Have you heard?
The big trend in travel is going eco-friendly. And the Pacific Northwest is leading the charge in this area. Being such a green area of the world anyway, we Oregonians and Washitonians have made it a habit of living a sustainable, healthy life.
So it’s only natural that visitors are able to easily travel green here, as well! It is so easy to travel sustainably! If you are looking for Oregon vacation ideas that are eco-friendly, here are a few ways you too, can travel while helping to preserve our planet.
Eco Friendly Hotels
The sustainable hotel movement is well underway. And green hotels are not only on the rise, but most of them are really stylish and comfortable.
Seek out hotels that offer “green” services. This can be anything from one-time cleaning service during your stay, to free bus passes, to fillable shampoo and soap stations. If you do your research, you will find a wealth of hotels and other accommodation that minimize impacts to the surrounding land, while also maximizing your lodging experience.
Opt for hotel rooms or other accommodation with kitchenette facilities, so you can cook some of your meals in your room. It will save you money, as well.
One of the best eco-friendly hotels in Oregon is the SCP Redmond. Located in the quaint little town, which is the gateway to Bend and Mt. Bachelor, you will be pampered with a welcome drink, comfortable and stylish rooms, and many other amenities that make your stay extra special.
The SCP Hotels also have properties in Depoe Bay, OR, and Colorado Springs.
Shop Sustainable
Do your shopping at independently owned shops and boutique stores for sustainable clothing in Portland, and a huge array of other eco-friendly products. You will help out the local economy, and many mom-and-pop stores specialize in green products. It has truly become a way of life for us. Here is a great article on sustainable clothing in Seattle.
When ordering meals, stay away from the big chain restaurants. Eat local! The meals are more freshly prepared (with love) and you will likely get much better service, as the workers are more invested in their jobs and truly want you to have a great dining experience.
Here is a blog post I did on the wonderful world of food carts. You can take a culinary trip around the world, right in Portland, and it’s easy on the budget.
You Don’t (Necessarily) Need a Car
Especially in Portland! The Rose City has an outstanding bus, light rail, and streetcar system. As long as you are staying within the city limits, you don’t need a car in Portland. Oregon without a car is so easy – you save money on transportation and also help save the environment.
Seattle also has a great bus system. And there are buses and shuttles that will take you to most major attractions everywhere in Oregon and Washington state that leave from Portland, Seattle, and other major towns.
One good strategy is to have your “home base” in Portland or Seattle, and then take day trips to outlying areas.
Bikes are fast becoming the preferred method of travel in many cities across the U.S. And more places are offering bike-share programs, where you can rent a bike or scooter by the hour or day to explore your destination.
Oregon bicycle tours are a great way to get to know the state. Whatever part of Oregon you wish to explore, there is likely a bike tour for it. It’s a great way to see the sights, while also getting your exercise in!
Go Glamping!
The most sustainable way to travel is to sleep under the stars. If you don’t want to invest in a good tent or other camping gear, there are many affordable options to rent this equipment. This is also a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, and get to know your camp neighbors while also social distancing.
Glamping provides a way to enjoy the great outdoors, without having to “rough it”. I have written a separate article devoted to my love of glamping.
Staying in a treehouse is also highly recommended! It’s like being a kid again, falling asleep in a treehouse with all of the creatures comforts at your disposal.
And Finally…
The best way to enjoy the outdoors is to go hiking! Whether you are a novice hiker or a seasoned backcountry backpacker, there are a plethora of options for you in the Pacific Northwest.
Respect the land when you visit national parks, state parks, campsites, or anywhere outdoors you decide to visit. Pick up after yourself and leave all areas as you found them. Do not feed or interact with wildlife – just enjoy the view! As the saying goes, “leave only your footprints.”
