Oregon is a diverse and breathtaking state, offering everything from rugged coastlines and towering mountains to lush forests, vibrant cities, and high desert landscapes. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, a foodie, or someone seeking scenic beauty, Oregon has something to offer. This guide covers the best things to do in Oregon, from Portland’s city life to Crater Lake’s natural wonder and beyond.

Things to Do in Oregon

1. Explore the Beauty of the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a must-visit, featuring stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns.

Top Coastal Attractions:

• Cannon Beach – Famous for the iconic Haystack Rock, tide pools, and breathtaking sunsets.
• Cape Kiwanda – A lesser-known but beautiful spot with sand dunes and incredible ocean views.
• Thor’s Well – A unique natural wonder where ocean waves create a mesmerizing water drain effect.
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Go sandboarding, ATV riding, or hiking in one of the largest dune fields in North America.
• Depoe Bay – The whale-watching capital of Oregon, where gray whales can be spotted year-round.

Tip: Drive the Oregon Coast Highway (US-101) for breathtaking views and charming coastal towns.

2. Visit Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the country.

What to Do at Crater Lake:

• Drive the Rim Drive – A 33-mile scenic loop offering multiple stunning viewpoints.
• Hike Garfield Peak – One of the best hikes for panoramic views of the lake.
• Take a Boat Tour – Visit Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone in the middle of the lake.
• Winter Activities – Enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the colder months.

Fun Fact: Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. at 1,943 feet deep.

3. Discover Portland – Oregon’s Quirky and Cool City

Portland is Oregon’s largest city, known for its food, coffee, breweries, parks, and artsy culture.

Top Things to Do in Portland:

• Washington Park – Home to the International Rose Test Garden and Oregon Zoo.
• Powell’s City of Books – The largest independent bookstore in the world.
• Portland Saturday Market – A huge artisan market open on weekends.
• Food Carts & Breweries – Portland has over 600 food carts and is one of the best beer cities in the U.S.
• Pittock Mansion – A historic mansion with amazing views of the city and Mount Hood.

Tip: Use public transportation or rent a bike—Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S.

4. Hike in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is an outdoor paradise with waterfalls, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Best Hikes and Waterfalls:

• Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s most famous waterfall, standing at 620 feet tall.
• Latourell Falls – A stunning waterfall with unique basalt rock formations.
• Eagle Creek Trail – A beautiful hike leading to Punchbowl Falls.
• Rowena Crest Viewpoint – One of the best scenic overlooks in the Columbia Gorge.

Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially at Multnomah Falls.

5. Visit Mount Hood – Oregon’s Iconic Peak

Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain (11,240 feet) and a year-round adventure destination.

Things to Do on Mount Hood:

• Skiing & Snowboarding – Timberline Lodge offers year-round skiing.
• Trillium Lake – A stunning lake with picture-perfect reflections of Mount Hood.
• Hiking Trails – Popular trails include Tamanawas Falls and the Timberline Trail.
• Historic Timberline Lodge – A famous lodge built during the Great Depression, used in The Shining.

Tip: Stay at Timberline Lodge for a cozy mountain getaway.

6. Go Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is one of the best wine regions in the U.S., famous for its Pinot Noir.

Best Wineries to Visit:

• Domaine Serene – A high-end winery with incredible valley views.
• Sokol Blosser Winery – A sustainable and family-run vineyard.
• King Estate Winery – One of the largest and most beautiful wineries in Oregon.
• Archery Summit – Known for its underground wine caves.

Tip: Many wineries require reservations, so plan ahead.

7. Explore the High Desert in Bend, Oregon

Bend is a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering hiking, biking, skiing, and river activities.

Best Things to Do in Bend:

• Smith Rock State Park – A world-famous spot for rock climbing and hiking.
• Pilot Butte – Hike or drive to the top for 360-degree views of the city and mountains.
• Deschutes River – Go rafting, paddleboarding, or fishing.
• Bend Ale Trail – Visit some of the best craft breweries in Oregon.

Tip: Visit in the fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

8. Visit Silver Falls State Park

Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, Silver Falls State Park is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls.

Why Visit?

• Hike the Trail of Ten Falls – A stunning 7.2-mile loop featuring 10 waterfalls.
• Walk behind a waterfall – South Falls and North Falls allow you to walk behind the cascading water.
• Picnicking & Camping – A great spot for a family-friendly outdoor escape.

9. Experience the Alvord Desert

The Alvord Desert is Oregon’s most remote and unique landscape, offering vast salt flats and hot springs.

Why Visit?

• Drive on the dry lake bed – Experience the flat, open expanse of the desert.
• Relax in Alvord Hot Springs – A natural, rustic hot spring with stunning views.
• Stargazing – One of the best places in Oregon for night sky photography.

Tip: Visit in late summer or fall when the lake bed is fully dry.

10. Take a Road Trip on the Scenic Byways

Oregon has some of the most scenic drives in the country.

Best Road Trip Routes:

• Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – A stunning drive along the Oregon Coast.
• McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway – Features lava fields, waterfalls, and mountains.
• Hells Canyon Scenic Byway – A breathtaking route through deep river canyons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Oregon

1. What Are the Must-See Attractions in Oregon?

Oregon offers a variety of must-visit destinations. Some of the top attractions include:

• Crater Lake National Park – The deepest lake in the U.S., known for its striking blue color.
• Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s most famous 620-foot waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge.
• Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock – A stunning coastal spot with scenic beaches and tide pools.
• Mount Hood – A year-round destination for hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.
• Silver Falls State Park – Home to the Trail of Ten Falls, where you can walk behind waterfalls.
• Smith Rock State Park – A world-class rock climbing and hiking destination.
• Willamette Valley – One of the best wine regions in the U.S., famous for its Pinot Noir.
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – One of the largest sand dune systems in North America.

2. What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Oregon?

Oregon is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Here are some of the top activities:

• Hiking & Backpacking – Popular trails include Eagle Creek, Misery Ridge, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Skiing & Snowboarding – Mount Hood offers year-round skiing.
• Kayaking & Rafting – Explore Crater Lake, the Rogue River, and the Deschutes River.
• Camping – Camp at Crater Lake, the Alvord Desert, or the Oregon Coast.
• Whale Watching – Best seen from Depoe Bay and Cape Perpetua.
• Hot Springs – Relax in natural springs like Bagby Hot Springs and Umpqua Hot Springs.

3. What Are the Best Things to Do in Portland?

Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is known for its food, culture, and outdoor spaces.

Top Attractions in Portland:

• Washington Park – Home to the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden.
• Powell’s City of Books – The world’s largest independent bookstore.
• Portland Saturday Market – A huge artisan market with local crafts and food.
• Food Carts & Breweries – Portland has over 600 food trucks and is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S.
• Pittock Mansion – A historic mansion with incredible views of the city and Mount Hood.
• Forest Park – One of the largest urban forests in the U.S. with great hiking trails.

4. What Are the Best Road Trips in Oregon?

Oregon is perfect for road trips, with scenic drives across mountains, deserts, and coastlines.

Best Oregon Road Trips:

• Oregon Coast Highway (US-101) – A breathtaking drive along the Pacific Ocean.
• Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway – A stunning drive with multiple waterfalls.
• McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway – Explore lava fields, mountains, and rivers.
• Hells Canyon Scenic Byway – Drive through deep canyons and rugged landscapes.

5. What Are Some Hidden Gems in Oregon?

Beyond the well-known attractions, Oregon has plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations.

• Painted Hills – Part of the John Day Fossil Beds, featuring colorful, striped hills.
• Alvord Desert – A vast, dry lake bed perfect for stargazing and hot springs.
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – A hidden gem along the Oregon Coast with stunning cliffs and sea stacks.
• Tokeetee Falls – A breathtaking waterfall in Southern Oregon with unique basalt formations.
• Crack in the Ground – A 40-foot-deep volcanic fissure in Central Oregon.

Final Thoughts

Oregon is an outdoor lover’s dream with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique experiences. If you’re hiking a volcano, exploring a rainforest, or sipping world-class wine, Oregon offers unforgettable adventures for every traveler.