Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Oregon

Oregon is located on the Pacific coast of America, south of Washington State, and is one of the most scenic in the Pacific Northwest. It has unique, breath-taking landscapes that you can’t find anywhere else; from thick forests and steep gorges to volcanic mountains and rugged shorelines.

Apart from its abundance of natural beauty, it also has a reputation of unique, albeit in places, weird urban charms. On top of all this, it beats a few records that may surprise you!

Here’s our list of top 10 attractions in Oregon that you can’t afford to miss.

Cannon Beach

If you want to relax in a scenic place, then try out Cannon Beach. It has a sandy shoreline with scenic views of coastal rocks which provide nesting grounds for sea birds. The Haystack rock is one of the largest rocks to be seen here (approx. 72 meters tall) and it is a beauty to behold. The beach is also home to a number of resorts and restaurants where you can unwind as you take in all the fabulous views.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood is the tallest peak in Oregon at 11,239 feet. It also has several exciting adventure attractions such as hiking trails, zip lines, bungee jumping, as well as naturally scenic views. It is home to the “Mount Hood National Forest”, which is endowed with a number of physical features such as waterfalls and springs. If you are an outdoor lover, you will definitely love the stream of outdoor activities that are present in this location. We whole-heartedly agree with John Muir when he said:

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”

Crater Lake National Park

Many people usually associate Oregon with Crater Lake. It is undeniably Oregon’s main tourist attraction. However, many people usually take in the spectacular views from the 33-mile Rim Drive, ignoring the more adventurous trails located throughout the park. There are also boat tours and fishing opportunities across the lake which you can take advantage of. If you are interested in a few secret places, you can visit the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic byway to view several beautiful waterfalls.

Oneonta Gorge

This is one of the most memorable places in Oregon that you can visit. Be prepared to take a camera with you because the views are simply … gorge-ous! You can go on hiking trails or other adventures throughout the gorge, where you will see waterfalls, and if you keep an eye out, different varieties of birds. However, the place is quite wet and it’s therefore advised that you prepare for this climate and have with you protective outer gear.

Hell’s Canyon Recreational Centre

As mentioned earlier, Oregon is a state of many records and Hell’s Canyon is one of them. It is the deepest canyon in the North American continent, featuring sections of the aptly named Snake River, with some parts reaching as far down as 8,000 feet. It can be hard to access the site via road though, with most people preferring to access it on water. However, there are some trails that can be accessed with the aid of rugged-terrain vehicles. Come and explore this fantastic terrain with its variety of vegetation.

Columbia River Gorge

Forming the northern border of Oregon, the Columbia River winds its way through a number of geographical areas such as rainforest and grasslands, in a relatively short distance. It features a number of spectacular views and is also home to the second largest waterfall in the country, the Multnomah Falls. You can head on out for a trail in the nearby forest, or take an adventure ride on the river. If one day is not enough for you, there are a number of camping facilities located in the area. Even a drive along I-84 lets you get a wonderful taste of all this natural area has to offer.

Oregon Caves

Located at the Siskiyou Mountains, the Oregon Caves feature several narrow passageways that take you below ground.

The whole journey takes an average of 90 minutes and is only done with the presence of a tour guide.

Above the cave, there is a forest where one can go on hiking trails and adventures.

Sea Lion Caves

Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves happen to be the largest in the US and the coastal area is home to hundreds of wild sea lions. You will enjoy watching the sea lions, which include Stellar’s and Californian species, and which have rightly lent their name to this stretch of the Pacific Coast. The main cavern is around 2 acres in size and being on the coast, the caves feel the strength of the ocean’s movements. It’s a great place for touring together with kids.

Oregon Dunes

Far from the beaches and natural forests that are widespread across Oregon lie the Oregon Dunes. This stretch is located along the Pacific Coast, between Coos Bay to the south and Florence to the north. It features wind-shaped sand dunes that will make you feel like you are in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, and is wonderful for taking in the wild nature of the coast where snowy plovers nest, or enjoying a wild OHV ride. The Dunes are suitable for fans of camping and RVs alike, and you will find great varieties of flora here including huckleberry and shore pine. Those wanting to tap into that adventurous spirit so well described by Mark Twain won’t go wrong by exploring this wild coastal area.

Wallowa Lake

Also known as the little Switzerland of America, the Wallowa Lake is a great place to visit. If you are not on a boat ride on the expansive lake, then there are a number of hiking trails to explore and enjoy. There are also a number of camping sites and cabins if you want to experience more of this site.

So we hope we have wetted your appetite for Oregon’s beauties. Even if it has inspired you to look closer to home for the wonders nature has provided us, we hope you’ll want to come and see Oregon for yourself.

Accommodation is to be found depending on your needs and method of travelling – we believe Oregon has something for everyone.

Start and end a tour in Portland, the state capital, and get some up to date information here on where to stay.