Oregon is packed full of natural wonders and historic sites. There are incredible ocean rock formations and powerful water churns, volcanic cratered lakes and mountain ranges, vineyards and lush farms, colossal sand dunes, and native American archeological sites.

I planned to take only a few days in Oregon but once I began driving the coast, I realized I wanted more time here. I spent several days zig-zagging through Oregon traveling down the pacific coast, over to Crater Lake, up the Willamette Valley, across the Columbia River Gorge, and to the Snake River. It was a glorious adventure.

I have outlined, in an easy-to-follow format, what to expect from this great state as well as my favorite things to do in Oregon. I hope you will find the information helpful.

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Top 20 Things to Do in Oregon

Astoria, Oregon

Located in the Northwest corner of Oregon, Astoria is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies and offers a laid-back fishing-village feel. A port town on the shores of the Columbia River not far from where the Pacific Ocean meets the river, Astoria is an often-busy cruise ship destination.

The Astoria Riverwalk Trail runs along the waterfront and passes through old cannery and industrial buildings that have been restored to house shops, breweries, and restaurants. Catch the historic Riverfront Trolly for a leisurely and informative tour, or visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Picturesque Astoria and surrounding towns have served as film sights for movies such as The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Animal House, and The Ring. The Oregon Film Museum is housed in Astoria’s old Clatsop County Jail. It is a fun little space to learn about movies filmed in Oregon.

Oregon has several iconic and historic bridges. The Astoria-Megler Bridge, crossing over the Columbia River connecting Oregon and Washington, is among the most notable.   

From Astoria, cross over the Lewis and Clark bridge to spend time on the beach in Fort Stevens State Park. Walk a short distance from the beach parking lot to view the remains of a shipwreck known as The Wreck of Peter Iredale.

The Iredale was a four-masted ship owned by a British shipping firm. It ran aground in 1906, the impact leaving the ship in ruins. The crew survived and the abandoned wreckage became an immediate tourist attraction. Although more than 100 years of waves, wind, and sand have broken up the ship, much of the wreckage remains.

Some Oregon beaches designate sections, on a seasonal basis, for vehicles to be driven alongshore. Not far from the Iredale shipwreck site is a vehicle access point. Enjoy a drive along the beach, stop for a picnic lunch, and enjoy the sun and waves here.

History buffs will enjoy touring the Fort Stevens State Park military installation, built shortly after the Civil War to guard the mouth of the Columbia River.

Two notable attractions not far from Fort Stevens are Lewis and Clark National Historic Park and Hammond Boat Basin Marina. Hammond Boat Basin Marina was the film site of the closing scene of the movie, Free Willy.   

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a historic and hiking mecca perched upon the edge of Tillamook Head in Cannon Beach. The park’s two main attractions are Ecola Point and Indian Beach.

Ecola Point is an archeological site. Researchers believe several ground depressions indicate house pits belonging to the native American Tillamook people.

Trails lead to views including Tillamook Rock Lighthouse located just offshore. Drive a short way to Indian Beach, a popular location for surfers and a film site of the movie, Twilight.

Historians will appreciate the 8-mile area designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Haystack Rock

Just south of Ecola State Park is Haystack Rock. Watching for signs while driving to this Cannon Beach site, I audibly gasped when I caught a glimpse of this rock formation. Pictures and movies cannot prepare a person for its massive and all-encompassing size.

Beach volunteers help to educate visitors on the preservation of intertidal life. Walking on bare rock or sand is encouraged to avoid crushing living anemones, mussels, and barnacles.

Knowing where to park is a bit of a challenge. There is limited parking near Haystack Rock along Hwy 101. Look for a fairly non-descript entrance to a wooden set of stairs leading to Cannon Beach.

There are access points and parking to the north and south of Haystack. Walking the beach from the south will take you past The Needles, another iconic rock formation. A beach walk to Haystack from any direction is a fabulous experience.  

Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park covers over 2,000 acres with miles of hiking trails leading to interesting landforms, other parks, and beaches. I explored a few trails before making it down to Short Sand Beach. I reached the beach in time to see the sun begin to peek through the trees to illuminate the surfers and water. So peaceful.

The beach is surrounded by cliffs covered in lush bright green, white, and yellow mossy carpets. The cliffs are layered in colors of orange, white, and black giving an appearance of having been painted. Climb around edges of the cliffs to explore tide pools and find sea stars and anemones.

A short way south of Oswald West State Park is a little oceanside town, Manzanita, with a main street leading to miles of sandy beach. Conveniently located between more populated towns and beaches, and one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Oregon, it is a sweet place to be.      

Rockaway, Oregon

Rockaway is a colorful little town on Hwy 101 offering low-key restaurants and candy shops, easy access to a wide-open sandy beach, and two wonder-inducing rock formations known as Twin Rocks. Catch the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad here for tours along the coast. Rockaway is a fun stop-over, especially for families.

Neskowin Beach

I love the Neskowin Beach area. Creeks lead to and through the beach giving children a place to wade and explore.  

Proposal Rock, a tall domed rock capped by trees, has a romantic history and is a favorite site for marriage engagements. Walk south at low tide to see Ghost Forest emerging from the water. Here you will find cylinder-shaped petrified tree stumps jutting up from the ground. Quite a peculiar site.

With an ice cream truck, a Trading post, and nearby hotels, Neskowin Beach is a great place to spend a day or two.

Devil’s Punchbowl

The Devil’s Punchbowl rock formation is located in Otter Rock, not far off Hwy 101. Though the area is busy, there are several parking lots with easy access to a café, winery, novelty, coffee, candy, and surf shop. Near the shops is a panoramic overlook for viewing the magnificent Devil’s Punchbowl. Follow the path eastward for a view of the beach below populated with visitors and surfers. Near the parking area is a set of stairs leading to the beach. At low tide, walk the beach to get a view of Devil’s Punchbowl from below.  

Yachats, Oregon

I cannot say enough about Yachats (pronounced YAH-hots). Located along the Central Coast, it is the perfect hub for venturing out to some of the most spectacular landforms and ocean views in Oregon. There are numerous hotels and vacation rentals as well as a variety of restaurants and shops. Yachats is quickly becoming a tourist hot-spot. 

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is located just south of Yachats and can be viewed from a pullout along Hwy 101. The entire area is one of the most up close and fascinating displays of powerful waves churning and splashing among rock formations I have witnessed.

Depending on the tide, Thor’s Well can be underwhelming, or it can be crazy overwhelming. It is not easily spotted when the tide is low and water is not yet churning among the rocks. I arrived at low-tide and the sun had not yet risen to illuminate the western coastline so I chose to return a few hours later. Upon my return, the tide had come in and Thor’s Well began giving a show I will never forget.

The sidewalk at the pull-out parking area is marked with arrows pointing toward Thor’s Well. Watch from here, or for a closer look, follow the easy path leading down to the rocky coastline. Visitors are allowed to wander out among the volcanic rocks and to the edge of Thor’s Well. Signs are posted warning visitors of the dangers of sneaker waves. You will want to stay aware, pay attention to wave patterns, and keep a close eye on young ones.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

South of Thor’s Well, Heceta Head Lighthouse can be seen from a pullout along Hwy 101. It is a picturesque sight. Built in 1894, the lighthouse is steeped in history. It is worth the short drive down to the beautiful beach-area parking lot to take a self-guided walking tour up the half-mile path to the lighthouse grounds.

The lighthouse grounds include historic markers, the assistant keeper’s quarters (converted into bed and breakfast suites), a gift shop offering souvenirs and provisions, and impressive ocean views. Guided tours are available as well.

Whale and Sea Lion Watching

The Central Coast of Oregon offers superb whale watching. Whales have a pattern of surfacing for several blows, diving for about 5 minutes, resurfacing for several blows, diving, etc. It takes just a bit of focus and patience, but simply watching for whale blows just offshore often pays off.

Sea Lion Caves is a football-field-sized cave packed full of sea lions. To reach the caves, follow signs along Hwy 101 to Sea Lion Caves gift shop. Parking is tight along both sides of the road. The caves are located below the gift shop and are accessed from inside via elevator and walking path. Visitors view the cave from a glassed-in amphitheater.

Due to migration patterns, there are no guarantees sea lions will be present. Even without sea lions, the caves are worth a visit.

Bring binoculars. Along the walking path to the caves, whales are often spotted playing and feeding below. Other Oregon whale watching locales include Ecola State Park and OPRD Whale Watching Center.

Sand Dunes

I felt I had seen all that the Oregon coast could offer. Then I got a glimpse of Arabian-sized sand dunes eclipsing the buildings as I drove through Florence. Wow!

Walking these sand dunes is nothing like beach walking. It’s exhausting. Experiencing the dunes is best done via dune buggy or sandboard. There are great opportunities between Florence and Oregon Dune National Recreation Area to rent dune buggies and sandboards and enjoy this phenomenon.

Samuel H. Broadman State Scenic Corridor

Along the Southern Oregon Coast beaches are less populated, trails are rugged, and rivers are rushing. Adventure, seclusion, and artsy vibes are what you will find here. The 12-mile Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor and state park is the perfect way to experience the southern coast. For those with plenty of time for adventure, the park offers numerous trails. Signage is not the best along the trails leaving a feeling of seclusion and discovery. House Rock viewpoint at Cape Ferrell trail is an easy 1 mile out and back hike offering stunning views. Be prepared for wind gusts as high as 60 mph.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is just that. A volcanic crater filled with waters reflecting brilliant blues and greens. The park allows easy access to views of the lake by vehicle pull-out and trails.

The 33-mile Rim Drive scenic highway follows the caldera rim around the lake, and the Rim Trail is the best in the park, taking hikers along the caldera’s southwestern edge.

Take Watchman Peak Trail to the Watchman Observation Station. This trail is a steep but easy .8-mile hike to panoramic views of the entire valley. Historic storyboards depict the geologic history of lake-area landforms. Fascinating.

The park offers a gift shop, small café, and historic lodge, Crater Lake Lodge.

A volcanic cinder cone forms an island, Wizard Island, at the west end of Crate Lake. If viewing Wizard Island sparks your imagination, book a boat-ride to hike and explore this unusual landform.

Getting to Crater Lake is a bit of a trek and the nearest towns are several miles away. Book Crater Lake Lodge well in advance, or plan to stay at a fishing-lodge style motel or campsite outside the park.

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, canyons, campgrounds, a lodge, cafes, and a conference center. Trail of Ten Falls is an 8.7-mile loop and one of the most spectacular and scenic hikes in Oregon. The trail offers no fewer than ten waterfalls ranging in heights between 25 and 200 feet and paths that pass behind the falls.

Arrive early for the best lighting and to avoid crowds.

Willamette Valley

Willamette Valley is the largest and most important wine-growing region in Oregon. The Oregon wine industry would not be what it is today without Willamette Valley’s Pino Noir grapes, the work-horse fruit of Oregon. Driving through the valley there are beautiful vineyards as well as robust cornfields, orchards, farms, sheep, and cattle. Whether wine tasting or taking a drive to enjoy views of vineyards and farms, don’t miss spending time in this region of Oregon.

Portland, Oregon

Portland offers art, history, and tons of culture. The Pearl District is the place for art galleries, while the Alberta Arts District is all about African American culture. Don’t miss Portland’s signature statue, Portlandia, located above the entrance of the Portland Building. The food and drink scene in Portland is all about pure ingredients, Oregon wines, and local craft beer. After all that clean food and drink, try Portland’s newest signature sin, a doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts.  

Columbia River Gorge

There is so much beauty along the Columbia River Gorge with Multnomah Falls by far the most popular attraction. Not far from Portland, it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the United States. Take an easy path to a bridge that crosses in front of the falls at about half height.

Trails lead up and around the falls. Signage is not the best so download a map and take a compass if venturing out.

Not far from Multnomah Falls is Bridge of the Gods. This bridge may not be the most beautiful in Oregon, but its historic past and inclusion along the Pacific Crest Trail, place it among my top things to do in Oregon. I wanted to walk the bridge. I made it to the toll-booth attendant and asked if there was a walking lane. He pointed and said, “right there in the middle of the traffic.” I did not walk Bridge of the Gods. Kudos to all possessing the courage to do so.

As a side note, Bridge of the Gods is a film site of the biographical drama, Wild, starring Reece Witherspoon.

Pendleton Woolen Mills Tour

For those who appreciate fabrics made of wool and the history of the woolen trade, don’t miss the Pendleton Woolen Mills factory, retail store, and museum. Tracing its history to 1893 as a wool scouring company then textile mill making Native American trade blankets and robes, Pendleton has become synonymous with quality fabrics. The most notable Pendleton products are blankets in various colors with iconic Pendleton stripes. Take the 30-minute factory tour for an educational textile-making experience. 

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located 6 miles northeast of Baker City overlooking the historical Oregon Trail. The outdoor center includes life-like models of men, women, and children, wagon trains, carts, mules, horses, buffalos, coyotes, and the like. Upon visiting the museum and viewing the original Oregon Trail wagon ruts, visitors will feel as if transported back in time.

It is a bit of a trek to get there so combine the experience with a stay in Baker City. This cute historic town has lodging, restaurants, Glacier 45 Distillery, and Copper Belt Wines.

While in Northeastern Oregon, head to Hells Canyon for a boat tour along the Snake River through the deepest depths of the canyon, and jaw-dropping scenery, or go whitewater rafting.

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Where to Eat and Drink

Oregon is known for its incredible local ingredients making its food, wine, and beer scene a favorite subject for foodies and travel bloggers. Here are a few of my favorite places.

Huber’s Café – Portland, OR
An American eatery, founded in 1879, known for roast turkey and Spanish coffee. I met up with friends here and we had a blast. Food was great, Spanish coffee was great, service was great. Everything was great.

Jakes Famous Crawfish – Portland, OR
A landmark spot for seafood with fish flown in daily.

Bowpicker Fish and Chips – Astoria, OR
Is it a food truck? Kind of. The limited menu offerings from this small trailer-mounted boat draw a crowd. Be ready to stand in line. It will be worth it.

Buoy Beer Company – Astoria, OR
Don’t miss this place. It is a space full of energy with indoor and outdoor seating. There is an area of inlaid glass on the floor for viewing sea lions and seals swimming below the restaurant. The outdoor seating area offers up-close views of these cuties as well. I kid you not, a big guy weighing in at about 2 tons was resting just below the outdoor seating area and putting on a fantastic show with his barking. By the way, the beer and food offerings are fantastic as well.    

Neskowin Trading Post – Neskowin, OR
Near Proposal Rock and the Ghost Forrest, a small trading post offering grocery, fresh fruit, picnic items, milk, and quality wines.

MacGregor’s Whiskey Bar – Manzanita, OR
A small restaurant offering fresh and delicious small plates.

Luna Sea – Yachats, OR
A low-key outdoor space with savory food choices. I loved the fish tacos.

Green Salmon Coffee – Yachats, OR
This is not just a coffee shop. The clean, pure, healthy, gluten-free, and vegan plates are just so fresh and flavorful. The avocado toast plate! So good.

Block 15 Brewing Co. – Corvallis, OR
Located in downtown Corvallis, offering a laid-back vibe, craft beer, sandwiches, and pastas.

Thunder Island Brewing and Restaurant – Cascade Locks, OR
An excellent open-air space on the picturesque Columbia River offering a diverse menu.

Copper Belt Wines – Baker City, OR
Copper Belt Wines is a small, family-run winery with a tasting room as well as cheeses from around the world.

Glacier 45 Distillery – Baker City, OR
Making premium spirits from non-GMO kosher corn and offering free samples, Glacier 45 is a nice addition to the historic town of Baker City.

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Where to Stay

Remote areas along the Oregon coast, Crater Lake, and eastern Oregon have spotty cell service so it is a good idea to have maps downloaded and accommodations booked in advance.

I do not always make advanced lodging reservations but ALWAYS have a backup plan. If arriving late at night, many hotels are willing to accept a reduced price to fill empty rooms. I get a kick out of staying in a 4-star hotel for a 2-star price. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not. It’s all part of the adventure.

Here are a few recommendations.

The Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa – Astoria, OR
A renovated cannery on the Columbia River, the river-view room balconies are literally over the river. The night view of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and listening to the sea lions bark in the darkness makes the Cannery Pier Hotel river-view rooms worth the extra expense. The bridge crossing over the Columbia River is crazy high to allow for massive cargo ships passing through from the Pacific Ocean up the Columbia River to Portland and other ports. Sitting on the river-front balcony feels as if you could reach out and touch one of these huge vessels. 

Driftwood Inn and Cafe – Yachats, OR
Not your standard motel rooms. Each is unique and updated ranging from a tasteful Moroccan-style space with a large picture window overlooking the Pacific to precious hostel-style spaces with shared bathrooms. The lively café offering music is a favorite of tourists and locals. Yachats is becoming a tourist hotspot and Driftwood Inn books up fast. Call ahead to secure a reservation.

Crater Lake Lodge – Crater Lake National Park
The Crater Lake area is remote and the parks’ lodge books up a year in advance. The Lodge is open between May and October and is lovely. Built in 1915 to withstand cold and snow, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms are simple but provide modern comfort and privacy. The interior has a rustic elegance of rock and timber and is furnished in mission-style and leather with a dining room overlooking the lake and serving northwest regional cuisine.

Cascade Motel – Oakridge, OR
Several small communities surround Crater Lake and offer basic cabin and motel-style accommodations. Cascade Motel is about a 1.5-hour drive from Crater Lake. A basic and clean small motel near a few restaurants makes it a good option for an overnight before heading to Crater Lake. 

Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn – Cascade Locks, OR
Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the views of the Gorge from the river view rooms are outstanding. There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Pacific Crest Trail with immediate access to Bridge of the Gods. The rooms are clean with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee pots. There is a small gym, indoor pool, and hot tub. Perfect. The complimentary breakfast at neighboring Bridgeside Restaurant includes options ranging from oatmeal, poached pear, and eggs and sausage to biscuits and gravy.

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Transportation

Rental Car Options 
If you plan to rent a car, compare prices and book in advance to ensure availability.

Note: Oregon law requires that gas station attendants pump gas. No self-service. Exceptions include gas stations in counties that have populations less than 40,000.

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Package Deals and Guided Tours

Oregon Coast Day Tour of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Willamette Valley 5-Hour Wine Tasting and Tour
Mount Hood Day Tour
Portland Wine and Waterfalls Day Tour
Portland Morning City Highlights Tour
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Morning Tour
Columbia River Gorge Wine and Waterfalls Day Tour

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Expand Your Adventures Beyond Oregon

Take a boat tour or go whitewater rafting on the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the deepest river-carved gorge in North America. At over 1,000 miles long, the Snake River passes through Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming. Choose from numerous access points to enjoy this incredible river.

Take a tour of Mount Saint Helens. Mount Saint Helens is located in Washington State about a 1.5-hour drive from Portland. The allure of this mountain is knowledge of the devastating 1980 eruption. Viewing the blown-out portion of the mountain as well as the hardened flow-path of molten lava makes for an unforgettable and somber experience.

See my Washington state guide for a list of top things to do in Washington and my Seattle Guide for top things to do in Seattle.

Take a short direct flight from Portland to Glacier International Airport or Salt Lake City to explore three incredible National Parks. See my Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide.

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A few things to remember before heading to Oregon

Check the weather before you go and always pack for comfort and versatility. During my September visit to Oregon, the days were sunny with highs in the mid-70s. This is normal weather between July and September.

The summers are short, warm, dry, and mostly clear and the winters can be wet, and overcast. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 35°F to 85°F and is rarely below 25°F or above 95°F.

A few favorites that helped me get around Oregon included my Asics Running Shoes, Ahnu Hiking Shoes, Leupold Binoculars, and Baggallini Crossbody Bag.

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Travel insurance covers unexpected events such as re-booking flights due to airline cancellations, replacement of belongings when luggage is lost, replacement of stolen items, or emergency travel home due to accident or illness. For those who do not have policies to cover travel, I recommend World Nomads, an insurance provider trusted by seasoned travelers worldwide.

Also, check out my road trip packing list.

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Be prepared and be safe out there!

Trust your senses.
Trust your gut.
If you’ve planned well and it feels right, do it!
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t.

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Oregon is full of character. Whether visiting for work, recreation, to relax, or to be entertained, you will find it in Oregan.

One last fun movie mention. The quirky, laugh-out-loud movie, Bandits, features Billy Bob Thornton and Bruce Willis whose characters make a jail-break from Oregon State Penitentiary and go on the run. Throughout the film, there are comedic references to the beloved Oregon State University Beavers and Oregon State University Ducks, and glimpses of iconic attractions. So fun to watch this movie while exploring Oregon.

I covered so much of Oregon and barely scratched the surface. I plan to be back! I would love to hear about your experiences exploring this beautiful state!

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