Looking for a vacation destination that combines stunning natural beauty with a spirit of adventure dating back to Lewis and Clark? Then you’ll want to add Oregon to your 2019 travel bucket list.
The landscape is surprisingly diverse, with rocky and remote Pacific beaches to the west, barren high desert to the east, and epic mountains, lush forests and wild rivers in between. There’s plenty of room to breathe, far away from urban sprawl and tourist crowds. The Willamette Valley is home to over 500 wineries, and charming mom & pop restaurants and shops line the main streets of small towns like Corvallis and Klamath Falls across the state. From outdoor staycations to family road trips, there’s more camping, hiking, biking and paddling than you can pack into just one visit.
Here are nine of the top outdoor adventures in Oregon.
1. Bike the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Byway
This 37 mile road ride takes you up a narrow canyon along the Crooked River, one of Oregon’s many wild and scenic rivers. The out and back route starts in fertile farmlands before passing towering buttes on the way to the mile-high Ochoco Mountains. Set up base camp in Prineville Reservoir State Park to tackle the trek in the spring, summer or fall seasons.
2. Go Birding on Oregon Coast
Travel the Pacific Flyway to seek out over 450 species of birds nesting and migrating along Oregon’s coastline. The environment shifts from sandy beach and tidal marsh to old growth forest for ever-changing habitat and avian sightings. Start in Fort Stevens State Park to search out Tufted Puffins and Blue Grouse along the North Coast, or Sunset Bay State Park for Pacific Golden Plover and Hermit Warbler sightings along the South Coast. Learn more.
3. Surf the Columbia River Gorge
A strong westerly wind makes for some of the best windsurfing in the Pacific Northwest at Viento State Park. Summer is the time to go, when thermals top 30 miles per hour and water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. Winds whip up significant chop on most days, and there are plenty of outfitters offering lessons for beginners.
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4. Camp and Climb Mount Hood
Take your pick of Mount Hood’s alpine lakes, wildflower strewn trails and 11 glacier fields, each offering a unique and memorable way to experience the volcanic peak that looms 11,240 feet above the surrounding landscape. One of the best ways to take it all in: camp at Mount Hood Village RV Resort and circumnavigate the peak on the Timberline Trail. Learn more.
5. Raft the Rogue River
Navigate one of America’s first “Wild and Scenic” rivers on a guided rafting expedition down the Rogue’s class III rapids. Adrenaline-pumping whitewater alternates with tranquil sections of water for a summer journey for all skill levels. Book a campsite in the action at Valley of the Rogue State Park.
6. Go Whale Watching
Grab your binoculars and head to the Oregon coast to catch a glimpse of the mighty Gray Whales that migrate along the shore and take up summer residence off the coast near Lincoln City. Best viewing conditions are during the early morning hours when the ocean is calm. Choose your vantage point from shore, a charter boat or a sea plane tour. During peak migration in December and January, 26 spots along the coast are staffed with Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteers who can answer your questions about these amazing creatures. Learn more.
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7. Kayak the North Coast
Paddle the tidal marshes of Tillamook County on Oregon’s North Coast. Four water trails travel over 200 miles of waterways. Set up camp at Nehalem Bay State Park to kayak sections of the 118-mile Nehalem River through forests and pasture land, to the sandy beaches of the Pacific. Learn more.
8. Ski the Slopes of Mount Bachelor
If you love snow sports, the 9,000-foot stratovolcano on the outskirts of Bend is an ideal winter playground for everything from snowboarding to snowshoeing. The area is managed by a unique partnership between Deschutes National Forest and Mount Bachelor Ski Resort, so you can ski the high elevation powder, some the lightest and driest west of the Rockies, and follow it up with a ranger-led educational program. Book a site at LaPine State Park and mix your ski runs with a guided snowshoe tour or sled dog ride. Learn more.
9. Camp and Hike the Pacific Crest Trail
You can check hiking the Pacific Crest Trail off your bucket list with day hikes or a multi-day backpacking trek along the moderate, 460-mile stretch of famous trail through Oregon. The volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range are your backdrop, with serene lakes and ponds dotting the terrain between snow-clad summits. Top day hikes on the south end traverse the Siskiyou Mountains and Mount Ashland, Mount Thielsen, and the west rim of Crater Lake. In central Oregon, there’s Diamond Peak and Belknap Crater. North end standouts are Jefferson Park and the Top Spur Trail.
The most challenging elevation change comes with the descent into the Columbia River Gorge. It’s worth the effort to cross the state line on the Bridge of the Gods. Reward yourself with a campsite in the midst of the world’s highest concentration of waterfalls at Ainsworth State Park. Learn more.
