If you’re thinking about which places to visit in the US, Oregon is amongst the hot destinations. Oregon, whose Pacific coast is bordered by neighboring California, is a state full of natural beauty and hidden brook. Ranging from very beautiful beaches through snow-capped mountains to dense forests, Oregon has several lovely waterfalls that offer different experiences to every traveler.
In this blog, I will take you through my “Tale of Journey” and explore some of the best places to visit in Oregon. Name it from iconic Portland to charming coastal towns and the majestic Cascade Mountains show the must-see spots that make Oregon truly popular.
So, put on your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready to go on an exploration spree around Oregon’s hidden treasures.
1. Crater Lake National Park
#Best places to visit in Oregon
It sits in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern Oregon. Scenically and geologically, it is unlike anywhere else on the earth. This is no crater but a remnant of Mount Mazama after its volcanic eruption, literally the deepest lake within the United States, and water of a sapphire blue hue that is just amazing.
Crater Lake is easiest to see along Rim Drive, which circles the entire lake. The route begins in Rim Village, home to the Crater Lake Lodge and Rim Village Visitor Center. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers use bare roads for winter travel.
Some of the finest hiking trails in Oregon are found at Crater Lake National Park. The hiking and backpacking opportunities extend far from the rim, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
There’s so much more to see in Southern Oregon beyond the national parks. Crater Lake is surrounded by wild places – like the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest – with hundreds of miles of trails to hike. Crater Lake is the northern terminus of the spectacular 500-mile, state-wide Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
2. Cannon Beach
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination on the northern Oregon coast, with spectacular views of wide stretches of sand and jagged coastal rocks. Haystack Rock is the largest of these sea stacks and is an integral part of any tour of this coastal community. In addition to spectacular ocean views, Cannon Beach also offers cultural appeal with restaurants, boutique shops, and great hotels.
North of Cannon Beach, charming Ecola State Park, and Tillamook Head include historic and scenic landscapes to explore, including a trail that follows the path of Lewis and Clark. The charming seaside town is on the other side of Icola State Park, which offers more family-friendly trips along the coast.
3. Mount Hood National Forest
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon, with a summit of 11,239 feet. This enormity makes the mountain an incredible landmark in the state, visible from every direction on a clear day. Mount Hood National Forest covers the entire mountain and many parts of it. This public space offers all kinds of adventure. The mountain slopes offer downhill skiing at the Mount Hood Ski Bowl, scenic hiking paths like the Timberline Trail, and scenic viewpoints accessible via the Mount Hood Scenic Loop.
The national-wide Pacific Crest Trail traverses the southwest edge of the mountain. The historic town of Government Camp and the nearby Timberline Lodge are major attractions in this mountain landscape. The reflective Trillium Lake offers a magnificent mountain view.
4. Willamette Valley
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Located in the State of Oregon is the Willamette Valley, a well-known region mostly due to agricultural practice and wine production. It is one of the leading wine-producing regions in the United States with a great reputation for the peppermint patty grape variety. This valley is located in the mountain area and is enclosed within rivers and greenery making it a great place to travel to. Here you will have the opportunity to go for wine tasting, sightseeing and enjoy their dishes. When having a wine tasting in Willamette Valley, consider it as California’s Napa Valley.
5. Columbia River Gorge
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area This beautiful river gorge is located between Oregon and Washington states. Within a fifty-minute radius from the city of Portland lies this incredible region known for breathtaking sights and a variety of waterfalls. Rising dramatically at 620 feet, the famous Multnomah Falls are the highest waterfall in the state, if not the most photographed display of rain in the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to the falls, the Multnomah area has hiking and biking trails as well as camping sites. Also you Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls. It was established as a National Scenic Area in 1986 and is one of the most frequented areas for those who enjoy nature’s wonders and gorges.
6. Smith Rock State Park
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Smith Rock State Park is an international climbing destination located near Bend in Central Oregon. A famous destination especially for rock climbers. It has towering volcanic cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and meandering rivers. Not just climbers; Mountain bikers, hikers, and photographers often explore the scenic surroundings of the state park. For some of the best hiking in the area, visit Misery Ridge. Known as one of the birthplaces of sport climbing, Smith Rock attracts climbers from around the world as well as nature lovers.
7. Silver Falls State Park
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Silver Falls State Park in the state of Oregon is certainly a sight worth seeing for anyone who loves beautiful surroundings. Speaking of the most intriguing and picturesque state park, then Silver Falls comes to mind. Not only is this one of the most beautiful states but also this beautiful place is a must-visit, as it provides breathtaking views, a variety of wildlife, and interesting activities for tourists. It has several beautiful waterfalls, and great hiking, climbing on horseback, and bunking opportunities as well.
To add on, Silver Falls State Park is also family friendly having facilities such as picnic places, campgrounds, and a fairly warm cabin. Also, what is remarkable about Silver Falls is how quiet it feels, making it a perfect sorry from the noise of the city. If you are into taking photos if you enjoy forest walking or simply into quiet places, this park is there to suit everyone’s tastes.
8. Washington Park, Portland
#Best places to visit in Oregon
With Portland, Oregon as its host, Washington Park is an expansive city-based green space that is surrounded by greenery and many attractions. It covers an area of 1,300 acres of land where there are several gardens like the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden which exhibit different varieties of roses numbering in the thousands. The park also has a number of walking and hiking paths with impressive cliff and mountain views across the city. In addition to the picture-perfect nature, Washington Park harbors the Oregon Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Portland, making it more family-friendly and attractive to nature lovers. It is the most peaceful and serene place in the city.
9. Hood River
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Located in Hood River, Oregon, is a picturesque town nestled between the Columbia River and Mount Hood. A great place for sightseeing and outdoor sports and well known as a destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Other common activities in this adventure region include hiking, biking, and camping. The city is also well known for its emerging culinary scene. Those seeking adventure yet want to relax can easily explore a lush landscape of waterfalls on the historic Columbia River Scenic Byway.
10. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Samuel H. The Borden State Scenic Corridor is a park on the southern Oregon coast in Brookings and Gold Beach. This stunning coastal corridor showcases some of the best oceanfront views in the state. Samuel H. The park is named in Borden’s honor and is easily accessible from US 101. Various pull-offs are connected throughout the park, the beaches, rock formations, and unique natural beauty that define this part of the coast.
Spanning 12 miles, the corridor features several viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. The Oregon Coast Trail spans the entire park, offering a very challenging hike. A few popular pit stops along this scenic corridor include Arch Rock, Indian Sands, and one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast, Lone Ranch Beach.
11. Umatilla National Forest
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Umatilla National Forest, found in the eastern region of Oregon and the southeastern region of Washington, covers over one-point-four million acres, containing varying taxa such as hilly plains, forests, and rivers. This area is well known for its diverse types of flora and fauna and offers activities such as hiking, camping, angling, and wild game hunting. Among the luxuriant forests and trails of Umatilla National Forest, for instance, Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, you can spot animals like elks, black bears, bald eagles, and many more. The Fir, Pine, and Larch forests and the waders and rivers of Umatilla make it an attractive region for active nature lovers who want both beauty and peace.
12. Bend
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Bend is roughly in the center of Oregon, surrounded by an eclectic mix of national forests, volcanoes, and arid plains. Popular things to do in Bend include rafting trips down the Deschutes River, tours of the volcanic landscapes at Lava Butte and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and skiing at the large Mount Bachelor ski area. This iconic waterfall is only a 10-minute drive from Bend. Other nearby attractions include Smith Rock, which is quite famous among climbers due to the multitude of routes and long history of rock climbing. Hiking trails around Bend are one of the great ways to explore these sceneries, and mountain biking trails add excitement.
13. Astoria
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Astoria is a charming seaside town in the northwest corner of Oregon, with an inspiring setting at the end of the Columbia River before it meets the ocean. Although small, it’s called the San Francisco of Oregon thanks to its seaside location and vibrant downtown district full of community flavor. Not far away, the Astoria Flavel House Museum gives historical depth to this village town. The next best things to the top in Astoria are its scenic riverfront and Astoria Column, which serve really good views of the area. Besides the proximity it has to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, it should be an appealing location for nature lovers.
14. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
#Best places to visit in Oregon
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon holds one of the richest fossil areas in the country. The park is truly handsome and very instructive. The whole complex consists of three units: Painted Hill, Clarno, and Sheep Rock, each with unique geological formations and colorful landscapes. I highly recommend visiting all 3 units since each unit offers something different. One can spot bald eagles, deer, turkeys, and quail. Beautiful, full of trails to hike for all ages.
15. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Northeastern Oregon is home to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, which is a large area full of different landscapes with strong mountains, deep rivers and canyons, and beautiful sights. It comprises the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon, and portions of the Blue Mountains. The forest has multiple avenues for recreation such as hiking, camping, hunting, and watching wildlife. Eagle Cap Wilderness, where the forest is located, is famous thanks to its picturesque views off.
16. Malheur National Forest
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Malheur National Forest, located in eastern Oregon, spans over 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rivers. If you want to meet friendly people and see wide open beautiful country, look no further. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, camping, hunting, or fishing, Central Oregon has just what you are looking for. Be sure to stop in Post for a freshly made meatloaf sandwich, delicious! Beautiful place to just get away to relax & have peace of mind or take a quiet walk with your dog or partner & share some quality time.
17. Willamette National Forest
#Best places to visit in Oregon
Willamette National Forest is in Oregon’s Cascade Range and comprises large landscapes, which give it the status of 1.6 million acres of rich forests, volcanic peaks, and rivers that are intact. It was established in 1908 and allows for a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and winter sports. Among some of the recognizable names around are The Three Sisters and Mount Washington; also, several trails pass through the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Visitors can explore vigorous ecosystems and see wildlife such as elk, deer, and a variety of bird species. Just about one pretty area after another. Each is somewhat different from the rest, nonetheless beautiful.
Best Time to Visit Oregon
Summer (June to August ): The best time for hiking, camping, and coast exploration is during these summer months.
Fall (September to November): It’s a wonderful time in wine country with autumn foliage and literally the best time for going on a hike.
Winter (December to February): Best time for skiing on Mount Hood or an ideal visit to the city.
Spring (March and May): This usually falls time when the wildflowers are in bloom, the waterfalls are good, and the crowds are fewer.
All the best on your trip to Oregon. “Tale of Journey” is waiting for your valuable feedback to hear about your Oregon travel experience. Oh yeah, and one more thing Subscribe to our Newsletter to get more destination updates straight to your email.
Happy Travel!!
