7 Natural Wonders Unique To The Beaver State That Should Be On Everyone's Oregon Bucket List
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on December 03, 2023(Originally published June 10, 2022)
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
What makes a natural wonder, exactly? It is a place that’s bucket-list worthy? A natural phenomenon words can’t explain? A sight to which photos simply cannot do justice? It’s all of these things, and more; namely, for us here at Only In Oregon, we believe a natural wonder is something that simply must be experienced… in person. There are seven named natural wonders in Oregon, and we agree that they’re all pretty wondrous. The 7 Wonders of Oregon are all wholly unique to the Beaver State and absolutely belong on your Oregon bucket list.
Hailed as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides -- though, of course, we're partial to the Beaver State's boundary.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA
Known for its abundance of waterfalls (there are more than 90 on the Oregon side alone), the Columbia River Gorge is immensely scenic and beautiful. One of the best ways to see the highlights of this natural wonder in Oregon is by driving the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway. This 75-mile scenic highway winds past dozens of amazing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas rife with opportunities for exploration and adventure. Lewis and Clark first happened upon the Columbia River Gorge during their expeditions in 1806, and we can only imagine how awestruck they were at discovering this pristine PNW paradise. If you're on the hunt for one of the best things to do in Oregon, we suggest you begin right here.
Presiding over Portland and pretty much all of northwest Oregon (folks from as far away as 100 miles are able to see this stunner!), Mount Hood is a place that needs no introduction.
Mount Hood is a commanding, omnipotent presence in The Beaver State. At 11,239 feet tall and with its base stretching 92 square miles, the mountain is a constant in the Oregon panorama. Our advice? Book an aerial tour with
Envi Adventures to experience Mount Hood from the skies for simply breathtaking views of this Oregon natural wonder.
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Smith Rock State Park is a striking state park located in Oregon's high desert. This 650-acre expanse is home to some of the most sought-after climbing adventures in the country, with the Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop a bucket-list accomplishment for many.
It's a 5.5-mile-long adventure that will take you up 1,778 feet. Yes, it's a challenge, but the views from the top of this natural wonder in Oregon? Jaw-dropping. One of the best things to do in Oregon? Definitely. Add it to your bucket list.
Take a peek at the natural beauty that awaits at Smith Rock State Park in this YouTube video, shared by Oregon State Parks.
Oregon is a stunner of a state, full of wondrous places and immense natural beauty. It’s also incredibly geographically diverse, with everything from stunning shorelines and old-growth forests to rolling countrysides and high desert regions. The east-central Oregon is often forsaken for its coastal brethren, but it truly is a wondrous place to behold.
Within this high desert region, the Painted Hills are one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, named after the colorful layers of its hills, which correspond to different geological eras. The colors of these hills will change with the position of the sun, last rainfall, and temperature, making for a wholly unique experience whenever you visit!
Don't get us wrong; the Oregon Coast *is* absolutely resplendent -- all 363 miles of it!
With the entirety of the coast free and open to the public, the Oregon Coast presents endless opportunities for beach combing, hiking, birding, swimming, surfing, and artistic endeavors. The massive monoliths along the Oregon Coast are some of the PNW's most iconic natural wonders! It's easy to see why the Oregon Coast earns a nod as one of the best natural wonders in Oregon.
The Wallowas are one of Oregon's most striking natural wonders. Home to majestic mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and verdant forests, there's nowhere in the PNW quite like this range.
There are numerous hiking trails in the Wallowas, each offering thrilling views of the majestic mountains. And while we're all for lacing up our shoes and hitting the trails, nothing quite compares to the views you'll get on the Wallowa Lake Tramway. This lift opens for the season in mid-May, and it's a perennial favorite worth enjoying year after year. This unique tram was the steepest four-person gondola in all of North America when it was built in 1970; and decades later, it remains a superlative Beaver State attraction and one of the best things to do in Oregon. Ogle the views from the top at the aptly named Summit Grill, which sits at the 8,150-foot level of Mt. Howard. And if you can't bring yourself to leave, stay and enjoy amazing, year-round camping at Wallowa Lake State Park.
Steeped in epic history, extraordinary wonder, and breathtaking beauty, Crater Lake is truly one of the crown jewels of Oregon. It’s a place we truly can’t get enough of, whether it’s tackling one of its superlative scenic trails, staying overnight at its historic lodge, or stargazing in its immensely dark skies. Adventures abound in Crater Lake, making it a bucket list must for pretty much everyone.
Get a closer look at this stunning natural wonder in Oregon with this YouTube video by Go Traveler.
How many of these natural wonders in Oregon have you visited? What do you think is the best natural wonder in Oregon? Let us know in the comments! Do you ever wonder what your fellow Oregonians think are the best natural wonders in Oregon? Wonder no more! Here are Oregon’s most incredible natural wonders, according to Only In Your State readers. See if you agree with them!
Embrace the spirit of awe and wonder when you visit the 7 Wonders of Oregon — be sure to share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram while you’re out exploring!
Before you head out on your next adventure to one of the best natural wonders in Oregon, make sure you have a camera and a pair of comfy shoes.
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More to Explore
Natural Wonders In Oregon
Beth Price-Williams|December 03, 2023
What are some of the best natural wonders in Oregon?
The seven wonders of Oregon certainly deserve a spot on your bucket list, but they’re just the start. When adventure calls, answer with a visit to one of the best natural wonders in Oregon, including:
Multnomah Falls is an absolutely breathtaking cascade with a 620-foot drop. Do not forget your camera with this one.
Spend a day hiking, canoeing, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery at Lost Lake, where you’ll also enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Hood.
Explore the Alvord Desert in southeastern Oregon, a spectacular dry lake bed that’s perfect for taking photos.
Marvel at the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America when you visit the Oregon Dunes.
Set off on an epic adventure to the 4,000-foot-deep Columbia River Gorge.
Are there any road trips to natural wonders in Oregon?
One of the best ways to drink in the natural beauty of Oregon is on a road trip. This natural wonders road trip in Oregon is sure to cure your next bout of wanderlust:
Visit Cannon Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home to Haystack Rock.
Drink in some of the most spellbinding views of Mount Hood.
Explore the Painted Hills, undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking Oregon natural wonders.
Marvel at Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country and an idyllic spot for kicking back and relaxing.
