Oregon is one of the best states to roadtrip in. From epic coastlines to roading waterfalls to magical forests, the state truly has a little bit of everything. We’ve highlighted our favorite stops in Oregon that are a must do when planning a road trip throughout the state. Let’s get exploring!
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is the only national park in the state and one of the most iconic stops on an Oregon road trip! Home to the deepest lake in the United States, this lake definitely has some striking views. You can spend the morning driving Rim Drive, which circles the lake and takes about two hours to complete or hike to magnificent views of the lake on the Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, and Cloudcap Overlook.
Smith Rock State Park
Home to the famous Painted Hills, Smith Rock is much different than any other place in the state. While Smith Rock is a hub for climbers looking to scale some of the thousands of climbs in the park, there is also exceptional hiking and biking. If you are up for a challenge, the Misery Ridge Trail is a .68 miles long trail that ascends 600 feet. The views at the top definitely make up for the strenuous hike, especially during sunrise and sunset!
Umpqua National Forest
Whether you spend the night camping along one of the area’s many rivers, have a picnic along the lake, or hike to a magnificent waterfall, Umpqua National Forest has countless gems. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Toketee Falls Trail, that passes through an old-growth Douglas Fir forest and eventually finishes at the the impressive Toketee Falls.
Mount Hood
This snow-capped volcanic mountain offers four seasons of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing. If you are looking for an epic hike, you need to check out the Ramona Falls trail, where you will find one of the most striking waterfalls of Oregon tucked away in the forest. For sunrise, check out Trillium Lake, where on a clear day you can see the reflection of snow-capped Mount Hood.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Explore the miles of ocean-side trails through Samuel H. Boardman. You can take a quick hike to Natural Bridges where you will find the heavily photographed spot of spruce-tree forests with geologic structures spanning the coastline. Secret Beach is not too far away and is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Willamette Valley
Often thought of as the wine country of Oregon, Willamette Valley is home to over 700 wineries and vineyards, making it the ideal location to go wine tasting and view some beautiful Oregon estates. Here, you can enjoy a farm-to-table dinner when dining at one of the local ranches or spend a day relaxing at one of the many wineries. If you are looking for an adventure, Silver Falls State Park is a must-do. You can hike the Trail of 10 Falls where you can see 10 waterfalls in just 8.7 miles of hiking.
