the Rogue, Deschutes, Umpqua, Klamath, McKenzie and Owyhee. At this time of year the rivers are pretty low so the white water will be at a minimum. Nonetheless, rafting is always an enormous blast.
Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Some people call Hood River the windsurfing capital of the world due to the Columbia Gorge winds. Contact any of several windsurfing shops in the area to get advice, lessons, rent equipment.
Surfing
To borrow from the Beach Boys, all along the Oregon Coast “Everyone is going surfing, surfing USA!”
From seaside towns from Astoria to Brookings look for a local shop to rent a wetsuit, board or get a lesson.
Kayaking
Oregon offers a huge range of kayaking opportunities form the estuaries of Coos Bay to the wetlands of Scapoose Bay near Portland. Paddle the Upper Klamath lake for a glimpse of waterfowl or try the Willamette River. It’s easy to locate rental equipment or guided tours.
For more information:
VisitTheOregonCoast.com
TravelOregon/.com
OregonSurf.com
