22 Best Things To Do in Oregon: Coastal Trails to Canyon Adventures

Rugged coastline, starry night skies, and local breweries — these are the best places to visit in Oregon.

There’s a reason why hundreds of thousands of pioneers braved the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s. At the end of the roughly 2,000-mile route was Oregon — a state with a little bit of everything, from lush, fertile valleys where berries, pears, plums, and cherries thrive, to expansive high deserts and wild coastlines. Moreover, the skyscraper-high waterfalls (many flow all year round) and the fact that in modern-day Oregon, you can ski on a potentially active stratovolcano make it a unique travel destination.

There’s plenty to see and do — so where do you start? We sifted through the state’s 11 national forests, 361 state parks, and unique sites to determine the best of the best. Here are 22 things to do in Oregon.

Willamette National Forest

Situated between Eugene and Bend is the expansive Willamette National Forest (clocking in at a whopping 1,678,031 acres). Within the wooded expanse are eight wilderness areas, seven volcanic mountain peaks, and enough waterfalls to keep even the biggest cascade lover entertained for days.

Alvord Hot Springs

Two pools dating back to the 1940s sit at the edge of the Alvord Desert, near the eastern base of Steens Mountain. Day trippers and overnight guests at the Alvord Hot Springs Bath House & Campground can soak the day away in one of the state’s most renowned and historic geothermal springs. (The water comes out of the ground at 170 degrees, cooling when mixed in the soaking pools.)

Owyhee Canyonlands

For those seeking a remote, off-the-grid getaway, the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeastern Oregon offers a side not seen by most travelers — a landscape of deep canyons, petroglyphs, and bighorn sheep. Consequently, thanks to its remote, dark-sky locale, stargazing here is truly exceptional.

Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon holds the title as the deepest river gorge in North America, topping even the Grand Canyon. In addition to being over a mile deep, the canyon is 10 miles wide. Visitors to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest) can float the mighty Snake River and hike along the rim.

Timberline Trail

If you’re an experienced hiker with a penchant for adventure, make your way to the Timberline Trail on Mount Hood. The 41.4-mile loop circumnavigates the stratovolcano, taking those willing to put in the work through alpine meadows, Cascade forests, and glacial-fed drainages. If you don’t have time to do the full trail, segments are available, including one that overlaps with the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.

Multnomah Falls

One of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls in the state is Multnomah Falls, found just off the interstate in the Columbia River Gorge. The best times to visit are in the winter and spring when the flow of water is at its peak.

Astoria

The oldest city in Oregon (founded in 1811) rests on the Columbia River, near the Pacific Ocean. In addition to offering stunning views, Astoria features a distinct Scandinavian feel, an array of local breweries, and a rich history.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is renowned for its wide-open expanse of grasslands carved by the John Day River. This park is ideal for year-round camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife spotting — housing elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.

Ecola State Park

Misty mornings are common in Ecola State Park, which stretches nine miles along the rugged Oregon coast. Sea stacks rise from the sands, surfers line up along the break, and hikers meander on trails, including an 8-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Portland

While not the state’s capital, Portland is easily Oregon’s most famous city. Food trucks, hip coffee houses, breweries, and donut shops entice visitors. However, no trip is complete without a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden and an afternoon exploring Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort boasts the highest base elevation of any ski area in Oregon, leading to abundant snow and excellent skiing in winter, as well as cool summer temperatures. In addition to resort amenities, the area is home to 15 lakes and marshes set amidst the stunning Blue Mountains.

Hood River

Located just an hour east of Portland, the small but growing community of Hood River serves as a hotspot for windsurfing — often dubbed the windsurfing capital of the world. Enjoy local dining, craft beer, and fine wine after a day on the water.

Devils Punch Bowl

The Oregon coast is a wild and beautiful region, particularly at the Devils Punch Bowl. In winter, the ocean collides with the punch bowl (a hollow rock formation), creating a dramatic show of power. Additionally, this area features great tide pools, surfing, and whale watching opportunities.

Crater Lake National Park

The heart of Crater Lake National Park is Crater Lake, formed by a collapsed volcano and currently the deepest lake in the U.S. (the average depth is 1,943 feet). Visitors can drive around the lake, fed by rain and snow, and spot Wizard Island near the lake’s western edge.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

To explore ancient Oregon, visit the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a series of colorful rock formations that chronicle climate changes and the evolution of life on Earth over millions of years.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, while small, showcases long sandy shores, tide pools, and the iconic Haystack Rock, a giant sea stack that serves as a nesting site for tufted puffins. The town also offers galleries and boutiques to explore when you’re finished enjoying the coastline.

The Oregon Trail

The Oregon National Historic Trail traverses six states, but its ultimate destination remains Oregon. Multiple sites throughout the state allow visitors to experience the history of brave pioneers who made their way westward through the Rocky Mountains.

Oregon Caves

The Siskiyou Mountains hold fascinating secrets within the Oregon Caves, also known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon.” Twisted passageways wind through stunning marble-like rock formations leading to breathtaking caverns.

Mt. Bachelor Ski and Snowboard Resort

With an impressive average of over 460 inches of snowfall per year, Mt. Bachelor is a renowned name in skiing across the country. During summer, the mountain transforms into a paradise for mountain bikers.

Oregon Coast Bike Route

While many only tackle a segment of the 370-mile Oregon Coast Bike Route, the full route is both enjoyable and achievable. The journey, best taken in late summer and early fall, provides breathtaking coastal views and spectacular sunsets.

Sea Lion Caves

In addition to being America’s largest sea cave, the Sea Lion Caves are home to numerous sea lions that spend the winter in the caves before heading to rookery areas for breeding and nurturing their young.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area features one of the largest stretches of temperate coastal sand dunes globally. Here, visitors can relish the tranquility while exploring 40 miles of majestic dunes along the Oregon Coast.