The 11 Most Incredible Adventures You Can Only Have In Oregon’s State Parks

It's nearly impossible to imagine Oregon without its beautiful and wild natural spaces. We're lucky that so many of these places are protected and cherished by the state park system. From visiting abandoned shipwrecks to hiking under waterfalls, there are countless amazing adventures to be had in Oregon's beautiful state parks. Here are 11 of the best and most memorable state parks to visit in Oregon. Adventure awaits!

1. Experience the Painted Hills.

Though not technically within the state parks system (the Painted Hills are actually part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument) Oregon's Painted Hills are a spectacular natural wonder and a fabulous place to visit. Take a scenic stroll between ancient rolling hills striped with vibrant, otherworldly colors. Find out more here.

2. Go whitewater rafting at Valley of the Rogue State Park.

One classic activity in Oregon is going white water rafting, and there's arguably no better place to do that than the wondrous Rogue River. Valley of the Rogue State Park is a gorgeous section of southern Oregon with plenty of unforgettable options for river activities. In fact, Valley of the Rogue State Park may just be the most underrated state park in Oregon.

3. Hike Neahkahnie Mountain at Oswald West State Park.

The hike to the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain is a wondrous adventure that'll blow anyone away. There are a few different hiking options to get to the top, ranging from roughly 3-8 miles in length. No matter which route you choose, the views you'll have of Oswald West State Park and beyond will drop your jaw. Find out more here.

4. Take a dip in Wallowa Lake at Wallowa Lake State Park.

Tucked into the amazing Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a spectacular year-round destination. Here, you can swim, hike, boat, camp, and much more, all the while soaking in some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state. Learn more about what makes this such a fantastic swimming hole in Oregon.

5. Walk to the top of Cape Blanco lighthouse at Cape Blanco State Park.

Located on the southern Oregon Coast, Cape Blanco State Park is home to the Cape Blanco lighthouse, a beautiful, historic tower overlooking the vast blue sea. Visitors get the unique opportunity to take a $2 tour of the lighthouse, walking all the way up to the top. There's also a campground, hiking trails, picnic sites, and more. While you're in the area, be sure to check out the charming town of Port Orford.

6. Hike to Elowah Falls at John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor.

Tucked away in the Columbia River Gorge, John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor is a small state park you may not have heard of. However, it is home to the stunning Elowah Falls, a 240' cascade that flows into a basalt amphitheater hidden in the woods. A lovely 1.4-mile hike will get you there and back. Find out more here.

7. Camp at Sunset Bay State Park.

Sunset Bay State Park is a gorgeous hidden gem on the coast near Coos Bay. It's a great place for swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. The campground is just a stone's throw from the beach and features lovely sites as well as yurts that you can rent for a more glamorous camping experience. Find out more about camping at Sunset Bay here.

8. Go rock climbing (or hike the amazing Misery Ridge) at Smith Rock State Park.

Smith Rock State Park is one of Oregon's most magical natural wonders. This incredible landscape can be found in Central Oregon near Redmond, and is home to the most dramatic geological formations. It's a popular place for rock climbing, and it also features a number of breathtaking hikes, including the amazing 3.8-mile Misery Ridge. Find out more here.

9. Visit the amazing Peter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park.

Located at the northwestern tip of Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park is a unique place where you'll find beautiful hikes, an abandoned military fort, and a long sandy beach that's home to the Peter Iredale, a 100-year-old shipwreck that is incredible to behold. Find out more about this fascinating place here.

10. Watch the crashing waves at Shore Acres State Park.

Located on the Oregon Coast, Shore Acres State Park is a wonderful place that features both an exquisite botanical garden and a stunning stretch of cliffs from which you can look out over the pacific ocean as waves crash ferociously into jagged rocks down below. Find out more here.

11. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park.

Last but not least on our list of some of the most stunning state parks to visit in Oregon is Silver Falls State Park. Full of gorgeous canyons, lush forests, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is Oregon's largest state park. Located near Silverton, It's home to the legendary Trail of Ten Falls, a leisurely 9-mile loop hike that winds through dramatic scenery past 10 waterfalls (leading right behind a few of them). You can hike the whole trail or just a section of it, as there are many places to get on or off the trail. Find out more about this amazing hike here.

Do you agree that these are some of the best state parks to visit in Oregon? Are there any others that you would add to the list? If so, feel free to let us know in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more outdoor inspiration, check out the Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Oregon’s Natural Beauty – Waterfalls, Beaches, Hikes, And More!