The Beaver State Beckons: My Oregon Journey Begins in Portland
My 50 U.S. States Tour continues west, and this time the journey brought me to the Beaver State — Oregon. This trip marked another milestone in my long-term goal of visiting all 50 states, combining work, leisure, history, and firsthand exploration.
Heading West: Easton, Maryland to Portland, Oregon
On January 21, I officially headed west from my home in Easton, Maryland. I drove nearly two hours into Virginia to catch my flight out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
My flight included a brief layover in Seattle, Washington, before continuing on to Portland International Airport (PDX), where I arrived later in the afternoon. After landing, I picked up my rental car from Alamo and wasted no time starting my Oregon adventure.
First Stop in Oregon: Pittock Mansion
My first destination in Portland was the iconic Pittock Mansion, perched high above the city. Unfortunately, the mansion itself was closed for annual maintenance, but that didn’t take away from the experience.
I was still able to:
- Walk the beautiful grounds
- Take in sweeping views of Portland
- Enjoy an incredible sight of Mount Hood in the distance
Even without going inside, Pittock Mansion delivered one of the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Exploring Washington Park: A Self-Guided Discovery
From Pittock Mansion, I made a short drive to Washington Park, where I continued my exploration on a self-guided tour. This area is packed with cultural and natural landmarks, and I visited:
- Veterans Memorial – a quiet, reflective space honoring service and sacrifice
- Oregon Zoo (closed at the time of my visit)
- Hoyt Arboretum – home to an impressive collection of trees from around the world
- International Rose Test Garden – a must-see and a symbol of Portland’s identity as the City of Roses
Even with a few closures, Washington Park offered a peaceful and scenic introduction to Portland.
Downtown Stay: Embassy Suites Portland
After a full afternoon of exploring, I drove into downtown Portland and checked into the Embassy Suites Hotel.
- Check-in was smooth
- Room accommodations were excellent
- The hotel’s grand lobby hinted at its historic significance
Later that evening, I headed downstairs to the hotel restaurant, where I enjoyed cocktails and dinner — the perfect way to unwind after a long travel day.
January 21: Powell’s City of Books
The next day began with a visit to one of Portland’s most famous landmarks: Powell’s City of Books.
This massive, world-renowned independent bookstore truly deserves its reputation. Wandering through its color-coded rooms and endless shelves felt like stepping into a literary city of its own. Whether you’re a casual reader or a serious book lover, Powell’s is an essential Portland experience.
January 22: Portland City Tour – Views & News
On January 22, I joined the Portland City Tour: Views & News, a guided experience that offered deeper insight into:
- Portland’s neighborhoods
- Local history and culture
- Notable landmarks and viewpoints
This tour provided valuable context and perspective, helping me better understand the city beyond just the attractions.
January 23: Waterfalls & City Lights
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour (1:00 PM)
On January 23, I headed out at 1:00 PM for the stunning Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour, one of the highlights of the trip. The tour showcased Oregon’s natural beauty and included visits to:
- Multnomah Falls
- Latourell Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- Ponytail Falls
- Shepherd’s Dell Falls
Each waterfall had its own character, and the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking.
Portland City Lights Dinner Cruise (6:00 PM)
That evening, I wrapped up the day with the Portland City Lights Dinner Cruise at 6:00 PM. Cruising along the Willamette River, I enjoyed:
- Views of Portland’s skyline at night
- Illuminated bridges
- A relaxed dinner experience on the water
It was a memorable and elegant way to end a packed and fulfilling day. Listening to the stories and history of the life along the river banks.
When Winter Weather Takes Control: Flight Cancellations & Getting Home
No trip is complete without at least one unexpected twist, and my Oregon journey was no exception.
I was originally scheduled to fly home on Sunday, January 25, departing Portland and routing through Atlanta, with an expected arrival into Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) around 6:00 PM. However, as a major winter snowstorm blanketed the eastern United States, widespread flight disruptions began cascading across the country.
That original flight was cancelled, and Delta Air Lines automatically rebooked me on an alternate route — this time connecting through Salt Lake City, Utah. Unfortunately, as weather conditions continued to deteriorate back east, that flight was also cancelled.
At this point, travel plans were very much in flux. Delta once again stepped in and rebooked me a third time, this time routing me through Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) before continuing on to Washington Dulles (IAD). Fortunately, this final routing held, and it was the flight that ultimately got me home safely.
While the constant changes were far from ideal, it’s important to note that none of these cancellations were airline-driven — they were the direct result of severe winter weather impacting airports and operations across the eastern U.S.
Extra Nights, Extra Costs — and the Reality of Winter Travel
These unavoidable delays meant adjusting plans on the fly. As a result, I had to:
- Book an additional night at my hotel
- Extend my rental car
- Cover extra parking time at IAD for my personal vehicle
This is the side of travel that rarely shows up in highlight reels but is very real — especially during winter travel season.
Delta Air Lines: Professional Handling Under Pressure
Despite the multiple cancellations and reroutes, Delta Air Lines handled the situation professionally from start to finish. Rebookings were managed efficiently, communication was clear, and I never felt stranded or unsupported.
For their handling of a difficult weather situation, Delta earns a solid five-star rating from me. Situations like this reinforce the importance of choosing reliable carriers and understanding that sometimes, patience and flexibility are simply part of the journey.
A Final Takeaway
Travel — especially in winter — doesn’t always go exactly as planned. But with good communication, professional airline support, and the right mindset, even disruptions can be managed smoothly.
In the end, I made it home safely, with one more state checked off my list and another reminder that experience matters when navigating the unexpected.
Final Thoughts: Oregon Leaves a Lasting Impression
Starting my Oregon journey in Portland was the perfect introduction to the state. From historic mansions and lush parks to iconic bookstores, waterfalls, and river cruises, this visit balanced urban culture, history, and natural beauty effortlessly.
As my 50-state journey continues west, Oregon has firmly secured its place as a destination worth revisiting.
More states, more stories, and more journeys ahead.
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