When you realize that your state is a D&D landscape

[Sacrosanct]

I've always known Oregon to be one of the most diverse states as far as landscapes go--within an hour drive of my house is the beach, a snow-capped mountain, lush temperate forests, vast valley, and high desert. But when you see actual photos of the places in my state, it's a literal D&D fantasy world Talk about inspiration for adventures

Here are all areas in my state that I find very inspiring for game settings. What areas where you live have done the same?

 

[TarionzCousin]

For reference for most of the world, Oregon is larger than the United Kingdom:

 

[pickin_grinnin]

What is that geyser thing?

 

[Sacrosanct]

I always enjoying seeing so many gamer Oregonians online. We need to all get together and have a Game Day. I often gather the my group at one of several bars around Portland. The Lucky Lab in NW Portland is particularly awesome for gaming.

Huh. I guess I'll have to check that out.

What is that geyser thing?

Haha, this is what I get for not looking at my post closely after I post it. Wrong link. That was actually a geyser in Nevada. I meant to copy the next link on that page, which is Thor's Well in at the Oregon Coast.

Fixed!

 

[Mercurius]

Oh man @Sacrosanct, you're making me miss my old home state (I live in Portland from 1996 to 2007, with a couple years elsewhere in-between; might be moving back in another year or so).

Anyhow, I didn't recognize a couple places - the rainbowy sand (or stone?) landscape and the pictures directly above and below it. Where are those?

 

[Sacrosanct]

Smith Rock, the Painted Hills (both in Central Oregon near Madras and John Day), and the one below is Wallowa Lake in NE Oregon.

 

[Celebrim]

For reference for most of the world, Oregon is larger than the United Kingdom:

Furthering the since of scale here for are European friends, if LA was in London, then New York would be in Moscow.

On the general topic, yes, the real world is a fantastic source of inspiration for fantasy locales. Oregon is among the prettiest of states, but pretty isn't always the measure of a fantasy location. You could probably do something of this sort for most states. I'll see if I can't put together some links for a few I'm familiar with when I'm at home.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Shift yourself one state north to Washington. We got all the same terrains but we also have rain forest!

 

[Morrus]

Furthering the since of scale here for are European friends, if LA was in London, then New York would be in Moscow.

We know. We're not so sure why people keep explaining this to us, though. At least nobody's used the anecdote about how their "European friends" were flabbergasted, I say! at the distances when they visited, though I'm sure somebody will soon enough. I think there's this one European couple who must wander around the US visiting people just to exclaim at the distances. And then somebody will trot out that old "In Europe a hundred miles is along way; in America a hundred years is a long time oh my god I fell asleep just typing that!" line.

Can you tell I've been told that before?

More seriously, and on a much more interesting note, that landscape is gorgeous! America has some really spectacular landscape. The UK can be very pretty, but it's rarely as spectacular (though it has its moments, especially if you visit Wales or Scotland).

 

[tuxgeo]

The UK does have the spectacular "Giants Causeway" in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.