These 11 Hidden Gems In Oregon Hold Historic Keys To The Past

Located in southwest Portland, this stunning, historic mansion overlooks the entire city. Stroll in the garden outside, take in the views, and explore the inside of this amazing, well-preserved mansion that dates back more than 100 years.

Shaniko is an incredible ghost town located in Wasco County. Shaniko was platted during Oregon's gold rush and is one of the most amazing ghost towns in all of Oregon; visiting it will make you feel like you've transported back in time.

This incredible shipwreck is located on a beach near Hammond in northwestern Oregon. The Peter Iredale was wrecked over 100 years ago, and you can still go visit the ruins to this day.

Located in John Day, the Kam Wah Chung Heritage Site is an wonderful, unique museum. Once a Chinese apothecary, general store, and community center, this building was built in the 1870s and has hardly been touched since it closed in the 1950s. Nowadays, you can take a tour of the building to experience a slice of Oregon history.

Fort Clatsop - home of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park - is a fascinating place to visit. Long ago, Lewis and Clark spent a significant amount of time at this camp at the mouth of the Columbia River. Here, you'll find a replica of the fort where you can learn about the fort's history, Lewis and Clark's journey, and more.

Located in the Willamette National Forest at the top of the historic McKenzie Pass, Dee Wright Observatory is an incredible structure made of lava stone that offers stunning views of the surrounding Cascades. Built in 1935, this rustic observatory will blow you away.

Located in Jackson County, this charming small town began as a gold rush community. Jacksonville is home to over 100 historic, well-preserved buildings, and in 1966 the entire downtown area was named a National Historic Landmark.

This stunning national monument in Wheeler and Grant County will blow you away with its fascinating natural history as well as its otherworldly beauty. The rugged landscape is home to the famous Painted Hills, a unique landform made of layers of ancient, colorful soils and minerals that show how the terrain has changed over thousands of years. This site is also home to an enormous number of fossils, many of which can be seen at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.

Located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in eastern Oregon, the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute is an incredible museum and learning center that entwines past, present, and future in interactive multimedia exhibitions that offer a look into the history, traditions, and present culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes. Here you'll find amazing artifacts, artworks, folklore, and more. There are also numerous temporary exhibits and events; check out the museum's website to find out more.

Fort Astoria, also known as Fort George, is located near Astoria on the Columbia River. Built in 1811, the fort was originally a large trading post for the Pacific Fur Company. It's thought to be the first settlement on the west coast that was owned by European-Americans. This place will blow you away with its fascinating history.

Located just outside of Baker City, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a wonderful museum and learning center as well as the site of amazingly preserved wagon ruts left behind from the original Oregon Trail.