8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Oregon
Over the years, Oregon has gained a reputation for exceptional natural beauty, particularly around larger cities like Portland, Eugene, and Bend. Yet beyond these larger cities, plenty more natural beauty awaits your discovery. Imagine a skiable volcanic mountain, a golden expanse of semi-arid wilderness by the Pacific Northwest’s largest river, the flavorful bounty of the Willamette Valley, and the most dazzling gems of the Pacific Coast, and you are still just scratching the surface.
To help you find more of the Beaver State’s amazing natural treasures, discover the eight most breathtaking towns in Oregon.
Joseph
Perched by the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon, about 240 miles northwest of Boise (Idaho), Joseph serves as the ideal gateway to the “Little Switzerland of America.” To the south of town, you will find the Eagle Cap Wilderness area of Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This wilderness area has 534 miles of hiking trails, some of which were first developed by the Niimipu (or Nez Perce) Indigenous people many generations ago. It covers 31 summits exceeding 8,000 feet above sea level, and it spans from lush pine and fir forests to a rugged alpine ecosystem at higher elevations.
Top highlights include the Hurricane Creek Trail and the BC Falls Overlook (which is accessible via the Wallowa Lake Trailhead). Or, for an easier hike that’s just as beautiful, take the East Moraine Trail and marvel at the exceptional views of the lake and the area’s unique glacier-formed landscape.
Wallowa Lake State Park has a marina that makes the perfect launchpad for boating and paddling excursions on Wallowa Lake. It is also a great spot to go swimming or fishing. For even more quality time at the lake, book a cabin at Trouthaven, a wonderful family-run property located on the north shore of Wallowa Lake.
The Dalles
Situated on the shores of the Columbia River, The Dalles is great for exploring the east side of the Columbia River Gorge, along with some more special treasures nearby. For instance, a short drive east of town is the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, a beautiful spot to access the Columbia and Deschutes Rivers for boating, paddling, and fishing, plus it has trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on land. Or, head west to reach the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, and find prime opportunities to see local wildlife (like eagles and red-tailed hawks) and learn more about the area’s Indigenous heritage.
From the museum, it is another short drive to Mayer State Park, a lovely park anchoring the east end of the Gorge that is ideal for windsurfing on the open river, as well as swimming and paddling at the park’s sheltered cove. You can also return to town and enjoy the wonderful river views from Riverfront Park, which also has a beach area and access to the longer Riverfront Trail for hiking and biking. Whenever you are ready to call it a day, check into Cousins Country Inn for a great night’s rest in town.
Mount Hood Village
Mount Hood Village may only be around 43 miles east of Portland, yet it feels a world away with its explosive natural beauty and ample opportunities for exciting outdoor adventures. The top attraction is Mount Hood itself, Oregon’s highest summit and an 11,249-foot-tall stratovolcano with multiple hiking trails all around. Or, if you are visiting during the winter months, try skiing down these volcanic slopes at Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Hood Skibowl.
For a little change in scenery that is every bit as breathtaking as the big mountain, try the Old Salmon River Trail for an easy, family-friendly hiking trail that offers amazing views of the Salmon River. (If you are lucky, you might even see spawning salmon making their way upstream!) And for the ideal basecamp that puts you at the center of it all, stay at the Timberline Lodge, a historic hotel that has been welcoming guests to Mount Hood since 1937, and one that is part of the United States’ only ski resort that’s open 10 months per year and offers up to a staggering 4,540 feet of vertical drop.
Newberg
Nestled in the fruitful Willamette Valley, about 25 miles southwest of Portland, Newberg always lets you turn a new leaf and savor the fantastic flavors of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated wine country region. All around the area, you can explore plenty of phenomenal wineries. Book a tasting at Natalie’s Estate Winery for a true family-run operation that hand-crafts big and bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Pinot Noir. Try Lange Estate Winery for wonderful Pinot, as well as white wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. And for truly spectacular wines with gorgeous Dundee Hills scenery to match, head over to Knudsen Vineyards and sample their amazing takes on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé, and even sparkling wines.
If, for some reason, you can use a break from the wineries, tee off and play the stunningly beautiful greens at the 18-hole Chehalem Glenn Golf Course. Then, treat yourself to a magnificently luxurious stay at The Allison Inn & Spa, a boutique resort spread across 35 acres and fully equipped with a sumptuous full-service spa and the delectable JORY Restaurant.
Yachats
While the Oregon Coast abounds in scenic beach towns, there is something extra special about the natural beauty of Yachats, around 86 miles northwest of Eugene. Just to the south of town lies Cape Perpetua, a preserve of forested headlands that jut out to the Pacific Ocean and include iconic landmarks like the Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well along the coast. While here, you might also want to hike the Giant Spruce Trail to wander the forest and reach a 500-year-old Sitka spruce. Continue south to reach Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, a gorgeous beach for tidepooling and agate hunting, and a great place to spot native wildlife like sea lions, harbor seals, and deer on land, as well as whales offshore.
Back in town, hit up Yachats State Recreation Area and discover another prime location for whale watching and saltwater fishing. If you would rather not try to fish for your next meal, you can head to The Drift Inn and feast on their menu full of fresh local seafood, homemade soups and breads, and other housemade delights. From there, make your way to Yachats Inn, a cozy and comfy oceanfront inn with condo-style accommodations that will make you feel right at home.
Prospect
Located around 120 miles south of Bend, Prospect places you by one of Oregon’s most beloved natural landmarks. To the east of town lies Crater Lake National Park, home to the United States’ deepest lake, which mostly fills a volcanic caldera that formed some 7,700 years ago. While at the park, you can also try a hike to the summit of Mt. Scott, or do an easier walk to the waterfall at Plaikni Falls. And for another great hike, try the Union Peak Trail to escape the crowds at the lake, do an ambitious journey to the summit, and even connect to the Pacific Crest Trail that extends some 2,650 miles from the US-Canada border all the way to the US-Mexico border.
Beyond the park boundaries, Prospect provides much more for you to explore. Head to the Rogue River Gorge to feast your eyes on a lava tube where the Rogue River flows deep in the lush Douglas fir forest, and stop at Mill Creek Falls to witness its 173-foot-long waterfall. Finally, head up to Union Creek Resort to retreat to your own lodge room or personal cabin within easy reach of the Gorge and Crater Lake.
Ashland
Around 15 miles south of Medford, Ashland dazzles on stage with its theatrical prowess, but there is much more to this legendary college town behind the scenes. During summer and fall, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival captivates audiences with performances of classic plays by William Shakespeare, along with more contemporary Broadway plays. But if you are looking for more natural thrills, hit the trails on the south end of town to reach the Oredson-Todd Woods and Siskiyou Mountain Park, two adjoining city parks with an extensive network of beautiful hiking and biking trails. And for even more incredible adventures, drive south to Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument to explore this unique mountain wilderness preserve where the Cascades and the Klamath Mountains approach the Great Basin Desert, a "Galapagos of North America” with unmatched biodiversity.
Returning to town, you will start to run into some of the Rogue River Valley’s wonderful wineries, such as the famed Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, specializing in high-quality Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Also, you will find Country Willows Inn & Estate, a boutique inn set on a five-acre farm with verdant gardens and serene koi ponds that make for a truly breathtaking retreat.
Brookings
Just north of the California state line, the Oregon town of Brookings anchors the ruggedly beautiful Wild Rivers Coast that must be seen to be believed. Head to Harris Beach State Park for miles of pristine beaches, stunning views of offshore sea stacks, and the chance to spot local wildlife like harbor seals, California sea lions, and tufted puffins. For a little change in scenery, go inland to Alfred A. Loeb State Park to experience this magical preserve where a grove of ancient Myrtlewood trees grows by the Chetco River. And down by the state line, McVay Rock State Recreation Site offers a great beach for surf fishing, whale watching, and even disc golf with an epic ocean view.
Returning into town, Chetco Point Park is Brookings’ main portal to the Pacific Ocean, and it provides access to the spectacularly scenic and secluded-feeling cove at Mill Beach. A few blocks away from Chetco Point, Mermaid's Muse Bed and Breakfast is a relaxing oceanfront inn with cozy rooms, private ocean view hot tubs, high-speed Wi-Fi internet, and a hot breakfast every morning.
Let These Gorgeous Oregon Towns Take Your Breath Away
Across the State of Oregon, you will find special towns that are so beautiful that they might leave you speechless. Lose yourself in the marvelous Eagle Cap Wilderness by Joseph, and you may find new meaning in this world. Ascend to the explosively scenic heights of Mount Hood, and ski down the slopes of Oregon’s tallest volcano. Sip and savor the refined vibes of the Willamette Valley in Newberg. And down in Brookings, discover the remarkable hidden gems of the Wild Rivers Coast. With so much to see and do on both sides of the Cascades, Oregon is the perfect state to wander around and simply be wowed.
