Our 25 Favorite Oregon Places
We are counting down our 25 favorite Oregon places. In no particular order (because we love them all!), here’s our must-see list:
25 - Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood
Built at the timberline of Oregon’s tallest mountain, Timberline Lodge has been an icon for generations. Known for having the longest ski season in North America, Timberline also boasts exquisite Depression era craftsmanship, stunning views of Mt. Hood, close proximity to numerous hiking trails including the famous Pacific Crest Trail, a cool kids scavenger hunt, two resident St. Bernards, and the Magic Mile Sky Ride. It is one of our favorite places to meet up with family (check out the chalet rooms).
24 - Lan Su Chinese Garden
If you're like me, there's about a hundred more things to get done today. So let us take a moment at the Tower of Cosmic Reflections for a deep breath and a cup of tea. From here the view out onto the Garden of Awakening Orchids is mesmerizing. Poetry flows from every corner of this walled garden as details from the Ming dynasty era draw you into another world. In no time at all you will feel the quiet peace of this magical place. It's nice, right? Maybe we don’t really need to clean out the silverware drawer today. . . More
23 - Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Cape Meares Lighthouse may be Oregon’s shortest lighthouse, but it is big on personality. With sweeping views of the Pacific, a cool lighthouse tour and the mysterious Octopus Tree, Cape Meares is one of our favorite stops on the Oregon Coast!
The best way to see the beautiful Tillamook Coast is with the Three Capes Scenic Loop. It includes a sweet beach at Oceanside, Cape Meares, Netarts Bay (home of Jacobsen Salt Co.), Cape Lookout (another favorite Oregon place!), Cape Kiwanda and the quintessential beach town of Pacific City.
22 - Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock is known as the birthplace of modern American sport climbing with nearly 2,000 climbing routes and the first U.S. climb rated 5.14 (8b+). As someone with the grip strength of a wet noodle and a healthy fear of heights, this means nothing to me. But even if you’re not a climber, this massive rock in the middle of Oregon’s high desert is pretty awesome to see. One of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, Smith Rock has abundant wildlife, hiking trails and a campground. More
21 - Hells Canyon Overlook
Did you know the deepest canyon in the US is in Oregon? At 8,000 feet deep, Hells Canyon on the Oregon-Idaho border beats the Grand Canyon by 2,000 feet. Carved by the Snake River, this beautiful piece of rugged Oregon is remote. From the town of Joseph, Hells Canyon Overlook is a 90 minute drive through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on paved forest service roads. Stunning views await with one “Hells” of a picnic spot. Despite some wildfire smoke on our trip, this place was spectacular.
20 - National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center located just outside of Baker City provides some of the best views of the wagon ruts left behind from the Oregon Trail. Life sized exhibits inside the interpretive center tell the story of the 400,000 emigrants who made the epic journey. And on the day we were there, the BLM had wild horses and burros up for adoption. The Interpretive Center is currently closed for major renovations but the outdoor exhibits and trails to the ruts remain open. More
19 - Chehalem Ridge Nature Park near Forest Grove in Gaston
Opened less than a week ago, Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is a new Oregon favorite! With 1,260 acres and 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, Chehalem Ridge Nature Park is Portland’s newest playground. The park features woodland trails, views for days and an accessible picnic and day-use area. More
18 - Bandon
Circles in the Sand, crabbing off of the dock in town, sculpted sea trash by Washed Ashore, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Coquille River Lighthouse, great local eating and shopping, sunny weather and views for days - these are just a few of the reasons why we love Bandon! More
17 - Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Perched 800 feet above the Pacific, the West Shelter Viewpoint at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is the highest point you can drive on the Oregon Coast. From here the views are spectacular stretching 70 miles down the coastline and almost 40 miles out to sea! In World War II, the stone shelter was used as a lookout. Today, it is a popular spot for whale watching.
Other not to be missed attractions at Cape Perpetua include Thor’s Well, Devils Churn and Cook’s Chasm. There are twenty-six miles of hiking trails, old growth forests and some cool tidepools to check out too. More
16 - Trillium Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest
Want to see some great views of Mt. Hood? Look no further than Trillium Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest! The campground here is hugely popular and for good reason. Surrounded by natural beauty, the lake offers easy hiking on the 2 mile accessible and family-friendly Trillium Lake Loop Trail, boating, fishing, swimming - and those amazing views of Mt. Hood. With its convenient location near Government Camp, Trillium Lake is also a great base for exploring other hikes in the Mt. Hood National Forest and Timberline Lodge.
15 - The Wallowa Mountains at Joseph
Tucked away in the northeast corner of Oregon, is one of the most special places on earth. Known as the Oregon Alps, the Wallowa Mountains at Joseph rise up from Wallowa Lake like a fortress to the sky. For thousands of years this was the home of the Nez Perce who in 1877 were forcibly removed from their lands. Rather than face imprisonment on an Oklahoma reservation, the Nez Perce ran toward Canada for sanctuary. Crossing four states, multiple mountain ranges and 1,170 miles, the Nez Perce were apprehended just 40 miles from the Canadian border by the US Army.
“Hear me, my chiefs,” said the great Chief Joseph at their surrender. “I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
Today, the vibrant town of Joseph pulses with art, outdoor recreation and the recollection of its history. Life-sized bronze statues line Main Street and in the summer live music wafts out onto the street from local restaurants. Wallowa Lake State Park is one of my favorite places in all of Oregon to camp and play. But the views of the majestic Wallowas in the background serve as a sobering reminder of what was lost to the people who first called this place home.
“I believe much trouble would be saved,” said Chief Joseph, “if we opened our hearts more.”
14 - Lavender and Berries in Scholls
What’s the most wonderful time of the year? Lavender and berry season! We love making a day of it in the community of Scholls, a ½ hour southwest of Portland. Our favorite stops are Mountainside Lavender Farm for u-cut lavender, lunch at the historic South Store Cafe, and berry picking at Smith Berry Barn. And if the blueberries are in season, you know we’re going to be coming home with a few buckets from Hoffman Farms Store too! How many more days until July? More
13 - Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park
It was a dark and stormy night in 1906 that pushed the Portland bound Peter Iredale into the sands of Clatsop Spit. There it remained in the line of fire as on another dark night in 1942, a Japanese submarine fired shells at Fort Stevens. The next day the Peter Iredale and the surrounding beaches were wrapped in barbed wire. Amidst fear of an invasion, they remained that way until the end of World War II. As kids we thought it was a jungle gym with a view. . .
12 - Portland
There are a million reasons to love Portland. But one of our favorite reasons are the arts, sciences and culture here. Where else can you watch Jurassic Park in a 100 year-old theatre while listening to the Oregon Symphony perform the full movie score? Our favorite family-friendly picks for Portland are the Portland Art Museum (where kids get free admission!), the Oregon Zoo, OMSI, Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Oregon Historical Society.
11 - Honeyman State Park
Measuring 54 miles between Heceta Beach and Cape Arago, the Oregon Dunes are the biggest stretch of coastal sand dunes in North America. Hiking and atving are popular here, but our favorite way to play in the dunes is sandboarding at Honeyman State Park. However, due to planting European beachgrass and other nonnative plants 80 years ago in an effort to keep sand from covering Hwy 101, these 100,000 year-old dunes are facing extinction. Volunteers and employees at Saving the Oregon Dunes and the Siuslaw National Forest are working hard to protect the Oregon Dunes for future generations - and you can help too! More
10 - The Painted Hills at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Not every adventure goes according to plan. On our way to the Painted Hills we were rained out of our tepee, got car sick on the winding roads and were freezing in the 40 degree weather. But sometimes the adventures we love most are about persevering together to see a great place in the end. More
9 - Crater Lake National Park
What’s better than a view of Crater Lake? The view of Crater Lake from Wizard Island! Hike the 763-foot tall cinder cone for one-of-a-kind views of America’s deepest lake. Then take some time to play, fish and wade in the clear, blue waters. As the boat tour continues, find waterfalls seen only from the lake. And watch as the Phantom Ship comes to life in the setting sun. This is one Oregon experience you will never forget! More
8 - Mount Angel Abbey Library
In the serene setting of Mount Angel Abbey lives a modern architectural and design icon. The Mount Angel Abbey Library, designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, is one of only two buildings he designed in the United States. Original Aalto furniture - featuring his bent plywood designs - can be seen throughout the library. Over 5,000 rare books make their home here, including illuminated manuscripts and texts dating back to the 1,200’s. And just in case architecture, design and history aren’t your thing - the monks make some pretty good beer.
Bonus! The Gordon House, designed by another famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright is only 5 miles south of here in Silverton.
7 - Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain
Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain via Mirror Lake Trail is a rite of passage for Oregon hikers - and for good reason! The 9 mile trail may be hard, but the fantastic views of Mt. Hood along the way can’t be beat. From the peak you’ll see five mountains - Hood, Adams, Rainier, St. Helens and Jefferson - and the cutest golden-mantled ground squirrels ever.
6 - Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is the tallest and most famous waterfall in Oregon. But did you know that the Columbia River Gorge is home to 90 other major waterfalls? One of our favorites is the nearby Latourell Falls which not only has two plunging waterfalls but some of the raddest looking trees you’ll see anywhere!
5 - Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
The Oregon Caves are one of only 3 marble caves in the US and home to the only underground river in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Along with 15,000 feet of marble caves to explore, there is a historic lodge and diner, Oregon’s biggest Douglas fir tree and it is the birthplace of View-Masters. Plus there are some great locavore finds to be had on the way like the sweet Moscato from Foris Vineyards and coffee at the very first ever Dutch Bros. in Grants Pass. This amazing place should definitely be one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. What do you say, Travel Oregon - just one more Oregon wonder? More
4 - Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
3.5 miles north of Newport is the spectacular Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Oregon’s tallest lighthouse is here as well as some epic views atop Salal Hill. But my favorite part is the marine garden. The tidepools are some of the best you’ll see in Oregon! Plus this spot offers prime viewing for birding, whale watching and complete adoration of baby seal pups.
3 - Cape Lookout State Park
No summer for our family is complete without a camping trip to Cape Lookout State Park. Located 10 miles south of Tillamook, this is the place to come if you like Sitka spruce forests, sweeping ocean views and some great local food. Our favorite locavore stops include Jacobsen Salt Co. where salt is harvested right from the waters of Netarts Bay, the Blue Heron French Cheese Company which is famous for its Brie, the popular food truck Tacos La Providencia which gets a shining 5 stars from our Mexican American family and Five Rivers Coffee Roasters that after a night of camping is heaven sent.
2 - Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Just 12 miles south of Bend is a volcano the size of Rhode Island. At 1,200 square miles, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is still seismically and geothermally active - but don’t worry - its last eruption was 1,300 years ago. Here you can see a black glass obsidian flow up close on a ¾ mile hike, spend a lazy afternoon at one of two alpine lakes, summit Paulina Peak at 7,984 feet (by foot or in your car) and show off your strength by lifting boulders of pumice. With a visitor center, fire lookout, caves, hiking, camping and views for days, this is one Oregon place you have got to see!
1 - Silver Falls State Park
Who can resist a hike with 10 waterfalls?! Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park but did you know that it was once so heavily forested that it was rejected as a National Park? Evaluators thought the tree stumps left behind looked like gravestones. It probably didn't help that people were paying a quarter to watch the landowner push old cars off of the 177-foot South Falls. With a lot of vision, hard work and generations of Oregonians caring about this special place, Silver Falls is now called the crown jewel of the Oregon state parks. More
