Oregon summers are all about sunshine. When you’re ready for an escape from the heat, we have lots of easy ways to cool down. Here’s how to find relief with a shady hike, a misty waterfall, a cool guided lava-tube tour and more.
Catch These Lake Vibes
With sunny skies across the state, August is prime time to hit the lakes. Wallowa Lake State Park, just south of Joseph, is an enchanting retreat any time of year — but during our hottest months, nothing beats a paddle or swim in its crystal-clear waters. Walton Lake, in Central Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest, is another gem where you can swim, paddle and cast your fishing line for stocked rainbow trout and catfish. The glassy waters of Big Lake near Sisters are ideal for paddling. In the Tualatin Valley, take your paddleboard, kayak or float tube to Henry Hagg Lake, where the no-wake zone means you can truly chill out. Just outside Klamath Falls, take a guided kayak tour of Upper Klamath Lake through local outfitter Crater Lake Zipline. See our summer lake guide for even more inspiration.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and life jacket — recommended for all paddlers and required for children 12 and younger — and pick up a Waterway Access Permit before heading out if using your personal craft that is 10 feet or longer. (Note that all watercraft, regardless of size — including boats, paddleboards and kayaks — will need a permit in 2026.)
Get Up High or Head Underground
It’s cooler in the high altitude of the Steens Mountain Wilderness, one of Oregon’s most remote and stunning areas. An epic trek to the glacially carved lakes will leave you temporarily sweating, but the view is so distracting, you likely won’t notice. Near Mt. Hood, take the shaded hike to Tamanawas Falls, with a nice mist from the waterfall at the end. For other guided outings in the area, book a hike with an expert at Mt. Hood Outfitters — kids love the walk along the refreshing Wild and Scenic Salmon River. Coastal-forest hikes are also typically cooler than other regions, so check out these top coastal overlooks for a lovely day of sightseeing.
The temperature can drop as much as 20 degrees below ground, so summer is the perfect time to learn about Oregon’s many underground secrets. Walk through Crack-in-the-Ground — a 2-mile-long, 70-foot-deep volcanic fissure in Southern Oregon’s remote Christmas Valley — for an awe-inspiring trip. You can also cool off while learning about the delicate ecosystems of lava-tube caves in Central Oregon’s high desert on a guided trip beneath the surface with Wanderlust Tours. In Eastern Oregon, the Pendleton Underground Tours give a glimpse of Pendleton’s historic red-light district, leading visitors along subterranean, basalt-rock tunnels built at the turn of the 20th century.
Wherever you cool off, take care of our trails by practicing the seven Leave No Trace principles, which include traveling only on established trails, as well as properly disposing of waste.
Head to the Beach
We love the Oregon Coast for many reasons, one being that it stays moderately cool year-round. Come summer, you can expect temperatures in the 60s along the shore. Because of this, it’s also the most popular season to visit the Coast. All along the Coast, you can find the perfect less-crowded beaches for tide pooling, picnicking and other relaxing activities, as well.
Find a secluded spot on Oregon’s less-populated South Coast, where a 60-mile stretch features photo-worthy sea stacks and a range of water adventures that include accessible paddling and fishing. While you’re there, experience one of many guided outings offered by local experts, including city tours, whale watching and charter fishing.
Keep Cool in Historic Movie Theaters
All over Oregon, historic theaters combine old-school charm and modern conveniences — including air-conditioning, which is welcome on unseasonably warm days and evenings. In Portland the Hollywood Theatre has been going strong since 1926, playing a mix of new releases, art-house fare and repertory programming. Come for its brightly lit marquee and stay for the calm, cool chill while watching classic films each summer.
In downtown Albany, the building that houses the modern-day Pix Theatre opened in 1892 as a stable for local horses. Today you won’t find hay but rather family-friendly, first-run movies in a refurbished 200-seat, climate-controlled auditorium. In Eastern Oregon, check out the Granada 3 Theatre in La Grande. The theater was founded in 1927 and has been upgraded in recent years with reclining chairs, new projectors and a crystal-clear sound system to experience Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters in comfort.
