Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the USA, and it has something for everyone. From hiking in the mountains to exploring the coast, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are the 33 best things to do in Oregon.
1. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is one of the most iconic destinations in Oregon. It is the deepest lake in the United States and is surrounded by stunning cliffs. There are plenty of hiking trails around the lake, and it’s a great place to take a dip in the summer.
2. Mount Hood
Mount Hood is an iconic mountain in Oregon, and it’s a great place to go skiing or snowboarding in the winter. There are plenty of hiking trails around the mountain, and you can even take a guided tour to the summit.
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3. Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning canyon that spans the border between Oregon and Washington. There are plenty of hiking trails that take you to scenic vistas overlooking the river.
4. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Oregon, and for good reason. It’s a stunning waterfall that cascades over 600 feet, and there are plenty of hiking trails around the falls.
5. Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic coastlines in the United States. There are plenty of small towns to explore, and the coast is lined with beautiful beaches.
6. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast. It’s a stunning beach that’s lined with beautiful rock formations, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
7. Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock is a famous rock formation on Cannon Beach. It’s a great place to explore tide pools and watch seabirds.
8. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Oregon. It’s a great place to take a tour and learn about the history of the lighthouse.
9. Newport Bayfront
Newport Bayfront is a lively area in Newport that’s perfect for a day trip. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore, and you can even watch the sea lions on the dock.
10. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is another iconic lighthouse in Oregon that’s definitely worth a visit. The views of the coastline from the lighthouse are breathtaking, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the area.
11. Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon. There are plenty of Zen gardens, koi ponds, and tea houses to explore, and it’s a great place to learn about Japanese culture.
12. Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family. There are plenty of animals to see, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, and there are even opportunities to feed and interact with some of the animals.
13. Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books is a famous bookstore in Portland that’s a must-visit for any book lover. The store spans an entire city block and has over a million books to choose from.
14. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational day. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to explore, and you can even see a real submarine.
15. Tillamook Cheese Factory
The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a fun and delicious destination in Oregon. You can take a tour of the factory, learn about the cheese-making process, and of course, sample some of the delicious cheeses.
16. Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is a historic lodge on Mount Hood that’s perfect for a cozy weekend getaway. The lodge is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and there are plenty of hiking trails and skiing opportunities nearby.
17. Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are a stunning geological formation in Eastern Oregon. The hills are made up of brightly colored layers of rock that make for a truly unique and beautiful landscape.
18. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers. The park is home to towering rock formations, and there are plenty of trails to explore in the area.
19. Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is a beautiful park that’s perfect for a day trip. The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the area.
20. Bend
Bend is a vibrant city in Oregon that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore, and the city is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
21. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a popular theater festival that takes place in Ashland every year. The festival features a variety of Shakespearean plays as well as other classic and contemporary works.
22. Crater Lake Zipline
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the Crater Lake Zipline is definitely worth a visit. You can zip line through the trees and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
23. Oregon Vortex
The Oregon Vortex is a mysterious and unique natural phenomenon that’s worth a visit. The vortex is a place where the laws of physics seem to be distorted, and it’s a great place to explore and take photos.
24. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history and geology. The monument is home to a diverse range of fossils from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. There are three separate units of the monument to explore, each offering a unique glimpse into Oregon’s geological past.
25. Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a great place to learn about the marine life that calls Oregon’s coast home. There are plenty of exhibits to explore, including a sea otter exhibit, a shark tunnel, and an octopus exhibit.
26. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a unique and beautiful area on the coast of Oregon. The area is home to massive sand dunes that you can explore on foot, by ATV, or even by horseback.
27. Astoria Column
The Astoria Column is a towering monument that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The column is covered in murals that depict the history of the region, and it’s a great place to learn about Oregon’s past.
28. Eugene Saturday Market
The Eugene Saturday Market is a popular outdoor market that takes place every Saturday in downtown Eugene. The market features local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce.
29. Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning area that’s perfect for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors. The area is home to several waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon.
30. Oregon Caves National Monument
The Oregon Caves National Monument is a unique destination in Oregon. The monument is home to a series of underground caves that you can explore on a guided tour.
31. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The falls cascade over 600 feet, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the area.
32. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The institute features a variety of exhibits and events that showcase the rich history of the region.
33. Oregon State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol is a beautiful building that’s worth a visit for its architecture alone. You can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and the inner workings of Oregon’s government.
Oregon is a beautiful and diverse state with plenty to offer visitors. From stunning natural landscapes to cultural destinations, there’s something for everyone in Oregon. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, Oregon has it all.
Conclusion
Oregon is a hidden gem in the United States, with plenty of amazing things to see and do. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this beautiful state.
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to visit Oregon?
- The best time to visit Oregon is typically during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you’re interested in winter sports or visiting the ski resorts, then the winter months (December to February) are the best.
- What are some family-friendly activities in Oregon?
- Oregon has many family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Oregon Zoo, going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, hiking in Silver Falls State Park, and exploring the Portland Children’s Museum.
- What are some outdoor activities to do in Oregon?
- There are many outdoor activities to do in Oregon, including hiking in Crater Lake National Park, skiing at Mt. Hood, rafting on the Rogue River, and exploring the Columbia River Gorge.
- Are there any free activities in Oregon?
- Yes, there are many free activities in Oregon, such as visiting the Portland Art Museum on the first Thursday of the month, exploring the Powell Butte Nature Park, hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, and visiting the Oregon State Capitol.
- What are some must-try foods in Oregon?
- Some of the must-try foods in Oregon include fresh seafood (especially salmon and Dungeness crab), Marionberry pie, Tillamook cheese, and craft beer from one of Oregon’s many breweries.