From the rugged Pacific coastline to snow-capped volcanic peaks, Oregon is like a highlight reel of nature’s greatest hits. As someone who’s spent countless road trips weaving through this Pacific Northwest gem, I can tell you picking just 19 places feels almost unfair. You’ve got dense forests that look straight out of a fairy tale sitting right next to desert landscapes that could pass for Mars, and cities where food trucks and craft breweries are as common as rain clouds.
Between the misty beaches where ancient rocks stand guard over the shore, the Columbia River Gorge with its hidden waterfalls, and the impossibly blue waters of Crater Lake, Oregon serves up so many different flavors of adventure. And let’s not forget the charming small towns, where local wineries and friendly faces make you feel right at home.
We’ve pulled together this list of Oregon’s 19 best spots, mixing the famous postcard places with some hidden corners that deserve more love. Whether you’re a first-timer plotting your route or a regular visitor looking for something new, consider this your friendly guide to the state’s most remarkable destinations.
Crater Lake National Park
Visitors flock to Crater Lake National Park to witness America’s deepest lake, formed nearly 8,000 years ago when a volcanic eruption created this natural wonder. The park’s main draw is the remarkably clear, blue water that fills the massive crater, but the surrounding landscape offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. In summer, travelers can take boat tours around the lake, hike numerous trails with views of the caldera, or drive the 33-mile Rim Drive for different perspectives of the water. Winter brings heavy snowfall to the park, transforming it into a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though many facilities close during this season and access becomes limited to the south entrance only.
Portland
Have you ever biked across six different bridges in one afternoon? It’s a regular activity in Portland, Oregon’s largest city, where eco-friendly transport and urban innovation go hand in hand. The unofficial capital of weird, this Pacific Northwest hub draws visitors with its food cart pods, indie bookstores, and craft breweries on practically every corner. You can wander through the peaceful Japanese Garden, sample local goods at the Saturday Market, or take a short drive to see the powerful Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. Powell’s City of Books, taking up an entire city block, is where bookworms lose track of time among endless shelves of new and used treasures.
Cannon Beach
For anyone seeking Oregon’s most photogenic spot, put Cannon Beach at the top of your list. Located along the rugged northern coast, this charming beach town is home to Haystack Rock, a massive 235-foot sea stack that rises from the shoreline like a natural skyscraper. Families spread out blankets on the wide sandy beach, kids build sandcastles near the surf, and at low tide, you can explore colorful tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones.
Mount Hood
At 11,245 feet tall, Mount Hood stands as Oregon’s highest peak and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This iconic mountain, located just 90 minutes from Portland, offers six ski areas in winter and miles of hiking trails in summer. I recommend visiting Timberline Lodge, a historic 1930s mountain retreat, where you can grab a meal with sweeping views of the Cascade Range or hit the slopes at America’s only year-round ski resort.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge first caught my eye back in 2015 during a Pacific Northwest road trip. Carved by ancient floods, this natural wonder stretches over 80 miles along the border between Oregon and Washington. The gorge’s basalt cliffs rise dramatically above the Columbia River, creating one of America’s most photogenic landscapes. Multnomah Falls, the crown jewel of the area, tumbles 620 feet in two tiers, while the Historic Columbia River Highway winds past dozens of other waterfalls and viewpoints. Hiking trails crisscross the region, leading adventurers through mossy forests and wildflower meadows, while windsurfers dot the river’s surface, making the most of the gorge’s famous winds.
Smith Rock State Park
Just under three hours southeast of Portland lies Smith Rock State Park, a place where towering cliffs of golden rock rise dramatically from the high desert landscape. Rock climbers from around the world come here to scale the thousands of routes etched into the volcanic rock walls, but you don’t need to be a climber to appreciate this spot. Walking along the winding Crooked River at the base of these massive formations, you’ll spot eagles soaring overhead and hear the occasional shouts of joy from climbers reaching their summit. The park earned its nickname as the birthplace of American sport climbing in the 1980s, and today you’ll find everyone from hikers tackling the challenging Misery Ridge Trail to families picnicking in the sage-scented canyon.
Multnomah Falls
Have you ever seen a 620-foot waterfall cascading down moss-covered cliffs? That’s what awaits at Multnomah Falls, just 30 minutes east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. This natural wonder, split into two magnificent tiers, is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and one of the most visited sites in the Pacific Northwest. You can walk the paved trail to Benson Bridge for a close-up view of the falls, or continue hiking to the top for panoramic views of the Columbia River. The historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, offers a perfect spot to warm up with hot chocolate while watching the water flow year-round, even during winter when ice formations create a completely different scene.
Bend
For outdoor enthusiasts and craft beer lovers, Bend hits all the right notes. This high-desert town sits where the Cascade Mountains meet the desert, creating a unique playground for everything from mountain biking to rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. The Deschutes River flows right through town, offering easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding in summer, while Mt. Bachelor’s slopes beckon skiers when winter rolls in. Beyond the adventures, Bend’s laid-back vibe shines through in its impressive collection of breweries – there’s one around practically every corner of the historic downtown. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking through volcanic landscapes, the afternoon floating down the river, and the evening sampling local IPAs on a brewery patio.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Dive into an underwater world at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, home to over 15,000 marine animals native to the Pacific Northwest. The facility features walk-through tunnels where you can watch sharks glide overhead and sea otters play just inches away. Stop by the touch pools to feel starfish and anemones, or time your visit for the daily sea lion shows where these playful creatures show off their natural behaviors. For a unique experience, book the behind-the-scenes tour to learn about animal care and watch staff prepare meals for the resident creatures.
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well first caught my eye during a coastal road trip along Oregon’s rugged Cape Perpetua in 2019. This natural sinkhole, also known as Spouting Horn, sits just off Highway 101 near the small town of Yachats. The rocky formation appears like a bottomless gateway to the Pacific, where waves crash and spiral down into what seems like the center of the Earth. During high tide, the ocean water churns and shoots upward through the 20-foot-deep hole, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s raw power. Visitors gather at the viewing platforms above, watching the rhythmic dance of waves while keeping a safe distance from the treacherous edges that local rangers constantly warn about.
Silver Falls State Park
I always recommend Silver Falls State Park to anyone visiting Oregon who loves chasing waterfalls. Located just east of Salem, this 9,000-acre park is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls – an 8-mile loop that takes you past (and even behind) a series of impressive waterfalls, including the 177-foot South Falls. The path winds through towering Douglas firs and western hemlocks, giving you plenty of spots to stop and take in the cascading water.
Haystack Rock
Rising 235 feet from the shoreline at Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Like a giant stone sentinel watching over the Pacific, this ancient volcanic formation draws visitors year-round to its tide pools and surrounding beach. During low tide, you can walk right up to its base, where colorful starfish and anemones make their home in small pools of seawater. What makes this spot extra special are the tufted puffins that nest on the rock from spring to mid-summer – one of the few places on the Oregon coast where you can spot these charming seabirds. As the sun sets behind Haystack Rock each evening, photographers and beachgoers gather to witness the massive monolith transform into a dark silhouette against the orange and pink sky.
Willamette Valley
Ever sipped a glass of world-class pinot noir while gazing at endless rows of grapevines? That’s just another day in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a rich agricultural region stretching from Portland to Eugene. This 150-mile stretch of land, sheltered by mountains on both sides, has become one of North America’s premier wine regions, with over 500 wineries dotting its gentle hills. Beyond the vineyards, you’ll find yourself wandering through charming small towns, stopping at farm stands loaded with fresh berries, or cycling along quiet country roads past hazelnut orchards and hop farms. The valley is also home to the University of Oregon’s historic campus and dozens of cozy bed-and-breakfasts where you can base yourself while exploring the area.
Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are unlike anything else you’ll find in Oregon – or anywhere else in the world for that matter. These layered mounds of red, tan, and orange earth look like they belong on Mars rather than in the high desert of central Oregon. Part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, these striped hills were formed over millions of years as volcanic ash and minerals settled into distinct bands of color. It’s not the easiest place to reach – you’ll need to venture deep into Wheeler County’s remote landscape – but seeing these otherworldly formations shift colors throughout the day makes the journey worthwhile. Time your visit right, and you might catch the hills after a rain when the colors appear most vivid against the rugged backdrop.
Oregon Caves National Monument
Tucked away in southwestern Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains, the Oregon Caves National Monument first opened its doors to visitors in 1909. This marble cave system, carved by acidic rainwater over millions of years, winds through the mountainside like a natural maze. The caves maintain a cool 44 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, offering a perfect escape from summer heat or winter chill. Rangers lead tours through rooms with names like Paradise Lost and the Ghost Room, sharing stories of the early explorers who first mapped these underground passages. Above ground, the historic Chateau at the Oregon Caves stands as one of the great national park lodges, its rustic timber frame and local stone construction blending seamlessly with the forest setting.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor stands out as one of Oregon’s most impressive stretches of coastline. This 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 weaves through a natural wonderland where dense forests meet rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean crashes against offshore rock formations. The corridor features 27 miles of hiking trails that connect hidden beaches, secret coves, and natural stone arches – perfect for those who love to explore off the main path. While many visitors just stop at the viewpoints, the real magic happens when you take time to hike down to secluded spots like Natural Bridges or Chinese Beach, where you might have the entire place to yourself.
Newport
Located about two and a half hours west of Portland along the Oregon coast sits the charming town of Newport. Like many coastal cities in Oregon, Newport has its collection of seafood restaurants, lighthouses, and scenic beaches. But unlike the others, it combines the working spirit of an active fishing port with the playful energy of a seaside resort town. Just walk along the historic bayfront where fishing boats unload their daily catch next to tourist shops, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of Newport’s deep connection to marine science, it’s home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center, where visitors can learn about the Pacific’s underwater world while watching sea lions lounge on the nearby docks.
Astoria
Sitting at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria holds a special place in Oregon’s history as the state’s oldest settlement. This charming coastal town brings together maritime heritage and small-town character, with its iconic 1920s Astoria Column offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River. Film buffs might recognize the town as the backdrop for “The Goonies,” while history enthusiasts can explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s rich seafaring past.
Hood River
Many travelers head to Hood River for the Columbia River Gorge, one of Oregon’s most impressive natural wonders, but the destination is also known as a watersports paradise. The area’s unique geography creates consistent winds that make it a top spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, while the surrounding Mount Hood region offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. In the fall, the Hood River Valley’s Fruit Loop draws visitors with its orchards, wineries, and farm stands, but you can find plenty of outdoor activities and local charm in this Columbia River town throughout the year.
