When you’re born in Oregon, you quickly learn that no other place will ever feel like home simply because there are so many beautiful places in Oregon that make it impossible to stay away too long.
How do I know? First hand experience!
I recently took a month long trip through Europe (what a dream!) but there’s no feeling like landing back at PDX. Out of sheer homesickness, I created this personal list of the most beautiful places in Oregon while I was away.
I’ve since added a couple more based on comments I’ve received so feel free to comment below if you think any other place should be added, I’m sure other folks would love to know too. Let’s get to it!
Helpful tips for visiting the most beautiful places in Oregon
Practice Leave No Trace
- If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)
- I swear by this sunscreen (and so do 5,000+ other people), I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. It works like a charm and doesn’t leave strange residue or smells, you’ll NEVER catch me without it!
Wear hiking boots with good traction
- Even though (most) trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip on the trail, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes. These are my hiking boots and I’d sleep in them if I could.
Wilderness Permits
- Some trails require wilderness permits, if you see one at the trailhead make make sure to complete the form. Not only are Wilderness Permits FREE, but they’re helpful for tracking usage trends and assisting with search & rescue efforts. It is imperative that you complete them when you see them at the trailhead.
Stick to the main trail
- There are a lot of social hiking trails in Oregon (social trails are created by hikers going off the main trail). These trails cause damage to sensitive areas, so stick to the clearly marked trail to preserve delicate flora and wildlife.
The Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
Click for a Table of Contents
Table of Contents: Oregon’s Most Beautiful Destinations
- Helpful tips for visiting the most beautiful places in Oregon
- The Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
- 20. Toketee Falls
- 19. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- 18. Cape Kiwanda
- 17. Hells Canyon
- 16. Hood River Lavender Farms
- 15. The Willamette Valley
- 14. Sparks Lake
- 13. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
- 12. The Painted Hills
- 11. The Alvord Desert
- 10. Multnomah Falls
- 9. Owyhee Canyonlands
- 8. Smith Rock State Park
- 7. Ramona Falls
- 6. The Columbia River Gorge
- 5. Mt. Hood National Forest
- 4. Steens Mountain
- 3. Crater Lake
- 2. Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach
- 1. The Wallowa Mountains
- Some More Beautiful Spots in Oregon Worth Mentioning
- Most Beautiful Places in Oregon (Post Summary)
- Map of the Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
20. Toketee Falls
Oregon is the land of waterfalls, make no mistake about it. And we definitely have our fair share of jaw-dropping waterfalls to choose from but for me personally, none is more notable than Toketee Falls in Douglas County, Oregon.
The name Toketee stems from a Chinook word meaning “graceful” or “pretty” and there’s no denying this is an aptly named waterfall.
This two-tiered waterfall cascades an impressive 113 feet into a pool of pristine aqua-colored water. It feels like a scene from a fairy tale, which is why I consider this one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
19. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Plenty of folks consider the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor to be one of the most beautiful places in Oregon, if not the entire country.
Massive rock outcroppings adorned with towering trees pepper the rocky shoreline and create various bridges laden with moss. The views
There’s so many great hikes on the Oregon Coast to choose from to get sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean but the best trail by far at Sam Boardman is natural bridges viewpoint trail, which is where this photo was taken from.
18. Cape Kiwanda
A sleepy beach town with stretches of soft sandy shoreline and countless epic hikes that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, can you think of a more relaxing way to spend a long weekend?
Cape Kiwanda is one of the best places in Oregon because it combines the two things Oregonians love most — the breathtaking Oregon coast and hiking. The surrounding area is full of rolling hills and sand dunes ripe for exploration.
Certain spots reminds me very much of Italy’s Tuscan countryside (see photo below), it’s a lovely area to watch sunset while picnicking with a special someone. One of my favorite breweries on the Oregon coast is located here as well.
17. Hells Canyon
The name is intimidating but the landscape is sheer bliss, which is why I think everyone should make an effort to see one of the most beautiful landscapes in Oregon.
Found on the border between Oregon and Idaho, the Snake River cuts through Hells Canyon and offers visitors ample outdoor recreational opportunities in the deepest canyon in North America. At an impressive 7,913 feet deep, Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon by almost 2,000 feet!
16. Hood River Lavender Farms
The lavender fields in France are known the world over for their stunning beauty and heavenly smell. But you know what? You don’t even need to buy a plane ticket to have an equally memorable experience in our own backyard.
Lavender farms in Hood River come alive with pretty shades of deep purple during July and August for the enjoyment of visitors and bees. Both flock to this area to take in the beauty of lavender with stunning backdrops of Mt. Hood gracefully looming in the distance.
You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and this one speaks for itself. This is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon!
Read More: 10 Enchanting Oregon Lavender Farms Worth the Drive
15. The Willamette Valley
Everyone knows that Oregon is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. The drastic (and diverse) natural landscapes can keep anyone entertained for years with miles of hiking trails and sweeping vistas.
But what’s the point in hiking without a proper reward afterwards? Well, Oregon has you covered in that department as well — in fact, Oregon is the 4th most wine producing state in the country.
And of all the notable wine regions in Oregon, perhaps none is more famous than Willamette Valley, home to 500+ wineries.
Sitting at the same latitude as France’s notable wine regions, Willamette Valley is known for producing knock-out award-winning pinot noirs that can hold their own in worldwide competitions.
Sipping a chilled glass of Chardonnay in the summer (or robust glass of award winning red in fall) while overlooking rolling hills of healthy vines? Just name a time and I’ll be there.
You may enjoy reading: The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in the Willamette Valley
14. Sparks Lake
I’ll never forget the first time I visited Sparks Lake. How could I? I was with my then boyfriend (now husband) who kept raving about how it was the most beautiful lake he’d ever seen, “and he’d seen a lot!”. The drive from Portland out to Bend wasn’t short.
When we first arrived at the road off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway that leads to Sparks Lake I thought it was nice, but the best? Then we made it around to the other end of the lake. Oh. Then the sun started to set. Ooooohhh.
The inscription from Ray Atkinson at the viewpoint here begins to scratch the essence of this most treasured Oregon destination, “It has a beauty all its own”. Everyone who has been here will tell you it deserves its place on any list of the most beautiful spots in Oregon.
You might enjoy: 15 of My Favorite Things to Do in Bend Oregon
13. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
It seems like attending a tulip festival in the Netherlands is high on most people’s bucket lists. Yet so many folks make the mistake of overlooking Oregon’s breathtaking Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival held in the spring.
This place is pure magic. I try to visit every year – it never gets old.
Originally started by 1950 by Ross and Dorothy Iverson who began expanding the farm as a means to get their six kids through college, the tulip festival offers visitors an opportunity to frolic through 15 acres of densely planted vibrant tulip blooms. I recommend showing up early in the morning and visiting when the hot air balloons are out for an extra-special experience.
Exact peak times vary from year to year, but, generally speaking, mid-April seems to be a safe bet.
Read More: Visiting the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
12. The Painted Hills
Oregon’s Painted Hills is one of three units in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and understandably one of the seven wonders Oregon. The area is comprised of striking colorful hill formations in the high desert of central Oregon.
Walking around the Painted Hills feels like an other-worldly experience, like walking on mars. Glorious multi-colored stripes mar these hills with deep reds, brilliant yellows, rusty copper blues and pastel greens. Ancient eruptions caused volcanic ash layers to deposit over millions of years, causing different minerals to react and solidify into various colored bands over time.
This makes the Painted Hills a study in stratigraphy (the study of rock layers to determine geological time scales). All this to say, the area is very interesting to explore and one of the most beautiful spots in Oregon.
11. The Alvord Desert
I was so surprised the first time we visited Alvord Desert because it was hard to believe that such a striking desert landscape could be located in the state home to the towering Cascade Range. But lo’ and behold, the Alvord Desert is not only real, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
Home to fascinating light shows, referred to as The Happening due to their inexplicable nature, the Alvord Desert is a photographers dream. One of the cool features here is that you can drive your car right out onto the desert floor and camp out under the stars.
10. Multnomah Falls
Arguably the most famous waterfall in a state known for waterfalls, Multnomah Falls is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oregon.
The scale of these falls must be seen to be believed. Dropping a staggering 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
Visitors are allowed to hike up to an overlook bridge for a better vantage point of the towering falls. The trail leading up to the falls is one of the best hikes in Oregon because it gets you up close and personal with the state’s most famous waterfall.
And with the trailhead being located a mere half-hour from downtown, seeing the falls is one of the most popular day trip from Portland. You can expect crowds if you visit any time after 9am but trust me, it’s worth it.
9. Owyhee Canyonlands
If you’re looking for solitude, look no further than Owyhee Canyonlands in the southeast corner of Oregon, considered the Grand Canyon of Oregon. It doesn’t get more remote than Owyhee. As such, very few Oregonians take the time to visit making this an especially great spot for folks looking to get away from the crowds.
There’s so many interesting hiking opportunities in the region and chances are good that you won’t come across others on while hiking the numerous trails. In fact, this is one of the least crowded places we’ve explored in Oregon. I highly recommend seeing Leslie Gulch and when you do, don’t miss the Juniper Gulch Trail!
We plan to return to Owyhee Canyonlands again soon to explore it in even more depth because there’s so much to see. I admit we were ill-prepared for the sheer amount of recreational opportunities and the breathtaking scenery — trust me when I tell you, this is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon and that you won’t want to miss it.
8. Smith Rock State Park
The first time I saw photos of Smith Rock I thought they were fake. How could I have gone my whole life and not have made it to this place.
Massive rock formations rise from seemingly nowhere in the midst of an otherwise ordinary desert landscape creating a stunning canyon complete with winding river, rock climbers, and a backdrop of the mighty cascade range.
Anyone who has visited Smith Rock State Park can attest this is definitely one the most beautiful places in Oregon.
My favorite hike at Smith Rock State Park is the beloved (and very popular) Misery Ridge Trail Hike. The trail takes hikers past Monkey Face, which is considered one of the toughest rock climbs in the world.
The first mile of the hike is challenging, but you must preserve because the views from the summit are worth the effort. If you’re not in the mood for a high elevation hike near Bend, I suggest the River Trail because it offers phenomenal views and lacks elevation.
The landscape is so beautiful, especially at sunrise. An early morning wake-up call is well worth the effort.
We hiked the Misery Ridge Trail at sunrise to avoid crowds and watched hot air balloons rise in the distance to take in the splendor of the sun greeting the valley floor. Hot air balloon ride over central Oregon? Now that’s an idea I can get behind!
7. Ramona Falls
Tell any Oregonian that you plan to spend a day at Mt. Hood National Forest and you’re bound to get a recommendation to visit Ramona Falls.
Starting at the Mount Hood Wilderness area, the Ramona Falls Trail is 7 miles round trip and follows the scenic Sandy River throughout various portions of the trail.
Reaching Ramona Falls requires sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure. An old bridge that connected the trail past the Sandy River was washed out and hikers now need to cross the river by balancing on logs.
This is a popular hike during summer because of the trail’s proximity to Portland and the euphoric reward of cooling off next to one of the most beautiful sites in Oregon.
6. The Columbia River Gorge
Few know that the Columbia River Gorge is America’s largest National Scenic Area. Once you drive through this stunning landscape it won’t take long for you to realize that the honor is well deserved.
The historic Columbia River Highway, known as the “King of Roads,” was the first scenic highway in America to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Somewhat unique for the time, the highway was constructed with the intent of working with the natural wonders of this area, not against them and the end result is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
The highway hugs the Columbia River and passes numerous cascading waterfalls. I guarantee this will be one of the most scenic drives you’ve ever done — make sure you pop off to see Multnomah Falls otherwise no one will believe you were actually here!
I especially like spending warm summer days at the numerous award-winning wineries in Hood River while sipping cold Chardonnay and watching the sunset over Mt. Hood.
Read More: 18 Relaxing Wineries in the Columbia River Gorge
5. Mt. Hood National Forest
Ask any resident to list the most beautiful places in Oregon and most will undoubtedly mention Mt. Hood National Forest in their top five.
Reaching an impressive height of 11,250 feet, Mt. Hood is the tallest volcano in Oregon and the fourth tallest in the Cascade Range. But fret not, the volcano is dormant and doesn’t pose any threat at the moment (or so they say…).
Winter sports fans will be excited to learn that Mt. Hood is home to America’s only year-round ski resort!
As you can imagine, every inch of Mt. Hood National Forest is bound to impress but make an effort to visit McNeil Point, Paradise Parks and Elk Meadows to see why Oregonians find this area one of the most beautiful in Oregon.
Fun fact: Mt. Hood is the third most climbed mountain in the world.
4. Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain is the highest point in southeastern Oregon and it has a hold on visitors that few can explain. Once you visit, you will almost instantly feel compelled to return.
At an elevation of 9,733 feet, Steens Mountain feels like an island in the surrounding desert landscape. Various trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints that make you feel like you’re at the edge of the world. Looking out you can see the giant expanse of the Alvord desert down below.
The other-worldliness of Steens Mountain, coupled with the isolation and solitude makes this one of the prettiest places in Oregon to me.
I know plenty of folks who say the road leading up to Steens Mountain Gorges Loop is the most spectacular road in Oregon – high praise in a state so magnificent. Be sure to check ahead of time whether the road to the top is open as it closes in the winter and usually reopens around the beginning of July.
3. Crater Lake
It’s no surprise that the state’s sole national park would be one of the most beautiful places in Oregon, right? Crater Lake formed thousands of years ago when Mount Mazama, a massive volcano, erupted and collapsed. The caldera filled with rainwater and snow melt, which eventually formed the lake we see today.
Clocking in at a depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and the ninth deepest lake in the world.
In fact, Crater Lake is deeper than the One World Trade Center in New York City is tall. In fact, if the building were submerged in the lake, there would still be 200′ of water above the One World Trade Center. That definitely puts the depth into perspective for me!
If that’s not impressive enough, Crater lake is also one of the purest and clearest lakes in the world because there’s no inlets, meaning there’s no sediment or mineral deposits being introduced to the lake.
Best time to visit: Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between July – September when the temperatures are favorable and chance of rainfall is minimal.
2. Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach
Oregon’s nearly 400-mile coastline is famous nation-wide for good reason. The striking shoreline is lined with massive rock formations, the largest coastal sand dunes in America and a breathtaking view of the chilly Pacific Ocean.
But what makes the Oregon Coast so special? Well, for starters, every inch of the coastline is public property (and therefore freely accessible to everyone). Thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill from 1967, it is unlawful for any entity to privatize any stretch of Oregon’s shoreline.
What’s more, you’ll be able to tour up to 11 lighthouses (9 of which are historic) and visit 79 state parks. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Yet when most folks think of the Oregon coast they instantly picture the most iconic features, which is Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, and make no mistake — you absolutely MUST visit this epic spot!
I mean look at it! Haystack Rock is clearly one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
1. The Wallowa Mountains
During my visit to the Wallowas I couldn’t help but notice how much the sweeping mountain views reminded me of the breathtaking alpine wilderness in Switzerland.
For first timers, I suggest exploring the Eagle Cap Wilderness where alpine meadows and granite peaks engulf you and transport you to paradise. With breathtaking alpine landscapes like this it’s no wonder this is considered one of the Seven wonders of Oregon!
Do yourself a favor before visiting the Wallowas and read up on Chief Joseph, the beloved Native American Chief of the Nez Perce tribe who led his tribe through the darkest periods in Native American History. The story of this compassionate and important leader is just as fascinating as the land you will be exploring.
If you plan to visit for yourself, make sure to check out the charming towns of Joseph and Enterprise during your visit. The Wallowas are easily one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
Some More Beautiful Spots in Oregon Worth Mentioning
Skylight Cave
I was quite surprised the first time I visited Skylight Cave near Sisters, Oregon for two reasons. First, my husband and I only ran into three other hikers during our visit. And second, I couldn’t believe that I’ve never heard of this incredible phenomenon before!
Central Oregon has its fair share of lava tubes, but none are more impressive than Skylight Cave (in my humble opinion). Named after the three “skylights” that illuminate the cave during certain months, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Read on: I wrote all about our experience at Skylight Cave in case you’re interested in checking it out!
Cottonwood Canyon
Eastern Oregon often gets overlooked by travelers seeking the more iconic forests of the western region, but a visit to this dry, sunshine-filled Oregon state park is bound to evoke joyful memories for years to come.
Cottonwood Canyon, the second-largest state park in Oregon, is full of interesting landscapes and fauna. Walk beside the wild and scenic John Day River and admire sweeping views of the rugged canyon walls set against a backdrop of an impossibly deep blue sky.
Visitors can recreate to their heart’s content here with plenty of amenities for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and more. If you’re lucky you may even catch sight of the resident Bighorn Sheep (who knew Oregon even had Bighorn sheep?) The peckish herd is known to roam the rocky cliffs in search of tender grasses and fruits to nibble on.
To round out the day be sure to catch the stunning colors at sunset, and maybe even stay overnight for the incredible stargazing that the desert’s pitch-black sky is perfect for.
Fort Rock
If Spielberg ever does a Close Encounters but this time in Oregon, Fort Rock is the spot. It turns out those (like me) who think Fort Rock is pretty otherworldly lookin’ aren’t so far off the mark.
While this formation appears to have the trademarks of a man-made fort (thus the name) from many angles, it’s actually a fascinating geological wonder. Geologically speaking, Fort Rock is a type of vent landform caused by volcanic activity known as a tuff ring, which not so unexpectedly, are also assumed to be present on the surface of Mars.
If you ever find yourself in Lake County with time on your hands then be sure to stop off and explore this most beautiful place in Oregon.
Most Beautiful Places in Oregon (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the most beautiful spots in Oregon:
- Wallowa Mountains
- Haystack Rock
- Crater Lake
- Steens Mountain
- Mt. Hood National Forest
- The Columbia Gorge
- Ramona Falls
- Smith Rock State Park
- Owyhee Canyonlands
- Multnomah Falls
- The Alvord Desert
- The Painted Hills
- The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
- Three Sisters Wilderness
- Willamette Valley
- Hood River Lavender Farm
- Sam Boardman Natural Bridges
- Hells Canyon
- Cape Kiwanda
- Toketee Falls
Map of the Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
Further Reading:
- The 7 Wonders of Oregon (+4 More We Should Add ASAP)
- 20+ Best Hikes in Oregon (For All Skill Levels)
And there you have it my friends – a roundup of the best places in Oregon. I hope you enjoyed the post!
Until next time,
Antonina
If you were born in Oregon, why do you promote it so more people move here? Stop.
Because Oregon’s beauty isn’t solely for my enjoyment simply because I was lucky enough to be born here.
Allow me to ask, if you saw a place that was 10 times more beautiful than Oregon and aligned with your values, would you still refuse to move there simply because you weren’t lucky enough to be born there?
People are allowed to move around, there’s no law against it. All cities change, it’s a part of the natural process of life, things seldom stay the same, people should be able to enjoy our beautiful state.
I stand by this post, it was a joy to write and there really is so much breathtaking beauty in Oregon.
Ty
Such a beautiful answer to a highly insensitive and stupid comment really. By the way, your article is really good. I live in Phoenix and travelled to Oregon with my wife and newborn 3 years back. We were just mesmerised by the beauty. To this day, we keep telling each other that that’s the most beautiful place we have ever visited and very surprised to hear so less about it in general. Really hoping to make another visit this September.
Thanks so much Mohit! I really appreciate the kind words. Oregon is absolutely beautiful (and a little cooler than Phoenix that time of year!) Phoenix is wonderful as well.
Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts etc about your trip! September is a great time to visit right before things cool down and the rainy season starts.
Best,
Antonina
Wow…almost 4 years later and it still sounds just as awful..You sound like the type of person who has a dirty microwave…
Oregon is a beautiful place. I have spent all of my 58 years here and have no plans of leaving.
I must say my favorite places are the Rogue River, Loon lake, and the beaches at Bandon. Face rock is so awesome just to look at. You could travel Oregon for months and not see alot of our beauty. Dont cheat yourself and make plans to vacation in Oregon.
The great beauty here in Oregon helps people stay friendly and patient. And the air is clean and sweet.
Thanks for my new bucket list of places to visit!
Except Oregon summers, when the air is dusty, acidic and worst of all… full of smoke. The absolute worst air quality in the world, including China!
A most splendid list and written exquisitely. Well done!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Signed,
Your Newst Fan, Steve
Thanks so much, Steve.
Updated the article 😉
See you on the trails!
Cheers,
Antonina
If you go to spend time at #1 Wallowa most add a week for Hells Canyon as access is only a few miles away. Lots of camping everywhere but along the Imnaha River is great and secluded.
Do remember that Southern Oregon hosts Oregon Caves National Monument .
I agree with you with how beautiful all of these places are. But the Willamette Valley sure has gotten destroyed by all of the homeless camps and the people that destroy everything and like to litter. It’s sad really.
Been to half of those places,need tosee the others.
They all seem beautiful but I was wondering if you had to hike to see all the beauty of these places. I have difficulty hiking.Would love to visit these places but am unable to hike.
Hi Anita,
Many of them like Multnomah Falls & Painted Hills only require a short walk while others do require a bit of hiking. Which ones in particular are you wondering about?
Best,
Antonina
Hi Antonina,
My wife and I are not big on hiking, plus we will be travelling with 4 year old. Which of these 20 places do we skip in that case?
Hi Mohit!
Great question!
With a young child + not looking to hike too much I’d omit the following:
– Toketee Falls
– Sam H Boardman
– Hells Canyon is pretty far out the way for most road trips so maybe omit that one
– Willamette Valley is all about wine so perhaps skip that
– Woodenshoe Tulip Farm is really only worth visiting in April
– Owyhee Canyonlands is all about hiking and remote
– Ramona Falls is a longer hike
– The Wallowas are stunning and the towns of Joseph and Enterprise are worth visiting if you’re looking for beautiful scenery without having to hike too much! But they are remote.
I recommend checking these articles out assuming you’re looking to visit Portland and the Coast!
– Oregon Coast
– Portland
If you have any other questions on specific places or activities let me know!
Best,
Antonina
I am a year too late to respond now and extremely sorry for that. I am pretty sure the notification went to some place in the email that I could not have known. We did not get to visit last year and not sure we will be able to visit this year either. But I just happened to surf about Oregon (as I love this place so much) and this is the first article that came up. And then I realized that I had gone through this article last year too. And here I am again thanking you for such a helpful response, esp. when planning a visit with parents/elders. Bookmarking this page whenever we plan to visit next. You are so much better than an AI assistant 🙇🏻
This list needs the North Umpqua River area added. I was born and raised in Oregon. Willamette Valley…. eh….. shouldn’t be on this list. And what about the wild & scenic area of the Rogue River???
Born and raised in Oregon how blessed I am
Thank you for this beautiful article. You presented your hometown and thoughts about it really well in this writing.
I know Oregon is a beautiful state and the photos and description here proves it again. I wish to visit Oregon one day!