13 Breathtaking Places In Oregon You Won’t Find In The Guide Books

Oregon is bursting at the seams with natural beauty. From hidden waterfalls to alpine lakes, these 13 gorgeous hidden gems are off the beaten path, and postively extraordinary.

13. Pillars of Rome

Tucked away in the high desert of Southeast Oregon, the Pillars of Rome are a unique natural wonder. You won't soon forget a day spent exploring these huge, otherworldly rock formations.

12. Paulina Lake

Surrounded by amazing volcanic scenery and picturesque peaks, Paulina Lake is a one of a kind alpine lake with pristine blue water that will drop your jaw.

11. Proxy Falls

Nestled into the Willamette National Forest, you'll find this gorgeous waterfall located on a short, easy hike along the Proxy Falls Trail #3532.

10. Leslie Gulch

Leslie Gulch is a unique, otherworldly canyon located in Malheur County. This gorgeous landscape is a fantastic place to escape into ruggedly beautiful scenery.

9. Abiqua Falls

Located near Salem, the majestic Abiqua Falls is a gorgeous 100-foot waterfall that you'll find at the end of a lovely 0.8-mile hike.

8. Neahkahnie Mountain

Located on the Oregon Coast near Manzanita, Neahkahnie Mountain is a gorgeous, little-known mountain that overlooks stupendous scenery. There are multiple hikes you can take to the top of the mountain of varying lengths and difficulties. Whichever you choose, you'll be blown away by the stunning views.

7. Tamolitch Pool

Tamolitch Pool (AKA Blue Pool) is located along the McKenzie River Trail, and is surrounded by gorgeous forest scenery. The deep, crystal clear pool is startlingly blue, and it actually arises from an underground river that seeps up through volcanic rocks into the pool's lovely basin.

6. Toketee Falls

Tucked away in Douglas County, Toketee Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that pours gracefully over a basalt wall into a gorgeous blue basin. The trek to the waterfall is quite short, but if you'd like to extend your hike you can visit the nearby (and also lovely) Watson Falls.

5. Oregon Dunes

Parallel to the ocean, there's a 40-mile stretch of sand dunes located in the Suislaw National Forest. This amazing natural wonder is a great place for hiking, camping, sightseeing, and more.

4. Sahalie Falls

The thunderous, 100-foot Sahalie Falls is located along the McKenzie River, and it's positively delightful. You can explore the area on foot and even hike downstream to the nearby Koosah Falls as well.

3. Terwilliger Hot Springs

Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is a gorgeous hidden gem nestled away in the Willamette National Forest. There are numerous stone pools filled with hot mineral water where you can take a relaxing, rejuvenating soak surrounded by tranquil forest scenery. (This hot spring is clothing optional.)

2. Steens Mountain

Located in Harney County, this remote mountain is a spectacular slice of Oregon Wilderness. Steens Mountain is a great place for hiking, camping, backpacking, viewing wildlife, and more.

1. Hug Point

Hug Point is a historic, little-known hidden gem on the Oregon Coast. This gorgeous beach is a positively magical, and there's even a small waterfall that pours right onto the sand.

Find out about some of Oregon's most beautiful hidden waterfalls here.