Oregon is one of the topmost geographically diversified states in the U.S. ranging from high desert and volcanic rock formations to rich rain forests, magnificent mountain ranges, national forests, picturesque coastal landscapes, wild rivers, and exciting bicycle trails. Oregon has more waterfalls than any other state, each one more beautiful than the other. It is home to an extraordinary and diverse range of wildlife. Approximately 60% of the state is forestland making it #1 in softwood lumber in the U.S.A.
Some of the most fascinating sites to visit include:
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Mount Hood
One of three mountainous regions in Western Oregon with the most prominent peaks in the U.S. Formed by volcanic activity it is considered a dormant but potentially active volcano with steam continually emitting from fumarole sections. Snowcapped Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon reaching 11,249 feet above sea level with eleven glaciers at its peak and covers over 92 square miles. It is the 2nd most climbed mountain in the world, with the first one being Japan’s Mt. Fujiyama.
Mount Hood National Forest starts out from the highest point of the mountain with waterfalls and hot springs covering 1.2 million acres and over 1200 miles of picturesque hiking paths like the Timberline Trail. The historic town of Government Camp and the adjacent Timberly Lodge are great attractions in this mountain landscape.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park lies in the Cascade Mountainsof southwestern Oregon spanning 183,224 acres of mountains, forests, two waterfalls, volcanic fumaroles, and most exciting – the spectacular blue lake. It is a primeval caldera of an extinct volcano that erupted 7,700 years ago causing the mountain to collapse while creating a nearly 2,000-foot deep crater. Thousands of years of rain and melted snow have filled the crater resulting in one of the world’s clearest, most intensely blue and deepest bodies of water – the deepest in the U.S. – with water clarity measuring 120 feet.
The extending elevations throughout the park offer diverse habitats for a wide array of wildlife.
The park is open all year long, but many services and roads close in the winter months – which at times start as early as September and last until June! Crater Lake National Park is one of the snowiest places in the U.S. with 43 feet of snowfall annually. Every year, this snowy haven attracts thousands of cross-country skiers who wish to experience the greatest winter recreation in Oregon.
Crater Lake National Park has some of Oregon’s best hiking trails and is surrounded by several wild places like Umpqua National Forestand Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with hundreds of more miles of exciting hiking trails.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area follows the course of the Columbia River as it winds through the Cascade Range. The gorge is famous for its mesmerizing views and abundant waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls — the tallest waterfall in the state. The area offers an array of hiking and biking trails including camping facilities.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, located at the northern Oregon coast, boasts a wide expanse of sand and magnificent views of jagged coastal rocks, the magnificent Haystack Rock towering on the coastline. Waterfalls whooshing onto the sand at Hug Point while at low tide marine life surfaces. Cannon Beach is listed in National Geographic as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world. It is also considered one of the most appealing small towns on the Oregon Coast with a large selection of restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and great hotels.
BEND
Bend is a city noted mainly for its many outdoor sports including exploring the volcanic landscapes of Newberry and Lava Butte, white rafting on the Deschutes River and skiing at Mount Bachelor Ski area. Located in the center of Oregon, the city is flanked by a mixture of dry planes, volcanoes and national forests.
Neighboring Smith Rock State Park
Neighboring Smith Rock State Park is an internationally popular rock climbing destination. It boasts over 1,000 sport routes lining a stunning river canyon. Hiking trails and mountain biking are also an exciting way to explore the scenic areas around Bend. Smith Rock State Park features an RV-exclusive campground, as well as a walk-in area for campers and climbers.
Portland
Aside from its abundant nature beauty, Oregon is also known for its urban appeal. Portland, the state’s largest city, boasts many sightseeing attractions ranging from charming parks and gardens, with the most popular one being Washington Park. A favorite among garden fans, the park grounds include the renowned International Rose Test Garden, found near the extraordinary Portland Japanese Garden.
Another recommended place to visit is the amazing Powell’s City of Books. The headquarters for this local bookstore chain covers an entire city block and claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world!
Portland is also famous for its trendy culture of food trucks, bicycles, and notably for being the end of the famous Oregon Trail
Newport
On the Oregon coast is the city of Newport. Coastal scenery mixed with Victorian heritage, Newport is abundant with family-friendly attractions. The Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center are among the popular places to visit, and to the north, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the epitome of coastal beauty.
The town’s busy bay front faces Yaquina Bay, the location of a large fishing fleet and the wild Pacific beaches offer storm-surge rollers and brilliant sunsets. The town is also a good base camp for sightseeing the central coast and whale watching.
Oregon has something to offer everyone. From natural wonders to charming small towns, Oregon is undoubtedly beautiful in every season.
For those liking fun facts and are fascinated with ghost towns, Oregon has the most ghost towns of any state in the U.S. with over 80 ghost towns listed on the national register giving it its name as the ghost town capitol.
