Located in Central Oregon, Paulina Lake is an amazing hidden gem that will drop your jaw. This unique destination is a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate surrounded by beautiful scenery. Check it out:
Paulina Lake is a huge basin of glittering turquoise water located high up in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
It's an extraordinary Central Oregon destination, and a perfect place for an unforgettable day trip.
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There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including biking, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and more.
You can hike along the edge of the lake, or check out one of the other gorgeous hikes in the area. As you walk along the lakeshore, you may come across a hidden hot spring located right at the edge of the water.
You can also take a relaxing boat ride, but keep in mind that there's a boating speed limit of 10mph.
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If you want to stay the night, you can pitch a tent at one of the campsites located along the edge of the lake or book a cabin at the Paulina Lake Lodge.
Here's a view of the lake and surrounding landscape, photographed from the summit of Paulina Peak:
There are many reasons to visit Crater Lake in Oregon. The deepest and cleanest body of water in the country, Crater Lake is an immensely beautiful natural treasure. Within Crater Lake National Park, opportunities for outdoor adventure abound, many of which are the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences of bucket-list dreams. There are also some truly extraordinary accommodations in and around the park, which only add to the experience. But there's another reason to visit Crater Lake: pie. Yes, pie. You see, just 10 miles from this world-famous national park, there's another world-famous wonder. The Beckie's Café reviews are in! Come along as we show you why you MUST try the huckleberry pies (and the others, too!) at this long-time Beaver State favorite!
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Beckie's Café is a longstanding institution near the small town of Prospect, Oregon.
It's located just 10 miles from Crater Lake National Park, but folks often come to this area just for the pies. Sorry, Crater Lake!
Beckie's has been a beloved destination since 1926.
Beckie's boasts a full menu of delicious options perfect for fueling up before and after your Crater Lake exploits.
The deli sandwiches are superb, and the breakfast plates are in a league of their own!
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But what Beckie's is best known for is pie.
And while all of the pies at this Oregon bakery are delightful, at Beckie's, you really only need to try one kind of pie...
... the huckleberry pie!
What makes these pies so special? !
Well, they really are the sum of their parts: the experience of dining in a historic lodge, an old family recipe, wild berries picked from the forest behind the restaurant, an impossibly buttery crust... it's all of these things!
And when topped with a heaping scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream?
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Heaven on a plate!
To be fair, there are *other* varieties of pies at Beckie's Café, but none quite compares to the huckleberry.
Have you ever tried the huckleberry pie from Beckie's Café in Oregon before? What did you think? Did you sample any of their other pies? Which ones were your favorites? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
Looking for a fabulous outdoor adventure day trip in Oregon? Head to the Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton. Cooper Mountain Nature Park is run by the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District and offers 232.55 acres to explore, including 3.23 miles of trails. The stunning park, which overlooks the scenic Tualatin River Valley, showcases different types of habitats, such as a conifer forest, prairie, and oak woodlands. You'll also be greeted by spectacular views of the Chehalem Mountains.
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Touring Cooper Mountain Nature Park is a great way to spend a day.
This park is fabulous year-round and is open daily from dusk to dawn.
Lookout points offer expansive, scenic views.
Park leadership continues to "restore habitat, monitor wildlife, maintain hiking trails, and provide nature education programs to visitors of all ages."
Enjoy walking through nature's best: lush green ground cover, towering trees, bird calls, and majestic skies.
Everywhere you turn, you'll be immersed in the beauty of nature.
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In the warmer months, look for bright wildflowers in shades of purple, blue, and more.
I can't wait for another visit!
For more information about the park, visit the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District's Cooper Mountain Nature Park webpage. Stop in at the Cooper Mountain Nature House, where you'll find a variety of classes, events, and other programming. There is also a great nature play area for littles to enjoy. If your visit to the park includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks and/or bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas.
We'd love to know how you enjoyed your trip to Mt. Tabor Park, so please leave a comment to let us know about your experience. Also, feel free to share your favorite off-the-beaten-path spots to enjoy Oregon's natural beauty, too.