People Live Their Whole Lives in Oregon and Somehow Miss These 5 Places

Oregonians don’t tend to shy away from praising their state, quirks and all. However, there are places that even locals have a hard time getting to, usually due to location, seasonal issues, or merely an underrated status. Here are five such places in Oregon that deserve to be more popular with tourists and locals alike.

1. The Oregon Garden, Silverton

With more than 100 acres, this botanical garden focuses on the ecology of the Pacific Northwest. There are themed gardens, art installations, educational systems, greenhouses, seasonal markets, and even concerts. There are also important trees such as the Hiroshima Peace Tree and the Signature Oak (over 400 years old). However, due to the garden’s close proximity to Silver Falls State Park, it tends to fall under the radar when compared to the multiple neighboring waterfalls.

2. Owyhee Canyonlands, southeastern Oregon

When one thinks of Oregon, a desert landscape isn’t necessarily what comes to mind. But, did you know that more than half of the state is technically desert (mainly high desert, to be specific)? Although the Painted Hills are more famous due to their location between Bend and Portland, the Owyhee Canyonlands are worth a visit. This incredible wonder is southeast and shares a border with Idaho—it is quite remote for locals and tourists. This is a shame because if you’re a fan of dramatic canyons that bring the Grand Canyon to mind, this is your place!

3. Wolf Creek Inn, Wolf Creek

This is the oldest operating inn in Oregon, and was an important stop along the stagecoach path from Portland to San Francisco. As a result, it has held many famous customers, like Jack London and Clark Gable. As a result, it is (of course) considered haunted and draws more fans of the paranormal than anything else. But even though we have freeways to replace the stagecoach roads, that doesn’t mean that this place should be forgotten! With historically accurate decor and a popular restaurant, this slice of the past is ready for the present.

4. Yachats (the town)

The interesting thing about this town is that it’s actually nicknamed a "gem" of Oregon, but few tourists or locals can actually say they’ve been there. This is due to its location. Yes, it is on Oregon’s beautiful coast and would seem like a clear target for tourism, but the small town rests between two of the major roads that lead from Oregon’s main highway over to the coast, with many miles and a national forest in between them. But, for those who do visit, they’ll find a charming town flanked by dramatic hills and a rough shoreline, with a love of art and an underrated seafood scene.

5. Hood River Lavender Farms, Hood River County

Picking fresh lavender, shopping for homemade products, finding fun treats for sale, taking in a gorgeous view of Mount Hood… what else could you want? This local farm near Hood River is part of the famous Hood River Fruit Loop and is not only a great U-pick farm, but it’s also a great place to picnic and take a relaxing break.

What do you think of my list? Are there any gems in Oregon you believe should be here? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you. And if you are ready to start planning your next trip, try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.