No joke, it’s one of the only states where you can surf, hike a volcano, sip pinot noir, and hunt for vintage stores in the same weekend. Here’s your guide to the best of Oregon: what to do, where to go, why it’s accessible for all, and how to discover the corners the big travel sites miss.
Oregon’s Must-See Icons
- Columbia River Gorge
Gravity-defying cliffs, lush forests, and more waterfalls than you can count. The Gorge is a hiker’s paradise and a photographer’s dream—Multnomah Falls is the crown jewel, but every stop is worth it. - Crater Lake National Park
Drive the rim, hike the trails, or take a boat tour in summer to Wizard Island—this is Oregon’s only national park, and it delivers.
- Portland
The city that put “weird” on the map. Food trucks, indie bookstores, lush parks, and a thriving arts scene. Don’t skip Powell’s City of Books or the Japanese Garden.
- Cannon Beach
Famous for its massive Haystack Rock rising from the sand, tide pools full of starfish, and sunsets that’ll blow up your Instagram. - Mount Hood
Oregon’s tallest peak and a year-round playground—ski or snowboard in winter, hike or mountain bike in summer. The Timberline Lodge is a historic gem (and “The Shining” was filmed here).
- Willamette Valley
Oregon’s wine country, with rolling vineyards and world-class pinot noir. Wine tours are a must, and many are accessible for all travelers. - Smith Rock State Park
A mecca for rock climbers and hikers. The sheer cliffs and winding river look straight out of an old Western (and you might spot bald eagles overhead). - Astoria
Where Oregon’s modern story began. Victorian architecture, quirky museums, and the famous Goonies house. Plus, epic views where the Columbia River meets the Pacific. - Oregon Coast Highway (Highway 101)
One of America’s most scenic drives—crashing waves, sea stacks, and quaint seaside towns. Every mile is a new adventure.
- Silver Falls State Park
Nicknamed the “crown jewel” of Oregon state parks, with a trail that takes you behind ten waterfalls. Yes, behind—the spray on your face is pure magic.
Astoria: History and Highlights
- Fort Clatsop (Lewis & Clark National Historical Park)
Step back in time and see where Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey. The reconstructed fort and interpretive center bring history alive. - Astoria Column
Climb the spiral staircase of this mural-covered tower for panoramic views of the Columbia River, forests, and Pacific Ocean—don’t forget to throw a wooden glider from the top! - Columbia River Maritime Museum
Dive into the wild maritime history of Astoria and the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Tons of hands-on exhibits and shipwreck stories. - Downtown Astoria
Wander charming streets lined with Victorian homes, quirky boutiques, coffee shops, and craft breweries. The Goonies movie buffs will spot several familiar scenes here. - Astoria Riverwalk
A scenic path along the river, with sea lions barking, ships gliding by, and easy access to restaurants and breweries—perfect for a leisurely stroll. - The Goonies House
A pilgrimage spot for fans of the ‘80s classic movie. View from the street and snap a photo—just be respectful, as it’s a private home!
Hidden Gems & Small Towns in Oregon
- Sisters
An artsy, Old West-style town in Central Oregon, famous for its quilt festival, cool shops, and access to mountain hikes. - Rockaway Beach
A tiny coastal town with a huge beach—perfect for kite flying, beachcombing, and a quieter vibe than Cannon Beach. - Hood River
Nestled in the Columbia Gorge, known for windsurfing, craft breweries, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood. - Pendleton
Home of the legendary Pendleton Round-Up rodeo, with a lively old-town district and Native American cultural sites. - Brookings
Tucked on the southern coast, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, secret beaches, and the warmest weather on the Oregon coast. - Sunriver
A resort town near Bend, ideal for family getaways—bike trails, rivers, golf, and easy access to Central Oregon adventures. - Alvord Desert
For something completely different, drive out to this remote, cracked desert playa nestled at the foot of Steens Mountain. Epic stargazing and solitude await. - Greenhorn
The tiniest city in Oregon—almost a ghost town, straddling two counties. It’s quirky, historic, and a true blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stop. - Pacific City
A laid-back surf town with sand dunes, a famous brewpub on the beach, and dramatic views of Haystack Rock (yes, there’s more than one in Oregon!). - Silver Falls State Park
Not quite a town, but a must for waterfall lovers—hike the Trail of Ten Falls and walk behind roaring cascades in a lush canyon.
Accessibility: Oregon for Everyone
You’ll find paved trails in state parks, accessible campsites, and hotels and restaurants that actually get it. The Oregon Coast has specific guides for accessible beaches and trails. Check out local resources for real-time info on accessible adventures, from wheelchair-friendly wine tours in the Willamette Valley to adaptive kayaking in Central Oregon (Travel Oregon, Wheel the World Blog).
Four Seasons, Endless Fun
- Spring: Wildflowers in the Columbia Gorge, waterfall hikes (seriously, don’t miss Multnomah Falls after the winter melt).
- Summer: Surf Oregon’s coast, raft the Deschutes River, or catch an outdoor music festival in Bend.
- Fall: Tour the vineyards at harvest, drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for autumn colors, or visit a pumpkin patch.
- Winter: Ski or snowboard on Mt. Hood, storm-watch on the coast, or soak in hot springs near Alvord Desert.
Why Oregon? Here’s the Real Deal
Oregon is for explorers—nature lovers, foodies, history buffs, and anyone who gets bored on cookie-cutter vacations. You get a mix of wild and weird, with a side of “wow, I can actually do this” accessibility. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to come back again, because there’s always another hidden trail, small-town diner, or secret beach to discover.
Personal Note
I’ve traveled all over, and there’s honestly no place quite like Oregon. Whether you’re rolling through the misty forests of the coast, getting lost in a quirky mountain town, or just sipping coffee in a Portland café watching the rain, Oregon feels like home even if it’s your first visit.
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