Oregon is a state full of natural beauty, from its towering mountains to its pristine coastline. And with so much to see, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, camp, or just soak up some incredible views, Oregon has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 of the best places to visit in Oregon, so you can start planning your next adventure.
The 12 best places to visit in Oregon are:
The 12 best places to visit in Oregon are: the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, Crater Lake National Park, the Oregon Coast, Bend, Smith Rock State Park, the Willamette Valley, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon and Portland.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is a must-see for any Oregonian. The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is formed in the remains of a volcanic crater and is renowned for its intense blue color and water clarity. With Wizard Island rising from its center, Crater Lake is an iconic sight in the Oregon Cascades.
Visitors can take boat tours of the lake, hike around its rim, or camp in one of the many scenic spots in the park. The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry.
The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. It is a narrow canyon that was carved by the Columbia River and is full of stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
There are many different ways to experience the Columbia River Gorge. You can hike along the popular Eagle Creek Trail, which follows the creek for 3 miles (4.8 km) to a 400-foot (122-meter) waterfall. Or, you can take a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which offers numerous pullouts with sweeping views of the river and gorge.
Other popular activities in the Columbia River Gorge include windsurfing, fishing, and picnicking. No matter how you choose to spend your time in this special place, you are sure to create lasting memories.
Mount Hood
Oregon is a state full of diverse landscapes, and one of the best places to see that is at Mount Hood. Mount Hood is Oregon's highest point, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. There are numerous trails for hiking and biking, and in the winter, the mountain is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
Mount Hood is also home to the historic Timberline Lodge, which was built in the 1930s and has been featured in several movies, including The Shining. The lodge is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy a meal or overnight stay while enjoying the incredible views.
The Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is home to some of the most stunning scenery, including towering mountains, vast forests, and rugged coastline. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, eagles, and osprey.
There are many great places to visit along the Oregon Coast. Some of the most popular destinations include Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay, Florence, Gold Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Pacific City, Rockaway Beach, Seaside, and Tillamook. Each of these towns has something unique to offer visitors.
Cannon Beach is a small town located on the northern coast of Oregon. It is home to Haystack Rock, a large monolith that sits just offshore. The town is also home to a number of art galleries and shops.
Depoe Bay is located on the central Oregon Coast and is known for its whale watching opportunities. Visitors can often see whales from the shore or from one of the many charter boats that operate in the area.
Florence is a small town located on the central Oregon Coast. It is home to several museums and art galleries. The historic Old Town district is also worth exploring.
Gold Beach is located on the southern Oregon Coast and is known for its dramatic coastline and secluded beaches. The town is also home to a number of charter fishing boats which offer trips out into the nearby ocean waters.
Bend
If you love the outdoors, then Bend is the place for you. This city in Central Oregon is surrounded by forests and mountains, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. The Deschutes River runs through Bend, and you can go rafting or kayaking on it. There are also several breweries in Bend, so be sure to sample some of the local beer.
Eugene
Eugene is a beautiful city in Oregon that is known for its many parks and natural areas. There are plenty of things to do in Eugene, including hiking, biking, and swimming. The city is also home to the University of Oregon, which makes it a great place to visit for college students or alumni.
The Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is a beautiful, historic region in Oregon that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. The valley is home to a number of wineries, as well as the state capital of Salem. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in the valley, or explore the many shops and restaurants in the area.
Hells Canyon
1. Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon is a 10-mile long canyon located in the northeastern corner of Oregon. The canyon is known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to Hells Canyon can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting.
Central Oregon Cascades
The Central Oregon Cascades are a beautiful mountain range located in the central part of the state. The Cascade Mountains offer some of the best hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation in Oregon.
The Central Oregon Cascades are home to Crater Lake National Park, which is the deepest lake in the United States. The park is also home to Mount Mazama, a volcanically formed mountain that last erupted over 7,000 years ago.
The Central Oregon Cascades offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. For those looking for an easy hike, the Summit Lake loop trail is a great option. This 3-mile loop trail takes you around Summit Lake and offers stunning views of Mount Hood.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the South Sister summit trail is a great option. This 10-mile out-and-back trail takes you to the summit of South Sister, which at 10,358 feet is the third highest peak in Oregon.
Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, the Central Oregon Cascades have something to offer everyone.
Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon is a region of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is not officially recognized as a geographic region by the state of Oregon, but is commonly used by residents of the state. It is bordered by the Cascade Range to the west, the Columbia River to the north, Idaho to the east, and California and Nevada to the south.
The majority of Eastern Oregon's population is located in two metropolitan areas. The first is the Pendleton-Hermiston area in Umatilla County, which has a population of over 87,000 people. The second is the Ontario-Payette area in Malheur County, which has a population of over 31,000 people.
The largest city in Eastern Oregon is Pendleton, with a population of 16,612 people. Other notable cities include La Grande (population: 13,082), Baker City (population: 9,828), and Hermiston (population: 17,418).
The climate in Eastern Oregon varies depending on elevation and location within the region. However, it generally has hot summers and cold winters. The annual average precipitation ranges from 10 inches (250 mm) in the northwest corner of the region to 20 inches (510 mm) in the southeast corner.
Conclusion
There you have it — our list of the 12 best places to visit in Oregon. This state has something for everyone, from breathtaking natural scenery to world-class dining and shopping. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Oregon vacation today!