Oregon

…Beaver Falls is one of those spots where if you’re looking to avoid the crowd of the Columbia River Gorge, this is another good alternative on where you could go. Not only is that a huge plus, but it’s not often you get to experience a scenic waterfall that you don’t have to put in a ton of effo...

The trail starts at 5200 feet and climbs through the forest for 1.6 miles to an opening with a great view off diamond lake and the beautiful and very recognizable Mt. Thielsen. There are several small outcropping here that make a perfect spot to stop and get out the backpacking stove for some mou...

Located at the state's westernmost tip and perched over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built and 1870 and features views up and down the rugged Oregon Coast. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, tours cost $2 for adults (free for youth 15 and younger). Tours: April-Oct. 31...

The Rogue River is famous the world over for rafting and for its Steelhead runs, possessing a dramatic undeveloped canyon untouched by road and man, and being one of the Original 7 Wild & Scenic Rivers designed by Congress. And not only is it fantastic for rafting but entire sections are perf...

If you find yourself in or around Coos Bay in Oregon, don't miss the opportunity to witness the most dramatic wave action you'll ever see. These gigantic waves are just mesmerizing! Shore Acres State Park is on the Cape Arago Hwy, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay/North Bend and U.S. Highway 101. Th...

After unsuccessfully attempting to run 100 miles at IMTUF in Idaho, I had some time to kill before I had to be home and energy in my legs to burn.  The Eastern part of Oregon has been on my list of places to run since I moved to the state a few years ago.  One route popped into my mind and I had ...

The Bandon State Natural area is a wide, mostly undeveloped section of the South Coast that is perfect for beachcombing, exploration, and fat tire biking with fun driftwood for tricks and jumps along with large flat shallow areas extending far out into the ocean.  Sure you will get wet and always...

The Siletz Bay region of Lincoln City offers a wide variety of activities. With miles of public beach, there is a lot to see and explore.  Despite being the "quiet" part of town, getting here and finding parking will be your biggest issue this whole trip. Parking although free, is very limited, s...

The major draw of this campground however is the beach. Many of the campsites overlook the water, but if you don’t have a view from your site it takes less than a minute to be in the sand. We made our trip from the University of Oregon in Eugene. It was a gorgeous 2 hour drive, and after driving ...

Set out from Pamelia Lake Trailhead through dense old growth forest. You'll see giant cedars, mixed firs and stunning mountain streams carving their way thru very green forest. After a couple miles, you'll reach Pamelia Lake. This is a great place to grab a snack, water, take photos and camp if y...

The Steelhead run on the Rogue River is famous the world over and for good reason. Like anywhere, local guides are the gatekeepers to the right spot and should be contacted accordingly.  Steelhead run December through March and Chinook April through Fall, with Coho making an appearance in the lat...

Glass Butte was amazing, yet difficult to get there. The best advice I have is to commit to the dirt road until it stops, which will take you to a fence line (you can go left or you can continue right to go up the mountain). That is where we camped, which toward the left is private property and y...

This state park, just off the 101 near Florence, Oregon, is a cool spot to turn out and check out! Great place to just stop and watch the waves crashing into the rocks as well as all the different wildlife in the area.  If you walk further south, Cummins Creek flows into the ocean. Also not to b...

Oceanside Beach is often passed over for Tunnel Beach just north. Both are great, but you're missing out if you don't head down to Oceanside and fly a kite.  There's a parking lot right next to the marked location. Park there, then head down to the beach—don't forget your kite! 

Wecoma Beach is a district of Lincoln City and the beach actually stretches along all of the districts in Lincoln City. This means you can access the beach from practically anywhere, but the beach by Wecoma offers a bit more solitude.  The beach is dog-friendly, so take your four-legged-friend ou...

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint is a stunning coastal gem on the Oregon coastline. Boiler Bay offers up picturesque panorama views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Located just north of Depoe Bay, this state scenic viewpoint is a great stop for not only taking in the landscape but also ...