7 Incredible Vacation Spots In Oregon
The Beaver State of Oregon might not always be labeled a top vacation destination, yet this Pacific Northwest state has much to offer visitors. From North America’s most iconic sea stack to the United States’ deepest lake, Oregon abounds in unique and compelling natural landmarks. In addition, this state has one of the nation’s most storied theater festivals, plenty of world-class wineries, and even ski slopes on an active volcano. With so much to offer across the state, it’s hard not to find promising options for an ideal getaway. So, let’s see where you find inspiration for your next trip as we check out seven incredible vacation spots in Oregon.
Brookings
Located on the southern tip of the Oregon Coast, Brookings makes a perfect entry point to the state with its picturesque beaches and seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Right by the California state line, you will find Crissey Field State Recreation Site, a lovely spot with a sandy beach, verdant wetlands, hiking trails, and a great spot for ocean fishing. A little farther north lies Harris Beach State Park, a highly photogenic stretch of Pacific Coast with its multiple sea stacks, and a wonderful park for kayaking, paddleboarding, tidepooling, and spotting local wildlife like tufted puffins, gray whales, and California sea lions.
Even in town, there’s Chetco Point Park, a ruggedly glorious coastal park with the gorgeous Chetco Cove Beach and a scenic network of walking paths atop the bluff. Just steps away from the park, discover some cool and refreshing local businesses, including adult refreshments (such as craft beer) and tasty grub at Chetco Brewing Company. Also nearby is Mermaid’s Muse, a boutique bed-and-breakfast with prime coastal views and a very convenient location in town.
Ashland
About 11 miles south of Medford, Ashland takes center stage with its vibrantly artistic flair, signature natural beauty, and increasingly buzzy wines. During the summer and fall, you can catch an astounding variety of shows at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, from classic Shakespeare plays to more contemporary productions. Around an hour away to the south of town, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument provides incredible opportunities to hike through thick fir forests and lovely meadows full of wildflowers, and to appreciate the immense biodiversity of this nature preserve where the towering, lush Cascades approach the vast, dry expanse of the Great Basin.
Also, to the south of town, there’s Mt. Ashland, the first mountain peak north of the Oregon-California state line, and an excellent spot for skiing during the winter season. Closer to town, warm up with some fantastic wines at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, a gorgeous winery that makes Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and sparkling wines just as impressive as the views outside. From there, make your way to Country Willows Inn, a five-acre farm estate with cozy rooms and suites and easy access to scenic hiking trails and Downtown Ashland.
Prospect
Head about 165 miles south of Eugene to discover one of Oregon’s most famous natural wonders, and stay to see some more hidden treasures. As you start exploring Prospect, try a hike on the Rogue Gorge Trail and take in the phenomenal views of the Rogue River Gorge and its lush evergreen forest. You can also hike the Mill Creek Falls Trail for exceptional waterfall vistas. And for plenty more quality time at the water, head to Joseph Stewart County Recreation Area for boating, swimming, and camping at Lost Creek Lake.
Of course, no trip to Prospect feels complete without visiting Oregon’s only national park at Crater Lake. At Crater Lake National Park, feast your eyes on the United States’ deepest lake, one of the world’s most pristine stretches of volcano-formed wilderness, and seemingly endless possibilities for fantastic hiking excursions around the park. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check into Union Creek Resort, a historic lodge near Crater Lake that has provided a warm welcome to guests since 1922.
Sisters
Named for the mighty mountains that rise to the west of town, Sisters is a wonderfully scenic historic village that offers countless opportunities for family-friendly fun year-round. During the summer season, head to Suttle Lake for a gloriously crystal-clear freshwater lake that’s ideal for boating, paddling, swimming, and fishing. In winter, venture up to Hoodoo for beginner ski lessons as well as plenty of runs suitable for more advanced skiers. And when you’re up for even more of a challenge, go hiking and/or climbing at Three Sisters Wilderness, the nature preserve where you will find the town’s namesake 10,000-foot-plus mountain summits.
Back in town, wander around this Old West-style town full of beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, and stop at the Sisters Saloon for a vintage 1912 watering hole that continues to serve classic Western fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. Then, head over to the Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel to stay at a cozy boutique hotel in the heart of downtown with a pub with great grub and local craft beers.
Mt. Hood Village
Only about 43 miles east of the hustle and bustle of Portland, Mt. Hood Village sits at the foot of Oregon’s tallest mountain and most impressive volcano. Just a short drive east of the village, Mt. Hood National Forest includes the 11,240-foot-tall summit of the Mt. Hood stratovolcano, along with some 80 campgrounds and a wide array of wilderness hiking trails. In addition, Mt. Hood Skibowl and Timberline Lodge offer some of the Pacific Northwest’s best slopes for skiing and snowboarding, along with mountain biking, climbing, and other activities during the warmer months.
For even more world-class mountain biking, hit the Sandy Ridge Trail System, a 17-mile-long network of bike-friendly paths suitable for cyclists at all levels, but especially beloved by expert bikers for its stretches of double black diamond expert-grade paths. No matter what you do on or around Mt. Hood, take the opportunity to rest and relax at Whispering Wood Resort, a lovely collection of condo-style accommodations near the mountain.
McMinnville
Venture about 40 miles southwest of Portland, and you will reach the picture-perfect Willamette Valley wine country town of McMinnville. Just outside of town, you can get a full wine country experience with a tasting and tour (available by appointment) at Roshni Vineyard. Or, you can stay in town and find a fun and festive environment to enjoy local wines and music at HiFi Wine Bar. And if, for whichever reasons, you need a break from wine, Golden Valley Brewery makes its own delectable craft beers.
To taste even more of the Willamette Valley, hit the McMinnville Downtown Farmers Market on Thursday (open May through October) to discover a vast selection of fresh local produce, artisan cheeses and pastries, even more local wines, and handcrafted gifts. Whenever you’re in town, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Atticus Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel with beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the Cypress Restaurant, and many more winery tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutiques within walking distance.
Cannon Beach
Anchoring the north end of the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is home to another of Oregon’s most beloved landmarks, plus it has many more gorgeous beaches worth exploring. Just south of downtown, you can access the beach with the best views of Haystack Rock, the 235-foot-tall sea stack that formed from volcanic eruptions and lava flows some 17 million years ago, and keep your eyes out for native wildlife like tufted puffins and western gulls. For even more opportunities to spot wildlife, stretch out on the sand, and see Haystack Rock, head south to Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site.
To the north of town, there’s plenty more coastal wonderland to experience at Ecola State Park, including surfing at Indian Beach, stopping at the iconic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and hiking the Oregon Coast Trail. Back in town, see how all this natural beauty inspires a wealth of artistic creativity at art galleries, such as the non-profit Cannon Beach Gallery that’s dedicated to supporting local and regional artists. And for the perfect vantage point to reach all of this and more of what Cannon Beach has to offer, stay at the Hallmark Resort Cannon Beach, a warm and welcoming oceanfront hotel.
Escape To A Fulfilling Vacation Worth Remembering In Oregon
Whether you’re most interested in an ambitious trip exploring the natural wilderness or you simply need a cool, relaxing break from the ordinary, Oregon has all you need for the ideal vacation. Head to Cannon Beach for the state’s most famous stretch of Pacific coastline, or go south to Brookings for a wonderfully underrated coastal oasis. Try Ashland for a wealth of great performances and equally great wines, and ascend to explosive alpine beauty at Mt. Hood Village. However, you’re looking to get away from it all, and Oregon lets you escape to a world of many wonders.
