If you enjoy hiking along a rugged coastline or in the shadow of a volcano formed thousands of year ago, Oregon is the place for you. If you enjoy finding majestic hot springs along the side of the road or crystal clear lakes buried deep within national forests, Oregon is worth a visit. Or if you are interested in checking Crater Lake National Park off your list, you must come to Oregon! As a born and raised southerner visiting Oregon three years ago for the first time, I was absolutely enthralled by the diverse landscapes from the Columbia River Gorge to the sand dunes along the coast.  I was so charmed by Oregon a few years ago that I went home, packed my bags and moved cross country by myself so that I didn't have to stop exploring all that it has to offer. 
Here is my guide of the best things to see on your next Oregon adventure! 


Oregon Coast Range, Oregon, USA

Oregon, USA

Portland, OR, USA

A PNW Wonderland: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Oregon 

When you think of the PNW, you think of Oregon: rocky shorelines, moody, unpredictable weather, and the rugged outdoors. It truly is an outdoor lover's paradise with a plethora of activities from hiking, swimming, surfing, and camping. Since there's so much to see and do, and it is fairly dispersed throughout the state, a roadtrip is the best way to make sure you hit all those spots on your list! I've spent the last two years exploring much of the state and have compiled my list of must sees to ensure you get the most out of your adventuring! 

This guide includes: Everything Oregon! 

To start your trip, you will want to fly into PDX (Portland International Airport) and grab a rental car. 

As I mentioned above, Oregon weather can be quite unpredictable. Seattle is known for the amount of rain it receives each year; however, Portland and Seattle are almost tied yearly for the amount of rainfall! 

If your trip is hiking based, and you're wanting to have the best chance of snow melt/ clear skies, the summer months will be the best time to ensure you have a clear forecast, and all trails are open. The temperatures in July and August usually do not exceed 90 degrees, and the nights can still be quite cool. Summers in Oregon are truly unparalleled. 

Other seasons bring with them less crowds and more of that "moody" PNW weather though, so there really isn't a bad time to visit if you're okay with getting a little wet! Mt. Hood (the volcano mentioned earlier!) is also one of the best places to snowboard and will typically be open from late November to late April. Oregon in all seasons is truly stunning- it simply depends what you want your time to look like.

Since everything is so spread out, you will want to take at least one week to truly see everything; however, you will be spending a lot of time in the car driving to each destination. An ideal amount of time would probably be 10-14 days to make sure you have time and are not rushing from place to place or spending too much time in the car each day. 

I have spent the last two years in Oregon, and I still have so many things I want to experience, so how many days are enough? 7, 10, 14, move there :) 

Since a lot of things you might want to squeeze into your Oregon itinerary can be pretty spread out, I am going to break this guide down by area and what to do/see in each region of the state. I have lived in Oregon for three years and covered a lot; however, Oregon has so much to offer that it is impossible for me even as an Oregonian to cover everything! Luckily, I will just continue to explore even more of this place I now call home!  Plus, it is nice to know I still have some things on my Oregon bucket list :) I will share the things I know for sure are worth seeing, but I will also include the places/things that are my list to see in the future. While I cannot personally recommend the places I haven't yet been to, I still want to include them as I have researched them, and they are on my list for a reason! So here we go!!

What's Worth Seeing and What Stops Do I Make?

The Gorge is one of the first places I saw on my first trip to Oregon, and I can still remember driving through with my best friend, the windows rolled down  as the sun sank down into the river. It was one of those moments you know you will remember forever, and no picture or description can possibly do it justice. If you are short on time but want to experience the true essence of Oregon, visit the Gorge! It is only 30-90 minutes (depending on where you may stop) from Portland, so this area will be easily accessible to you if you are flying into PDX. It is also easy to cross over into Washington from here to see some of the beauty from the other side (The Bridge of the God's is a unique bridge that crosses over !) This is where you will find so many of the rushing waterfalls that Oregon is known for. The Gorge is also home to arguably one of the most popular and  most beautiful falls in the state- Multnomah Falls. Since this area has become so popular in the last few years, there is now a timed entry permit in place- these can be purchased online on Recreation. gov 14 days in advance at 7 AM PT. The permits are in place from May 24th-September 2nd, 2024 from 9AM-6PM, so make sure to either visit outside of these time slots or secure your tickets as you don't want to visit and be turned away! 

-Angel's Rest: 4.5 mi, rated hard, 1,489 feet elevation gain, takes about 3 hours hiking at moderate pace, this is the first hike I ever did here! Incredible views of the river! 

-Dog Mountain: technically on the Washington side but worth mentioning... it is particularly beautiful towards the end of spring when the wildflowers completely cloak the hillside in bright yellow blooms. We went at the very end of May, and it was spectacular. I felt like I was living in The Sound of Music as I twirled around on a mountainside covered in a sea of flowers!!  There are incredible views of The Gorge here as well!  6.5 mi, rated hard, 2,988 feet elevation gain, takes around 5 hours to complete. It will cost $5 which can be paid at the trailhead, but a national park pass is accepted here. Parking can fill up quickly though, and a permit/reservation is required from April 29-June 19 (peak wildflower season). 

-Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek: We did part of this one on a hot summer day, so we decided to turn around before getting to Tunnel Falls, but I would love to complete it one day as you can walk behind the waterfall! Either way, the trail no matter how far you go is stunning, and when it's warm out, there are places to get in the water- it is very cold though!! 12.2 mi if you go all the way and back, rated hard, 2,142 feet elevation gain)

-Wahclella Falls Trail: cannot recommend this one enough!! It is a very easy, flat, short walk to a beautiful waterfall. This trail captures Oregon perfectly and is ideal if you are wanting to hike but do not have a lot of time! 1.9 mi, rated easy, 308 feet elevation gain, takes less than an hour to complete. Big reward for little work... cannot say that about a lot of Oregon hikes! HA!

-Beacon Rock Trail: 1.5 mi, rated moderate, 574 feet elevation gain, technically in Washington but so worth it!! I officially fell in love with this area on this hike. Go for sunset!! Does require a pass to park 

Need a good old fashioned milkshake and a delicious, greasy burger after all that exploring and hiking? Stop here on your way through Sisters, OR! The caramel or orange dreamsicle are the best in my opinion, but it's ice cream... all the flavors are good! 

-Trillium Lake: this popular spot is a great summertime hangout as it offers swimming and paddleboarding right underneath the mountain. The views here are incredible, but be prepared to share them with a crowd as on a hot summer day, this place fills up fast.

-Silver Falls State Park: truthfully this one was not one of my most favorite things I ever did in Oregon; however, I am adding it because it is quite popular, and lots of people have loved it and recommended it. Maybe it just wasn't for me, so I wanted to mention it. This is the largest state park in the state, located in the town of Silverton. An 8.7 mile loop will take you to a total of 10 different waterfalls, so if chasing waterfalls is on your Oregon bucket list, you need to make a trip here! 

-Crater Lake National Park: Oregon's only national park, and it is a good one!! To say this is one of the most stunning blue lakes I have ever seen would be an understatement. I did not even know this color existed until witnessing this place for myself; I first stopped at Crater Lake in May, and there was still snow covering the ground- the deep blue water was highlighted even more by the contrasting white, and I will remember this scene forever. I have also been in July and done some hiking. My top trail I recommend is Cleetwood Cove Trail as this is the only way down to the water (other than by booking a boat tour to the little island in the lake- which I would love to do some day!). This trail typically does not open until later in the summer and is 2.1 miles and is rated moderate with 610 feet of elevation gain. Make sure to jump into the water- it's cold but so worth it! Once you get used to the temperature, you can easily swim here! There are no reservations to visit this park, but the line can get pretty long in peak season. Remember to have your national park pass with you or be prepared to pay the $30  entrance fee (per vehicle) if visiting from May-October. 

I hope that I have accurately captured the essence of Oregon, and you can now picture yourself exploring the buzzing streets of the city, climbing trails to mesmerizing falls, or roasting marshmallows with friends on the beach listening to the waves crash against the rocks. Wherever you find yourself in this beautiful state, you will love it and have the adventure of a lifetime I am sure. And if you start feeling the urge to pack your bags and move your life to the PNW after visiting, don't say I didn't warn you :) 

-Astoria: If you decide to go to very northern part of the OR coast, you'll find this quaint little town nestled along dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. While there, you could drive up to the Astoria Column for beautiful views of the town and ocean, and there are some small hiking trails up there as well. Fort Stevens State Park is a good spot to check out along the beach. Make sure to try some of the restaurants there- the seafood is fantastic as I'm sure you could guess! Be sure to drive over the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in the nation. The Goonies and several other movies were filmed here as well, so check out the Goonies house and some other sights while in town too! 

-Cannon Beach: The main thing to see here is the beach, more specifically Haystack Rock. This famous rock settled right off the coast in the ocean is the main draw to this beach for photographers, tourists and locals, and it isn't hard to see why! (A cougar even ventured out to the rock and shut the town down for a few hours this past summer haha).  This spot is quintessential Oregon Coast vibes with the old wooden buildings, cute alleyways leading to the beach, and numerous shops and icecream parlors. Be sure to stroll through, sampling and shopping (get some saltwater taffy, so good here!) and then relax on the beach. Remember that the Oregon beach is not your typical swim and relax in the sand type of beach. Even in the summer months, the ocean and the air outside can be quite chilly. The coastline is often very rocky as well. The beaches here are definitely more for walking, hanging out with friends around a bonfire, and hiking nearby! Keep your eyes peeled too as there can be an abundance of wildlife to be seen at certain times of the year (whales, seals, etc!) 

-Tillamook: You can't go to the coast and miss this little town. There are some fantastic little beaches here that are just short trails through the forests (Don't miss Short Sands Beach and Oswald State Park- they are just a little north of the town of Tillamook itself). When you drive through the town, be sure to stop at the Tillamook Creamery for lunch and icecream :) They also have a tiny little viewing area that allows you to see how they do some of their processing and manufacturing. Be sure to try the cheese curds- they are known for their icecream and cheese! 

-Pacific City: We love this little area as there are so many sand dunes, and the beaches are so beautiful (we always would take our dogs to run with us on the beach here!) 

-Florence: You might be familiar with this little coastal town for a very odd reason, and if you haven't heard this story before, you may think I am off my rocker slightly hahah

-Brookings: Brookings itself is not my favorite town and is sadly struggling with homelessness; however, the reason to come here is for Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (it lives up to its name for sure!) 

While there, climb the sand dune at Cape Kiwanda- it is 240 feet high and definitely a little workout, but the views at the end are more than worth it. And at the end, it's a blast to sprint down the hill! My two dogs and I climbed it together and all ran down- must do!! 

Once you've gotten your workout in, go right along the beach and have lunch or dinner at Pelican Pub right on the beach (good food and great views, definitely a cool spot and atmosphere!) 

Here you will find several little hikes and pull offs that are truly magical and offer (in my opinion) some of the best views to be found on the Oregon Coast. As this spot is right on the California border, it is a bit of a drive, so this one may not be a spot that is super attainable for your first visit, but it is definitely worth seeing at some point. 

Some of the best spots to see in this area are: Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Whaleshed Beach and Viewpoint and Arch Rock. Natural Bridges is a very popular hike, and this is where a lot of the beautiful photos are taken in this area; however, to get a lot of the shots you may have seen, you have to cross the natural bridge, which I do not recommend. You can walk down to the bridge safely along a trail, but I would not suggest climbing up and over it as it is very narrow and steep, and people have slipped and fallen here and died. Never risk your life for the pictures. You will still be able to get amazing photos along the trail or at a viewing point right off the road if you aren't up for hiking. 

But nonetheless, in 1970, a sperm whale washed onto the beach near Florence, and apparently the best course of action for this whale was to... explode it... with dynamite, and well how could a story like this not take flight (pun intended). It did not go to plan, and several (apparently new hires to the highway department) were tasked with cleaning up chunks of whale from the town streets. So if you ever find yourself on the beaches of Florence, just know you are walking  through a piece of history (pun intended again). In all seriousness though, the beaches of Florence are stunning; the town is small and quaint with good local eats, and it's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself that way. Make sure to stop at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area- there are viewing platforms here, and you can even walk out onto the dunes here. There are places to rent sand boards and ATVs to really get out onto and experience the dunes if you're feeling a bit more adventurous! Bandon, OR is also another great option for a beautiful coastal town with amazing dunes. 

On your way down from Pacific City to other parts of the coast, don't miss these unique stops: Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area and Thor's Well!

Devil's Punchbowl is located just outside of Depoe Bay, OR and is totally worth the stop. It is a rock formation (formed when two sea caves eroded into one) where water from the Pacific rushes in at different parts during the day- it's known for its tide pools and dramatic scenery. Be sure to exercise caution when visiting here and always check the tide charts before entering anywhere along the coast! Tides in Oregon are no joke and can be deadly if you come unprepared. Parking for this little gem can be a little tricky as technically the "hike" (short walk, just wear good shoes as it can be slick and mossy) starts in a residential area. Your GPS will more than likely take you to the viewing point that looks down over the punchbowl- you cannot enter it from here. 

Thor's Well is a sea cave that collapsed in and now has formed a gigantic hole that the seawater rushes into and sprays up and out through. It can be quite impressive during high tide or during a storm along the coast when the waves are violently crashing into the rocks. Again, please be mindful of the tides and respectful of nature- it is absolutely beautiful and amazing to witness but can be dangerous. Be prepared to get wet possibly! 

On your way down the coastline, about 30 minutes south of Cannon Beach is Nehalem Bay State Park, a beautiful little spot on the cost (does require a pass to park here!) This spot reminded me of a scene from a Florida beach with beautiful trees and sand dunes. This makes a particularly phenomenal spot for sunset on the coast! 

The Oregon Coast is perhaps one of my favorite places to go in the state- coming from The South where the beaches are white sand and flat (not rocky at all and definitely not located along major cliffsides), I was absolutely entranced the first time I witnessed the beauty and magnitude of this unique and dramatic coastline. There are a myriad of little coastal towns dotting the coastline- some are absolutely magical, and some are slightly less impressive as actual towns; however, not one has a bad view. You're looking over the Pacific Ocean from beautiful jagged cliffs- you really cannot go too wrong here. Below I'll give you some of my favorite towns and what I like about each one. You could dedicate several days to just driving along and stopping in various places, or you could choose one or two specific locations and make them your home base- again, there really is not a bad option here! 

-Bonneville Dam: a unique stop to make if you are in the area! The dam itself is impressive, and the area is beautiful, but perhaps the main draw to this area is something you would not expect at all - An 89 year old Sturgeon who goes by the name of Herman. And Herman is definitely an Oregon icon. It is definitely worth the stop to see Herman and several others in the fish hatchery here! 

-Hood River: this little area is a little bit of a drive from Portland, but the drive itself is stunning, and there is no shortage of things to do once you get there. It definitely depends on the season as to what you will be able to do here when you visit; however, there is something for everyone! 

Portland is such a unique city as there are skyscrapers mixed among so much nature, and the entire city is built alongside the water! While there are definitely some parts of Portland you want to avoid (as I'm sure you have seen in the last few years on the news, etc.) , you can still find hidden gems that have been preserved. And the food scene is truly unmatched!! I cannot even begin to capture the various food pallets you will find here (If you're a fan of Triple D, Guy Fieri has been to Portland to scope out the food a number of times!) 

- International Test Rose Garden: located in Washington Park (a beautiful area in the city surrounded by nature!) Here, testing of new rose varieties  are done, and anyone is welcome to stop by for free to view the spectacular array of flowers that bloom from late May to early October weather permitting. 

-OHSU Tram: kind of a quirky thing to do as the tram connects at the South Waterfront and takes you to the OHSU hospital in the hills. The views of the city and of Mt. Hood on a clear day are what make this special! The price may vary, but it currently costs $7 per person for a roundtrip up to the top and back. The ride is short, but the views are incredible, and you are able to stay at the top for as long as you want! 

-Pittock Mansion: this impressive hillside mansion overlooking downtown Portland is worth the small trek up the old winding Portland roads. It was constructed in the early 1900s by a very influential family at the time and now serves as a beautiful overlook outside of town. We always loved taking a small picnic up here to enjoy together or going after dinner for sunset. You can even go in at certain times for tours of the mansion. 

-Timbers Game: if you are able to time your visit with a home Timbers game, I highly suggest you go! Even if you are not a soccer fan, it is so worth it at least once simply for the ambiance! The energy and devotion of Portland Timbers soccer fans is truly unparalleled. 

-Blazers Game: you can't visit Portland and not stop by the Moda Center! Blazers games are energetic and entertaining! If you can, I highly recommend catching a game. 

-Winterhawks game: another sporting event that I would highly recommend, especially if you are looking for a fun way to spend a night out in town. The Winterhawks are a junior hockey team, but don't let that deter you- you will still witness all that hockey has to offer. The players and the fans alike are rowdy and know how to have a good time! Plus every time the Winterhawks score, you'll be able to chant along to TNT by ACDC with the crowd! 

Another good option if you want a true hike is God's Thumb. This hike remains one of my all time favorites to this day (and I've done quite a few hikes!) It is a moderately challenging hike that takes you out to the ocean and gives you views of sweeping green hills and steep cliffs that overlook the water. the view at the end is truly mesmerizing. To get to the very end, it does require a bit of a scramble and climb- it is not scary or particularly dangerous, just be prepared and cautious.  It is 4.2 miles out and back with 1,128 feet of elevation gain. 

If you need to work off your cheese and icecream lunch, head over to Cape Lookout for some incredible views of the coast! It is 4.7 miles out and back, rated moderate with 810 feet of elevation gain. 

The parking can be a little confusing here, and part of the trail does run beside residential areas, so please be respectful of private property. Also, I have read conflicting reviews saying that this trail is indefinitely closed and reviews saying that it is still very much open. If the trail is inaccessible, I do apologize as it has been over a year since I last did it. If it is open and can be done safely without trespassing, risking your safety or the safety of others, and without breaking any laws, I highly suggest it! 

-Hoyt Arboretum: bet you didn't know there were redwoods right in downtown Portland?! This place is truly a secluded natural gem tucked right inside of a massive city. Remember earlier when I said Portland truly is not just a big city filled with only skyscrapers- it also has a little place filled with a different kind of skyscraper, and they are truly magnificent. There are several hiking trails around this area and even a viewing platform for you to take in all of the beauty around you. There is a pay to park parking lot next to this area- remember not to leave valuables out in the open in your car as you are still in a major city. 

Due to the river's low elevation and its position in the mountains, the steady windy conditions that result rank this area as some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in the world, so come try it out for yourself or even just watch! I never had a chance to try it out while I was there because I surprisingly didn't even know about this until it was almost time to move, but I will definitely be trying this at some point- kitesurfing with these views, yes please! 

In the summer, one of the best things to do here is drive the 35 mile scenic loop rife with fruit stands, lavender fields, wineries, and unlimited views- this loop is aptly named the Fruit Loop. While driving the Fruit Loop, you will have the choice of 27 different stands, cideries, etc to stop at for fresh fruit, wine tastings, or panoramic views of Mt. Hood! Walking among fresh lavender fields while looking up at Mt. Hood looming over in the distance was definitely my favorite part of the experience. Two lavender fields I would recommend are Hope Ranch Lavender and Hood River Lavender Farms. You can even buy lavdender soaps or try lavender lemonade! 

As mentioned above, the Gorge is home to a myriad waterfalls and hikes, and Hood River is no exception. It could even be your gateway to Mt. Hood which also boasts several amazing hiking opportunities and scenery. 

-Snowshoeing: in the winter, there are so many great snowshoeing trails if that is your kind of thing! There are places to rent them in the nearby towns before you get to the mountain. Please remember that this area is often blanketed in snow from early fall through late spring, make sure your vehicle is capable of getting through here safely! 

-Snowboarding/skiing: if here during ski season, hit the slopes at Mount Hood Meadows or SkiBowl! Day passes are available. 

-Romona Falls: 7.1 mi loop, rated moderate, 1,046 feet elevation gain 

In the Fall, the changing leaves and number of apple orchards make this a great addition to your roadtrip! 

-Smith Rock State Park: located in Terrebone, this stop is 100000% worth your time and effort!! Another one of my favorite places in the state of Oregon, this beautiful state park truly captures the essence of the Oregon desert and really feels like you are on another planet. It is a great spot to walk around the river and take in the scenery if hiking isn't your thing, but if you are up for a challenge, I would highly suggest Misery Ridge (aptly named as it is HARD, I won't sugar coat this one!). This trail is 2.6 miles, rated hard with 1,138 feet elevation gain- I would try to do it for sunrise or sunset, but anytime will be beautiful! Be sure to remember to pay to park here and put your ticket in your window before you head out on the trails. 

-Tumalo Falls: I have been to this waterfall during the summer and would also love to see it in the winter covered in snow! This one is not too far from Bend and is breathtaking. There is a hike that you can do, or there is a short walk to a viewing platform. 

-Willmatte National Forest: the best national forest in Oregon hands down. Do not miss this national forest on your Oregon journey!! Here you will find riverside hot springs, incredible hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning lakes. I will highlight a few stops you could make through here- you cannot go wrong in this area: 

-Blue Pool: the famous Blue Pool! One of my favorite hikes to date that I have ever done in Oregon. I first should caution that this area has lately been deemed dangerous because the pool is tucked back into the forest and requires hiking without cell service to reach it. Once you get to the end, it can be confusing as where to go to get down to the pool itself, and many people do cliff jump here. The water is a constant 37 degrees F year round, so I would not suggest jumping in. I dipped my feet and legs in and could not go anymore! While it can be dangerous, it doesn't have to be. Be prepared, cautious, and smart. The color of this beautiful pool is more than worth the hike! 

-Clear Lake: another chilly but stunning lake! Clear Lake is a hidden gem and is the perfect spot for canoeing, paddleboarding or even scuba diving. The water sits around 43 degrees F, so you won't be going for a relaxing swim here. The water is incredibly beautiful though, and it does live up to its name- in some spots, you can see all the way to the bottom! Don't miss this spot even if you only have time to peak into the water. 

-Bigelow Hot Springs (also known as Deer Springs): situated right on the edge of the river, this hot springs is truly serene and peaceful. I suggest going early to avoid crowds to get this experience though. Don't forget that hot springs often have an unspoken rule of "clothing optional," so don't be surprised if you know what I mean! 

I have not explored most of Eastern Oregon; however, it is high on my Oregon bucket list that I still have left, so I thought it would be worth mentioning. I will just briefly list below the things that I still hope to do soon in case you would like to check them out: 

-Painted Hills (more towards the middle of the state) 

-Steen Mountains (southeastern part of state) 

-Alvord Dessert (southeastern part of state) 

-Wallowa Mountains and the town of Joseph (northeastern part of state) 

-Spring Creek River: I have never been here, but it looks like a total hidden gem! I would love to go back in the summer with my paddleboard and get on this river as the color looks incredible! You would not swim here as I've read it's too cold, but it could be a nice place to spend some time if you are nearby. It is at the bottom of the state! 

Hikes I have not done in this area yet but would like to:

-McNeil Point: 8.5 mi, rated hard, 2,657 feet elevation gain 

Bend is one of my favorite places in the entire state- it is truly an outdoor lover's paradise as it is situated right along the Deschutes River. Just a short drive out of town will take you to the Willamette National Forest, a number of good hiking trails, Sisters (another great little town), and Smith Rock State Park. The town itself is home to breweries and restaurants, hiking and biking trails, river rafting and more! There are always events going on in town as well, especially in the summer. Though I wasn't ever able to make it to one, there are several outdoor concerts and live music events held in Bend each year that seem like so much fun to attend. Quirky fact about Bend: it is also home to the last Blockbuster, definitely worth a quick visit! Don't forget to try a famous Ocean Roll too :) I'll list some of the best things to do near Bend below: 

-Koosah and Sahalie Falls: this trail is totally worth the stop and is perfect if you are wanting something pretty quick and easy- it's roughly 2.5 miles, rated moderate with 364 feet elevation gain. It connects two waterfalls and is stunning anytime of the year. Plus, you will be hiking along the Mckenzie River which is an absolutely stunning blue tinted river with several rapids. This stop is closer to the town of Sisters than Bend but still worth it if you are in the area (it will be a little over an hour drive from downtown Bend!) 

-Steelehead Falls: 2 mi, rated moderate, 226 feet elevation gain, can swim here during summer 

A PNW Wonderland: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Oregon

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