Although Oregon may not be one of the states most visited by international tourists, it holds an unexpected variety of landscapes, from the beautiful coastline to deserts and natural parks, from an incredible amount of waterfalls (among the most beautiful in the world) to enchanting lighthouses, from scenic roads to colorful hills, high mountain ranges, volcanic peaks and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
As you learn more about this state, you will soon find that choosing what to do in Oregon is anything but easy given the sheer number of attractions and places of interest it has. Here is a selection of my top picks that I think will serve as a good starting point.
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Things to Do in Oregon: the “7 Wonders of Oregon”
Among all the state’s natural attractions there are 7 that have been named the 7 Wonders of Oregon because of their unquestionable beauty. They are as follows:
Crater Lake National Park
Southern Oregon is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest lake in the world. Located in the caldera of an extinct volcano, it covers an area of more than 285 square miles at an elevation between 5905 and 7874 ft above sea level. This beautiful national park can be visited year-round, although, in the winter, some roads close due to the frequent snow at this altitude. The lake owes its existence to the rains and melting snow. In fact, Crater Lake has no tributaries. You will be captivated by the crystal blue of its waters, among the purest in the United States.
- Read our guide on Crater Lake National Park
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast will surprise you with its scenic beauty. Here you will find some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world such as the renowned Cannon Beach. Not only that, impressive stacks a short distance from the shoreline such as Haystack Rock and the Bird Rocks complement the Three Capes Scenic Drive and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. As you drive along these roads, you’ll discover cliffsides, parks, and breathtaking vistas. The scenery is so jaw-dropping that the names of the landmarks are inspired by supernatural figures, such as God’s Thumb, Devil’s Churn, and Thor’s Well just to name a few.
And after going to the Oregon Dunes National Area, make sure you go visit Oregon’s famous lighthouses and explore city life in places like Astoria, Newport, Depoe Bay, and Bandon.
- Read our guides to the Oregon Coast and its lighthouses
Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds
Central Oregon is just as varied as its coastline. For instance, there are the Painted Hills, located in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. These colorful hills that are over 30 million years old cover an area of about 13 square miles and you will be left speechless by their colorful streaks.
In addition to the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has two other equally spectacular though less famous areas, namely, Sheep Rock and Clarno. Want to hear something that will make you appreciate the place even more? Admission to the three areas is totally free.
- Read our guides on the Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Oregon is home not only to the deepest lake in the United States, but also to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the largest scenic area. In fact, it stretches from the outskirts of Portland to Miller Island and the canyon is more than 81 miles long and up to 3,937 ft deep. Not only that, the Historic Columbia River Highway is renowned as the first scenic highway in the United States. The beauty of this place is stunning, including magnificent waterfalls (including the incredible Multnomah Falls) and viewpoints surrounded by lush nature.
- Read our guide to the Columbia River Gorge
Smith Rock State Park
Rock climbing enthusiasts will no doubt be familiar with Smith Rock State Park, located in central Oregon between Redmond and Terrebonne. Its steep tuff and basalt walls overlooking the river make it perfect for rock climbing, which attracts tourists from all over the world every year. However, you do not necessarily have to be a rock climber to enjoy the park and admire its wonderful rock formations.
In fact, you only need to park your car and venture onto the many hiking trails, some of which are suitable even for families with children. In addition, here visitors can ride bikes and go horseback riding. Also, if you love daring activities, you can try slacklining.
- Read our guide to Smith Rock State Park
Mount Hood
Oregon’s highest mountain, Mount Hood, is also a volcano. Standing 11,250 ft above sea level, Mount Hood is located about 50 miles from Portland. Whatever time of year you’ve decided to visit Oregon, the Mount Hood area is a destination that offers many attractions and activities, including fishing, camping, skiing, and taking long walks in its verdant forests.
This place will captivate you and there will be no time for you to get bored. Mount Hood is located within the Mount Hood National Forest, a protected natural area of more than 4,000 square miles of disarming beauty.
- Read our guide on Mount Hood
The Wallowas and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Another one of Oregon’s wonders is the Wallowa Mountains, also known simply as The Wallowas. This mountain range of rare beauty is located in northeastern Oregon and is about 64 miles long, from the Blue Mountains in the west to the Snake River in the east.
You’ll see the Oregon Alps, high peaks that reach nearly 9,900 feet in elevation and will be surrounded by spectacular grasslands and deep canyons. Suffice it to say that the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is part of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Hells Canyon, with its evocative and terrifying name, reaches deeper than even its more renowned Grand Canyon.
More Places to Visit in Oregon
The natural beauty worth visiting in Oregon certainly does not end with the so-called 7 Wonders. Here’s what else awaits:
Lava Lands
In central Oregon, visitors and tourists flock to observe how solidified lava has changed the surrounding landscape. These are the Lava Lands, located near the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Make sure to visit Lava River Cave, Lava Cast Forest, and Big Obsidian Flow. The Lava Lands Visitor Center is located on Highway 97 south of Bend.
One itinerary I recommend is the one described in this article: from Crater Lake to the Lava Lands, which also includes a visit also to Oregon Dunes and Thor’s Well. Apocalyptic views await you on this itinerary!
Toketee Falls
Oregon is home to many waterfalls, and among them, Toketee Falls certainly stand out. They are located in Douglas County along the North Umpqua River. The trail to reach the falls begins near Idleyld Park. The North Umpqua River was carved through the basalt rock over the centuries, creating a gorge in the lava flow with a two-tiered waterfall about 37 feet high.
The trail is easy and accessible to everyone, even those who consider themselves inexperienced hikers, and this is the reason that there may be several visitors also taking this hike. At 0.87 miles long, the trail takes about 30 minutes round trip.
- Read our guide to Toketee Falls
Silver Falls State Park
If you love waterfalls, another stop you can’t miss is Silver Falls State Park. This state park is near Silverton and about 20 miles from Salem. It is full of waterfalls and well-mapped trails to reach and admire the falls up close. The most renowned trail is certainly the Trail of Ten Falls, which, as the name clearly states, will allow you to see as many as 10 waterfalls in an 11-mile loop trail.
Keep in mind that Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park, so it’s worth devoting at least a half-day to it. Take the opportunity to go behind several of these waterfalls to feel even more a part of this breathtaking landscape.
- Read our guide to Silver Falls State Park
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
One of Oregon’s most important scenic byways is the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, also known as Forest Route 46, which runs through the center of the state. This beautiful route east of the Cascades is about 106 miles long and crosses Deschutes and Klamath Counties. Enjoy breathtaking views of towering Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, and The Three Sisters.
Not only that, you will pass by numerous lakes such as Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, Devils Lake, Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake, Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and Cultus Lake. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway starts north of a small town called Bend and ends south about 40 miles southeast of Oakridge on OR 58.
- Read our guide to Central Oregon
Wallowa Lake State Park
Wallowa Lake is a scenic lake in northeastern Oregon. It is at an elevation of 1,333 feet above sea level. The nearest town is Joseph, just over a mile away. In the southern area of the lake, there is Wallowa Lake State Park, where there are also restaurants and places to sleep.
Many activities can be done in the park, from hiking and camping to fishing and horseback riding. Wallowa Lake is a great place to swim or go canoeing. This place is perfect for families with children. Here you will also find a mini-golf area, go-karts, and bumper boats, which are water bumper cars of sorts.
Alvord Desert
Southeast of Oregon, not far from the Cascades and Coast Range, is a real desert that covers an area of 12×7 miles. The desert developed where there was once a lake and is at an elevation of about 3,900 ft above sea level. Absolute silence, barren land beneath your feet, and the Steen Mountains in front of you.
The area is renowned among those who love going at high speeds, and several records have been broken in this area (as is also the case at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah). The 1976 land speed record of 512.7 mi/h by Kitty O’Neil was achieved here in the Alvord Desert. Other attractions here include the Alvord Hot Springs on the western border, Mickey Hot Springs to the north, and Borax Lake to the south.
The Cove Palisades State Park
In central Oregon, more specifically in Jefferson County, there is another fascinating park to discover: Cove Palisades State Park. This state park encompasses Lake Billy Chinook as well as Deschutes and Crook River Canyons. It is popular among camping and water sports enthusiasts.
In fact, there are two campgrounds in the park, the Deschutes River and the Crooked River. There are also some luxury chalets near the lake where there are picnic areas and you can also rent houseboats in the summertime, as well as boats, canoes, and water skis. It is a paradise for people of all ages.
- Read our guide to Central Oregon
Oregon’s cities
Portland
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, has a population of about 700,000. It owes its economic importance to its location between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Precisely because of these two waterways that characterize it, the second most populous city in the Pacific Northwest after Seattle is also known as the City of Bridges. Visit the historic downtown with Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Portland Building, City Hall, and Keller Fountain Park.
Furthermore, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, Lan Su Garden, and the beautiful Japanese Garden should be visited. The most interesting museums are the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. From Portland, you can easily reach both the Pacific coast with its attractions and the central part of the state with unique natural landscapes such as the Willamette Valley or Mount Hood National Forest.
- Read our guide to Portland
Astoria
While Portland is the most populous city in Oregon, Astoria is the oldest in the state and is also the first American city to be built west of the Rocky Mountains. The town south of the Columbia River overlooks the ocean and has a population of about 10,000 people. Although it may be small, it is very charming thanks to its historic buildings and its proximity to the water. I recommend walking along the Astoria Riverwalk so that you can visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Fort Stevens State Park where you can see the wreck of the Peter Iredale.
The Astoria-Megler Bridge is an integral part of the cityscape, and if you want to see the city from above, try climbing the famous Astoria Column built in 1926. Finally, movie lovers would undoubtedly remember that Astoria was the location for most of the scenes in the Goonies, a cult hit for those of my age or thereabouts.
Valleys and regions
The list could go on and on, but I will just point out two regions that would be a real shame not to include in one’s Oregon itinerary.
Central Oregon
Picturesque small towns, scenic roads, and landscapes ranging from arid High Desert to millennial deep-red rock formations via state parks dotted with stunning waterfalls… Central Oregon is packed with things to see and do. Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties offer amazing natural destinations and striking vistas.
This area then is famous for its outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, skiing, craft beer tasting, visits to small but interesting museums, and major events such as rodeo or folk and craft festivals. The beauty of this region will take your breath away.
- Read our guide to Central Oregon
Willamette Valley: Oregon Wine Country
While Central Oregon is famous for its craft beer, Northwest Oregon will delight you with its wines. The Willamette Valley stretches along the Willamette River from the Portland area to the north of the city to the Eugene area in the south for a total of about 240 miles with vineyards and high mountains belonging to the Cascades, Coast Mountains, and Calapooya Mountains.
This area is home to Oregon’s six major and most populous cities-Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. Stunningly beautiful natural vistas, activities and amenities typical of mid-sized cities, and afternoons sipping glasses of Pinot Noir produced at the 700-plus wineries in the Willamette Valley-what more could you want?
Finally, if you visit Oregon in the spring, don’t miss the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. It has been taking place every year for nearly 40 years between March and April/May. In fact, the Willamette Valley has hosted one of Oregon’s most famous festivals. More or less 30 miles from Portland, at the Iverson family’s Wooden Shoe Farm, you’ll find beautiful, colorful expanses of tulips but also plenty of activities for all ages, such as wine tasting, wooden clog making, hot air balloon rides, farm animals, tractors, local craft demonstrations, a small market and lots of food booths.
How to Plan a Trip to Oregon
First of all, for a more complete overview, I suggest you read our section dedicated to the North West page, which brings together Oregon and Washington State destinations. Now let’s look at some important aspects you will need to take into account when planning your trip:
Finding a flight to Oregon
Where to land to visit this state? There are 3 options:
- Land in San Francisco, northern California, and drive up to Oregon
- Land in Portland and use it as a base to explore the state
- Land in Seattle, explore the state and perhaps depart again from Portland
