Oregon's Most Beautiful Sights

by Katie McCabe | @awelltraveledpair | November 1st, 2020

Oregon is hands down one of the most beautiful states in the USA. With over 300 miles of rugged coastline to explore, epic hikes to conquer, and hidden gems to discover, you'll be amazed by the natural splendor of The Beaver State. Road trips are the ideal way to see everything Oregon has to offer, so throw on some tunes, hit the open road, and don't miss these must-see sights.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach may just be the most well-known place in all of Oregon. Not only do visitors enjoy this quaint coastal town but the locals love it, too. Every summer, beach goers pack the stunning shores for a day of surf and sun. The main attraction is definitely Haystack Rock, a 235 foot sea stack that can be seen from every spot on the beach.

Ecola State Park

Located just ten minutes north of Cannon Beach is the ever-impressive Ecola State Park. From the rainforest to the beach, this park has some of the prettiest sights in the Pacific Northwest. Parking is abundant, and well-maintained trails lead visitors to breathtaking viewpoints. A few must-see's are definitely Crescent Beach, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, Ecola Point, and Indian Beach.

Samuel H. Boardman

Samuel H. Boardman is a stunning scenic corridor filled with one jaw-dropping sight after the next. Named after Oregon's first park superintendent, this beauty offers towering spruce trees, rugged coastline, and small hidden beaches. From the Natural Bridges and Secret Beach to Arch Rock and Spruce Island, the sightseeing opportunities are endless at this exquisite place.

Astoria

With Victorian-era houses etched into the hills overlooking the Columbia River, this picturesque port city is known for its fishing, museums, and one famous movie. Home of the classic film The Goonies, Astoria attracts its fair share of movie fans. That's not all this city has to boast about, though. Sights such as the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Liberty Theater, and the uber-impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge make this delightful city worth a visit.

Bandon

People visit Bandon for its sweeping ocean vistas, ample outdoor activities, and charming downtown area. The Coquille River Lighthouse and Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint offer the best views in town, while the historic Old Town has ten square miles of shopping, dining, history, culture, and recreation to enjoy. Don't forget to partake in the year-round outdoor activities of hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, and kayaking.

Portland

Sometimes called PXD, P-town, Stumptown, the City of Roses, or Bridge City, Portland is known for its dynamic downtown, accrescent microbreweries, coffee shops, book stores, and nearby natural beauty. The city's unofficial slogan "Keep Portland Weird" was introduced in 2003 to promote individuality, expressionism, local art, and atypical lifestyles, something that makes this city, and its people, so great.

Mt. Hood

Located about 90 minutes outside of Portland, Mt. Hood is a great place to visit any time of the year. In spring and summer, the surrounding valleys are filled with lavender, wildflowers, apples, pears, and berries, giving it the nickname the "Fruit Loop." While winter turns into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiers, snowshoers, tubers, or anyone looking to get cozy beside a fire in one of Mt Hood's picturesque lodges.

Bend

Bend is an outdoor-enthusiast's paradise. With activities, such as paragliding, hiking, biking, canoeing, and snowshoeing, this scenic locale has something for everyone. Its attractions are also quite impressive, with the Cascade Lakes and Smith Rock State Park being the real show-stoppers. And for all you beer-lovers, Bend has twenty-two breweries to choose from, each one offering their own rotating selection of craft beers.

Columbia River Gorge

Acting as a boundary between Oregon and Washington state, the Columbia River Gorge stretches for over eighty miles through the Cascade Range. This area is known to house some of the most gorgeous natural sights in the entire Pacific Northwest. There are just too many sights to list, but here are the best of the best - Multnomah Falls, Oneonta Gorge, the Bridge of the Gods, Tunnel Falls, the Eagle Creek Trail, and Hood River Valley.

Umpqua Hot Springs

Located in Umpqua National Forest, these natural hot springs seem too good to be true. Mother Nature knew exactly what she was doing when she created this masterpiece. Surrounded by majestic fir trees, in an almost ethereal atmosphere, a soak in these steamy springs will surely heal your mind, body, and soul.

Toketee Falls

Only ten minutes from Umpqua Hot Springs, is the magnificent Toketee Falls. Derived from the Chinook word meaning "graceful", Toketee is a two-tier waterfall that is perfectly framed by extraordinary basalt columns. The falls are easily seen from an elevated platform, but the real views are found after a semi-challenging hike down to the base of the falls. If you're up the challenge, this is one sight that won't disappoint.

Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls is very similar to Toketee Falls. Both have basalt columns, blue tide pools, and elegant falls, and both are equally beautiful. If you have time to visit both, great! If not, just remember, Abiqua is located in northern Oregon, close to Portland, and Toketee is located in southern Oregon, close to Roseburg.

Crater Lake

Formed almost 8,000 years ago when a volcanic eruption collapsed the land, Crater Lake is the country's deepest and most pristine lake. Known for its intense blue color and water clarity, this amazing attraction is one of the most popular sights in Oregon. Depending on the time of year, visitors enjoy everything from zip-lining and boating to skiing and hiking.

A WELL TRAVELED PAIR