Whats New in Oregon
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC NOD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
National Geographic has named Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge as one of the seven best sustainable destinations in the world to visit in 2022. Designated a U.S. National Scenic Area, the Historic Columbia River Highway attracts more than 2 million visitors a year, so regional partners are working closely together to reduce visitor impact and build a sustainable tourism economy. Benefits for travellers to come from these efforts include a visitor education program called Ready, Set, Gorge; two new hop-on, hop-off shuttles and car-free transportation options; a new timed-entry reservation system for summer, trail ambassadors; and the East Gorge Food Trail.
INDIGENOUS FEMALE FISHING GUIDE CASTING FORWARD
Oregon’s wild and scenic rivers entice adventurers and anglers from around the world, and the state has many women guides making waves. Alysia Littleleaf, a descendant of the Wasco Tribe of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, has been guiding for nearly 10 years and is part of Travel Oregon’s new Why Guides program. She and her husband own Littleleaf Guide Service, and take fly-fishing enthusiasts casting for steelhead and trout on a private section of the Lower Deschutes River on the Warm Springs Reservation. In addition to sharing her culture and heritage, she partners with local non-profits to give back, including replanting trees to help restore habitat lost in recent forest fires.
NEW BIPOC BUSINESSES GIVE BACK
At Kahawa Roasting Company in Salem, the goal is to make every cup of coffee make a difference. The coffee roaster launched their business with a social mission to support refugees as they transition into a new community. The Shops at 10Y in Portland is a recently opened retail hub of pop-up shops designed to support BIPOC entrepreneurs. It is anchored by The Crick PDX by Abbey Creek Vineyard, owned by Oregon’s first Black winemaker. And, Strides for Social Justice is a free, family-friendly app created in Eugene with members of the Black community and local organizations to give residents and visitors alike a way to learn about BIPOC people, places and events.
LACE UP FOR OREGON22
From July 15-24, 2022, sports fans will be running to Eugene – known as TrackTown USAand the birthplace of NIKE – to cheer on the greatest track and field athletes on the planet competing in the World Athletics Championships: Oregon22. This is the first time a U.S. city will host this prestigious event welcoming over 2,000 athletes from more than 200 nations. Visitors can learn about running legend Steve Prefontaine, Olympic medalists, and the history and culture of track and field at the new 4,000 square-foot Hayward Hall; an interactive exhibit space underneath the stands at the University of Oregon’s historic stadium, Hayward Field. Tickets for Oregon22 are on sale here.
