Top 19 Stunning Destinations in Oregon You Must Explore

Oregon, also referred to as the Beaver State, is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and attractions. Explore these captivating images and be inspired by its natural beauty.

1. Boardman State Park

Boardman State Park serves as an excellent starting point for those wishing to discover the natural allure of Oregon. Named after Samuel H. Boardman, the first superintendent of Oregon Parks, this park is conveniently located near Route 101 and the town of Brookings. It features several secluded beaches, expansive sand dunes, and breathtaking vistas. Additionally, visitors can enjoy 27 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail, primarily suitable for novice hikers.

2. Tulip Field in Woodburn

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, established over 65 years ago, is a quintessential destination for first-time visitors to Oregon. Since 1985, the family-owned farm has opened its fields for public enjoyment each Easter weekend and now welcomes guests from late March through the first week of May. With 40 acres of beautiful fields to explore, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm offers a delightful outing for the entire family.

3. Mount Hood

Mount Hood stands as the highest peak in Oregon and offers much more than mere elevation. Known as Wy’east by the Multnomah tribe, this mountain is regarded as the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. As one of Oregon’s seven wonders, it features a variety of hiking trails and opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and climbing. The surrounding foothills also merit exploration, showcasing farms, wildflowers, and orchards. Additionally, thrill-seekers can partake in extreme sports such as sailing, windsurfing, hang-gliding, and parasailing beneath the majestic Mount Hood.

4. Tumalo Falls

Located in the Cascade Range west of Bend, Tumalo Falls is accessible via the Tumalo Falls Trail, which leads to a viewing platform with remarkable views of the waterfall. Nearby, a picnic area provides the perfect setting for a meal or a break. Visitors should remain vigilant for wildlife around the falls, as the area is known for sightings of hawks, deer, and squirrels.

5. Snow Lakes Trail

The Snow Lakes Trail offers a challenging hiking experience, rewarded by striking views in this scenic region of Oregon. Snow Lake, the most frequented lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, attracts visitors eager to take in the sights of Roosevelt Peak and Chair Peak. However, it is important to be cautious of potential avalanches during winter months. While scenic vistas abound along the trail, continuing to the end yields even more breathtaking views.

6. The Haystack Rocks

The Haystack Rocks, situated at Cannon Beach in Clatsop County, are a remarkable natural feature. Accessible by foot at low tide, these rocks are a popular spot for tourists year-round. The area is rich in wildlife, home to puffins and terns. Additionally, Haystack Rock is accompanied by smaller formations known as The Needles, with various rocks to explore throughout the state, including one located in Tillamook County near Portland.

7. Toketee Falls

Considered one of Oregon’s most renowned waterfalls, Toketee Falls derives its name from a Chinook word meaning “graceful.” Situated near Highway 138 close to Toketee Lake, the hike to the optimal viewpoint is a mere third of a mile. The beauty of the falls is striking year-round, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of when you visit.

8. Opal Creek

Opal Creek is an essential destination for those who appreciate the wilderness and rugged forest. Named in honor of the wife of an early Forest Service ranger, Roy Elliot, Opal Creek features eight hiking trails, showcasing five lakes and over 50 waterfalls. This expansive 20,746-acre area is best visited between April and October, with perpetual opportunities for immersive experiences such as overnight camping.

9. Japanese Garden in Portland

Managed by the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden offers a unique and memorable experience. Located in the West Hills of Portland, it consists of five distinctive sub-gardens. The Strolling Pond Garden, the largest of these, features a 100-year-old five-tiered pagoda lantern and a meticulously crafted moon bridge. The garden also includes an authentic tea house constructed in Japan.

10. Oneonta Narrows

Oneonta Narrows is recognized for its breathtaking waterfall located at the Columbia River, specifically River Mile 138, only half a mile upstream from Oneonta Creek. The Historic Columbia River Highway serves as the route to this picturesque destination, passing by other notable locations such as Benson State Recreation Area, Multnomah Falls, John B. Yeon State Park, and Ainsworth State Park.

11. St. Johns Bridge

St. Johns Bridge is a landmark in Portland, distinguished as the tallest bridge in the city and the northernmost crossing of the Willamette River. Cathedral Park, located beneath the bridge, derives its name from the Gothic architectural style of the structure. An annual summer jazz festival takes place each year at the park’s intimate outdoor stage.

12. Alvord Desert

The Alvord Desert stands out as one of Oregon’s most enchanting locations, famous for its rare and unexplained light displays known as “The Happening.” These extraordinary phenomena have captivated photographers. The flat terrain allows for driving during the driest seasons, and the desert is also notable as the site where Kitty O’Neil achieved an unofficial women’s land speed record in 1976. Additionally, visitors may glimpse wild horses at the springs along the desert’s eastern edge. For stunning photographs, consider visiting Mark Metternich’s website.

13. Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well, often described as the drainpipe of the Pacific, is a unique natural phenomenon that appears to draw water from the ocean. Found along the Oregon coast, it is best viewed at high tide or during stormy weather, offering exceptional photographic opportunities. Visitors to Thor’s Well should also explore the nearby Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, which presents stunning ocean vistas and opportunities to observe migrating gray whales.

14. Umpqua Hot Springs

Accessible year-round, Umpqua Hot Springs, also referred to as Toketee Hot Springs, features three remarkable hot pools set within stunning surroundings above the North Umpqua River. The view of Surprise Falls from these relaxing pools is unforgettable, and visitors can reach the springs via a short hike along the Umpqua Hot Springs Trail. It is important to note that clothing is optional at these springs, which tend to be busy on weekends but are often quiet during weekdays.

15. Misery Ridge Hiking Trail

The Misery Ridge Hiking Trail is one of the most frequented hikes in Oregon, attracting many outdoor enthusiasts eager to take on its gradual ascent while enjoying magnificent scenery. Rock climbing is a popular pastime in this central region, which can become bustling with climbers on weekends. Among the noteworthy hikes in the Misery Ridge area, the eastern loop offers impressive views of the rock formation known as Monkey Face, aptly named for its distinct appearance. The trail also leads to Smith Rock, another renowned wonder of Oregon.

16. Sweet Creek Trail

The Sweet Creek Trail is a leisurely 2.2-mile journey that encompasses approximately a dozen enchanting waterfalls. The optimal periods to visit are April and May, coinciding with the blooming of various woodland wildflowers, particularly the rare pink fawn lilies. The trail is conveniently located just a few miles inland from Florence, at the mouth of the Siuslaw River.

17. Wallowa Mountains

Located in the Columbia Plateau in northeastern Oregon, the Wallowa Mountains present perhaps the most diverse and captivating sights in the state. Another of Oregon’s seven wonders, the Wallowas can be best discovered on horseback, though visitors may also choose to ride a gondola for breathtaking views from Wallowa Lake Village to the summit of Mount Howard. The nearby towns of Joseph and Enterprise feature handcrafted beer and chocolate, perfect mementos of a remarkable visit.

18. Yaquina Head Light and Cliffs

Yaquina Head Light, the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, was formerly known as Cape Foulweather Lighthouse and is located near the mouth of the Yaquina River, close to Newport. This lighthouse gained fame for its role in the 2002 film The Ring, where it portrayed Moesko Island Lighthouse. Guided tours are offered, and visitors are encouraged to stroll along the cliffs at Yaquina Head, although the region is known for its unpredictable weather, hence its original name.

19. Cape Meares

Cape Meares is a favored destination for tourists traveling along the Three Capes Scenic Route. Located near the city of Tillamook, Cape Meares is named after British explorer John Meares. At over 200 feet above the ocean, this headland is particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, as it serves as a nesting site for common murres. The Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is excellent for spotting bald eagles, the United States’ national bird. Tours of an 1890s lighthouse are also available and highly recommended.