1. Overview
If you’re planning to travel to the west coast during the winter, there are plenty of great places in Oregon to spend the season with your family. From the snow-covered mountains to cozy cabins by the ocean, these winter destinations in Oregon offer a variety of activities and attractions during the winter months.
2. Winter Activities in Oregon
In the mountains and higher elevations inland, the abundant snow allows visitors to enjoy the full range of snow sports including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. On the Oregon Coast, visitors can snuggle by the fire and take in the natural wonder of the Pacific Ocean meeting the snowy forests.
No matter which part of the state you travel to this winter, there are plenty of things to do and beautiful sights to see. Explore the following list for an unforgettable winter escape.
Bend and Central Oregon
With mountains to the west, plains to the east, and annual snowfall measured in feet, Bend and the Central Oregon region are havens for snow sports enthusiasts.
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is a significant draw, featuring terrain for downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowboarding. Central Oregon is home to 14 different snow-parks, including Virginia Meissner and Swampy Lake, which provide excellent places to sled, snowshoe, snowmobile, and generally frolic in the snow.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is home to five ski areas and a plethora of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. Additionally, two of Mount Hood’s snow-parks offer trails for snowmobiling. The ski areas include Mount Hood Ski Bowl, Summit Ski Area, Timberline Ski Area, Mount Hood Meadows, and Cooper Spur Ski Resort.
This wealth of winter entertainment is complemented by excellent accommodations at various lodges such as Timberline Lodge, The Resort at the Mountain, and The Grand Lodges at Mount Hood, all within a two-hour drive from Portland, Oregon.
Joseph and the Wallowa Mountain Area
Located in northeast Oregon, the area around the Wallowa Mountains experiences significant snowfall, providing a breathtaking setting for winter activities.
The small resort community of Joseph lies at the heart of it all, surrounded by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area.
Abundant trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are available throughout the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, while the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area offers opportunities for back-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Oregon Coast
The wild wind and crashing waves that characterize the Oregon Coast during winter are truly captivating. Enjoy these views from the comfort of an oceanfront room, snuggled by the fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa.
The towns along the Oregon Coast offer charming shops, galleries, fun-filled arcades, and excellent dining options (complete with stunning views) that can be enjoyed no matter the weather.
Downtown Portland, Oregon
Winter is a prime time to explore Portland’s entertainment venues, diverse dining options, and tax-free shopping. If your visit occurs during November and December, you can immerse yourself in holiday festivities and shop for unique seasonal gifts.
Notable attractions in downtown Portland include Powell’s City of Books, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Historical Society Museum. Additionally, if the weather permits, there are numerous parks, plazas, and trails where you can enjoy the outdoors, including ice skating rinks.
