13 Trips Everyone In Oregon Should Take At Least Once
From visiting ghost towns to chasing waterfalls, there are countless incredible adventures to be had in the Beaver State. Rather than waste time searching day trips near me in Oregon, check out this list of 13 unforgettable Oregon trips to add to your must-visit list. Offering up a little bit of something for everyone, there are waterfall hikes, treehouse accommodations, and so much more. Consider this to be your ultimate Oregon bucket list, especially for anyone looking to add some natural beauty to life.
13. Drive along the rim of the legendary Crater Lake.
Crater Lake is one of the most phenomenal places in the country, let alone the state of Oregon. This mountaintop lake is the deepest in the U.S., and its water is the bluest blue you'll ever see. You can drive all the way around the rim of the immense crater on a byway called Rim Drive (stopping at the many viewpoints along the way, of course). There are also a number of places to camp or book a room nearby if you feel like extending your trip.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
Live out the childhood fantasy of spending the night in a treehouse at this unique B&B in southwestern Oregon. Out'n'About Treesort offers visitors the wonderful opportunity of renting their own little cabin in the treetops. This is one of those must-visit places in Oregon that the whole family will love.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
11. Explore the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Located on the northern rim of Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular place to visit. The huge, dramatic canyon is full of countless beautiful waterfalls -- some hidden, some in plain sight. You could spend days hiking from magical waterfall to magical waterfall. Here's a photo of the jaw-dropping Multnomah Falls, which just so happens to be the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
10. Walk the dusty streets of Oregon's most incredible ghost town, Shaniko.
Located in Wasco County, Shaniko is an amazing ghost town that is very much intact to this day. History lives on in this mostly abandoned town, which is complete with numerous abandoned buildings, the rusting ruins of old cars, a museum, and more.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
The charming town of Cottage Grove is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon. See all 6 bridges for yourself on a gorgeous driving or biking tour through the countryside.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
8. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park.
Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Silver Falls State Park is a stunning place full of lush foliage, dramatic canyons, and majestic waterfalls. One of the very best ways to experience the beauty of this unique state park is taking the Trail of Ten Falls trek, which, as its name suggests, leads past (and sometimes behind) ten gorgeous waterfalls. For less avid hikers, there are plenty of shorter hikes through the area, as well as a lovely campsite and rustic cabins where you can stay overnight.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
7. Experience the metropolitan lifestyle of Portland.
Located in Northwest Oregon, the wonderful city of Portland has something for everyone. You can experience the delicious food scene, check out the art museum, explore Washington Park, shop around at the Saturday Market, and so much more in this vibrant, unique city.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
Located in central Oregon near the city of Bend, Smith Rock is an incredible state park full of stunning geological formations, hiking trails, and more. The park is well-known for its amazing rock climbing spots, but it's also a great place to camp, stargaze, or simply see the sights.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
5. Experience the one-of-a-kind Pendleton Round-Up.
Every year, the historic town of Pendleton hosts the Pendleton Round-Up, a wonderful week-long festival featuring rodeos, music, vendors, pageants, pow-wows, and more.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
The Painted Hills are an amazing unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Located in Wheeler County, this natural wonder is otherworldly. Taking a walk through the ancient, colorful landscape will make you feel like you're on another planet entirely. For anyone looking for the best day trips near me in Oregon, this one might just be the most magical of all.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
3. Have an unforgettable beach day at Cannon Beach.
I believe that every Oregonian should see the iconic Haystack Rock at some point in their life. Cannon Beach is one of many gorgeous places to visit on the Oregon coast, and it's a perfect location for a lovely beach day (or extended vacation).
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
2. Take a walk through the Oregon Caves.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Located in southwestern Oregon, the Oregon Caves National Monument is a unique hidden gem. A mile-long path leads through the incredible cave, adorned with thousands of astounding stalactites and stalagmites. You'll never forget a trip to this otherworldly place. To make a weekend trip out of it, book a room at the historic Oregon Caves Chateau.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
1. Spend a weekend tasting wine in the Willamette Valley.
Home to over 500 vineyards and wineries, the Willamette Valley is Oregon's very own wine country. For a relaxing vacation, book a room at a local B&B and spend a few days exploring the beautiful countryside, tasting some of the best wines in all of Oregon.
To learn more about this unique Oregon attraction, click here.
So, can you give up searching for the best “day trips near me in Oregon” and subsist off of this epic list?! Share with us your thoughts in the comments section. Or if you have some more Oregon bucket list spots that you think should be included in this list, shout them out, too!
Learn about a few other best day trips in Oregon here.
Address: Columbia River, Columbia River
Address: Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA
Address: Painted Hills, Oregon 97750, USA
Address: Shaniko, OR 97037, USA
Address: Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Address: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Address: Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Address: Portland, OR, USA
Address: 300 Page Creek Rd, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Address: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Address: Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Oregon
August 23, 2021
Marisa Roman
What are the best local attractions in Oregon?
Some of the best day trips in Oregon involve visiting the lesser-known, local attractions. Nothing allows you to get a true feel for visiting a state than by checking out the smaller attractions, especially those that are a bit different than the others. For example, these 8 bizarre roadside attractions in Oregon are strange and wonderful all at once. A giant 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue? Sign us up!
What underrated places in Oregon should I visit?
Round out your Oregon bucket list with a few of those underrated trips that sometimes locals don’t even know about. We have 15 underrated places in Oregon that are truly spectacular and often off-the-beaten-path. From Steens Mountain Wilderness to the natural beauty of Wallowa Lake, there are so many underrated gems in Oregon to explore.
What unique tours in Oregon can I take?
Isn’t it great when those must-visit places in Oregon also offer tours?! We love having a guided professional enlighten us about a place so that we can learn all the inside scoop. For instance, did you know the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon has a tour with a tasting room? Or how about Tillamook Cheese Factory, where you can learn all about the cheesemaking process? Take a fun factory tour of these 8 places in Oregon.
Address: Columbia River, Columbia River
Address: Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA
Address: Painted Hills, Oregon 97750, USA
Address: Shaniko, OR 97037, USA
Address: Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Address: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Address: Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Address: Portland, OR, USA
Address: 300 Page Creek Rd, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Address: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Address: Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
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