In the 1920s and 1930s, Oregon's legendary bridge engineer Conde B. McCullough designed a first-rate collection of aesthetic bridges on the Oregon Coast Highway to enhance an already dramatic and beautiful landscape. The six largest of these, at Gold Beach, Newport, Waldport, Florence, Reedsport, and Coos Bay, eliminated the last ferries on the Oregon Coast Highway between the Columbia River and California. McCullough planned to build one bridge each year after completion of the Rogue River Bridge at Gold Beach in 1932, but the tightening grip of the Depression threatened his plans. In 1933, McCullough and his staff worked day and night to finish plans for the remaining five bridges, and in early 1934, the Public Works Administration funded simultaneous construction of them. The combined projects provided approximately 630 jobs, but at least six workers perished during construction. After the bridges were complete, Oregon coast tourism increased by a dramatic 72 percent in the first year.

The Oregon Coast has been the site of shipwrecks even before Lewis and Clark's arrival in 1805. Even as the population grew, the federal government let the Oregon Coast go unguarded by lighthouses and lifesavers for decades. Economic and political pressures finally forced the government to build the first Oregon lighthouse in 1857 at the Umpqua River. The LifeSaving Service followed in 1878 with a station at the mouth of Coos Bay. Eventually, most of the harbor entrances and headlands were protected by both the Lighthouse Service and the LifeSaving Service, the precursor to today's Coast Guard. Lighthouses and Lifesaving on the Oregon Coast commemorates the true heroes who served to warn, protect, and rescue those who went to sea.

The inescapable beauty of the Columbia River Gorge is captured in its entirety by Oregon photographer, Larry Geddis. The stunning Columbia, the verdant cliffs, the myriads of sparkling waterfalls, plus all the enchanting vistas that make this National Scenic Area the magic emerald of the Northwest. To this backdrop, Oregon writer, Linda Stirling adds a delightful, entertaining and informative text. This book is a must for Gorge old-timers and new visitors alike.

Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for more than 80 years. Gorgeous scenery, hip cities, and a growing wine and craft beer scene make Oregon one of the top destinations for adventure and culture lovers alike. With Fodor's Oregon, travelers can successfully navigate the Pacific Coast's beautiful beaches and Portland's unique neighborhoods, while also enjoying Willamette's wineries and the hiking opportunities of the Cascade Mountain range. This travel guide includes: · Dozens of full-color maps · Hundreds of hotel and restaurant recommendations, with Fodor's Choice designating our top picks · Multiple itineraries to explore the top attractions and what's off the beaten path · Major sights such as Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Zoo and Lan Su Chinese Garden · Coverage of Portland, the Oregon Coast, Willamette Valley, Eugene, Ashford, Bend, Columbia River Gorge, Mt.Hood, Central Oregon, Crater Lake National Park, Southern Oregon, and Eastern Oregon Planning to visit more of the Pacific Northwest? Check out Fodor's travel guide to the Pacific Northwest with Oregon, Washington & Vancouver.