Oregon
Start at the coast, hit up breweries and food trucks in Portland, explore hundreds of waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, ski or snowboard year-round on Mt. Hood and continue on to the Alvord Desert. Even with all of this adventure, you'll just be scratching the surface of what Oregon has to offer.
Top Spots in and near Oregon
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Bandon, Oregon
Explore the Beaches of Bandon
4.8Bandon, Oregon, located on the Southern Oregon coast, is about 90 miles north of the California border and about five hours south of Portland. In other words, it's just far enough away so that it has not become a touristy, seaside destination. And that's good news for all of us.This sleepy seasid...Read more -
Prospect, Oregon
Explore the Rogue River Gorge
5.0This 500 ft. long gorge carved out of an old lava tube sits right along highway 62 near Crater Lake. The original road that brought travelers to the National Park passed right next to the gorge but it now remains hidden from view of the current highway. The area isn't large but has a nice parking...Read more -
Eugene, Oregon
Spencer Butte Loop
4.51.6 mi / 564 ft gainGetting There Searching Spencer Butte Trailhead Parking Lot on Google Maps will direct you to exactly where you need to go. From downtown Eugene/ UO you'll drive south on Willamette St. until you see an official park sign for Spencer Butte Park. Take a left on the gated road (will be locked duri...Read more -
Rhododendron, Oregon
Burnt Lake and Zigzag Mountain
5.012.27 mi / 3225 ft gainAfter getting your back country permit from a park ranger, you can park your car and head up Zigzag Mountain. There's a tiny 'parking lot' (lot of dirt) where you park that's right by the trailhead. The hike up to the campsites is roughly 4 miles, and it is all uphill. Not only are you surrounde...Read more -
Portland, Oregon
Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion
3.04.7 mi / 965 ft gainLower Macleay Park is one of most easily accessible trailheads in the city, especially during one of Portland’s rare snow years where even driving up to 500 feet of elevation can challenge your car. You can park within the park entrance cul-de-sac, around the intersection of Upshur St. & NW 2...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Climb the Mt. Hood Summit
4.87 mi / 5239 ft gainStarting at 6,000 ft of elevation at Timberline Lodge, start your climb up the south side of Mt. Hood. If you head out at noon, in 6 hours you can make it about an hour past the last ski lift, called Palmer, where you can set up camp for the night. You may need to dig out a flat spot for your ten...Read more -
Joseph, Oregon
Lakes Basin Loop and Eagle Cap Summit
32.87 mi / 6604 ft gainThe Location: With 360,000+ acres and 534 miles of trails, the Eagle Cap Wilderness is Oregon’s largest wilderness area. With rugged terrain similar to the nearby Sawtooth’s and distant Trinity Alps, this park's options for adventure are endless. This wilderness area is pristine despite its high ...Read more -
Beaver, Oregon
Hike to Niagara Falls, OR
4.04 mi / 800 ft gainGetting There Get onto Highway 101. Between Tillamook and Lincoln City at the town of Beaver, turn east near mile marker 80 onto a paved road toward upper Nestucca River. Follow this scenic road 6.7 miles to the town of Blaine. Stay to the right and drive another 4.8 miles; between mile markers 1...Read more -
Lane County, Oregon
Tenas Lakes via Benson Lake Trail
3.54.93 mi / 755 ft gainStarting from Scott Lake in the Willamette National Forest, take the Benson Lake Trail head that starts at the end of the road. This climbs gradually up to Benson Lake, a large, deep, cold lake. From there follow the trail up until you see a junction and a sign to Tenas Lakes. Follow this trail u...Read more -
Mapleton, Oregon
Sweet Creek Waterfall
4.81.8 mi / 384 ft gainMake sure you add this hidden gem to your waterfall chasing plans on your road trip to Oregon. This underrated Oregon waterfall is the perfect hike for the entire family. The trail offers four different falls from 10-30 feet high. The trail slowly climbs 2.2 miles through a beautiful thick forest...Read more -
Idanha, Oregon
Hunt's Cove via Pamelia Lake Trail
14.74 mi / 3150 ft gainThis loop through the Pamelia Lake Limited Entry Area is one of the premier backpacking trips in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The trail offers sustained up-close views of Mount Jefferson and several lookout points provide panoramic views of the western Oregon Cascades. The several large back...Read more -
Tillamook, Oregon
Hike along Short Beach, Oregon
5.00.25 mi / 200 ft gainHike: The trail is basically a handmade wooden staircase that takes you all the way down to the beach, so once you locate it, just keep following the stairs all the way down until you've reached the beach.Directions: Drive North along Cape Meares Loop Rd just past Oceanside until you reach the po...Read more -
Astoria, Oregon
Youngs River Falls
4.50.33 mi / 59 ft gainYoungs River Falls is a scenic 50-foot waterfall on Youngs River, about 15 minutes outside of Astoria. The falls are somewhat unique in that the base is located only about 10 feet above sea level From Astoria. The falls have been featured in several movies, most notably Free Willy 2 and Teenage M...Read more -
Coos Bay, Oregon
Hike through Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area
4.53 mi / 570 ft gainGetting here was half the adventure. Google led us in quite the wrong way. Whatever you do, approach this park from Allegany, outside of Coos Bay. From Allegany there are signs to the park. The road is about 9 miles from here. Drive until the road dead ends with cement blocks. Here you will have ...Read more -
Florence, Oregon
Explore Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
5.01 mi / 150 ft gainAt the mouth of Cape Creek sits a beautiful cove with one of the best views in Oregon. Above the sandy beach and sea stacks, rises the Heceta Head Lighthouse, a 100-year-old+ structure that's been laboriously restored and kept in working condition. At night, this quiet piece of the Oregon coast g...Read more -
Portland, Oregon
Photograph the St. John's Bridge
4.5To begin, park on North Pittsburg Ave and walk down to the river. Then, turn left and walk down the short less than a quarter mile until you see a spot where the beach is bigger than in other areas. This is an extremely good place to take photographs of the bridge, especially at night. Feel free ...Read more
