As a beautiful state with many things to do and see, day trips in Oregon are perfect for exploring all that there is to experience. And there’s no better time to take a day trip than in the summer. With all the fun things to do in Oregon – all kinds of amazing, unparalleled attractions – you could stay busy all summer long! From lakeside gondola rides to hidden gem hot springs, here are 11 of the best Oregon summer day trips:

1. Explore the amazing Silver Falls State Park.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Ian Sane
Silver Falls State Park is Oregon's largest state park, and it's home to some of the most enchanting scenery in the country. We're also quite fond of this Oregon State Park, for so many reasons. This park is breathtakingly beautiful; it possesses many of the Beaver State’s unique features and wonders. And with an abundance of stellar trails and campsites, Silver Falls stands out as Oregon’s single best state park.
2. Sip wine at the magical King Estate Winery.
King Estate Winery, 80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405, USA
flickr/ King Estate Winery
Located in the Willamette Valley near Eugene, King Estate is a renowned winery surrounded by the most incredible scenery. This castle-like estate is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon sipping wine and eating delicious food while taking in beautiful bucolic views. This award-winning winery opened its doors in 1991 and has truly become synonymous with Oregon Wine Country.
3. Hike Oneonta Gorge!
Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
flickr/ Michael Matti
For a truly unforgettable adventure, take a hike through the breathtakingly beautiful Oneonta Gorge. This stunning hidden gem is nestled into the Columbia River Gorge. A short, epic hike will lead you up a crystal clear stream through a narrow slot canyon to a secret waterfall hiding at the end.
4. Walk the streets of Oregon's most fascinating ghost town.
Shaniko, OR 97037, USA
flickr/ picturequeen
Located in Wasco County, Shaniko is an incredible ghost town that's legendary here in Oregon. Once known as the Wool Capital of the World, this town in north-central Oregon was established in 1901 and business boomed — the town’s manufacturers made a cool $3 million in 1903. But what goes up must inevitably come down, and Shaniko fell hard and fast. Today, it’s one of the state’s most well-preserved and intriguing ghost towns and a really fun day trip for Oregon ghost hunters!
5. Soak at an Oregon hot springs.
Flickr/Dave Berry
Oregon is full of some pretty amazing hot springs, and while these places are (pardon the pun) hot spots in the winter, they are just as amazing when temperatures rise! Check out beautiful natural hot springs in Oregon to see what we're talking about...

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6. Take in the views at Painted Hills.
Painted Hills, Oregon 97750, USA
flickr/ Francis Storr
Part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon's Painted Hills are a sight to behold. A handful of short, scenic trails wind through the colorful landscape, giving visitors the chance to see this amazing natural wonder up close. We especially love the scenic drive to this Oregon wonder!
7. Take a riverboat ride on the Portland Spirit.
Portland Spirit Cruises and Events, 110 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Facebook/Portland Spirit River Cruises
For a fabulous day trip, sign up for a tour on the legendary Portland Spirit. This gorgeous riverboat leads visitors on excursions along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Our tip? Try one of the morning mimosa cruises!
8. See a play at Ashland's outdoor Elizabethan theater.
Ashland, OR 97520, USA
flickr/Johnnn
Located in Southern Oregon, the lovely town of Ashland is renowned for its amazing Shakespeare Festival. Summer is a perfect time to grab tickets to an incredible play at the outdoor Elizabethan theater.
9. Visit Wallowa Lake and ride a tram to the top of Mt. Howard.
Wallowa Lake, Oregon 97846, USA
flickr/ ilya_ktsn
Nestled into the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a breathtaking place with opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and more. It's also home to the Wallowa Lake Tramway, which will take you on a picturesque ride up to the summit of Mt. Howard, where you'll be greeted by extraordinary views, a restaurant, and a lovely mountaintop hiking trail. Pitch a tent and spend the night, and you'll feel like you've escaped to the European Alps!
10. Visit Crater Lake.
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
flickr/ Sara Lucas
Crater Lake is one of Oregon's most amazing natural wonders. It's the deepest and purest lake in the country, and its dark cerulean waters are truly sublime. It's a fabulous place to visit in the summertime, full of opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, stargazing, driving around the rim, and even taking a boat tour. While you're en route to this amazing world wonder, make a quick pit stop for some life-changing pie that's almost as legendary as Crater Lake itself!
11. Hike the Henline Falls Trail to a waterfall and abandoned mine.
Henline Falls Trailhead, NF-2209, Lyons, OR 97358, USA
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
Located in the Opal Creek Wilderness, the Henline Falls Trail is a short, wonderful hike through the woods that leads to a breathtaking waterfall as well as an eerie abandoned mine. What an amazing place to explore on a summer day trek in Oregon!

What are your favorite summer day trips? Or, what are your top picks for the best day trips in Oregon? Share them with us in the comments below — we love hearing from you!

For more fun adventures around Oregon, lace up your boots waterfall and tackle one of these scenic trails!

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best day trips in Oregon

Sarah M. | March 24, 2022

What are some fun, family-friendly day trips in Oregon?

Oregon is such a wonderful place to live ... and grow up! Our state is stacked with amazing parks, attractions, and places perfect for epic (yet-tot-sized) exploration and adventure. One tried-and-true kid-friendly favorite in Oregon is Oaks Amusement Park in Portland. For over a century, Oaks Amusement Park has been *the* place to go for good, old-fashioned fun in the Beaver State. From classic rides and arcade games to an old-school skating rink and all your favorite fried carnival treats, this place is pure, unadulterated, family fun!

Looking for an all-inclusive adventure that boasts great food, accommodations, and attractions? We designed this road trip that visits some of the best family-friendly spots in the state, including Voodoo Doughnuts, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Wings, and Waves Waterpark, and several coastal parks, including the beloved Cape Lookout State Park.

What are some scenic day trips in Oregon?

Scenic adventures abound in Oregon, whether you're going waterfall chasing in Columbia River Gorge or Silver Falls State Park, whale watching in Florence or Depoe Bay, scaling summits at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, climbing Smith Rock, exploring old-growth forests and high deserts, the scenery of the Beaver State never, ever gets old. Check out our comprehensive nature lover's guide for inspiration on some scenic adventures in Oregon!

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