Oregon in Late Summer

Oregon is well known for lush ancient forests and a picturesque coastline that teems with waterbirds. This is the Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains, where most of the human population resides. Less well known are the radically different habitats and climates as one moves south and east. In the “rain shadow” of the Cascades one finds dry open conifer forests, desert-like shrub-steppe, and stark vistas of canyons and fault-block mountains, while farther south one experiences warm summers with virtually no rain. It’s this meeting of Pacific, Continental, and Mediterranean climates in astonishing proximity that gives the state of Oregon an avian diversity greater than any other area in the world at a similar latitude—especially in woodpeckers and owls. We’ll explore most of this diversity in scenic state parks on the coast, vibrant national wildlife refuges in the Willamette Valley, extensive coniferous forests on both sides of the Cascades, and open expanses of sagebrush in the eastern deserts.

(This tour can be taken in conjuction with Oregon: Birds & Theater in 2025)