11 Legitimately Fun Things You Can Do In Oregon Without Spending A Dime
“The best things in life are free.” You’ve heard the saying before. Here in Oregon, it’s absolutely true! There are plenty of incredible experiences to be had in the Beaver State where you won’t have to spend a dime. From taking advantage of Oregon’s 100% public beaches to tasting beer at an award-winning brewery, here are 11 incredible activities in Oregon that are totally free.
Portland's International Rose Test Garden is a truly magical place, and it's free to the public. Stroll through a beautifully manicured garden containing more than 500 varieties of roses. Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205
See where the magic happens at Deschutes Brewery on a free guided tour of the facilities (including beer samples). Address: 901 SW Simpson Ave., Bend, OR 97702
My personal favorite thing to do when I'm low on cash is to go on a hike. Oregon is full of amazing hiking trails of all varieties and difficultly levels. There can be expenses, like gas money and parking fees, but if you do a little research you'll find that Oregon's cities and towns are woven with hiking trails where you won't even have to leave town to escape into nature. (Pictured above: Abiqua Falls).
One of those hidden gem hiking areas is the wonderful Spencer Butte in Eugene. There's also Lithia Park in Ashland and Forest Park in Portland, to name a few.
One great way to spend an afternoon is to check out your local art galleries. Don't know where to start? Walk around the Pearl District in downtown Portland. You'll find tons of amazing galleries that are totally free to visit.
The Oregon Coast is incredible any time of year; plus, the beaches are 100% public.
Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state in the country, and they're absolutely worth a visit. Here's a photo of the incredible ghost town of Shaniko, located just off U.S. Route 97 in Wasco County.
This amazing natural wonder is located right off Interstate 84 and the Columbia River Highway in the majestic Columbia River Gorge. There are no parking or entry fees, and the experience of walking up to the historic Benson Bridge (or to the top of the falls, if you're feeling adventurous) is totally out of this world.
There are many great places to go birdwatching in Oregon. A few great places to see some amazing winged creatures are Yaquina Head, Sauvie Island, and Malheur Wildlife Refuge, among others.
Take a free self-guided tour of the massive Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook County, where 171,000 pounds of delicious cheese is made each day. Address: 4175 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141
There's no better late night entertainment than the stars in the sky. On a clear night, grab a friend and/or loved one and go somewhere in the countryside to see the magical display of the night sky. It's a simple pleasure, but a treasured one.
Feel like getting outdoors? Check out these 16 epic outdoorsy things anyone in Oregon can do.
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