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Oregon was first spotted by Spanish sailors in the 1500's, but it was only in 1792 when Captain Robert Gray, in the Columbia, discovered the river named after his ship and claimed the area for the U.S.

From then on, American settlers began populating the territory, including a settlement by millionaire John Jacob Astor who established a fur trading post, Astoria, in 1811.

However, disputes over Oregon territory continued between the US. and British-controlled Canada, when the Oregon Treaty transferred total control of the region from Great Britain to the U.S. in 1846.

Today, major scenic Oregon vacation spots are found all along the Columbia River area and include Crater Lake National Park and Mount Hood with a multitude of opportunities for camping and spring river rafting.

Other popular summer travel attractions include Oregon Coast driving tours along U.S. Highway 101, Oregon Caves National Monument, Hells Canyon, and Newberry Volcanic National Monument.

More about Oregon tourist attractions around the Web:

Travel Oregon - Nicely done & designed with easy-to-use guides to Oregon history & culture, a complete trip planner including maps, pictures, hotel & restaurant guides, browseable by region with information on major attractions.

Central Oregon Visitors Association - Focusing on the Bend area and nearby attractions with information on hotels & restaurants, sports, recreations & kid-friendly activities, photo gallery, maps. weather forecasts.

Portland Oregon Visitors Association - A guide to the entire city with major & nearby attractions, day trips, hotel & restaurant guides, entertainment, nightlife, sports events, event calendar, visitor tips, maps & pictures.

Salem Convention & Visitors Association - The state capital with information on family fun & kid-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation, hotel & restaurant guides, garden & winery tours, maps, driving directions, pictures.

Eastern Oregon Visitor's Association - The rivers, mountains & plains of Oregon with lots of scenic beauty in pictures with information on what to see and where to stay.