The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Oregon

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places to visit in oregon

Oregon, the tenth-largest state in America with so much beauty to offer is north of California. From rugged shorelines and thick verdant forests to towering volcanic mountains or steep river gorges – Oregon’s natural attractions are simply breathtaking!

Travelers will find a broad range of outdoor activities in Oregon, from rambling along the beach to hiking up mountainsides. From deep-sea fishing trips on rugged outcrops all across this beautiful state and beyond, there’s something for everyone here! Here are the best places to visit in Oregon:

Top 10: Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is an area of outstanding natural beauty. This spot isn’t just called “the” or even best; it’s much more than that: the Columbia River, gorge, and its surrounding areas offer many different things for anyone interested in exploring them all while enjoying their stunning scenery like no other place on earth can!

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning, U-shaped valley that stretches for more than 70 miles along Oregon’s northern border. The result of cataclysmic Ice Age floods and formed by water erosion over millennia this natural wonder has been designated as one of the most hemispherical scenic roadways in America!

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a must-see for any traveler. This historic road takes visitors past a dozen of waterfalls tumbling down the valley’s steep walls, making it impossible not to be impressed by this natural wonder! In autumn when colors blanket forests in an array of glorious hues and flowers peek through cracks between stones on roadside hillsides; or during springtime when wildflowers burst into bloom alongside fields carpeted with green grasses -the Gorge offers spectacular views no matter what time you visit her.

Top 9: Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lake is a pristine and beautiful lake that lies high in the Wallowas. Once home to the Nez Perce Indians, this region became known as “The Little Switzerland of America” because it offers such awe-inspiring scenery like no other place I’ve ever seen before!

The Wallowa Lake area is a favorite summer vacation spot for families. The aerial gondola, located near the lake and accessible by boat or car, takes visitors up to an 8000-foot peak with breathtaking views of this beautiful location!

Top 8: Yachats

Yachats

Yachats is a quaint little town with plenty to offer travelers. You can find great views of the ocean from various points around this tiny village, which lies at the foot of 800-foot high Cape Perpetua on Northern Oregon’s beautiful coastline line. The small pocket beaches are just outside its boundaries and visitors may often spot whales swimming close by in springtime when they come north for breeding purposes or simply enjoy all that Oregon has to offer without being overwhelmed by crowds like one would be closer inland where larger cities exist.

Top 7: Hells Canyon Recreational Area

Hells Canyon Recreational Area

The Hells Canyon Recreational Area is a scenic area in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s home to some dramatic waterfalls, which means it has one heck of an awe factor! If you’re looking for places that are close by so your trip doesn’t have any dead space during its duration then head on down here first before anything else happens or after everything has been done at least once – just make sure not too late because there’ll be plenty more opportunities coming up soon enough as well!

The Hells Canyon area of northeast Oregon has some deep canyons. Parts of the Snake River are 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) deep and accessible with 4-wheel drive vehicles for those who want a more rugged experience. Whitewater rafting tours also leave from here since it’s an amazing location!

Top 6: Mount Hood

Mount Hood

The tall, green Mount Hood is more than just the backdrop for Portland. It’s also a travel destination that attracts visitors all year long with its breathtaking scenery and variety of activities on offer
A great way to enjoy this natural wonder while getting away from it all at one situated close enough where you can head into town when needed!

The snow-capped slopes of Mount Hood beckon to those who love winter sports and breathtaking views. Five downhill ski areas keep the mountain busy year-round, but it’s not just skiers that come here for adventure! In addition to its world-class skiing (and plenty more), there’s also hiking on easy terrain up through alpine meadows or cross country deep into Forest Service land where you’ll find miles worth – all accessible thanks in part by famous Timberline Lodge which played a key role during filming The Shining when they used this location as exterior shots depicting Hotel Colorado Territory (a scene depicted Club 33).

Top 5: Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

The best way to experience the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains is by touring this 66-mile route. Along rivers, through mountain ranges with scenic views at every turn, it winds its way down from lofty heights until dipping into valleys where travelers can find plenty more opportunities for adventure: whether you want to take in some nature or just kick back on one of those many beaches that border these lakes!

The route begins in the city of Bend, climbing up to an old lava flow where you can swim or fish. Views turn green as it climbs higher onto Mount Bachelor before arriving at Sunriver Resort for some winter fun!

Top 4: Astoria

Astoria

The historic city of Astoria lies just a few miles southwest of the spot where Lewis and Clark spent their winter in 1805-06. Five years later, John Jacob Astor founded this United States settlement on the West Coast making it one of America’s oldest cities still intact!

Astoria is a whitewashed, Victorian-era city at the mouth of the Columbia River. It’s home to one wave-shaped bridge that reaches across its scenic waters for over 1300 ft (396 m) and it has plenty more variety within those boundaries too; there are 30 million artifacts from our region’s seafaring history at The Maritime Museum as well as multicolored architecture like all throughout town!

The city of 10,000 people is popular with seasonal sports fishermen. Every summer the fishing crowd starts arriving from Alaska and throughout Pacific Northwest for one thing – The Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria. Dominating its skyline you’ll find an impressive piece called “The Astor Column.” It’s a steep climb up but well worth it once atop this landmark that dominates over all others around these parts!

Top 3: Portland

Portland

Portland, Oregon is a city that straddles the Willamette River near where it meets the mighty Columbia. With Mount Hood behind and ocean, just a short drive away Portland has plenty to offer its inhabitants with the natural beauty surrounding every corner of this amazing place!

The City of Roses is a great place for visitors who want to experience the many unique dining, music, and art scenes in Portland. No trip would be complete without visiting one of our quirky museums! However, it’s venues like Forest Park with its beautiful roses that truly make this city so special – The Rose Garden must be experienced by all if you are even remotely considering traveling here from our east coast states or Canada.

Top 2: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Oregon. The lake, which lies inside it and forms a crater on its own with water that’s clear enough to see all way down into — must be seen if you’re ever driving near Central or Southern Oregon!

For those looking for serene natural beauty, the Crater Lake area in Southern Oregon provides more than just its signature lake. There is 90 miles (150 km) worth of trails and scenic views along with guided boat tours that can take you all around this national park gem to see it up close as well!

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Top 1: Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small town in Oregon that has been loved by travelers for generations. The views from its coastline are breathtaking, making it one place you should check off your list if only to see what’s beyond that horizon!

Cannon Beach is a seaside resort that’s known for its scenic views and laid-back atmosphere. Located around 80 miles west of Portland, the once rustic town has grown into an upscale destination filled with restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries in recent years thanks to its popularity as one of Oregon’s most popular beaches destinations.

The most prominent feature of the beach are these imposing rocks that dot the shoreline, some towering up to 72 meters. The largest is Haystack Rock with an impressive height reaches out for 235 feet (72 meters). Some other monoliths can be found north of Cannon Beach in Ecola State Park providing great hiking opportunities but also giving stunning Oregon Coast views as well!