10 Amazing State Parks Around Portland That Will Blow You Away
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 in Portland and the surrounding area:
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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.
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.
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.
Distance from Portland: 82 miles west
5. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - Reedsport, OR
The Oregon Dunes is the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes on the continent, covering almost 40 miles of coastline in central Oregon. This offers an epic adventure, weather it's hiking, horseback riding, or racing a dune buggy!
Distance from Portland: 191 miles southwest
6. Crown Point State Scenic Corridor - Corbett, OR
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.
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.
Right off Terwilliger Boulevard is a hidden 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.
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.
