Dramatic landscapes cover every corner of Oregon — jagged sea stacks on the rugged coastline, lava flows in the shadow of snowcapped peaks, mountains nearly 2 miles high, roaring waterfalls and more.
What’s nearly as remarkable is how easy those sites are to visit, and how many different adventures you can have on each one. To inspire your next getaway, we’ve rounded up seven essential Oregon trips filled with rocky cliffs, peaceful waterways and forested footpaths. Each trip makes for a perfect multiday journey to see the best of the state. Here’s how to visit some of Oregon’s most iconic sites.
1. Enjoy Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Views in the Gorge
The 105-mile Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, which can be done as a loop via Interstate 84, showcases Oregon’s tallest peak and the rugged Columbia River Gorge as you travel past waterfalls and through orchards and the Cascades range.
Several waterfalls tumble along Interstate 84, including the 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, which may require a timed-entry permit in summer. In Hood River, Celilo Restaurant and Bar sources local produce and salmon for its Pacific Northwest-inspired menu. For a relaxing night, book an overnight stay and spend time soaking or indulging in a facial at the boutique Lightwell Hotel & Spa.
South of Hood River, you’ll find nearly three dozen farms, markets, eateries and craft-beverage producers to visit along the Hood River Fruit Loop. Just off Highway 26, a quick side trip up to the rustic-chic Timberline Lodge — which sits high on the slopes of Mt. Hood — will thrill fans of classic Pacific Northwest architecture.
2. Take a Bucket-List Road Trip to Crater Lake
Prepare to be awestruck along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway in Southern Oregon, another one of Oregon’s most stunning road trips. You’ll drive past waterfalls, a rushing river and towering forests to the state’s only national park at Crater Lake. From Roseburg head east to see Susan Creek Falls, Watson Falls and numerous other waterfalls that can be reached via short hiking trails, each with its own character.
The route turns south at Crater Lake National Park, high in the Cascade Range. Oregon’s only national park is typically fully open June or July to September (with limited hours and road access in winter and early spring). The 33-mile Rim Drive offers sweeping views of the lake, which resides in the caldera of onetime Mt. Mazama. From there the route follows the 215-mile Rogue River back toward the Rogue Valley. Break up your drive with a night at the Union Creek Resort and a slice of pie at Beckie’s Cafe.
3. Experience Oregon’s Volcanic Legacy
A road trip on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway passes through some of Central Oregon’s most dramatic landscapes, formed by ancient volcanoes. Between July and October, head into the Cascade mountains from Sisters toward the summit of McKenzie Pass. Here the landscape turns dark and jagged where Dee Wright Observatory sits surrounded by miles of lava flows.
After crossing the Cascades, relax with a soak and an overnight stay in its forested western foothills at Belknap Hot Springs. Take a drive along the clean, crisp McKenzie River and enjoy a hike to Sahalie and Koosah falls. For a longer stay, add Clear Lake and Suttle Lake to your plan, where you can spend days on the hiking trails or take advantage of on-site boat rentals. Clear Lake Resort hosts cabins and yurts near the shore of the teal-hued lake, and The Suttle Lodge offers well-appointed rooms and cabins a short walk from the eastern shore of its namesake reservoir.
4. Savor Local Cuisine After a Jaunt in Portland’s Urban Wilderness
Part of Portland’s charm is how natural landscapes are woven into the fabric of the urban experience. Experience that for yourself along the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which heads through the city and 5,100-acre Forest Park. The Wildwood Trail can be broken up into several popular day trips, such as one that heads to the Stone House along Balch Creek. Other sections pass Pittock Mansion, Hoyt Arboretum and other attractions.
After your walk, savor the city’s renowned culinary scene at a number of restaurants near Wildwood’s trailheads. A few favorites include Phuket Cafe, dishing a variety of Thai-inspired noodle and rice dishes, and Besaw’s, which has been serving comfort-food brunch favorites since 1903. Stays include The Hotel Zags, a sporty renovated motor lodge with welcoming indoor and outdoor dining areas, plus a gear shack with loaner items like bicycles, binoculars and skateboards.
5. Paddle the Willamette River Water Trail
Head through the heart of the Willamette Valley along the 187-mile Willamette River Water Trail, which follows the channel’s main stem through farmland, forests, parks and communities like Eugene, Salem and Albany. Enjoy a peaceful day trip, or turn your adventure into an overnight outing at self-supported campsites on the river.
Guided tours and rentals are available as well. eNRG Kayaking offers tours and rentals in Oregon City, Independence Kayak Rentals operates out of Independence and Oregon Paddle Sports provides rentals around Eugene.
6. Witness Oregon’s Less-Crowded Coastal Scenery
Bask in the many sea stacks, viewpoints and natural features along the 12-mile Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on Highway 101. Stop at overlooks of famous rock formations like the Arch Rock and Natural Bridge viewpoints (make sure to stay on designated paths and obey signage, since some areas are dangerous), or hike to the summit of Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint for wide-open ocean views. On a clear day, have a picnic lunch at the Whaleshead Beach Picnic Area.
Perfect for a multinight stay, the charming Wildflower Inn in Gold Beach or a campsite at Harris Beach State Park in Brookings are just a short distance from the beach.
7. Drive up Eastern Oregon’s Tallest Peak
Drive the highest road in Oregon along the 59-mile Steens Loop Tour Route, generally open July through October. With a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle, you can easily drive to a viewpoint near the summit of the nearly 10,000-foot-tall Steens Mountain.
Start your trip by waking up at the Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site in the quiet hamlet of Frenchglen. The century-old hotel is open mid-March through October, about 60 miles south of Burns in Southeastern Oregon. On the summit route, viewpoints encourage photos of glacier-carved canyons while eagles soar overhead. For Oregon frontier and ranching history, check out the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District, or spend time on short hiking trails that offer plenty to see and do along the U-shaped route.
