15 Hidden Gems in Oregon
After 4 years of living in Oregon here are my 15 top places to visit in Oregon. Some are more hidden than others, but if you’re able to visit any or all I hope you have as great of an experience as I did! Happy road tripping <3
Best Time To Visit
If you’re looking for hiking, biking, and swimming, then June to September are going to be the most enjoyable months to visit Oregon. If you want rainy, hot spring weather, and moody drives then the off season will be perfect for those vibes. November to March will almost guarantee the rain. The spring is my favorite time in Portland for the cherry blossoms so there’s another option if you are visiting the city.
What to Pack
Hiking boots that are weather resistant
I am a big merrell fan
Rain jackets
Bright colors look so great in contrast to the green (ie. red and yellow)
Swimsuit for lakes in summer and hot springs in the winter months
Camera gear to capture your trip
Big cannon girl over here
Chacos or shoes for swimming/ getting in and out of water
Layers that are quick dying and can be adaptable to warm and cold weather
Sun protection for summer months
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Emergency kit for hiking
First aid kit, tracking gps device, downloaded maps for hiking
How to get Around
I would highly recommend renting a car with all wheel drive because the roads to get to a lot of these hikes and viewpoints are not the easiest to get to. We would have been in a world of hurt if we hadn;t rented a four runner especially because we road tripped in February and went deep into the forest for trails. We used budget car rental and asked for an upgrade so we were very lucky.
15 Must See Spots in Oregon
Brookings
Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is one of the most unreal spots in Oregon. It is a 5 hour drive from the Portland area so it is a good long weekend trip. The natural bridges are the classic picturesque spot everyone goes to. There is a hidden trail to get to the actual bridge portion which can be tricky to find at first. Secret beach and Harris beach state park are also so worth it to check out while you’re there.
Pacific City
This was my happy place and easy escape in college. There are so many gems in Pacific city. A lot of locals will surf there and hangout for the day. You will for sure see a lot of van lifers and just good people. I ran into Goth Babe and was probably so awkward after grabbing my favorite veggie tacos at Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos. You can hike up the sand dune to get a different viewpoint of the rock and explore the crashing waves against the cliffs.
Alvord Desert
This is one of my favorite places that not as many people would even know it is Oregon. A large portion of Oregon is desert which a lot of people are surprised by. I grew up in Idaho so it’s closer to Boise than it is to the Portland area. Bring your friends, games, campfire supplies, a skateboard and a rope and enjoy the day drifting in your car. There isn’t a whole lot to do, but the backdrop of the Steen mountains and unreal sunrise and sunsets make this the perfect nature slow living day. The night sky is also insane to photograph.
Silver Falls State Park
Another one of my go to places in college since it was only a half hour drive to get there. It really is such a unique hike and all ten waterfalls are a cool experience. There are a couple you can even hike behind. If you go in the spring the waterfalls will be at their peak. The trail of ten falls is about a 10 mile hike if you go off to all of the waterfalls, so the reward is so worth it since you will have 10 different stops to make along the way.
Oswald West State Park
This is another one of my favorite places along the coast especially since Cannon beach is nearby. It is more underrated than Cannon beach and has a jaw dropping view from a short hike. We stopped at the side of the highway at Devil’s Cauldron and went on a short trail for the viewpoint in the photos I captured. It is slightly difficult to find which makes it even more special.
Rowena Crest
If you’re driving along the Royal Gorge this stop is very worth it. The famous horseshoe shape in the road along the cliffside is an insane view. I would drive from Salem to Boise often to go back home so I was able to make this stop a few times. The fall time would be so ideal for photos! I would highly recommend it, especially if you’re trying to go to Multnomah falls.
Blue Pools
Tamolitch Blue Pools was another favorite hike of mine when I lived in Oregon. The 4.2 mile trail is the perfect day trip from Portland. The blue water in the middle of the lush forest is one of the most surreal places. Last time I visited I spent most the day just enjoying the view in my hammock. Swimming is discouraged, so at best a quick dip is the most I’d recommend due to how freezing the water is. Bring water to hydrate and remember to always leave no trace!
Umpqua National Forest
Umpqua hot springs and Toketee Falls was my favorite stop on the way to Crater Lake National Park. The hot springs can be crowded especially during the peak months so be sure to go early to avoid large crowds and make the most of your experience. Since you already soaked in the springs, you may as well stop at Toketee Falls for one of my favorite waterfalls in Oregon. It’s under a 10 minute drive so it’s worth a stop!
House of Vintage
House of Vintage is hands down one of my favorite vintage stores I’ve ever been to. It truly is endless and has an incredible curation of vintage clothes from all decades. It is expensive, but there are some gems you won’t find anywhere else. If you are in Portland check this store out and the rest of Hawthorne street!
Sahalie Falls
Oregon is obviously known for its gushing and vast waterfalls so I had to include some of my favorite falls. The parking lot to Sahalie Falls leads to the viewpoint. It’s about a 20 minute walk to see the falls so the drive is worth it especially if you don’t feel like hiking, but still want an incredible view. It’s located in the Willamette national forest along the Mckenzie river and is about 2 and ½ hours away from Portland.
Drift Creek Falls
Drift Creek Falls is located within Lincoln city county so if you’re planning to go the coast this hike would be one to consider. It’s two hours from Portland. The short 3.1 mile out and back hike itself leads you to a foot suspension bridge tucked into the forest with views of a rushing waterfall plunging into a rocky canyon. It was a unique experience to walk along a bridge and be able to get close to a waterfall making this a popular hike at the college I went to.
God’s Thumb
Also located near Lincoln city, this coastal hike is one of my favorites. The hike God’s Thumb is 3.9 miles and considered moderate. The hardest part about this hike is how muddy it is in a lot of spots. Be sure to bring shoes that can withhold mud and you’re okay with getting dirty. Be sure to avoid climbing the thumb even though everyone does it, but it causes damage and erosion. Also get the classic shot of sticking your thumb out in comparison to the thumb shape of the grassy knob.
Bend Oregon
Bend is one of those places where I feel so content and have the thought of “should I move here” every five seconds. There is so much to offer in Bend such as incredible hiking, mountain biking, breweries, river floating, and overall amazing granola vibes! Check out my 7 day itinerary in Oregon for more details on what to do in Bend!
Ramona Falls
The bridal veil falls waterfall is dramatic and stunning and worth it to add it to your Oregon hiking list. Ramona Falls is a 7.1 mile loop in the Mt Hood wilderness. There are a lot of road closures in the winter so the June to September window will guarantee completion of this hike. The
Abiqua Falls
I completed the hike to Abiqua Falls a few times in Oregon and it was an adventure every time. There is a portion that is a bit steep and requires a rope that someone built to get up and down a steep section. It is very short it's just hard to find so have All Trails map downloaded in order to avoid getting lost!
