Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s only full national park, famous for its deep blue lake formed in a collapsed volcano.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument – Colorful badlands and one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, preserving 40 million years of history.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve – Marble cave system in the Siskiyou Mountains with underground tours and forest hiking trails.
National Historical Parks and Sites
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park – Reconstructed Fort Clatsop and related sites marking the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s winter encampment near Astoria.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – 19th-century Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and later U.S. Army fort located on the north bank of the Columbia River, jointly managed with Washington.
Nez Perce National Historical Park – Multi-state park with several Oregon sites interpreting Nez Perce culture and history.
National Historic and Geologic Trails
Oregon National Historic Trail – Follows the route pioneers traveled west in the mid-1800s.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail – Traces the Corps of Discovery’s journey from the Midwest to the Pacific.
California National Historic Trail – Sections cross southeastern Oregon, marking routes used by emigrants bound for California.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail – Highlights features left by massive glacial floods across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Bike Trails
The Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway State Trail – The trail comprises three disconnected paved paths along stretches of historic Highway 30 — which predated I-84 as the only road connecting Portland and The Dalles. Together the segments provide a combined 12-plus miles
Banks-Vernonia State Trail – follows an abandoned railroad bed that stretches 21 miles between the cities of Banks and Vernonia.
Natural Wonders
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s only national park, known for its deep blue lake formed in a volcanic caldera. Don’t miss the Rim Drive for breathtaking views.
Columbia River Gorge – A spectacular canyon with waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, hiking trails, and scenic drives along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Mount Hood – An iconic stratovolcano offering year-round activities, including skiing at Timberline Lodge, hiking, and exploring the Mount Hood National Forest.
Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock – A picturesque coastal town with a famous sea stack (Haystack Rock) and miles of sandy beaches.
Smith Rock State Park – A world-renowned rock-climbing destination with dramatic cliffs and hiking trails like the Misery Ridge Trail.
Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds) – Striking, colorful hills that showcase Oregon’s geological history. Part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Oregon Coast – Stretching over 360 miles, the coast features rugged cliffs, charming towns like Newport and Astoria, and iconic spots like Thor’s Well and Devil’s Punchbowl.
Urban Attractions
Portland – Oregon’s largest city is known for its quirky vibe, food scene, and attractions like Powell’s City of Books, the International Rose Test Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Bend – A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to Deschutes National Forest, Mount Bachelor, and the High Desert Museum.
Eugene – Home to the University of Oregon, this city offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland) – One of the oldest and largest regional theaters in the U.S., offering world-class performances.
Astoria – A historic town at the mouth of the Columbia River, known for the Astoria Column, Fort Clatsop (Lewis and Clark’s winter camp), and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Tillamook Creamery – A popular stop for cheese lovers, offering tours, tastings, and delicious ice cream.
Oregon Caves National Monument – A marble cave system in southern Oregon with guided tours and scenic trails.
Outdoor Adventures
Hells Canyon – The deepest river gorge in North America, offering rafting, hiking, and stunning views.
Wallowa Mountains (Little Switzerland of Oregon) – A remote and beautiful mountain range with alpine lakes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Joseph.
Silver Falls State Park – Known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, featuring the Trail of Ten Falls, a hike that passes by multiple waterfalls.
Alvord Desert – A remote desert playa in southeastern Oregon, perfect for stargazing and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
