12 Perfect Places In Oregon For People Who Hate Crowds

Oregon is positively spectacular, so it comes as no surprise that the beauty of many of Oregon's natural wonders can draw a crowd. However, there are many hidden gems throughout the state where you can find some peace and quiet -- and even solitude -- surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Here are 12 enchanting, little known places in the Beaver State where you can escape into nature, AND escape the crowds.

12. Paulina Lake

Located in the Deschutes National Forest, Paulina Lake is a gorgeous crater lake in Central Oregon surrounded by miles of lush green forests.

11. Hug Point

Get off the beaten path and visit the wonderful Hug Point, a hidden beach located on the coast near Arch Cape. A short, easy hike leads visitors to this secluded cove, where you can relax in the sand, explore sea caves and tide pools, and even see a beautiful waterfall cascading onto the shore.

10. Lost Lake

Located deep in the Mt Hood National Forest, Lost Lake is a stunning alpine lake with an unbeatable view of Mt Hood. It's a great place for camping, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and more.

9. Alvord Hot Springs

Unlike many of Oregon's hot springs, you'll most likely be able to find some solitude at the incredible, remote Alvord Hot Springs, located in the little-known Alvord Desert in southeast Oregon.

8. Opal Creek

Tucked into an lush green forest, Opal Creek is a stunning hidden gem with amazing hikes and swimming holes that are perfect for a hot summer day.

7. Oregon Dunes

The Oregon Dunes is an incredible natural wonder located on the coast. This 40-mile stretch of huge, shifting sand dunes is a great place for hiking, picnicking, camping, and photography.

6. White River Falls

Located at the White River Falls State Park, not far from The Dalles, this incredible waterfall is positively magnificent -- and surprisingly little known. You can take a hike along the river, have a picnic overlooking the falls, wade into the cool basin, or even explore an abandoned hydropower plant.

5. Pillars of Rome

Located deep in Oregon's Jordan Valley, this incredible natural wonder is off the beaten path.

4. Hobbit Beach

The Oregon coast is a popular tourist destination, but here and there you can still find some gorgeous hidden beaches. One of those is Hobbit Beach, a beautiful sandy cove located at the end of the 1-mile Hobbit Trail.

3. Steens Mountain

For a slice of true wilderness, check out the amazing Steens Mountain, located in southeast Oregon. The vast, rugged landscape will blow you away. It's a great place for backpacking, camping, taking a scenic drive, and viewing wildlife -- you may even get a glimpse of some of the wild horses that roam the area.

2. Waldo Lake

Nestled into the Willamette National Forest, this beautiful alpine lake is a great place to get away from it all.

1. Leslie Gulch

You'll likely find some solitude at the incredible Leslie Gulch, located in Malheur County. This stunning canyon is full of rugged, otherworldly scenery that will drop your jaw.

Find out about some of the most beautiful hidden gems on the Oregon Coast here.