If you’ve been watching your Instagram feed change from fall colors to spring tulips to a sparkling ocean dotted by sea stacks, it must mean one thing: summer is coming. Summer in Oregon is more than just a change of season — it’s a state of mind, a dreamy state of bliss as we head out to our beloved hiking trails, tide pools, waterfalls, campgrounds, lakes and rivers and 363 miles of unspoiled Coast. Here’s a checklist to get started enjoying the summer in true Beaver State style.
1. Take a Hike
Yes, everyone wants to play outside in the summer — until we get to our favorite spot and discover everyone else had the same idea. So where to go to beat the crowds? If you really want to impress your friends with that mysteriously epic Instagram shot, look to experience someplace new, or go further from the city. On the Coast, the crowds thin out as you head south to the Samuel H Boardman State Corridor, where many trails lead through old-growth forest switchbacks and offer sweeping ocean views. In the Columbia River Gorge head further east, west of Cascade Locks and east of Hood River, to find a new favorite.
Some of Oregon’s most popular destinations like Multnomah Falls and some trails in the Central Cascades have become so crowded that they require advance timed-entry tickets to visit during the summer months. Read up on how to get ahead of the game planning those trips, or better yet — go before or after the permitting window or choose an alternate destination like the waterfalls along the Rogue and Umpqua rivers, Oregon’s Table Rocks or the North Umpqua Trail.
Be Prepared
All it takes is one encounter with stinging nettle on your ankles to realize that proper closed-toe footwear is a must for hiking. It’s also wise to carry a day pack filled with your Ten Essentials for hiking — a first aid kit, navigation device (or printed map), snacks, hydration, extra layers and any other supplies we wouldn’t want to be caught without. Whether you’re a novice or experienced adventurer, take a few minutes to check out the excellent tips at Ready, Set, GOrge! The site focuses on trip-planning for the Columbia River Gorge but its principles are relevant no matter where you travel in Oregon.
2. Go for a Paddle
Love getting on Oregon’s lakes, rivers and oceans but not one of those people with a garage full of paddleboards and kayaks? Never fear — Oregon’s expert guides are here. It’s easier than ever to sip and relax while taking a guided boat trip, or book a guided paddle adventure with an expert who’ll provide everything from navigation to safety equipment and peace of mind as you paddle along a tranquil river. While you’re paddling along without a care in the world you’ll also get to enjoy Oregon’s plentiful wildlife all around.
3. Soak up the Sounds of Summer
Oregonians know that summertime is the season of music festivals and outdoor concerts at venues across the state. Look for more affordable or free options at various communities’ music in the park events and live music events at wine-tasting rooms across the state. During the month of June, find Pride celebrations across the state involving music, dance and all kinds of flair at drag shows and parades. In Oregon, Pride events are held all year-round, along with fabulous live music.
4. Ride a Bike
Oregon is known as a home for year-round bike commuters, who cheerfully cycle through rain, sleet and snow to get to work. The rest of us? Come summertime, we dust off our bikes, squeeze into our bike shorts and look for any excuse to ride. Always wanted to try riding an e-bike or a gravel bike? This is the season to do that, with so many guided tours available and fantastic routes available from groups like Dirty Freehub.
Or gear up to explore one of the state’s officially designated Scenic Bikeways. Oregon has 17 stunning routes, which can be tackled in segments. The 36-mile Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway starts in Bend and winds its way through the town of Tumalo, with views of the Cascade Mountains, canyons, high desert and Deschutes River. On roads and bike paths, be respectful of all users — whether on foot, scooter, unicycle or horseback.
5. Dive into Oregon’s Tribal Culture
Oregon is home to nine federally designated tribes, each of which has its own unique culture and lineup of family-friendly heritage events like powwows and rodeos that are open to the public, many aligning with summer travels. Most of the tribes also operate casino resorts, which are great spots for road-weary travelers, many with their own RV parks, restaurants, golf courses, live entertainment and kid-friendly amenities like movie theaters, bowling alleys and arcades in addition to gaming tables. Love fresh-caught salmon? Between May and September you can purchase Native-caught salmon directly from tribal fishers.
6. Go Camping
Whether you’ve had your camping trip planned for months or you like to wing it, summer camping is a rite of passage in Oregon. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Oregon’s pristine wilderness and spend quality time with family, friends and pets. Accessible camping adventures, accessible fishing, accessible river paths and accessible waterfall road trips? We’ve got you covered.
Wherever you go, be prepared with ample provisions, such as extra snacks and water. Also, remember to fill up that gas tank if you’re heading to a remote area. While in the wilderness, especially, help prevent human-caused wildfires by thinking before you light a match and following local campfire guidelines as you make those s’mores. Check out Keep Oregon Green for more tips.
7. Look at the Stars
Oregon is home to some of the most pristine starry night skies due to a low level of light pollution in several parts of the state. Summertime is the best time to gaze up and take it all in because the timing usually aligns with other celestial events and our own warm-evening outdoor adventures. You don’t have to figure out the constellations and logistics yourself — book a guided stargazing experience for a memorable and stress-free adventure.
8. Plan a Road Trip
Hooray for road trips! You’re ready to spend a carefree couple of days or even a week cruising Oregon’s Scenic Byways. The hardest part will definitely be which one to choose. The East Steens Tour Route in southeastern Oregon is a bucket-list trip for the ages, especially if you like secluded hot springs, cowboy ranches, a sun-baked desert that resembles a Martian landscape and the snow-capped Steens Mountain blooming with mid-summer wildflowers. Southern Oregon’s Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is also at its peak for summer travel, if you have a hankering for mountains and Wild and Scenic rivers and that sort of thing. In case you’re playing river bingo, this byway takes you through two for the price of one — the North Umpqua and Upper Rogue. Get out on the water and explore these pristine treasures.
9. Enjoy the Bounty
With 11 Oregon Food Trails and many more farm loops you can eat farm-fresh all year-round in Oregon, if you know where to look. Summertime, however, is one of the most glorious times to get out to the farm or orchard for U-picks and other juicy adventures, because — well, everyone else is doing it. Wise Oregonians avoid overcrowded areas and have their own secret spots, so look to go a bit further from the city and plan your trip mid-week, if possible. Local attractions, restaurants and lodging will be less crowded; you can take advantage of those special midweek events; and you’ll also make your office friends very jealous. Most importantly, make your Oregon road-trip playlist to keep that vacation vibe going — if you need inspiration, you can start with ours.
