With its lush forests, rolling hills, and sprawling coastlines, Oregon offers plenty of adventure for travelers. From majestic Mount Hood to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, it has something to do for everyone! Whether looking for a relaxing day trip or an extended vacation, you’ll find many activities to entertain you. From picking apples in Columbia Valley to exploring the vineyards of Willamette Valley and hiking through the biodiverse rainforest of Ashland, there is no shortage of things to do in Oregon. With so much beauty and plenty of activities, Oregon is an excellent destination for adventure seekers looking to explore a new place. So grab your bags, and let’s look at some of the best things to do in Oregon!
Take a Trip to the City of Portland
Portland, Oregon, is a great place to visit for any traveler. With its vibrant culture and stunning views, there is something for everyone in the City of Roses. From the majestic Mount Hood to the iconic Powell’s Bookstore, Portland offers many unique attractions that will provide an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for adventure, then a trip to the top of Mount Hood is an absolute must. You can take a scenic chairlift ride to the summit or hike along the many trails leading up the slopes. Along your journey, you’ll be greeted by stunning panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. St Helens, and even downtown Portland!
Once you’ve reached your destination, explore Portland’s renowned food scene. From classic staples like Voodoo Doughnuts and Salt & Straw Ice Cream to trendier options like Ava Gene’s Italian restaurant and Pok Pok Thai eatery, there’s something for every palate in Portland. Plus, with its thriving craft beer industry and abundant farmers’ markets, you can find delicious eats throughout your stay in Oregon.
For those looking for something unique to do while visiting Portland, why not explore some of its more unusual attractions? The Pittock Mansion offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the city’s past, while a stop at Shanghai Tunnels gives a fascinating look at its underground history. Other popular spots include The Grotto – a tranquil Catholic sanctuary – and The Rose Garden Arena – home of NBA’s Trailblazers!
Whatever your interests, a trip to Portland is bound to create lasting memories that will keep you coming back for more. So take advantage of all this beautiful city has to offer–visit Portland today!
Explore the Vineyards of Willamette Valley
Experience the beauty of the Willamette Valley vineyards, known as one of Oregon’s most picturesque regions. With its rolling hills, lush green valleys and abundance of wineries, this region is perfect for a romantic getaway or an afternoon stroll.
Explore numerous award-winning wineries, including Eola Hills Winery, Trisaetum Winery and Montinore Estate. Each offers its unique blend of the finest wines in the valley, with tasting rooms open throughout the year. Please tour and learn about their wine-making processes from knowledgeable staff or enjoy a glass overlooking their beautiful landscapes.
Discover charming downtown areas such as McMinnville and Carlton, where you can shop for unique local products and dine at one-of-a-kind restaurants like Red Hills Market that serve dishes featuring locally grown ingredients. Or take a break from your day to relax at one of the many spas in town for a luxurious massage or treatment.
The Willamette Valley is also home to numerous outdoor activities like biking, fishing and hiking trails. Enjoy nature’s beauty while visiting scenic parks like Champoeg State Park, where you can rent kayaks or go bird watching along the riverbank. Whether looking for an intimate weekend away or just an afternoon exploring nature’s wonders, Willamette Valley has something special for everyone!
Pick Apples in the Beautiful Columbia Valley
The Beautiful Columbia Valley is a great place to pick apples. The local orchards offer various delicious apples every year, including MacIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji. You can pick your apples directly from the trees and bring them home for baking, making cider, or simply eating fresh.
The Columbia Valley has several varieties of apple trees growing in different parts of the valley, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Orchard owners are also very knowledgeable about their apples and can advise which varieties to choose depending on your intended use.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even participate in an apple-picking festival! These festivals usually occur during harvest season and feature pie-eating contests, music performances and more.
No matter the time of year, the Columbia Valley is always a great place to visit for some apple-picking fun!
Hike in Crater Lake National Park
Hiking in Crater Lake National Park is an amazing way to explore Oregon’s pristine wilderness. With a unique and varied terrain, the park offers trails of varying difficulty levels, from easy hikes around Wizard Island to more difficult treks up Mount Scott.
Once you reach the top of Mount Scott’s lookout point, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake below. This 360-degree view provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lush green forests, and deep blue waters of Crater Lake.
For those who enjoy a stroll, many trails will take you along the caldera’s rim. These provide opportunities to observe wildlife like deer and beavers while taking dramatic views of this majestic national park.
The area also includes many other attractions, such as Munson Valley, which features old-growth forests with giant pine trees and ancient lava flows that make for beautiful scenery on your hike. Additionally, Phantom Ship Overlook offers breathtaking views of the lake’s namesake formation, which can be seen from a distance or up close if you take a boat tour around it.
Whether looking for a peaceful nature walk or an adventurous day outdoors, Crater Lake National Park will fulfill your needs and guarantee an unforgettable experience!
As you can see, Oregon is an amazing place to visit and explore. From the iconic Mount Hood National Forest to the beautiful vineyards of Willamette Valley and the biodiverse rainforest of Ashland, there is so much to do in this incredible state. Whether you want to pick apples in the Columbia Valley or hike through Crater Lake National Park, Oregon has something for everyone. So why not come and explore all that Oregon has to offer? Pack your bags and prepare for a memorable vacation in one of America’s most beautiful states!
