25 Gorgeous Places In Oregon You Can’t Miss On Your Next Trip
Oregon’s natural wonders will take your breath away with landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to ancient forests and volcanic peaks. From the deepest lake in America to hidden hot springs tucked away in wilderness, this Pacific Northwest gem has something for every explorer.
Pack your hiking boots and camera – these unforgettable Oregon destinations deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Crater Lake National Park
A sapphire jewel nestled within a collapsed volcano awaits your discovery. When sunlight hits the surface, the water glows with an otherworldly blue intensity that photos simply can’t capture.
Crater Lake’s extraordinary depth and clarity make it America’s deepest lake. The 33-mile Rim Drive offers countless viewpoints, while adventurous visitors can hike down to swim in the refreshingly cold waters.
2. Multnomah Falls
Cascading 620 feet in a double-tiered spectacle, this natural wonder draws visitors year-round. The historic Benson Bridge spans the lower cascade, offering a perfect photo opportunity framed by lush greenery.
Multnomah Falls remains Oregon’s tallest waterfall and most-visited natural attraction. A paved 2.2-mile trail leads to the top viewpoint, rewarding hikers with panoramic Columbia River Gorge views and the satisfying roar of water plunging below.
3. Smith Rock State Park
Golden spires rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating a rock climber’s paradise. The Crooked River winds lazily around the magnificent Smith Rock formations, offering a stark contrast to the rugged terrain above.
The park attracts climbers from around the world with over 1,800 routes. Even non-climbers fall in love with the Misery Ridge Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of Monkey Face, a distinctive 350-foot rock pillar.
4. Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds)
Mother Nature’s canvas stretches across these rolling mounds in vibrant bands of red, gold, and black. The colors shift throughout the day as sunlight plays across the mineral-laden hills.
The Painted Hills formed over 35 million years ago from volcanic ash deposits. A series of short, accessible boardwalk trails allow visitors to experience these delicate formations up close, with late afternoon offering the most vivid photography opportunities.
5. Mount Hood
Rising majestically above the landscape, this dormant volcano serves as Oregon’s highest peak and year-round playground. Snow-capped even in summer, its distinctive silhouette is instantly recognizable throughout the region.
Mount Hood offers six ski areas including historic Timberline Lodge, which appeared in the film The Shining. During warmer months, hikers explore alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers while mountain bikers tackle forest trails beneath towering firs.
6. Columbia River Gorge
Wind-carved cliffs and thundering waterfalls line America’s most stunning river passage. Around every bend, new vistas unfold as the mighty Columbia cuts through the Cascade Mountains.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area protects over 292,000 acres of breathtaking landscape. Historic Highway 30 provides access to dozens of waterfalls including Horsetail, Wahkeena and Latourell Falls, while windsurfers flock to Hood River for world-class conditions.
7. Three Sisters Wilderness
Alpine lakes mirror a trio of volcanic peaks standing shoulder to shoulder against the sky. Wildflowers in the Three Sisters Wilderness carpet meadows in brilliant hues during summer months, creating a photographer’s dream landscape.
The area encompasses over 286,000 acres of pristine Cascade Mountain terrain. Miles of trails crisscross the area, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking routes that circle all three mountains on the 50-mile Three Sisters Loop.
8. Tamolitch Blue Pool
Sapphire waters emerge mysteriously from underground, creating an otherworldly swimming hole. The startling clarity and vibrant color seem almost artificial, but this natural wonder results from filtered spring water emerging from lava tubes.
Reaching Tamolitch Blue Pool requires a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike along the McKenzie River Trail. The water maintains a chilly 37 degrees year-round, making it better for admiring than swimming except for the most cold-hardy adventurers.
9. Silver Falls State Park
Mossy caverns allow you to walk behind curtains of falling water on this legendary hiking route. The steady roar and cool mist create a magical atmosphere unique to this temperate rainforest setting.
Silver Falls State Park features the famous Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate 7.2-mile loop showcasing – you guessed it – ten stunning waterfalls. South Falls and North Falls offer the most dramatic behind-the-falls experiences, with 177-foot and 136-foot drops respectively.
10. Thor’s Well
Waves crash into a seemingly bottomless sinkhole in this mesmerizing coastal phenomenon. During high tide, the ocean swirls violently into the circular opening before erupting back upward in spectacular fashion.
Thor’s Well formed when the roof of a sea cave collapsed, creating what appears to be a draining hole in the Pacific. Visit during incoming high tide for the most dramatic show, but maintain a safe distance – powerful waves have swept unwary photographers off the slippery rocks.
11. Cannon Beach
Misty mornings reveal massive rock formations standing sentinel along this expansive shoreline. Puffins nest on Cannon Beach during summer months, adding wildlife spotting to beachcombing adventures.
The place gained fame as the filming location for the final scenes in The Goonies. Beyond Haystack Rock, visitors enjoy exploring tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones, while the charming town offers art galleries, boutiques, and excellent seafood restaurants just steps from the sand.
12. Cape Kiwanda
Golden sandstone cliffs meet crashing waves in a dramatic coastal showdown. The massive dune invites climbers to scramble up its shifting surface for panoramic Pacific views that stretch for miles.
Cape Kiwanda preserves one of the few accessible sandstone headlands on Oregon’s coast. The area offers excellent surfing, beachcombing, and whale watching opportunities. Don’t miss the nearby Pelican Brewing Company – Oregon’s only beachfront brewery – for post-adventure refreshments.
13. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Rugged sea stacks pierce the fog along this wild stretch of Pacific coastline. Secret beaches hide between towering cliffs of the The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, accessible only to those willing to venture down steep trails.
It stretches 12 miles along Highway 101, offering numerous pullouts and short trails. Natural Bridges and Secret Beach rank among the most photographed spots, while the 27-mile Oregon Coast Trail provides ambitious hikers with a challenging multi-day adventure through the entire corridor.
14. Haystack Rock
Rising 235 feet from the shoreline, this monolithic formation creates an iconic silhouette against sunset skies. At low tide, a hidden world emerges around its base, revealing colorful marine gardens teeming with life.
Haystack Rock formed millions of years ago from lava flows that reached the ancient coastline. Today, it serves as a protected wildlife refuge where tufted puffins nest from spring through summer, while sea stars, anemones, and crabs populate the surrounding tide pools year-round.
15. Yachats
Volcanic shorelines create natural spouting horns where waves explode through hidden chambers. Yachats (pronounced YAH-hots) offers a perfect blend of rugged nature and small-town hospitality without the crowds found elsewhere.
It sits where the forest meets the sea along the central Oregon coast. The 804 Trail follows an ancient Native American path along dramatic shoreline, while nearby Cape Perpetua Scenic Area offers old-growth forests and spectacular ocean viewpoints.
16. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perched dramatically on a coastal headland, this historic beacon has guided mariners since 1894. The half-mile uphill trail rewards visitors with increasingly spectacular views of the rugged coastline and crashing surf below.
Heceta Head Lighthouse boasts the strongest light on the Oregon coast, visible 21 miles out to sea. The restored lightkeeper’s house now operates as a charming B&B, allowing guests to spend the night surrounded by history and breathtaking views of the Pacific.
17. Bandon Beach
Mysterious sea stacks rise from the sand like ancient guardians watching over the shoreline. Morning fog often shrouds these formations, creating an ethereal landscape straight from a fantasy novel. Bandon Beach features some of Oregon’s most distinctive rock formations, including Face Rock and Wizard’s Hat.
The expansive shoreline offers excellent beachcombing for agates and Japanese glass floats, while the charming old town district provides cozy restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood after a day of exploration.
18. Trillium Lake
Perfect reflections double the beauty of snow-capped peaks in this alpine gem. Paddlers glide across mirror-like waters while photographers line the shores during sunrise and sunset hours.
Trillium Lake offers one of Oregon’s most iconic views of Mount Hood, reflected perfectly in its calm waters. A flat 2-mile trail circles the entire lake, making it accessible for all abilities, while summer visitors enjoy swimming, fishing for stocked rainbow trout, and camping beneath towering firs.
19. Umpqua Hot Springs
Steaming mineral pools cling to a hillside overlooking a pristine river valley. The terraced natural tubs vary in temperature, allowing soakers to find their perfect warmth while gazing at forest views.
Reaching Umpqua Hot Springs requires a short but steep quarter-mile hike. The primitive pools accommodate about 15-20 people across multiple levels, with clothing optional being the norm. Visit weekdays during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for the most serene soaking experience.
20. Wallowa Lake
Dramatic alpine peaks rise directly from crystal-clear waters in this remote eastern wonderland. Often called “Oregon’s Alps,” the surrounding mountains create a stunning backdrop for every lakeside activity.
Wallowa Lake formed when glaciers carved deep valleys between towering peaks during the last ice age. Today, visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in summer months, while a historic tramway carries sightseers 3,700 feet up to the summit of Mount Howard for panoramic views.
21. Rogue River
Wild rapids alternate with peaceful stretches through pristine wilderness on this legendary waterway. Ancient forests line the shores while osprey and eagles soar overhead, hunting for salmon in the clear waters below.
The Rogue River offers some of America’s best whitewater rafting through its 40-mile wild section. Multi-day trips allow adventurers to stay in historic lodges accessible only by boat or trail, while the 40-mile Rogue River Trail provides hikers with riverside views without getting wet.
22. McKenzie River
Impossibly blue waters flow through ancient lava fields, creating a striking contrast between the turquoise river and black volcanic rock. Around every bend, new wonders emerge – from thundering waterfalls to bubbling springs.
The McKenzie River Trail follows this pristine waterway for 26 miles, attracting mountain bikers with its smooth singletrack and stunning scenery. Highlights include Sahalie and Koosah Falls, two powerful cataracts plunging through narrow basalt channels just steps from the main trail.
23. Ashland
Cultural treasures flourish in this vibrant mountain town nestled against the Siskiyou Mountains. Outdoor cafes line the bustling plaza while theater-goers gather for world-class performances under summer stars. Ashland hosts the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, presenting both classic and contemporary works from February through October.
Beyond theater, visitors enjoy exploring the 93-acre Lithia Park with its Japanese gardens and duck ponds, plus numerous wineries, hot springs, and hiking trails in the surrounding hills.
24. Hood River
Colorful sails dot the sparkling waters where mighty mountains meet a powerful river. This adventure hub blends outdoor thrills with sophisticated farm-to-table dining and craft beverage scenes.
Hood River has earned worldwide recognition as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World” thanks to reliable Columbia Gorge winds. Beyond water sports, visitors enjoy the 35-mile Fruit Loop driving tour through scenic orchards and vineyards, sampling fresh produce, wines, and ciders directly from family farms.
25. Jacksonville
Victorian-era buildings line the streets of this perfectly preserved gold rush town. Hanging flower baskets adorn historic storefronts while music drifts from hidden courtyards during warm summer evenings.
Jacksonville became Oregon’s first National Historic Landmark town, with over 100 buildings dating to the 1850s gold rush era. The Britt Festival brings world-class musicians to perform under the stars each summer, while nearby vineyards produce award-winning wines in the surrounding Applegate Valley.