No matter how you feel about the cold weather, there’s no denying that Oregon can be a pretty fun place to be during the winter months. From epic snow tubing hills to magical horse-drawn carriage rides, there are plenty of delightful winter adventures in the Beaver State. So don’t fret about the cold weather; instead, plan some winter activities in Oregon this season!

1. Enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow.
Sunriver, OR 97707, USA
Facebook/Sunriver Resort
Have you ever dreamt of dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh? Your dream can become a reality at Sunriver Stables. This delightful winter adventure will take you past the Deschutes River and through snow-covered meadows and picturesque forests. For details and more information, click here.
2. Take a ride down an epic snow tubing hill.
Mt. Hood Skibowl West, Oregon 97028, USA
Facebook/Cosmic Tubing
The world’s only cosmic tubing hill is at Mt. Hood Skibowl, and you'll definitely want to visit. Cosmic tubing nights feature more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, a DJ, and more. This is one winter adventure the whole family can enjoy. For more information, click here.
3. Go on a river walk.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Abhishek Dan/Google Local
Oregon in winter has no shortage of beautiful hikes and picture-perfect trails, from the high desert to the Oregon Coast, the lush forests to the bustling cities. While a city hike might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your next Beaver State adventure, it really should. Portland, in fact, is home to one of the best river walks in the country; and the beautiful Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is positively perfect in the wintertime!
4. Go on a dog sledding adventure.
Oregon Trail of Dreams, 16 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway Bend, OR 97701 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97701, USA
Facebook/Oregon Trail of Dreams
Experience an exhilarating winter wonderland adventure this holiday season at the Oregon Trail of Dreams on Mount Bachelor. This dog sled ride will take you past magical, snowy landscapes. For details and directions click here.

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5. Spend the night at the enchanting Timberline Lodge.
Timberline Lodge, 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Facebook/Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
The historic Timberline Lodge is a positively magical winter retreat. This breathtaking mountain resort is a National Historic Landmark and was even featured in the movie The Shining. With world-class ski runs just outside your door, this is the perfect launchpad for your winter in Oregon adventures. For details and directions, click here.
6. See all the holiday lights.
Facebook/Friends of Shore Acres
From the Christmas Festival of Lights in The Grotto to the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights, there are countless dazzling holiday light displays scattered all across Oregon. A night at one of these enchanting displays is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
7. Visit a reindeer farm.
Timberview Avenue, Timberview Ave, Springfield Township, OH 45502, USA
Facebook/TImberview Farm
The North Pole isn't the only place you can find reindeer! Visit Timberview Farms in Springfield for a fun day with Santa's reindeer. For details and directions, click here.
8. Spend an afternoon playing in the snow.
Table Mountain Road, Table Mountain Rd, Oregon 97520, USA
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
You don't have to visit a fancy lodge to have fun in the snow; Southern Oregon’s Table Mountain Winter Play Area is the perfect place for you and your family to while away a wintry afternoon. This park has an epic snow hill for snow tubing and sledding, and you can roast up some marshmallows over one of the nearby fire pits. For details and directions, click here.
9. Recharge by doing some relaxing
Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa, 2149 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232, USA
Facebook/Zama Massage
From forest bathing and axe throwing to floating tea rooms and salt caves, there are lots of ways to relax and recharge here in Oregon! Portland's Zama Massage is not your average spa. Here, visitors can indulge in salt cave therapy. This unique and relaxing experience is said to be a deeply healing practice and is perfect for curing those winter blues. For more information, click here.

How many of these winter day trips in Oregon have you done before? Will you add any things to do in Oregon in the winter to your bucket list? Take a look at these 11 spots in Oregon to explore this winter. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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winter day trips in Oregon

Sarah | December 23, 2021

What are some fun day trips in Oregon?

Fun day trips in Oregon include:

  • Crater Lake
  • Multnomah Falls
  • Columbia River Gorge
  • Cannon Beach
  • Silver Falls State Park
  • The SAGE Center
  • Matterhorn Village
  • Museum of National and Cultural History
  • Portland Japanese Garden

Adventures abound here in the Beaver State, particularly those of the day trip variety. From vast high deserts to lush alpine forests, Oregon is home to countless amazing places to explore, offering adventurers a whole menu of amazing day trip destinations! Whether it’s hiking under waterfalls, taking a drive through the rolling hills of wine country, or visit some of the Beaver State’s most cherished natural wonders, these 13 unforgettable Oregon day trips are sure to fan the flames of your wanderlust. In terms of must-visit Oregon wonders, Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, Cannon Beach, and Silver Falls State Park are all must-visits; if you're looking for some fun *indoor* day trip destinations, we like places such as The SAGE Center, Matterhorn Village, the Museum of National and Cultural History, and the Portland Japanese Garden, among others.

What are things to do during the winter in Oregon?

Things to do during the winter in Oregon include:

  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides

The winter recreation scene in Oregon is particularly strong, with the state boasting some truly superlative options in terms of skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. And while we're all for those tried-and-true activities, we suggest checking out some of Oregon's more unique cold-weather offerings, such as the horse-drawn sleigh ride offered at Odell Lake Lodge & Resort. At this lovely little resort, guests can opt for a sleigh ride through Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest, for an experience that’s nothing short of magical. It's a wondrous way to enjoy winter in Oregon that you won't ever forget!

What's a fun place to visit during the winter in Oregon?

Fun places to visit during the winter in Oregon include:

  • Bend
  • Mount Bachelor

Of all the towns in the Pacific Northwest, Bend truly has it all. This beautiful town in south-central Oregon is known far and wide for its amazing outdoor recreation, which is on a whole other level during the wintertime. Swap your hiking boots for skis as you take on Mt. Bachelor, a dormant volcano that's now home to 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. Don snowshoes during a guided winter hike with Wanderlust Tours. Or simply sit back in a charming Bend accommodation that's known for its retro vibes and cozy campfires. We promise you'll feel all warm and welcome in this adorable Oregon town, even during the coldest months of the year.

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