The state of Oregon is full of things to do, from natural hot springs to cultural festivals. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit. Take your family to the Oregon Coast and explore the many attractions that the state has to offer. Also, consider a visit to the Umpqua Hot Springs, which is a natural hot springs.
Activities
Oregon’s Columbia Gorge is a popular hiking destination, featuring spectacular waterfalls and lush foliage. The gorge is about 80 miles long and 4,000 feet deep. Popular hikes in the area include Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and Dry Creek Falls. You can also enjoy mountain biking through the gorge. You can also book lodging in the Gorge.
If you’re looking for a more unique activity while you’re in Oregon, visit the Shanghai Tunnels. From 1850 to 1941, this tunnel system, now known as the Portland Underground, served as a safe passageway from the Willamette River docks. Tours are available through the Cascade Geographic Society.
Attractions
There are a variety of tourist attractions in Oregon that will captivate you and your family. The Boardman Tree Farm is an enchanting landmark along I-84, especially during the autumn season. You can also check out Shaniko, one of the state’s most well preserved living ghost towns, full of history and the rugged charm of the Old West. In addition to exploring the Old West, you can try ziplining, horseback riding, and river rafting while staying in a treehouse.
If you love nature, you can explore the state’s beautiful coastline, home to some of the best scenery in the country. The Oregon coast is 50 miles long and boasts beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and scenic drives that will leave you breathless. Or, you can visit some of the state’s most popular landmarks, like the iconic Cannon Beach, which was featured in movies such as Twilight, Point Break, and The Goonies. The area is popular with tourists and is home to a variety of activities, including sandcastle competitions, fireworks, and more.
Places to visit
The state of Oregon has a large amount of natural attractions to explore. For those interested in geology, Oregon is the perfect place to see the John Day Fossil Beds, which are made up of living layers of earth. You can see the evidence of climate change and ecosystem evolution from 40 million years ago in the fossil beds. There are scenic drives and hikes through three separate units of the fossil beds, and you can learn more about the evolution of plants and animals.
The Columbia River Gorge is a 70-mile-long, U-shaped canyon created by floods during the Ice Age. Visitors can drive down this scenic corridor along the Columbia River on the historic Columbia River Highway. Along the way, they can view a dozen waterfalls and admire wildflowers in bloom.
Festivals
If you’re planning a trip to Oregon, you should consider attending the Festivals in Oregon. These events are a great way to spend time with family and friends. If you love live music, Oregon has a variety of festivals that offer a wide variety of musical genres. The West Valley Music Festival, for example, is a great place to hear music from local and independent artists. Many of the proceeds from the festival will benefit local music programs and public schools. The festival offers camping on the field next to the venue, local food and wine, and other activities.
During the summer, you can attend many of the festivals that are located throughout Oregon. Many of them are free or low-cost, and many are within driving distance of the metro area. However, some festivals, like the Tualatin Crawfish Festival, have been canceled or shortened.
National parks
Oregon is home to several national parks and other scenic attractions. The most famous is Crater Lake National Park, which has been around since 1902. However, the state also has a few other places that were proposed to become national parks but never came to be. Listed below are some of the state’s top attractions.
Hells Canyon: This river gorge is the deepest in North America and lies on the northeast border of Oregon and Idaho. The area was originally managed by the U.S. Forest Service, but the decision to turn it into a national park was controversial. It reflected a common dilemma faced by public lands: how to preserve scenic beauty while locking up commercial value?
Wildlife Safari
For an exciting West Coast experience, head to Wildlife Safari in Oregon. This drive-through animal park features several hundred exotic animals from around the world. In fact, it is the world’s second-largest cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa! You can take a close-up look at the lion and other big cats, as well as see bears, bison, elk, and more.
The Wildlife Safari is a 600-acre drive-through animal park that’s family-friendly. You can see all sorts of animals while you’re out exploring the park, including big bears and endangered species. The park’s staff will provide you with a park map to help you identify each animal as you drive through. The park also features an educational area, as well as a petting zoo.
Scenic flights
If you are a tourist in Oregon, scenic flights are a great way to see the state from above. You can get an aerial view of some of the state’s most popular attractions. If you are interested in seeing the beautiful scenery from above, there are several companies that offer these tours. You can choose to fly over the Portland skyline, the Cascade Mountains, or other scenic vistas.
From Portland, take a scenic flight over the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll get a breathtaking 1,000-foot view of the Gorge and the Cascade Range. You’ll also have a chance to see the Portland downtown core, the iconic Willamette River bridges, and much more.
Nature parks
If you’re a fossil lover, you must check out the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This park preserves an important fossil layer that dates back over 40 million years. It includes remains of countless plants and animals and provides evidence of ancient climate change. It also has trails for hikers and scenic drives.
The Columbia River Gorge National Recreation Area, in the northeast of the state, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is surrounded by lofty peaks and expansive vistas. It was designated a national park in 1975 by President Gerald Ford. The area is also home to mountain goats, marmots, and wolverines.
Visitors to this park are advised to avoid the poison oak in the area, and pets are not allowed. Although this park is relatively small, it does have many different types of animals.
Hiking
Hiking in Oregon is a great way to see some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. The beautiful Mount Hood rises nearly 11,000 feet above sea level and dominates the skyline east of Portland. You can enjoy both summer and winter sports on the mountain, or hike through the nearly 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
One of the most popular hiking routes in Oregon is the Three Sisters Trail. This hiking trail offers endless options for adventure, including tumbling waterfalls and lava fields. You can even stop for lunch at the lookout area if you’re feeling peckish.
