Just to the east of Portland lies this incredible state park that, if you haven't explored yet, you must add to your 2018 bucket list. Located on the Columbia Gorge, Beacon Rock State Park is on the Washington side of the river, making it still accessible after the devastating fire season of 2017.
Beacon Rock State Park is located a little over 30 miles east of the city.
The site was actually a stop on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, and is notable as one of the first places that tides were measured on the river, giving the explorers a sign that they were getting close to the ocean.
One of the top perks of living in Portland is that you are a day trip or less away from some of the most visually stunning sights of nature on the planet. The best part is that you get a little bit of everything: giant boulders, luscious greenery, barren deserts, and majestic bodies of water. Here's a list of some of the best state parks to visit in and near Portland, Oregon.
Located in Terrebonne, about two hours out of the city, is this spaghetti western lookalike. With miles of hiking routes and rock climbing, you can see the awe-inspiring river canyons and boulders. For avid hikers and adventure seekers, the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park is a must.
It's hard to choose what is more enjoyable; the sound of melodic waves of the the Pacific, or the sight of giant offshore boulders stemming directly from the water?
Silver Falls State Park is typically known for its ravishing waterfall, but its surrounding beauty is something you cannot miss! With over 20 miles of trails, this is the perfect place to go hiking or bike riding. We absolutely adore this state park in Oregon, and think it's the best state park in the Beaver State!
Nestled in between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a magnificent range of cliffs, with outstanding hidden coves and views of the Pacific Ocean. We especially love Crescent Beach, a secluded little beach near this beautiful state park.
Distance from Portland: 82 miles west
5. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - Reedsport
The Oregon Dunes is the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes on the continent, covering almost 40 miles of coastline in central Oregon. In terms of otherworldliness, Oregon Dunes wins. The area is actually part of the Siuslaw National Forest; and not only are the Oregon Dunes the largest concentration of coastal dunes in all of North America, they're one of the largest temperate coastal dunes in the entire world. The dunes were created more than 100,000 years ago, when Mother Nature conjured something marvelous out of just wind and water. Over time, grains of sand drifted down the Suislaw River and other mountain rivers, and deposits slowly accumulated, spinning into a surrealist expanse of sand. A place of immense intrigue and mystery, this national park served as the inspiration for Frank Herbert's "Dunes" book series, and the subsequent movie, and it's easy to see why.
This offers an epic adventure, whether it's hiking, horseback riding, or racing a dune buggy!
The Crown Point State Scenic Corridor is the hub of the Columbia River Gorge. It's where millions of visitors go to see one of the most breathtaking views in Oregon every year. It's absolutely a place worthy of every Oregonian's bucket list.
Crater Lake is Oregon's pride and joy, and is a must see for all Portlanders. As the deepest lake in the United States, this caldera (that was formed from a collapsed volcano) is over 2,000 feet deep. Today, Crater Lake National Park attracts upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, inviting all to revel in its resplendence.
Right off Terwilliger Boulevard is a hidden (and perhaps even haunted!) lush forest that is Tryon State Natural Area. Explore aimlessly among the 658 acres of greenery and discover all of the wonderful wildlife that call this place home. Of course, there are otherworldly spirits rumored to call this place home, too. Walk along the North Rim Trail in the early morning hours, and you might smell the scent of freshly-cut pine. Some hikers report hearing the pounding hoofbeats of horses coming right at them. They scramble to get off to the side of the trail, but the hoofbeats suddenly stop.
This natural landmark seems to be growing directly out of the vastness of the Oregon desert. Although it's a bit of a trek from Portland, you must come here for an adventurous hike around the gigantic semi-circle of a boulder.
This is exactly what it means to be a beach in the Pacific Northwest: a grassy forest and the sandy beach being within steps of each other. Either way, we simply adore Nehalem Bay State Park -- especially for camping!
Distance from Portland: 86 miles west
There are so many inexplicably beautiful state parks to visit near Portland. What do you think are the best state parks in Portland and the surrounding area?
We only have one state park in the city and it is a true gem. If you have never ventured to Tryon Creek State Natural Area, you should definitely change that soon. This lovely park features over 650 acres of second-growth forest for you to explore and is just 15 minutes from downtown.
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Whether you like hiking or biking, this forested park is a great place to start a fun adventure.
