Oregon is a Pacific Northwest state of extraordinary natural beauty, spanning rugged coastlines, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and high desert plateaus. Portland, its largest city, is celebrated for its vibrant food scene, craft beer culture, and independent spirit. From the deep blue waters of Crater Lake to the thundering cascade of Multnomah Falls, Oregon rewards travelers who venture beyond the expected.
Oregon is generally a safe destination for travelers. Portland's tourist areas are well-patrolled and visitors rarely encounter serious crime. The main risks for tourists are wilderness hazards (rapidly changing mountain weather, rip currents on the coast, and wildlife), urban property crime in parts of Portland, and wildfire-related road closures in summer.
Current safety advisory
Low–moderate Risk
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Medical Care
- Detail
- Oregon has good medical facilities in cities. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is Portland's major trauma center: 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, (503) 494-8311. Providence Portland Medical Center: 4805 NE Glisan St, (503) 215-1111. Emergency rooms available in Eugene, Bend, Salem, and Ashland.
- Topic
- Health Insurance
- Detail
- US healthcare costs are extremely high without insurance. Visitors from other countries must carry comprehensive travel insurance covering at least $250,000 USD in medical coverage. Emergency room visits can cost $3,000–50,000+ USD without insurance.
- Topic
- Wilderness Medical Risks
- Detail
- Altitude sickness is possible above 9,000 ft (Mt. Hood summit is 11,249 ft). Hypothermia is a risk year-round above treeline and on the coast in winter. Giardia contamination is present in backcountry water — filter all natural water with a 0.2-micron filter before drinking.
- Topic
- Vaccinations
- Detail
- No special vaccinations required for Oregon. Routine US vaccinations (COVID-19, flu, tetanus) are recommended. Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) are present — check for ticks after forest hikes. West Nile Virus is present in eastern Oregon in summer.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items