What’s New in Oregon
‘The Sports Bra’ Champions Women at Female-Focused Bar
When Jenny Nguyen opened The Sports Bra this spring in Portland, OR it became the only bar in the world dedicated to women’s sports. Of course, the watering hole is committed to serving great food and drinks, but its mission is to provide a space that supports, empowers and promotes girls and women in sports and in the community. It exclusively broadcasts women’s sporting events as well as showcases memorabilia celebrating female athletes, including Serena Williams and Sha’Carri Richardson.
Oregon State Parks Celebrate Centennial
The Oregon State Parks system officially turns 100 this year. The first state park was created in 1922 when Sarah Helmick and her son donated 5 acres (2 hectares) of land along the Luckiamute River near Corvallis, OR to become Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site. Today, the state park system comprises 254 park properties and more than 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) across Oregon. To continue to preserve Oregon’s natural places for generations to come, 100 volunteer projects will be completed in 2022 and visitors to Oregon can also take part in a series of celebratory events all year long.
First Nature Tours Nutures Regenerative Tourism
First Nature Tours based in Portland, OR aims to educate the intrepid traveller through sustainable explorations of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including trips to the Willamette National Forest to plant trees in areas devastated by wildfires, and the Olympic Peninsula to regenerate salmon habitat and learn about Indigenous culture. A leading example of Travel Oregon’s Why Guides program, First Nature Tours shows visitors how utilizing a knowledgeable local guide can leave Oregon not just as they found it, but better.
Following in the Footsteps of Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Tribe
Oregon is home to nine federally recognized Indigenous Tribes, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Travellers can respectfully visit culturally significant sites for the Cow Creek Tribe in the Umpqua Valley in Southern Oregon, such as the Umpqua National Forest, South Umpqua Falls and Acker Rock. The latter boasts Acker Rock Fire Lookout, a unique, hike-in only accommodation experience for visitors who plan well in advance. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, camp, fish, swim, harvest huckleberries and more, all in the traditional territory of the Cow Creek Tribe.
