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You can learn much about our state by exploring the many towering whitewashed wonders that rise above the Oregon coastline. Oregon’s lonesome-looking sentinels are prized for the scenic moments that capture our hearts, plus the sheer rugged coastal drama they lend the landscape. They also take us back to the state’s early days of maritime… More

The first time I saw the Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon, I was in a hurry. My group had stopped at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, which acts as the interpretive center for the hills and the rest of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and learned about its stunning history — 55 million… More

There are many hidden treasures in Oregon. One of them is Scott Lake near McKenzie Pass west of the little town of Sisters. You can get great photos here of the Three Sisters Mountains across this beautiful little body of water. In the evening the sun hits the mountains just right. There are walk-in camping… More

This past weekend, I drove east up I-84 to the small town of Mosier. Mosier is located at the brink of the change between the lush damp forests of the western portion of the Gorge and the drier grasslands to the east. When you exit the freeway, you are instantly welcomed with a sign stating… More

Oregon’s wine country is also home to epic mountain biking trails and awe-inspiring waterfalls. On this itinerary, you’ll discover amazing waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park and world-renowned trails in Oakridge, then relax in style in Eugene. Travel east of Salem to discover the stunning Silver Falls State Park. The park’s Trail of Ten Falls… More

We named it Hells Canyon to scare people – but folks who appreciate jaw-dropping scenery and rugged rivers will want to tackle Eastern Oregon head first. There’s no better way to start exploring the region than on one of Oregon’s two designated Scenic Bikeways. Take on all of the Grand Tour Scenic Bikeway’s 135 miles,… More

The first time I saw the Upper Klamath from atop the ridge, my heart raced. After the hour and a half, gorgeously scenic drive over the Green Springs Mountain from Ashland, I was ready to get on the water. It was my maiden voyage on this stretch of river and I was accompanied by some… More

You can tell a lot about a “community’s pride” by the parades they put on. Each spring on the McKenzie River, there is a dandy and all of it is handmade! Folks from all over the country gather to parade down the McKenzie River in drift boats. It’s a chance to connect with old friends… More

In the south Willamette Valley, you’ll find wonderful trickle-down in seven waterfall wonders that stretch from the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon Coast. With spring snowmelt swelling the forested streams that feed them, these gorgeous cascades are more beautiful than ever. 1) Salt Creek Falls Oregon’s second highest single-drop waterfall is easily accessed by a half-mile… More

When the mood to move strikes my family, there’s no better way to celebrate summer than packing up and moving out toward our annual camping trip at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near Bend. It’s a chance to leave busy U.S. 97 behind and follow the lonesome trail high into the alpine reaches of the… More

When the weather forecast began calling for nearly constant rain with temperatures in the low 50s, we felt it would be a great time to head southern part of the state for our three-day camping trip. So off we went to Brookings, home to sunshine and the warmest temperatures on the coast. From Portland, we… More

On September 3, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Wilderness Act, a landmark conservation bill that protects nearly 110 million acres from coast to coast. The Wilderness Act defined “wilderness” as areas where the earth and its communities of life are left unchanged by people, where the primary forces of nature are… More

Reaching “civilization” for the first time on the trail feels somewhat like what I imagine winning the lottery must feel like. More

It is 10 o’clock at night. I am standing outside in the dark, holding a three-year-old. It’s way past his bedtime. We are waiting for a turn to look at Saturn’s rings through a telescope. “Mama, I have to pee.” Of course. But at least he told me before the fact. We leave our place… More

Sometimes, being on the Rogue River is like being in the middle of a Nature Channel documentary: birds and animals and fish, oh my! The Rogue has whitewater, scenery, history and campsites that are on par with the best rivers in the lower 48, but few others compare to the Rogue when it comes to… More

I love travel across Oregon in winter for one particular reason: the unexpected treats that come when waterfowl put on quite a show. “Waterfowl are distinct, colorful and just the most in-your-face animals that are around us… and the number you can see is just so much higher than other wildlife,” according to Metro Naturalist,… More

Overview Alsea Falls Recreation Site is located along a Bureau of Land Management National Back Country Byway, located in the Oregon Coast Range, 13 miles west of Monroe, Oregon, in Benton County. The South Fork of the Alsea River flows through the Alsea Falls Recreation Site, cascading down to form Alsea Falls with a drop of 30 feet. Natural Features: Forests in all stages of growth line South Fork Alsea National Back Country Byway. The nearby South Fork Alsea River offers painters and photographers endless... More

Large trees characterize this forested park along Hwy 36 between Junction City and Triangle Lake. There's a picnic area, restroom, and short trail along the Long Tom River. Bring a lunch and relax! More

Barlow Ranger District is on the East side of Mount Hood. More

Picnic tables in shaded areas along the beautiful Clackamas River. More

Bullards Beach is a large, family-oriented park located just two miles north of Bandon. The campground is nestled among shore pines and  protected from the strong ocean breezes. The park offers three loops of campsites, all of which are equipped with at least water and electrical hook-ups.  In addition, the park boasts thirteen Yurts (three of which are pet-friendly), making year-round camping a very popular choice. The horse camp features access to the beach and dunes for our equestrian campers. A refurbished hiker/ biker camp... More

The best population of stream-inhabiting German brown trout in the state lives in the Deschutes River below Wickiup Reservoir. Highly accessible and easy to drift, the river changes dramatically below Wickiup Dam to become a slow, meandering, powerful body of water. There is a campground at this site. More

Cape Sebastian … the very name invokes images of early Spanish explorers and long journeys.  The cape was named in honor of Saint Sebastian in 1603 by the Spanish navigator Sebastian Vizcaino.  The most striking feature of this park is the panoramic view, both parking lots are over 200 feet above sea level.  At the south parking vista, you can see up to 43 miles to the north with Humbug Mountain filling the view.  Looking south, you can see nearly 50 miles toward Crescent City,... More

On the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. The campground is a compact single loop through cedars, maples, and alders.  A couple of berry patches suggest good picking in late-summer.  Some of these sites have great views of the river.  Recreation activities include fishing and whitewater rafting. More

Overview The Pamelia Limited Entry Area, within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, requires additional protection in an effort to preserve the natural beauty and wilderness experience; therefore a limited entry quota is in effect. Under this quota, 20 groups are permitted in the area each day, only three of which may be large groups with 9 to 12 people. For these large groups, the Pamelia area is broken into 3 smaller areas: Pamelia Lake, Hunts Cove, and Coyote/Shale Lakes. Only one large group is allowed in... More

Packard Creek Day Use Area is situated on a large flat beside Hills Creek Reservoir within the Packard Creek Campground. There is handicap parking at the boat ramp/swimming areas. The swimming area has a log-boom around it and has buoys set around it reminding boaters to slow down. Boaters are reminded that the speed limit around the swimming area and boat ramp is 5 M.P.H. There is a mix of vegetation in the campground which includes an abundant supply of Poison Oak. More

Located 35 minutes of northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Pelican Guard Station is a worthwhile stop along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Constructed in 1933 by a Civilian Conservation Corps Crew, it served as a residence and base-of-operations for the Forest Service seasonal fire guard and fire crews. It exhibits a simple, utilitarian design referred to as “stripped rustic,” which was lower in cost and faster to build than modern guard stations. Today, you can explore the vintage guard station and garage from the outside and... More

Paradise lives up to its name. Originally build by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, it offers a rare opportunity to picnic in the middle of an old-growth grove while viewing McKenzie River's famous white water. The day use site is adjacent to Paradise Campground and offers picnicking, river access and an amphitheater. More

A parking area with an expansive coastal vista stretching from Port Orford Heads to Orfords offshore reef and distant Cape Blanco and the lighthouse there. The beach is great for beachcombing; it's not unusual to find floats and agates here. More

BOAT DOCK HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR THE SEASON. Paulina Lake is located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano.  This lake relies on rain, snowmelt, and hot springs for water. This boat ramp is on the southwest side of Paulina Lake and within a campground. It also features docks and a fish cleaning station. Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass May 1 – September 30. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for... More