Oregon’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning snowboarding down a volcano, the afternoon sipping pinot noir in a vineyard, and the evening watching a guy juggle flaming torches in a city park. Whether you’re into nature, art, beer, coffee, or just weird stuff in general, Oregon delivers. It’s the land of coastal cliffs, towering forests, and some of the most unapologetically quirky towns in America. If you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming, here’s a breakdown of some of the best things to do in the Beaver State.
1. Explore Portland’s Quirky Culture
If Oregon had a mascot, it would be Portland wearing a flannel shirt and riding a unicycle while drinking ethically sourced cold brew. Portland’s whole vibe is proudly weird—and that’s exactly what makes it worth exploring.
Start your morning at Voodoo Doughnut, where the maple bacon bar will change your life (or at least your blood sugar). Then stroll through Powell’s City of Books, a multi-story maze that smells like coffee and paper and intellectual dreams. It’s the largest independent bookstore in the world and easy to get lost in—on purpose.
Downtown and the Pearl District offer art galleries, food carts, and enough vintage stores to build a time machine out of clothes. But don’t skip the parks. Washington Park is home to a zoo, Japanese garden, and hiking trails, all within city limits. Or head to Forest Park, which has over 80 miles of trails and is basically a full-on forest hiding inside the city.
At night, Portland lights up with live music, comedy shows, and bars that seem to exist just for the story. Want to drink in a bar that looks like a library? There’s one. A bar that serves cocktails out of bathtubs? Probably. Portland’s nightlife is a choose-your-own-adventure where none of the options are boring.
2. Hike the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge isn’t just pretty—it’s jaw-dropping, pull-the-car-over, take-a-hundred-pictures kind of pretty. Carved by ancient floods and flanked by cliffs, waterfalls, and thick forests, the Gorge is a hiker’s playground and a nature lover’s dream.
The most iconic stop? Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, it’s Oregon’s tallest waterfall and possibly the most photographed spot in the state. There’s a bridge halfway up that makes you feel like you’re in a fantasy movie, and yes—you should absolutely take the trail to the top if your legs are feeling ambitious.
If you want fewer crowds and more solitude, head to Wahkeena Falls, Latourell Falls, or Eagle Creek Trail, where you can hike through mossy wonderlands and catch views that look like they came straight out of a Bob Ross painting.
Beyond hiking, the Gorge is also a hot spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding near Hood River, thanks to the wild gusts that barrel down the canyon. And if you’re more of a wine-and-cheese person than a wind-and-knees kind of person, there are dozens of wineries with river views and world-class pinots to sample.
Pro tip: Spring and early summer bring wildflowers, and fall adds fiery colors to the trees. No matter when you go, the Gorge brings its A-game.
3. Discover Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake looks like something out of a dream—or maybe a movie with dragons. It’s the deepest lake in the U.S., formed nearly 8,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption collapsed Mount Mazama into itself. What was once fire and fury is now a 1,943-foot-deep pool of crystal-blue serenity surrounded by cliffs, pine forests, and mystery.
There’s no river that feeds into Crater Lake. Its water comes purely from rain and snow, making it one of the clearest and cleanest bodies of water on Earth. On sunny days, it’s so blue it almost doesn’t look real.
The best way to take it all in? Drive the Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop that gives you jaw-dropping views from every angle. There are more than 30 pullouts, and each one feels like a new desktop wallpaper. If you’re up for a hike, try Garfield Peak or Watchman Peak for panoramic views that’ll knock your socks off—if the altitude doesn’t first.
In summer, boat tours take visitors to Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises out of the lake like a mini volcano inside a mega volcano. It’s as cool as it sounds, especially if you’re into geology or Instagram.
Winter has its own magic, too. Crater Lake gets over 40 feet of snow per year, turning it into a frozen wonderland perfect for snowshoeing or just standing there saying, “Whoa.”
4. Cruise the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast isn’t your average stretch of beach—it’s 363 miles of dramatic cliffs, wind-whipped trees, sleepy fishing villages, and beaches you can actually explore instead of just tan on. And the best part? Every inch of the coast is public land. That’s right—Oregon law says the entire coastline belongs to everyone. So whether you’re climbing a dune, tide-pooling, or storm watching, you’ve got free rein.
Start your coastal adventure in Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This historic town is loaded with charm (and Goonies nostalgia). Swing by the Astoria Column for a panoramic view or stroll the waterfront for great seafood and boutique shopping.
Further south, Cannon Beach delivers postcard perfection with its iconic Haystack Rock, tide pools full of sea creatures, and miles of walkable sand. On a clear day, it’s magic. On a foggy day, it’s even better—moody, broody, and beautiful.
Then there’s Newport, home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and a working bayfront lined with sea lions and chowder shacks. Or head to Florence, where you can go sandboarding on massive dunes that look more like Egypt than Oregon.
The coast ends with Brookings, just shy of the California line, surrounded by wildflower-filled cliffs and secret beaches. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll want to stop every 10 minutes for photos—and you should.
5. Wander Through Willamette Valley Wine Country
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a good glass of wine with a view—and maybe a cheese board that costs more than your shoes—Willamette Valley is your happy place. Stretching from Portland to Eugene, this lush valley is home to over 700 wineries and some of the best Pinot Noir on the planet.
The secret? The climate. Oregon’s cool, misty mornings and warm, dry afternoons are perfect for growing Pinot grapes. And the rolling hills, scenic backroads, and farmhouse tasting rooms make it feel more laid-back than Napa—less formal, more flannel.
Start in Newberg or Dundee, two of the valley’s wine hubs where small-batch wineries and family-run operations dominate. You’ll find everything from rustic barns to sleek, modern tasting rooms. Each one has its own vibe, and many of them come with panoramic vineyard views that make it hard to leave.
Beyond the wine, the valley is full of cute small towns, farm-to-table restaurants, and roadside farm stands selling berries, honey, and artisan everything. If you want something non-alcoholic, there’s also a growing cider and craft soda scene—and let’s not forget the coffee.
Fall is harvest season, and that’s when the valley really shows off, with golden leaves, grape-picking festivals, and crisp air that makes you want to wear boots and take Instagram selfies.
6. Go Chasing Waterfalls (No, Really)
If waterfalls are your thing, Oregon might just ruin you for life. The state is absolutely drenched in them—over 200 named ones, plus countless unnamed cascades hidden in the woods like secrets waiting to be found. Some are epic and roaring. Others trickle like they’re whispering. But they’re all worth seeing.
We already mentioned Multnomah Falls, but it’s just the beginning. Just east of Eugene, the McKenzie River Trail is home to Sahalie and Koosah Falls, a pair of stunners that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. Crystal-clear water bursts out of ancient lava fields, tumbling into blue pools that almost seem lit from within.
Further south, Proxy Falls is the kind of place you hike into and say “Are you serious?” It’s surrounded by mossy lava rock and feels like stepping into another planet. The trail’s short and easy—just don’t forget your camera (and maybe your bug spray).
And if you’re feeling adventurous, Abiqua Falls near Silverton is a bit of a rugged trek down a steep path, but the reward is a dramatic, curtain-like fall pouring into a basalt amphitheater. It’s off the beaten path, and that’s part of its charm.
Winter adds icy edges, spring brings serious volume, and summer’s perfect for cooling off. Waterfall chasing is year-round in Oregon—you just have to be okay with a little mud on your boots.
7. Hit the Slopes at Mount Hood
Towering over northern Oregon like a snow-capped sentinel, Mount Hood is more than just a postcard background—it’s a year-round playground. And yes, it’s a real volcano, though it’s been quietly snoozing for centuries. For skiers and snowboarders, this is paradise, and for everyone else, it’s still a pretty awesome place to spend a weekend.
In the winter, Mount Hood offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest. You’ve got multiple resorts to choose from—Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood Meadows, and SkiBowl—each with its own vibe. Timberline is famous for its historic lodge (featured in The Shining, no big deal), while Meadows boasts expansive terrain and epic powder days.
But here’s the kicker: Timberline has the longest ski season in North America, sometimes stretching into the summer thanks to its glacier. So if you’ve ever wanted to snowboard in July, Oregon’s got your back.
Not a snow junkie? No problem. There’s tubing, snowshoeing, and cozying up in the lodge with hot cocoa like a civilized human. Come spring and summer, the snow melts off the lower trails, revealing wildflowers, alpine lakes, and incredible hiking routes like Paradise Park or the Timberline Trail.
And even if you’re just driving by, the mountain views are worth pulling over for. It’s like Oregon showing off—because it can.
8. Soak in Oregon’s Hot Springs
There’s something undeniably magical about soaking in a natural hot spring while surrounded by trees, snow, or stars. Oregon takes its geothermal perks seriously, offering up mineral-rich pools scattered across forests, deserts, and riverbanks. No spa robes or cucumber water here—just nature doing its thing.
One of the most iconic is Umpqua Hot Springs, nestled above the North Umpqua River in the southern Cascades. It’s a short (but steep) hike to get there, and once you do, you’ll find a series of terraced pools overlooking the forest. It’s clothing-optional and can get a little busy, but the views and the vibe are pure Oregon.
Further east, Bagby Hot Springs is a back-to-the-woods experience. Located deep in Mount Hood National Forest, you’ll hike about 1.5 miles through towering trees to reach cedar bathhouses with wooden tubs that fill from hot spring-fed pipes. It feels rustic and peaceful—like a bath in Middle-earth.
Then there’s Alvord Hot Springs, way out near the Nevada border. You’re soaking in the desert here, with wide-open skies and views of the Steens Mountain Range. It’s remote, surreal, and a favorite among stargazers.
Many hot springs are wild and free, but some charge a small fee or have limited access due to preservation efforts. Always check conditions before you go, and leave no trace—nature’s spa doesn’t come with a janitor.
9. Embrace the Weird in Small-Town Oregon
You don’t have to stick to Portland to find quirky, unforgettable places. Oregon’s small towns are often where the real magic (and oddities) happen. Each one seems to have its own personality, like a cast of eccentric neighbors who all happen to live in the same beautiful state.
Take Ashland, for instance. It’s nestled in southern Oregon and famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival—but even if you’re not into iambic pentameter, the town’s got art galleries, bookshops, outdoor cafes, and Lithia Park, which is great for people-watching and deer-spotting.
Then there’s Bandon on the coast, a charming town known for cheese, cranberry bogs, and incredible sea stacks that look like something out of a fantasy novel. You’ll find wind-swept beaches, quirky boutiques, and some of the best clam chowder in the state.
Want something truly out there? Head to Mitchell, near the Painted Hills, where you’ll find an old-west vibe and a fossil museum with a resident dinosaur expert. Not far off is Terrebonne, home to Smith Rock State Park, which draws rock climbers from around the world—and people who just like standing around looking impressed.
And for the truly weird-at-heart, make your way to Cottage Grove, where mural-covered buildings, covered bridges, and an annual “Slug Queen” pageant come together in glorious small-town harmony.
Weird is kind of Oregon’s love language—and these towns speak it fluently.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hiking volcanic peaks, sipping wine under the sun, soaking in a forest hot spring, or just people-watching in Portland, Oregon’s the kind of place that sticks with you. It’s got edge, charm, and a healthy dose of oddball energy that makes every trip memorable. You can chase waterfalls, lose track of time on a coastal highway, or dig your toes into volcanic soil while wondering how a place this diverse even exists.
And the best part? No matter what kind of traveler you are—outdoorsy, artsy, chill, adventurous, or just plain curious—there’s a corner of Oregon that feels like it was made just for you.
So load up the car, bring your best flannel, and get ready to fall in love with a state that proudly breaks the mold.
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