The article mentions Oregon east of the Cascades; I was going to say something if it didn't. So many amazing places to visit in that part of the world, and it is empty. It's one of the emptiest parts of the United States outside of Alaska.

Close to Bend, you can drive up to the Pine Mountain Observatory when they open it (check the web site), and the views are amazing because you're on a 6300 foot mountain away from the city with clear air.