Get Outside in Oregon!

The Pacific Northwest is absolutely stunning and offers beautiful outdoor adventures for any explorer, and the state of Oregon is no exception. From cascading, lush waterfalls to sweeping beach views, Oregon’s display of nature is an adventure lover’s dream. Make your trip to Oregon one to cherish by visiting these five marvelous, must-see destinations.

1. Explore The Oregon Garden in historic Silverton. The Garden is a stunning, 80-acre botanical garden, featuring more than 20 specialty gardens showcasing the diverse botanical beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The Oregon Garden offers educational specialty gardens for everyone, from the Sensory Garden and Rose Garden to the Children’s Garden and Pet-Friendly Garden. In this botanical oasis, you’re bound to spot some of the local wildlife. This is a great starting point for your Oregon adventure, especially if you spend the night at the Oregon Garden Resort, which offers an array of amenities. Highlights include a day spa (to relax after your outdoor adventure) and live music nightly in the Fireside Lounge. This outdoor escape is a quiet place to connect with nature, awaken the spirit and soothe the soul.

2. Hike Silver Falls State Park, located near The Oregon Garden. Make a trek to this waterfall adventure called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you’ll know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national—and international—stage. This boundless and beautiful hike is unique in the way you can walk behind a 177-foot cascading waterfall and see what it looks like from behind! This hike, called the “Trail of Ten Falls” is a 7.2-mile loop that is considered to be a moderate hike and exhibits the many layers of life present in a complex forest and you get to see 10 different waterfalls. Marvel at everything from tiny birds to giant trees and of course the memorable waterfalls.

3. Stargaze at Crater Lake. Listed as one of the top 10 dark sky locations by the National Park's Dark Sky Team, this extraordinary lake gives you expansive views of the cosmos in all directions from the rim of the crater. Crater Lake inspires awe, it’s the deepest lake in the U.S. and one of the most pristine on earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its deep blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range. At night, the stars painted above are spectacular and will leave you breathless - just pick your favorite spot along the rim of the lake, lay back and revel in the allure overhead.

4. Drive to the Rowena Crest Viewpoint, one of the most photographed and Instagram-worthy roads in Oregon, this viewpoint creates an iconic horseshoe curve along the road. The scenery alone is worth the drive through the Columbia Gorge, but if you visit during late Spring or early Summer, you’re likely to find more than 300 species of wildflowers in bloom along the drive to Rowena Crest. If traveling from Portland, a stop in Hood River for lunch should be on your list for great beer, food and scenery. 

5. Explore the Oregon Coast, a must-do during your trip to Oregon, the coast stretches 363 miles from the Columbia River to the border of California. Long spans of sand and unique rock formations make the Oregon Coast a paradise for beach and adventure lovers alike. Highlights for your Oregon Coast excursion should include Haystack Rock, Cape Kiwanda and Ecola State Park.

   1. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of the most recognizable Oregon coast landmarks, rising 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. Make sure to check out Haystack Rock at low tide, when you can walk right up to it. Not only is this outstanding landmark a bizarre giant rock in the ocean, but depending on the season you visit, there are also colorful tidepools and diverse birdlife perched atop the formation. 

   2. Journey over to Cape Kiwanda, an excellent destination to view waves splashing among rocks as you take in the beauty of the Oregon Coast. Kiwanda provides great hang gliding and kite flying opportunities. Bring a picnic and enjoy the amazing views!

   3. Ecola State Park is great for sightseeing the fantastic coastal views you are desiring! This trail stretches nine miles along the Oregon Coast, where you can hike, sightsee, picnic and explore wildlife up close. You may even spot migrating gray whales throughout winter and spring.

Plan your Oregon trip around these outdoor adventures and you will have a great time experiencing the awe of waterfalls, beaches and everything in between!