Discover Oregon: A Land of Natural Wonders and Urban Charms
Oregon offers a diverse landscape ripe for exploration, from volcanic lakes to lush gorges and rugged coastlines. The state is also home to vibrant cities like Portland, known for its unique culture and attractions. Whether planning a summer or winter trip, Oregon's top attractions and places to visit are sure to impress.
1. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, set in the Cascade Mountains, is a caldera formed from a collapsed volcano. The park features a stunningly blue lake surrounded by lava cliffs. Visitors can drive around the lake on Rim Drive, hike trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, or take a boat to Wizard Island in the summer.
2. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
This breathtaking river gorge, which forms the border between Oregon and Washington, is known for its waterfalls, including the towering Multnomah Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway offers a scenic drive with numerous attractions along the way.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
3. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a coastal town famed for its sandy shores and the iconic Haystack Rock. The area boasts a mix of natural beauty and cultural offerings, with nearby Ecola State Park offering additional scenic and historic sites.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
4. Washington Park, Portland
Portland's Washington Park is a hub of attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. It's also home to family favorites like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum.
5. Mount Hood National Forest
Mount Hood National Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing at Mount Hood Skibowl to hiking the Timberline Trail. The area includes scenic viewpoints and attractions like Trillium Lake.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Mount Hood National Forest
6. Bend
Bend is a central Oregon city surrounded by diverse landscapes. It's known for the High Desert Museum, outdoor activities at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and the nearby Smith Rock State Park, a climbing hotspot.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bend
7. Astoria
Astoria, nestled by the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, is a picturesque city with a rich history and a vibrant downtown. It's also known for its role in the film "The Goonies."
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Astoria
8. Hood River
Hood River is a scenic city known for outdoor sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing. It also boasts a growing culinary scene and is the starting point for the Fruit Loop, a route through local agricultural fields.
9. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Brookings
This coastal park showcases some of Oregon's most stunning seaside scenery, with attractions like Arch Rock and Lone Ranch Beach.
10. Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne
Smith Rock State Park is a renowned climbing destination with over 1,000 routes. It also offers trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Official site: https://smithrock.com/
11. Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland is a major cultural event, offering a range of theatrical performances throughout the year.
12. Newport
Newport is a family-friendly city with attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Newport
13. Sisters
Sisters is a charming western-themed town near Bend, offering a tourist-friendly downtown and access to outdoor adventures in the surrounding national forests.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Sisters
14. Silver Falls State Park, Sublimity
Silver Falls State Park is known for the Trail of Ten Falls, which offers a unique experience of walking behind waterfalls.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near Silver Falls State Park
15. Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is a coastal town known as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast," offering stunning ocean views and local charm.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Depoe Bay
16. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
This volcanic monument features a caldera with lakes, hot springs, and a variety of recreational activities.
17. Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences in Southern Oregon.
18. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
This area features miles of dunes for exploration and activities like off-highway vehicle riding and sandboarding.
19. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in the U.S., offers outdoor adventures like rafting and hiking along the Snake River.
20. Oregon Coast Trail
The Oregon Coast Trail spans over 360 miles, showcasing the state's coastal beauty and attractions.
21. Willamette National Forest
This expansive forest offers stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, rivers, and hot springs.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mill City, near Willamette National Forest
22. Willamette Heritage Center at The Mill, Salem
The Heritage Center in Salem showcases the region's history and industrialization in the late 1800s.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Salem
23. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene
This museum in Eugene houses a diverse collection of primarily Asian artworks and offers guided tours.
Official site: http://jsma.uoregon.edu/
24. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
Explore marble caves and hike through old-growth forests at this high-elevation monument in the Siskiyou Mountains.
25. Medford
Medford, the heart of the Rogue River Valley, offers outdoor adventures and a vibrant cultural scene.