Oregon is full of incredible places to discover and adventures to be had. Whether it’s soaking in a secluded hot spring or hiking to the top of a waterfall, there are endless ways to experience the beauty of the Beaver State. Here are 11 unforgettable outdoor adventures to add to your bucket list:
- See the vibrant blue water of the deepest lake in the country.
flickr/ Howard Ignatius Located in the caldera of a dead volcano in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake whose deep basin is filled with crystal clear water, sourced entirely from snowmelt and rain. It’s easily one of the most spectacular places for sightseeing in the state - and perhaps in the whole country.
- Hike the epic Eagle Creek Trail.
flickr/ Souvik Das This thrilling hiking trail in the Columbia River Gorge is truly one of a kind. Here’s a photo of the trail where it passes behind Tunnel Falls.
- Take a dip in the serene Trillium Lake.
flickr/ Dave Wilson This beautiful lake is located in the Mt Hood National Forest, and its pristine blue water reflects the incredible summit of Mt Hood. It’s a great place to spend a summer day relaxing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.
- Feel the mist of Multnomah Falls.
flickr/ melfoody If you’ve never been to the Columbia River Gorge, you’re missing out. This incredible canyon is home to hundreds of majestic waterfalls, including the massive Multnomah Falls, which is said to be the second tallest waterfall in the U.S. You can walk up to the iconic Benson Bridge to see the falls up close, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can continue along the path, leading to the top of the waterfall.
- Ski on Mt Hood.
flickr/ Brent Lind Mt Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon, and it’s absolutely spectacular. It’s an incredible place to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and more.
- Wander through the Painted Hills.
flickr/ Tjflex2 This incredible natural wonder features jaw-dropping land formations that are vibrantly hued with layers of colored soil and minerals. Trails weave through the landscape offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
- Soak in one of Oregon’s natural hot springs.
flickr/ Ben Amstutz There are lots of amazing, secluded hot springs scattered throughout Oregon. Reward yourself with a relaxing dip in one of these warm geothermal springs. There’s Bagby Hot Springs, Terwilliger Hot Springs, Belknap Hot Springs, and so many more! Here’s a photo of the fantastic Willow Creek Hot Springs.
- Discover the coast.
flickr/ Nicholas D. The Oregon Coast is jaw-droppingly beautiful. There are sandy coves, rugged cliffs, old growth forests, amazing sea stacks, and so much more. Plus, every beach in Oregon is public. One great way to experience the coast is taking a road trip down coastal Highway 101. Here’s a photo of the iconic Cannon Beach.
- Go rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park.
flickr/ Francis Storr Or, if rock climbing isn’t your thing, go hiking! There are lots of amazing trails winding through the gorgeous state park, including the epic Misery Ridge hike.
- Sleep under the stars.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management It seems simple, but in Oregon, camping is really a must-do. There are so many awesome places to camp in Oregon, and there’s really no better way to experience nature. Not to mention, it can make for some unforgettable stargazing!
- Hike the Trail of Ten Falls.
flickr/ Ian Sane This awesome, 8.7-mile loop hike is located in the gorgeous Silver Falls State Park. The trail will lead you through lush forests past lovely streams, amazing waterfalls, and more.
Want to find some more awesome places to explore in Oregon? Check out these 18 Perfect Places To Go In Oregon If You’re Feeling Adventurous.
flickr/ Howard Ignatius
Located in the caldera of a dead volcano in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake whose deep basin is filled with crystal clear water, sourced entirely from snowmelt and rain. It’s easily one of the most spectacular places for sightseeing in the state - and perhaps in the whole country.
flickr/ Souvik Das
This thrilling hiking trail in the Columbia River Gorge is truly one of a kind. Here’s a photo of the trail where it passes behind Tunnel Falls.
flickr/ Dave Wilson
This beautiful lake is located in the Mt Hood National Forest, and its pristine blue water reflects the incredible summit of Mt Hood. It’s a great place to spend a summer day relaxing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.
flickr/ melfoody
If you’ve never been to the Columbia River Gorge, you’re missing out. This incredible canyon is home to hundreds of majestic waterfalls, including the massive Multnomah Falls, which is said to be the second tallest waterfall in the U.S. You can walk up to the iconic Benson Bridge to see the falls up close, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can continue along the path, leading to the top of the waterfall.
flickr/ Brent Lind
Mt Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon, and it’s absolutely spectacular. It’s an incredible place to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and more.
flickr/ Tjflex2
This incredible natural wonder features jaw-dropping land formations that are vibrantly hued with layers of colored soil and minerals. Trails weave through the landscape offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
flickr/ Ben Amstutz
There are lots of amazing, secluded hot springs scattered throughout Oregon. Reward yourself with a relaxing dip in one of these warm geothermal springs. There’s Bagby Hot Springs, Terwilliger Hot Springs, Belknap Hot Springs, and so many more! Here’s a photo of the fantastic Willow Creek Hot Springs.
flickr/ Nicholas D.
The Oregon Coast is jaw-droppingly beautiful. There are sandy coves, rugged cliffs, old growth forests, amazing sea stacks, and so much more. Plus, every beach in Oregon is public. One great way to experience the coast is taking a road trip down coastal Highway 101. Here’s a photo of the iconic Cannon Beach.
flickr/ Francis Storr
Or, if rock climbing isn’t your thing, go hiking! There are lots of amazing trails winding through the gorgeous state park, including the epic Misery Ridge hike.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management
It seems simple, but in Oregon, camping is really a must-do. There are so many awesome places to camp in Oregon, and there’s really no better way to experience nature. Not to mention, it can make for some unforgettable stargazing!
flickr/ Ian Sane
This awesome, 8.7-mile loop hike is located in the gorgeous Silver Falls State Park. The trail will lead you through lush forests past lovely streams, amazing waterfalls, and more.
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