I love the summers in Oregon. Whether you spend time exploring the coast, heading into the mountains, or playing at a lake, there are so many delightful things to do and see. In fact, with all of the summer activities you can choose from, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming as you build your bucket list. That’s where we come in. Below is an extensive list of fun things to do in Oregon in summer from visiting small towns and exploring state parks to lounging on some of the best beaches and attending highly-anticipated festivals. There’s nothing quite like the summer in Oregon.
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Oregon
There is no better time to get out and explore the Beaver State than in the summer. While there are dozens of places you could choose for an unforgettable vacation destination, the following are places you need to visit at least once during this time of the year. Whether you travel across the state or you simply plan a staycation, you’ll have a hard time leaving the following four destinations.
1. Oceanside
Location: Tillamook County
Popularity: Not very popular
Need To Know: This town does not offer many services but Tillamook is approximately 10 miles away.
Oceanside is a hidden gem that you’ll be grateful to discover. It is also one of my favorite places to visit along the Oregon Coast. Here, you’ll find a quiet, beautiful beach, close proximity to state parks, and a slower, relaxing pace. Three Arch Rocks are located just offshore and create a gorgeous scene from almost anywhere in town. You can also walk to Tunnel Beach, grab food at one of the local restaurants in town, and search for wildlife.
2. Lincoln City
Location: Lincoln County
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: During the summer months this coastal town comes alive. Because of this, you’ll want to make accommodation reservations far in advance.
Lincoln City is one of the more well-known coastal towns in Oregon and it is charming in every single way. While you can walk around town and enjoy the many local shops and businesses, you may find that you spend most of your time at the beach. Lincoln City is home to seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, which is more than any other coastal town in Oregon. In fact, the beach in Lincoln City is considered one of the best beaches in Oregon.
3. Chiloquin
Location: Klamath County
Popularity: Not very popular
Need To Know: This is one vacation destination where a vehicle is needed to get from one outdoor destination to the next.
If you want some time away from the coast but still be in the midst of Oregon’s natural beauty, Chiloquin will not disappoint. This small town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. During a visit here, you can spend time on the Williamson River, fish or paddle on Klamath Lake, admire Klamath Falls, and even venture to Crater Lake. Chiloquin is also home to Collier Memorial State Park, which features a fascinating outdoor museum of historic logging equipment, a relocated pioneer village, and more.
4. Trillium Lake
Location: 7.5 miles southwest of Mount Hood
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: Motorized boats are not allowed on this lake.
If you want to enjoy Oregon’s beauty at its finest, a visit to Trillium Lake is an absolute must. This gorgeous lake has views of Mount Hood in the distance, beautiful water, and forest everywhere you look. You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a painting when you visit. Fish, swim, and paddle, during your visit. And, if you want to turn a day trip into an overnight adventure, stay at the Trillium Lake Campground, which may be one of the most beautiful campgrounds in Oregon.
Best Beaches To Visit In Oregon This Summer
Oregon’s coastline is picturesque and people travel all over the country to spend time enjoying its beauty. The coast is more than 300 miles long, resulting in dozens of beaches to explore. The following are just three of the best Oregon beaches and some of my personal favorites to visit each summer in Oregon.
5. Cannon Beach
Location: Cannon Beach
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: Each June, this beach is home to an annual sandcastle contest. I also recommend you visit at low tide when you will easily find sea stars and anemones in the tide pools.
Cannon Beach is one of the most well-known and easily recognizable beaches in Oregon. Here, you will find several gorgeous sea stacks including the prominent Haystack Rock, which is a 235-foot-tall sea stack that is believed to be more than 16 million years old. As you walk along this beach, you’ll find soft sand, driftwood, and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the view. Plus, near the beach, you’ll find all types of businesses and amenities such as Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, one of the best seafood restaurants in Oregon.
6. Short Sand Beach
Location: Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Oswald West State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Oregon so expect to share the beach with others.
Located in Oswald West State Park is the beautiful and popular Short Sand Beach. This area is unique as the beach actually lies in a cove that is surrounded by forest and sandstone cliffs. Don’t be surprised if you see surfers in the water and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Keep in mind that there is a short walk through the forest to reach this beach.
7. Bandon Beaches
Location: Coos County
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: In addition to the incredible beaches, visit Old Town Bandon. This is 10 blocks of shopping, history, dining, and more.
It is hard to choose just one favorite beach in the small town of Bandon in southern Oregon — the beaches are some of this Oregon town’s most popular destinations. You’ll find mesmerizing sea stacks, soft sand, and all types of wildlife. Plus, you can access the various beaches from all around town, making it easy to spend some time next to the water.
Parks To Visit In Oregon This Summer
If you are searching for family things to do in Oregon in summer, there is nothing like exploring a national or state park. With 361 state parks in Oregon and one national park, the number of destinations to add to your bucket list is extensive. The following are three parks to visit in Oregon this summer, and while they may be quite popular, you’ll never regret a visit.
8. Cape Lookout State Park
Location: Tillamook
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: If you plan to camp at this state park, you can make reservations up to six months in advance.
Cape Lookout State Park is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular hiking destination, and we recommend the Cape Trail, which follows the Cape Lookout Ridge and provides you with gorgeous ocean views. This is also a popular park for beachcombing and picnics. The year-round campground is a fabulous place to stay as there are full hook-up sites, tent sites, yurts, deluxe cabins, and more.
9. Silver Falls State Park
Location: Near Silverton
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: The North Rim Trail is a one-mile, accessible trail that is 6 feet wide and has a compact surface. This trail offers an excellent view of the North Falls.
Silver Falls State Park may be one of the most popular and well-known state parks in Oregon. It is also one of the largest. There are more than 9,000 acres to explore and it is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Beaver State. During your visit, take the Trail of Ten Falls. This is a popular hike that takes you past 10 of the park’s waterfalls.
10. Crater Lake National Park
Location: Near Klamath Falls
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: A pass to visit the park in a private vehicle between May 22 and October 31 is $30.
Would a list of the best summer activities be complete without mention of Crater Lake National Park? I don’t think so. Crater Lake is one of the most incredible natural features of Oregon. It is the deepest lake in the United States (1,949 feet deep!) and is known for its cold, clean waters. During the summer, there is so much to do here from hiking and fishing to stargazing and taking a scenic drive. We also recommend checking out the trolley and boat tours.
Best Free Summer Activities
Summer doesn’t have to be the season where you spend loads of money. There are many cheap things to do in Oregon in summer such as lake days and scenic drives. The following are just a few of the fun things to do in Oregon in summer that won’t cost you a fortune.
11. Wander the International Rose Test Garden
Location: Portland
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: The purpose of this garden is to be a testing ground for new rose varieties.
While the International Rose Test Garden offers gorgeous views throughout the year, summer is the best for admiring beautiful roses. As you walk around, you will find more than 10,000 rose bushes and 610 varieties of roses. During your visit, wander around on your own or take a free public tour that is offered daily throughout the summer months. Keep in mind that the International Rose Test Garden sits within Washington Park, which is also home to attractions like the Hoyt Arboretum, the Portland Children’s Museum, and numerous trails, statues, and more.
12. Hike through Forest Park
Location: Portland
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: There are more than 40 access points to this park and parking conditions at the many trailheads vary. Carpooling is recommended as parking can be limited.
You’ll want to put on your hiking boots when you visit Forest Park in Portland. This unique park features 5,200 acres and is a refuge for wildlife and plant species. At this Portland destination, you will find more than 80 miles of trails where you can immerse yourself in nature without traveling far outside of the city. If you are looking for a short adventure, consider the Skyline Cruise Loop Trail and for something a little longer, we recommend the Maple and Wildwood Trail Loop.
13. Drive through the Columbia River Gorge
Location: Forms the border between Washington and Oregon
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Some stops, such as Multnomah Falls, do require a small fee and reservations.
A scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge may be one of our favorite road trips in Oregon. This area is known as the “Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest” and as you explore, you'll quickly see why. In just 75 miles, you will drive past numerous scenic viewpoints and charming small towns. There are also dozens of waterfalls along this route including the popular and breathtaking Multnomah Falls. While you can drive through the gorge in an afternoon, take your time and make plenty of stops — there are gems hiding all over this breathtaking area.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Oregon
If you are looking for something unique and entertaining to do on a summer day in the Beaver State, consider attending a local event. While there are many festivals throughout the summer months, the following are two of our favorites. You’ll definitely want to mark your calendars so you don’t miss them.
14. Festival of Balloons
Location: Tigard
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: You must purchase tickets for this festival as it is a fundraiser for multiple non-profit organizations in Tigard.
The Festival of Balloons may be one of the best family things to do in Oregon in summer. This highly-anticipated event takes place in June and for three days, the sky will be filled with colorful hot air balloons ... but that’s just the beginning. There are food vendors, carnival rides, a night glow, beer garden, kids' zone, and so much more.
15. Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival
Location: Lincoln City
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: You cannot fly your own kite at the festival. However, you are welcome to fly your kite at other locations along the beach.
One of our favorite annual events is the Summer Kite Festival in Lincoln City. For two days at the D River State Recreation Site, you can watch kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky. There are performances by professional kite flyers and workshops to help you perfect your skills and even learn how to make your own kite. Enjoy carnival games, kite displays, and more during this event — you won’t want to miss it.
What are your favorite Oregon summer activities? What are your favorite free things to do in Oregon in summer? Did they make our list? Let us know in the comments. And, if you are searching for even more things to do, check out our collection of summertime articles. Here, you’ll find even more ideas for your bucket list.
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