Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is renowned for its rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, lush forests and charming small towns. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a culture lover interested in history and the arts, Oregon has something for you. With so many sensational sites to see in Oregon, it can be difficult to choose a favorite. Here are our top 7!
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Crater Lake National Park
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, the Crater Lake National Park is a stunning destination. Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, the lake is the deepest in the United States, plunging to nearly 2,000 feet. The sheer cliffs surrounding the lake are breathtaking They providing hikers and photographers with endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the rugged terrain.
The park boasts numerous trails, each offering unique perspectives of the landscape. Rim Drive is a must, circling the lake for 33 miles and offering scenic overlooks. For those who prefer to be on the water, boat tours take you across the lake to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone where you can hike to the summit for panoramic vistas. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead, or spot deer grazing in the meadows.
Crater Lake transforms with every season, offering new ways to experience its splendor. Summer brings lush greenery and crystal-clear skies, while winter blankets the area in snow, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Crater Lake is more than just a destination; it’s a natural wonder waiting to be explored!
There are several you can stay in the park or there are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Portland
Portland promises excitement around every corner. Start your adventure in the heart of downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square, often referred to as Portland’s living room. It’s a hub for events, concerts, and food carts. From there, stroll over to Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. This is truly nirvana for book lovers! You could easily lose track of time browsing through over a million titles spread across multiple floors.
Discover eclectic shops, galleries, and restaurants in Portland’s Pearl District. Or, encounter exotic animals from around the world and explore immersive exhibits highlighting conservation efforts at the Oregon Zoo.
Washington Park is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find the Portland Japanese Garden, where tranquility and beauty converge in meticulously designed landscapes. The nearby International Rose Test Garden is another treasure. In the summer, it fills the air with fragrance with over 10,000 rose bushes blooming.
Portland’s food scene is legendary, and no trip would be complete without indulging in some of the city’s iconic eats. Hit up the city’s famous food cart pods for an array of mouthwatering global flavors. From Korean BBQ to artisanal ice cream, there’s something for every palate. For a local favorite, swing by Voodoo Doughnut or Blue Star Donuts for a sweet treat that’s as creative as the city itself.
Wrap up your day with a visit to one of Portland’s many craft breweries. Known as “Beervana,” Portland is home to some of the best brews in the country. You’ll find plenty of spots to grab a pint and relax with locals.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Columbia River Gorge
Spanning over 80 miles between Oregon and Washington, Columbia River Gorge is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls. Hikers flock to the gorge to tackle iconic trails like the trek to Multnomah Falls. Oregon’s tallest waterfall sends water cascading 620 feet into a misty pool below. Also check out Eagle Creek Trail. You will be rewarded as it winds past multiple waterfalls, through narrow canyons, and across thrilling bridges.
The Columbia River itself is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfers and kiteboarders take to the river for high-flying adventure. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular ways to explore the river’s peaceful stretches.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, check out the Historic Columbia River Highway. This scenic drive weaves through the gorge, revealing breathtaking viewpoints. Be sure to stop at Crown Point and Vista House, where panoramic views stretch for miles. Don’t miss the fruit orchards and wineries that dot the Hood River Valley. They offer locally-grown produce and tastings of world-class wines and ciders.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a paradise of rugged beauty and adrenaline-pumping adventure in the heart of Central Oregon. With its towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic views, Smith Rock is a magnet for hikers, climbers, and photographers alike.
Best known as the birthplace of modern American sport climbing, Smith Rock draws climbers from around the globe. The park features over 1,500 climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly faces to expert-level overhangs and spires. Beginners should definitely hire a guide for your climb. Whether you’re scaling the iconic Monkey Face—a 350-foot-tall rock pillar—or tackling one of the many bolted routes, the climbing at Smith Rock is nothing short of epic.
Not a climber? No problem! Smith Rock boasts miles of scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Crooked River. The Misery Ridge Trail is the park’s most famous hike, offering a steep ascent to the top of the ridge. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cascade Mountain Range in the distance. For a less strenuous option, the River Trail follows the Crooked River’s banks.
Mountain bikers will find plenty to love as well, with trails that wind through the high desert terrain, offering technical challenges and thrilling descents. No matter how you choose to explore the area, you will enjoy the park’s unique rock formations and abundant wildlife, including eagles, falcons, and even river otters.
There are cabins and yurts available in the park and several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Baker City
Step back in time in Baker City! This charming and historic town is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Known for its rich Gold Rush history and stunning natural surroundings, Baker City is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture and history.
Start your visit with a stroll through Historic Downtown Baker City, where the streets are lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Many of these old structures now house boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Be sure to visit the Geiser Grand Hotel, an opulent, restored Victorian hotel that embodies the town’s Gold Rush legacy. It’s a great place to stay or simply stop in for a meal or a drink.
For a deep dive into the region’s past, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a must-see. This immersive museum takes you back in time to the days when pioneers braved the Oregon Trail in search of new beginnings. Walk through life-sized exhibits, view historic artifacts, and learn about the hardships and triumphs of the people who shaped the West.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
The Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert, tucked away in the remote southeastern corner of Oregon, is an extraordinary destination that feels like an entirely different planet. With its expansive dry lakebed, surrounded by towering mountains and wide-open skies, the Alvord Desert offers a surreal and captivating experience.
Visitors are immediately struck by the vastness of the desert’s flat, cracked playa, which stretches for miles in every direction. Drive across the desert floor, feeling the crunch of dry earth beneath your tires. Or, take a walk across the barren expanse to soak in the silence and solitude that makes this place so unique. Enjoy hiking and biking around the edges of the desert. Wildlife sightings are common, with wild mustangs, pronghorn antelope, and birds of prey making their homes in the region.
One of the highlights of the Alvord Desert is its incredible stargazing opportunities. Far from city lights, the night skies here are some of the clearest and most dazzling in the Pacific Northwest. Bring a blanket, lay back, and lose yourself in the Milky Way stretching overhead. The desert also offers excellent opportunities for photography, with its dramatic sunrises, sunsets, and unique formations.
For those seeking relaxation, nearby Alvord Hot Springs provides a perfect way to unwind after a day of desert exploration. The rustic pools offer soothing geothermal waters with stunning views of the surrounding Steens Mountain Range. Enjoy this serene spot to soak and rejuvenate.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon, perched at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, is a captivating coastal town where history and adventure meet. As the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria is steeped in fascinating stories and activities.
Begin your journey by diving into the town’s rich past at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Immerse yourself in tales of shipwrecks, brave rescues, and the fierce power of the Columbia River Bar, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Follow that with a visit to the historic Astoria Column. This 125-foot-tall monument rewards visitors with panoramic views of the town, river, and Pacific Ocean after climbing its winding staircase.
Stroll along the Riverwalk, where you’ll find the charming Astoria Riverfront Trolley clanging by as it takes passengers on a historic ride along the water. Watch ships sail by, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you explore the shops, galleries, and eateries that line the walkway. Stop for a bite at Bowpicker Fish & Chips, a local favorite serving crispy, mouthwatering fish out of a converted boat.
Explore rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and picturesque seaside towns along the stunning Pacific shoreline. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the nearby Fort Stevens State Park, where miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, and historic military installations await. Explore the remnants of Fort Clatsop, the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. For a more modern adventure, grab your camera and head to the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, an eerie yet striking relic washed ashore on the beach.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What is Your Favorite Site in Oregon?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Oregon. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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Start planning your Oregon getaway today and unlock the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!
