Is there any place on the planet that can compare to the beauty of Oregon? We think not. Where else can you find majestic forests meeting powerful ocean waves, rolling inland meadows, magnificent mountain peaks, and stunning waterfalls? Oregon pretty much has it all, and here are 13 places that perfectly capture the magic of nature in the Beaver State.
- Mount Hood
junaidrao/flickr The views of Mount Hood are iconically Oregon, but actually being on the mountain provides views unlike any other. Throw in some wildflowers, and you’ve got paradise.
- Devil’s Churn
Flickr/stefernie If you want to get a feel for the truly overwhelming power of the ocean, stand on the rocks (in a safe spot, of course) overlooking Devil’s Churn near Yachats. The crashing, churning water is both exhilarating and terrifying.
- Sweet Creek Gorge
Celeste Ramsay/flickr Just one of many gorgeous spots in the Siuslaw National Forest, this lush, green gorge and waterfall is stunning.
- Crater Lake
Howard Ignatious/flickr Besides its azure waters, one of the best things about Crater Lake is that it’s not full of noisy motor boats. This lake - the deepest in the United States - is truly peaceful.
- Cape Lookout
Loren Kerns/flickr Oregon’s coast is a diverse landscape. At Cape Lookout, the cliffs meet the ocean, and the effect of the waves crashing against the rock is awe-inspiring.
- Tumalo Falls
Bonnie Moreland/flickr If you love waterfalls, Oregon is the state for you. One of the most beautiful is Tumalo Falls, located in Deschutes National Forest River just west of Bend. The picturesque falls tumble 90 feet from the cliffs above Tumalo Creek.
- Sky Lakes Wilderness
Michael (a.k.a. Moik) McCullough/flickr The Sky Lakes Wilderness covers 116,300 acres and is chock-full of natural beauty. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the heart of this wild area, and it’s home to more than 200 ponds and lakes.
- Christmas Valley Dunes
Murray Foubister/flickr No, this isn’t the Sahara; it’s part of an 11,000-acre sand dune system located less than two hours south of Bend. Some of these dunes reach 60 feet tall!
- Columbia River Gorge
Peter Roome/flickr If you want to feel small, look out over the Columbia River Gorge. This stunning, 80-mile-long canyon is surrounded by sheer cliffs soaring as high as 4,000 feet above the valley floor, where the mighty Columbia River carves its path.
- Owyhee River Basin
IIP Photo Archive/flickr The North Fork Owyhee River is located in the remote southeastern part of Oregon, and it’s part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A definite departure from the typical landscape covering much of Oregon, this beautiful place proves that diversity brings even more beauty to the Beaver State.
- Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Bureau of Land Management/flickr Near the California border, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument encompasses 86,774 acres of varied landscape, from dense forest to dry sagebrush.
- Smith Rock State Park
Thomas Shahan/flickr Oregon’s high desert region offers a natural beauty that’s vastly different from the thick forests on the west side of the state. Smith Rock State Park’s sheer basalt cliffs and Crooked River make for an imposing and jaw-dropping landscape.
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Carey Bass-Deschenes/flickr This 12-mile-long corridor along the coast offers some spectacular views of the rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and unique natural bridges.
What’s your favorite place in Oregon? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to share photos from your epic outdoor adventures on our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see your snapshots featured!
junaidrao/flickr
The views of Mount Hood are iconically Oregon, but actually being on the mountain provides views unlike any other. Throw in some wildflowers, and you’ve got paradise.
Flickr/stefernie
If you want to get a feel for the truly overwhelming power of the ocean, stand on the rocks (in a safe spot, of course) overlooking Devil’s Churn near Yachats. The crashing, churning water is both exhilarating and terrifying.
Celeste Ramsay/flickr
Just one of many gorgeous spots in the Siuslaw National Forest, this lush, green gorge and waterfall is stunning.
Howard Ignatious/flickr
Besides its azure waters, one of the best things about Crater Lake is that it’s not full of noisy motor boats. This lake - the deepest in the United States - is truly peaceful.
Loren Kerns/flickr
Oregon’s coast is a diverse landscape. At Cape Lookout, the cliffs meet the ocean, and the effect of the waves crashing against the rock is awe-inspiring.
Bonnie Moreland/flickr
If you love waterfalls, Oregon is the state for you. One of the most beautiful is Tumalo Falls, located in Deschutes National Forest River just west of Bend. The picturesque falls tumble 90 feet from the cliffs above Tumalo Creek.
Michael (a.k.a. Moik) McCullough/flickr
The Sky Lakes Wilderness covers 116,300 acres and is chock-full of natural beauty. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the heart of this wild area, and it’s home to more than 200 ponds and lakes.
Murray Foubister/flickr
No, this isn’t the Sahara; it’s part of an 11,000-acre sand dune system located less than two hours south of Bend. Some of these dunes reach 60 feet tall!
Peter Roome/flickr
If you want to feel small, look out over the Columbia River Gorge. This stunning, 80-mile-long canyon is surrounded by sheer cliffs soaring as high as 4,000 feet above the valley floor, where the mighty Columbia River carves its path.
IIP Photo Archive/flickr
The North Fork Owyhee River is located in the remote southeastern part of Oregon, and it’s part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A definite departure from the typical landscape covering much of Oregon, this beautiful place proves that diversity brings even more beauty to the Beaver State.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Near the California border, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument encompasses 86,774 acres of varied landscape, from dense forest to dry sagebrush.
Thomas Shahan/flickr
Oregon’s high desert region offers a natural beauty that’s vastly different from the thick forests on the west side of the state. Smith Rock State Park’s sheer basalt cliffs and Crooked River make for an imposing and jaw-dropping landscape.
Carey Bass-Deschenes/flickr
This 12-mile-long corridor along the coast offers some spectacular views of the rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and unique natural bridges.
For an aerial view of some of Oregon’s most mesmerizing landscapes, check out this incredible drone footage that will inspire you to get out and explore!
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