Oregon is a stunning state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its diverse landscapes. From rugged coastline to dense forests and towering mountains. The state is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering a range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and more. But it’s not just nature lovers who will find something to love in Oregon. The state is also home to a thriving food and drink scene, as well as a rich cultural history that visitors can explore. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top tourist spots in Oregon, including natural wonders like Crater Lake and Smith Rock State Park, as well as cultural destinations like Bend and Cannon Beach.
Oregon is a state that boasts of some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the United States. From stunning coastlines and majestic waterfalls to vast forests and fascinating geological formations, the state has something for everyone. We will take a closer look at the top tourist spots in Oregon that you should definitely consider adding to your itinerary.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a small coastal town located in northern Oregon, known for its picturesque shoreline and iconic rock formations. One of the main attractions here is the Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack that stands tall on the beach and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach, fly a kite, or enjoy a picnic. The town itself is charming, with plenty of restaurants and art galleries to explore.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cannon Beach also hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Sandcastle Contest, Savor Cannon Beach Wine and Culinary Festival, and the Stormy Weather Arts Festival. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural experience, Cannon Beach has something to offer.
- Address: Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110, United States
- Phone number: There is no specific phone number for Cannon Beach. as it is a public beach that does not have its own office or visitor center. However, visitors can contact the nearby Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce for information about the area at (503) 436-2623.
- Website: https://www.cannonbeach.org/
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination in Oregon, known for its stunning blue lake and breathtaking natural beauty. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive around the rim of the lake to enjoy the panoramic views. The park is open year-round, with winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Visitors can also learn about the park’s cultural history at the Steel Visitor Center. Which offers exhibits and educational programs about the area’s geology and natural history. In addition to the visitor center, the park also offers a range of dining and lodging options for visitors. Including the historic Crater Lake Lodge. With its natural beauty and diverse range of activities, Crater Lake National Park is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 97604, United States
- Phone number:
- Park Headquarters: (541) 594-3000
- Lost and Found: (541) 594-3060
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Multnomah Falls
Located in the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls is one of the most visited tourist spots in Oregon. The waterfall is over 600 feet tall and is divided into two sections. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is also a bridge that spans across the lower section of the falls, offering a stunning viewpoint for photos.
visitors can also explore the surrounding area on the numerous hiking trails in the park. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, and a variety of birds. The park is open year-round, with winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also learn about the history and geology of the area at the nearby Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center. With its natural beauty and range of activities, Multnomah Falls is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, United States
- Phone number: There is no specific phone number for Multnomah Falls. However, visitors can contact the nearby Columbia River Gorge Visitor Center for information about the area at (503) 622-2599.
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29988
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, but it offers much more than just winter sports. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and mountain biking in the area. The mountain is also home to the Timberline Lodge. Which was built in the 1930s and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lodge or enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants.
In addition to outdoor activities, the area is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Hood River Fruit Loop, which offers a variety of orchards, vineyards, and farm stands. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Government Camp and Rhododendron. Which offer a range of shopping and dining options. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of activities. Mount Hood is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Mount Hood National Forest, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055, United States
- Phone number:
- Forest Headquarters: (503) 668-1700
- Visitor Information: (503) 622-3191
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood
Bend
Bend is a vibrant city located in central Oregon, known for its outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can explore the nearby Deschutes River, which offers opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. The city is also home to a range of hiking and biking trails, including the famous Deschutes River Trail.
In addition to its outdoor activities, Bend is also known for its craft beer scene, with over 20 breweries in the area. Visitors can take a brewery tour or sample a flight of local beers at one of the city’s many taprooms. The city also offers a range of dining and lodging options for visitors, from boutique hotels to vacation rentals. With its unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural offerings, and craft beer scene, Bend is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Bend Visitor Center, 750 NW Lava Road, Bend, OR 97703, United States
- Phone number: Visitor Information: (541) 382-8048
- Website: https://www.visitbend.com/
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Located on the coast of Oregon, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a unique destination that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The area is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle riding. Visitors can also explore the nearby beaches, which offer opportunities for beachcombing and tidepooling.
In addition to its outdoor activities, the area is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Umpqua Discovery Center, which showcases the region’s history and culture. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Coos Bay and Florence, which offer a range of shopping and dining options. With its unique landscape and diverse range of activities, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: 855 Highway Ave, Reedsport, OR 97467, United States
- Phone number: Visitor Information: (541) 271-3611
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw/
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in Oregon, known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal clear lake. The park is centered around Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and was formed by the collapse of a volcanic peak. Visitors can take a scenic drive around the lake or hike one of the park’s many trails to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, camping, and stargazing.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Crater Lake Lodge, which was built in 1915 and offers stunning views of the lake. The lodge also offers guided tours and evening programs for visitors. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history, Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Crater Lake National Park, 1211 Avenue C, White City, OR 97503, United States
- Phone number: Visitor Information: (541) 594-3000
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers, located in central Oregon. The park is centered around the Crooked River and is known for its stunning rock formations and steep canyons. Visitors can hike one of the park’s many trails to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape or try their hand at rock climbing on one of the park’s many climbing routes.
In addition to its outdoor activities, the park is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Smith Rock Interpretive Center, which showcases the region’s history and geology. Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Redmond, which offers a range of shopping and dining options. With its unique natural beauty and diverse range of activities, Smith Rock State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: 9241 NE Crooked River Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760, United States
- Phone number: Visitor Information: (541) 548-7501
- Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=36
Astoria
Astoria is a historic city located on the northern coast of Oregon, known for its charming atmosphere and rich cultural history. The city was founded in the early 1800s and played an important role in the region’s fur trade and fishing industries. Visitors can explore the city’s historic downtown, which features a range of Victorian-era buildings and museums.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Astoria is also known for its stunning natural beauty, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. The city is located near the mouth of the Columbia River and is home to the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach, which offer additional shopping and dining opportunities. With its rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty, Astoria is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic canyon located on the border between Oregon and Washington. The canyon is home to a range of natural attractions, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can explore the region’s natural beauty by hiking one of the park’s many trails or taking a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
In addition to its natural attractions, the Columbia River Gorge is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, which showcases the region’s history and geology. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Hood River and The Dalles, which offer a range of shopping and dining opportunities. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of activities, the Columbia River Gorge is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.
- Address: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 902 Wasco Ave #200, Hood River, OR 97031, United States
- Phone number: Visitor Information: (541) 308-1700
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa
Oregon is a state that truly has something for everyone, from adventure seekers to culture vultures. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in some delicious food and drink, or immerse yourself in the state’s rich history and culture, you’re sure to find something to love in Oregon. From the towering cliffs of Columbia River Gorge to the pristine waters of Crater Lake and the bustling city of Portland, Oregon is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Oregon today and discover all that this amazing state has to offer.