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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Cannon Beach, Oregon
Crescent Beach Trail
5.02.28 mi / 797 ft gainHead off the 101 to Ecola State Park and drive to the large main car area. From here the trailhead is located just above the restroom facility and is well signed, you can't miss the huge placard. Starting with a few short incline stair sets, you will hit the main roadway; follow the sidewalk for ...Read more -
Gaston, Oregon
University Falls
4.00.61 mi / 138 ft gainThe 0.3 mile hike to University Falls seems longer than it is because you'll be stopping to take pictures every step of the way. No, you're not in an enchanted forest, you're in the Tillamook National Forest. The waterfall you're about to find, however, certainly is enchanting. From Portland, he...Read more -
CRATER LAKE, Oregon
Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake
4.8Drive to the overlook at Crater Lake well before sunrise. Actually, you should probably just sleep in your car for a bit to make sure you're not late for this incredible sight. Witness the changing colors and light as the sun creeps over the east side of the lake, throwing shadows and reflections...Read more -
Jordan Valley, Oregon
Backpack the Painted Canyon Loop, Honeycombs Wilderness
4.39.04 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Honeycombs Wilderness Area is one of those top secret spots that backpackers don't like to talk about in fear of it being revealed. The thing that makes this trip special is just that: isolation. The trailhead is just west of the Oregon/Idaho border but is best to approach from the Idaho sid...Read more -
Detroit, Oregon
Dome Rock via the Upper Trailhead
2.36 mi / 479 ft gainFrom Highway 22 at the Breitenbush River Bridge, in Detroit, turn north on to French Creek Rd. Drive up French Creek about 7.7 miles to the Upper TH #3379/3381 to Dome Rock and Tumble Lake. The trail can be found on the left side of the road and is easily seen after you pass it. It's best to pass...Read more -
Lane County, Oregon
Bigelow Hot Springs
2.0Unlike many other springs you'll find, this pool has basically no barriers to entry – it is accessible via a short hike, has no fee, and is available year-round. While the temperature is less than 100 degrees, the scenic surroundings make up for the slightly less than hot water.Read more -
Diamond Lake, Oregon
Clearwater Falls
4.30.15 mi / 7 ft gainThis has to be one of the most overlooked waterfalls in Oregon. It doesn't get a lot of publicity, and it's tucked away in south-central Oregon. As such, many people don't pay it much attention. That's too bad. Clearwater Falls can be found just off Highway 138, near mile marker 69. Clearwater F...Read more -
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Snow Hike to Wahclella Falls
4.02 miThe wooden bridges, Munra Falls, beautiful canyon walls, and the mossy grotto at the end of the canyon itself would be enough of a draw for this hike, but you round the last corner and 65 foot Wahclella Falls comes in full view.The big snow covered river rocks looked like giant marshmallows, and ...Read more -
Mitchell, Oregon
Walk the Painted Cove Loop Trail
4.00.2 mi / 40 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, use the US highway 26 which is the only way you can go to the Painted Hills Unit. Make a turn when arriving at Burnt Ranch Rd junction. Drive up and follow the sign around 6 miles. The trail junction is where you passed the Carroll Rim Trail and Painted Hill Overlook. Tur...Read more -
Deschutes County, Oregon
Dee Wright Observatory
4.70.93 mi / 20 ft gainOn your way to Proxy Falls from Bend? Stop by the Dee Wright Observatory to take some photos of the gorgeous mountains. The Observatory is at the summit of McKenzie Pass in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Built right in the middle of a large lava flow, the open structure itself is actually construct...Read more -
Warrenton, Oregon
Peter Iredale Shipwreck, Fort Stevens SP
4.50.2 mi / 0 ft gainAt the northwestern-most point of Oregon sits Fort Stevens State Park. Located 3 ½ hrs from Seattle and 2 hrs from Portland, the park sits closest to the city of Astoria. The park itself has over 4300 acres to explore, with day use and camping open year round. However, the most well-known and mos...Read more -
Portland, Oregon
Leif Erikson Drive to Saltzman Road
4.711.47 mi / 1608 ft gainLeif Erikson Drive is a wide dirt road running through the heart of Forest Park that is closed to motorized vehicles…making it a magnet for those looking to add some relatively easy and scenic distance to their workouts. The road itself is nicely graded and well maintained. It has relatively goo...Read more -
Deschutes County, Oregon
Hike to Moraine Lake Beneath South Sister
5.05 mi / 1476 ft gainThe lake is less than 3 miles from Devils Lake. Starting from the Trail head along Cascade Lakes Highway you gain 1,476 feet of elevation. You will follow the South Sisters Climbers trail, it is well traveled, and well marked. The majority of the elevation gain occurs in the first two miles, as y...Read more -
Bend, Oregon
Boat-In Camping at Sparks Lake
5.0Looking for the beauty and serenity of a backcountry campsite, but with the convenience of car camping? These 20+ secluded paddle-in campsites along the shoreline of Sparks Lake are just for you. Park your car, load up your watercraft of choice with all of your camping supplies, and paddle out to...Read more -
Sisters, Oregon
Three Fingered Jack Loop
3.824.07 mi / 3537 ft gainBegin this 2-3 day backpacking trek at the Santiam Pass trailhead off Highway 20, 31 miles east of Detroit and 21 miles west of Sisters, Oregon. You can begin the loop either north on the PCT or East on trail #4014 towards Square Lake (as it is a loop) I would recommend heading east. It's a 2.2 ...Read more -
Sandy, Oregon
Photograph Jonsrud Viewpoint
4.5The view from this spot is definitely worth the drive, if you're visiting Portland or the Columbia River Gorge area I highly recommend taking the time to stop here. Not a lot of people know about this spot and its likely you'll be the only person/people there!If you get the chance, definitely com...Read more
