Oregon Bucket List
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the USA. In this Pacific Northwest state you will not only find miles of rugged coastline, but also towering mountain peaks, beautiful agricultural valleys, and high desert plains.
With so many adventures waiting to be had, we have compiled a list of Oregon’s incredible destinations you must visit and the best things to do to get you started.
ULTIMATE OREGON BUCKET LIST
34 Things You Must Do In Oregon
BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE OREGON COAST
Oregon’s coastline is 363 miles long which means there is lots to explore! Popular activities include hiking, fishing, exploring tide pools, and visiting quaint seaside towns.
Keep in mind that Oregon’s beaches are much cooler in temperature than in California so be sure to bring a sweater when you’re out exploring.
Here are our top picks for the best things to do on the Oregon Coast that are a bucket list must!
1. Visit The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations await visitors along the twelve ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
This stretch of Highway 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach offers turnouts to ocean vista viewpoints and access to many miles of hiking trails along the coast.
Be sure to find the Natural Bridge viewpoint where you can see the seven iconic arch rocks.
2. Listen To The Sea Lions At Sea Lion Caves
The Sea Lion Caves are one of the world’s largest sea grottos and the only known mainland rookery of the Stellar Sea Lion.
The caves are a connected system of many caves and caverns open to the Pacific Ocean which you can find 11 miles north of Florence on Highway 101.
To see the sea lions and California seals you need to ride an elevator down to the caves which you will find inside the Sea Lion Caves Gift Shop.
3. Take A Road Trip To Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is a bucket list item for many photographers, nature lovers, and motorists traveling through Oregon.
Located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area three miles south of Yachats, this bowl-shaped hole carved out of the basalt shoreline is also known as the ‘drainpipe of the Pacific’ and the ‘gaping sinkhole’.
Thor’s Well is most spectacular to see during high tide and during violent storms.
4. Ride Horses On The Beach In Bandon
Bandon is located on the Southern Oregon Coast and has a much slower pace than its coastal cousins found further north making it the perfect place to take a relaxing vacation.
This charming coastal town offers incredible ocean vistas and what better way to enjoy the views and see the monolithic rock formations found here than on a horseback ride right on the beach?!
5. See Haystack Rock At Cannon Beach
No trip to the Oregon coast would be complete without seeing Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach which is famous for the iconic 235ft sea stack that juts out of the Pacific Ocean is a popular tourist destination for both Oregonians and out of state folk. The charming town with its beautiful seaside cottages was listed as one of the top 100 most beautiful destinations in the world by National Geographic in 2013.
Cannon Beach and adjacent Ecola State Park have appeared in several films including The Goonies, Twilight, and Point Break.
6. Explore Tidepools
Nestled between the wild Pacific Ocean and the rugged rocky shores, tide pools offer a rare place of calm on the Oregon coast. In these shallow pools which are only accessible at low tide, starfish mingle with crabs, urchin, and sea anemone.
There is no other state as perfect as Oregon for tide pooling. Some of the best places to go tide pooling include Bandon, Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head, and Heceta Head.
7. Run Up And Down The Oregon Sand Dunes
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area isare one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.
The stark mist-shrouded views of the dunes, forests, and ocean in such close proximity to one another are rare and hauntingly beautiful.
The Oregon Dunes stretch approximately 40 miles north of the Coos River in North Bend to the Siuslaw River in Florence.
8. Drive Across Astoria-Megler Bridge
Connecting Oregon to Washington over the Columbia River is the longest continuous truss bridge in America. Built in 1966, the bridge completed U.S. Route 101 between Olympia, Washington and Los Angeles in California. Many visitors from all over travel to Astoria just to see and drive over the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
The bridge is 4.1 miles long and while pedestrians are not allowed to cross, you may drive over it for some fantastic views of the river. You can also get nice views down from the Astoria Riverfront Walk but the best place to view the bridge would have to be from the rooms at the River Walk Inn.
Related: Best Things To Do In Astoria
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL OREGON
9. Visit The Painted Hills
The Painted Hills get their name from the intensely colored stratification in the soil which can be seen splashed across the hillsides here.
Vivid greens, fiery reds, burnt orange and shimmering pink and gold colors cover the landscape at this surreal Central Oregon destination. It’s not hard to see why the Painted Hills are one of the ‘7 Wonders of Oregon’.
Related: Painted Hills - What You Must See & Do On Your Visit
10. Take A Scenic Drive Along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Cascades Lake Scenic Byway is the most stunning drive in ALL of Oregon! This scenic highway features dazzling alpine lakes and show-stopping mountain peaks!!!
The 66 mile road travels through the Cascade Mountains giving motorists the opportunity to see Mount Bachelor, Broken Top Mountain, and South Sister Mountain along the way.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this drive because there are plenty of outdoor opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, and camping.
If you prefer less physical activities, head straight to Elk Lake Resort and relax on the restaurant deck with a cup of coffee or an ice cold beer and soak in the magical views.
11. Stand-Up Paddle Board On Devils Lake
Devils Lake would have to be the most vibrantly turquoise-colored lake you’ve ever seen.
It is hands down the most beautiful lake in all of Oregon and it’s the perfect place to spend a summer day.
Related: Visit Devils Lake - The Perfect Summer Destination!
12. Visit Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park will have you feeling like you’ve just left Oregon for Utah. With its red rocks towering out of Oregon’s high desert plains, this state park is a must see for anyone visiting Central Oregon.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities here including easy trails, as well as viewing spots for the non-hiker. The most popular of the hiking trails here is called Misery Ridge which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
You can camp at Smith Rock State Park or stay in the popular town of Bend which is only a quick thirty minute drive away.
Read: 11 Fascinating Day Trips From Bend To Help You Explore Central Oregon
13. See Tumalo Falls In Winter
Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot tall waterfall in Tumalo Falls State Park which is located only thirteen miles from Bend, Oregon.
To see the waterfall requires no hiking whatsoever! Park in the nearby parking lot and walk a few short steps to the viewing platform for the best views.
However, if you would like to see the Tumalo Falls from directly above, you can hike about a quarter mile to stand right about where the falls actually drop. Trust us, it’s worth the short and easy walk!
Tumalo Falls is beautiful to see year-round but we think there is something extra special about seeing it in winter.
14. Hike Out To The Blue Pool
Oregon’s Tamolitch Falls, also famously known as the Blue Pool, is a popular summer destination for hikers and a top Oregon bucket list item for tourists traveling through Oregon.
The Blue Pool’s turquoise waters are so vibrant and clear it almost doesn’t seem real. The water is so clear that most people assume the pool to be only around five feet deep. However, the pool is actually around 30-feet deep in most spots!
The glass-like pond sits around 38 degrees on average and is so cold that you could go into hypothermic shock immediately if you were to submerge yourself. This is why it is discouraged that you swim here.
Tamolitch Falls is located in the McKenzie River Valley which is in between Eugene and Bend. To reach Tamolitch Blue Pool, you’ll need to take the scenic McKenzie River Highway to Trail Bridge Reservoir where you’ll find the trailhead to the Blue Pool.
15. Float The Deschutes River In Bend
The most popular summer activity with the local residents of Bend is to float the Deschutes River. We agree that it is one of the most fun ways you could spend a summer day in Bend!
Be sure to bring your most creative tube but if you forget, it is no problem as there are local outfitters you can either rent or purchase from.
16. Hike South Sister
South Sister is the third tallest mountain in Oregon standing at 10,363 feet. Its sister mountains, North Sister and Middle Sister, are the fourth and fifth highest peaks in Oregon.
If you enjoy challenging hiking trails, you need to add the South Sister hike to your hiking bucket list!
Views from the top of South Sister are phenomenal and on a clear day you can almost see every peak in the Cascade Range including Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, and even Mt Hood.
This trail is 11 miles round trip with a 4,820 foot elevation gain. The trail is mostly moderate until the last stretch which is steep with lots of loose gravel and rocks. The good news is that non-technical climbers can easily accomplish this hike with a little stamina and persistence!
See what the views from the top of South Sister look like here.
Related: How To Hike South Sister: Oregon’s Third Tallest Mountain
BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR PORTLAND
Portland is Oregon's largest city and filled with charming neighborhoods to explore including a hip downtown area. This city is best known for its quirky characters and “Keep Portland Weird” slogan.
Portland is one of our favorite U.S. cities to spend time in and you can find out why in this post - 7 Reasons You Should Visit Portland.
There is so much to see and do in Portland! Some of the highlights here include St John’s Bridge, Washington Park, and the Portland Saturday Markets. The city is also known for its large amount of breweries (there is one on practically every corner) and food pods that offer every type of food imaginable at very reasonable prices.
For a full list of things to do and experiences you must have in Portland see this Ultimate Portland Bucket List.
17. Walk Across St John’s Bridge In South-East Portland
St Johns Bridge is iconic to Portland and structurally the most beautiful suspension bridge ever built. You can walk across the bridge which spans the Willamette River, although I will warn you it can be a little nerve-wracking because the sidewalk is so narrow and vehicles are flying past only inches away from you!
Afterwards, spend some time strolling beautiful Cathedral Park which is located underneath the bridge. From the park you can view the Gothic arches of the bridge’s legs which visitors enjoy taking pictures of. This area is a popular backdrop for wedding photographers so don’t be surprised to see a wedding shoot taking place during your visit.
For beer and chocolate lovers, it is worth stopping at Occidental Brewing Co. who specialize in German-style beers and the Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe which are both located on the edge of Cathedral Park.
Our favorite place to eat in the St John’s neighborhood is the Santa Cruz Taqueria which serve authentic Mexican food and the best horchatas you will ever have! You can find the taqueria on the main street through town inside a Mexican grocery store which also features a yummy bakery section.
The city of Vancouver is closer to St John’s then downtown Portland, so if you’re looking for affordable accommodation your best bet would be to stay in Vancouver.
18. Watch A Trailblazers Game At The Moda Center
Photo by HispanosNBA
The Trail Blazers are Oregon’s official basketball team and watching a home game at the Moda Center during basketball season is a favorite past time for the local people of Portland.
Whether you are a basketball fan or not, attending a Trail Blazers game is a quintessential Portland experience! I must warn you though that tickets are in high demand during the season. Look up Trail Blazer game dates and ticket prices.
The Moda Center is also a popular venue for concerts featuring big name acts so if you would prefer seeing a live show you can search for concerts that are happening during your travel dates here.
The Moda Center is located just south of downtown Portland. There are a few nice hotels that are within walking distance of the Moda Center and will save you having to pay for parking at the game if you stay nearby.
Hotels we recommend staying at near the Moda Center:
19. Photograph Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a well-known landmark in Oregon and the state’s most popular attraction. You really can’t visit Oregon and not tick this place off your Oregon bucket list!
Oregon’s tallest waterfall is 620 feet high. There is a bridge which spans the waterfalls first tier called Benson Bridge.
From Benson Bridge, you will see amazing views of the top of Multnomah Falls so don’t forget to take your camera with you!
If you would like to continue further, you can hike all the way to the top of Multnomah Falls from Benson Bridge.
Related: Guide To Visiting Multnomah Falls
20. Take A Day Trip To The Columbia River Gorge
The Historic Columbia River Highway which runs through the Columbia River Gorge was the first ever scenic highway in the United States and is therefore a designated National Historic Landmark. The highway is 75 miles long and transitions between temperate rainforest to dry grasslands.
The mighty Columbia River which cuts through the gorge is bordered by the cliff’s of Washington state on one side and Oregon on the other.
The area is best known for its high concentration of waterfalls and if you’d like to learn more about where to find these falls you can see this article on the best waterfalls to see in the Columbia River Gorge.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy here such as hiking, fishing and sailing, along with several places of interest worth visiting including the Bonneville Dam, Bonneville Fish Hatchery, and the Bridge of the Gods.
See this article on a guide to the Columbia River Gorge to learn about all the must see sights in the area.
There are several towns located along the highway should you wish to plan an overnight stay. These include the towns of The Dalles, Hood River, and Troutdale.
Best place to stay in The Dalles:
Best place to stay in Hood River:
Best place to stay in Troutdale:
21. Go Wine Tasting In The Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s leading wine region and is home to more than 530 wineries. The area which is nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal Range is recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world.
The majority of the wineries found in the Willamette Valley are family-owned establishments dedicated to a handcrafted, artisanal wine-making approach.
The Willamette Valley is a popular tourist destination featuring many high-end inns and several bed & breakfasts along with a host of fine dining restaurants to choose from.
The proximity of Portland to the Willamette Valley makes Portland a great jumping off point to visit the area.
There are several tours that operate day trips to the Willamette Valley wineries from Portland.
Here are two of the most popular tours from Portland:
22. Canoe On Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is a beautiful spot not far from the quaint town of Government Camp. It is best known for its spectacular views of majestic Mount Hood which is reflected in its waters early mornings.
There is an abundance of recreational opportunities here such as boating, swimming, fishing, and of course photography. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking on trails that are in the vicinity including the two mile Trillium Shoreline Trail that circles the lake.
There is a campground nearby which accepts reservations and also has sites that are first-come first-serve.
Popular tours from Portland:
23. Ski Or Snowboard At Mount Hood
Mount Hood’s perpetually snowy peak is Oregon’s most iconic mountain, and can easily be seen from Portland on a clear day.
The Mount Hood Ski Area boasts one of the longest skiing seasons in the world and is home to a total of six ski areas! It also has some of the most affordable lift tickets in the USA which makes it an attractive ski/snowboard destination for all.
If you’re not interested in partaking in winter sports, it is still a beautiful destination to visit in winter. The drive to get there is gorgeous and at the end of your road trip you can relax at the historic Timberline Lodge (which is featured in the horror film ‘The Shining’). The lodge was constructed out of stone and wood from the surrounding forest and features a cozy fireplace and restaurant offering delicious food and specialty cocktails.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHERN OREGON
24. Snowshoe At Crater Lake
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America with a depth of 1,943 feet. This lake is most famous for its brilliant blue water which comes directly from rain or snow. Because there are no other inlets into Crater Lake, it is able to maintain incredibley clean and clear water from the lack of sediments being deposited.
Crater Lake is also one of the snowiest places in the USA receiving about 43 feet of snow annually! Many of the roads inside the park close during the winter, however the main road into Crater Lake National Park is kept clear and accessible year-round.
Even though the majority of facilities close for the winter, there are still a host of winter activities you can enjoy here such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling.
The winter season lasts from November to April but snow can linger into May and June. Check park conditions before visiting.
25. Visit Toketee Falls
Toketee Falls is Oregon’s other famous waterfall therefore deserves a place on this Oregon bucket list!
The impressive waterfall plunges over columnar basalt formations into a large deep-blue pool.
To reach Toketee Falls, you need to take a short hike along a 0.8 mile trail located near Idleyld Park. The trail is easy and suitable for all skill levels.
Toketee Falls is a great destination to visit and should be on every Southern Oregon road trip as there are a few other really cool natural attractions nearby such as the one listed below.
26. Soak In Forest Hot Springs
Oregon is home to a number of hot springs that can be found across the state. The most popular hot spring in Oregon to visit (if we were to go by the amount of posts on Instagram) is the Umpqua Hot Springs found in Southern Oregon.
Umpqua Hot Springs is located not far from Crater Lake National Park along SR-138. There is a parking fee of $5 a day.
These hot springs as previously mentioned are very popular therefore expect it to be crowded during any time of the day. Try to arrive very early in the morning if you are trying to avoid the crowds.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN EASTERN OREGON
27. Photograph Fall Colors At Boardman Tree Farm
The Boardman Tree Farm is about a three hour drive east of Portland and is located right beside the I-84. The tree farm is hard to miss because of its unique position surrounded by flat agricultural land that is lacking of any other trees (besides the trees planted at the farm).
The trees here are a hybrid of five different poplars named Pacific Albus and have been planted in evenly spaced rows on a 25,000 acre property.
The tree farm is private property therefore you probably shouldn’t trespass. However it is still possible to photograph the trees from the edge of the farm.
28. Hike To Ice Lake In The Wallowa’s
Ice Lake is located in the Wallowa Mountains. The Wallowa’s are fondly known as the ‘Swiss Alps of the USA’ and are a nice surprise from the rest of the desert landscape of Eastern Oregon.
You can visit this stunning lake on a 16-mile return trip hiking trail. It does take quite some time to get there but I promise it’s worth the effort. Especially in the fall when the mountain-sides are splashed in red and gold colors.
Be sure to visit the cute mountain town of Joseph on your way up! In Joseph you will find really good restaurants, boutique stores and fun vintage shops.
Related: Hiking to Ice Lake in the Wallowa’s
29. Take A Drive To The Top Of Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain is the largest fault block mountain in North America and is located in the remote south-east corner of the state. Due to its remoteness, this area is one of the least visited destinations in Oregon.
The fact that not many people have heard about Steens Mountain is a good thing because it makes a great place to get away from it all if you’re looking for solitude.
There is a 52 mile-long road called the Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway which will lead you to the mountain summit where you’ll find breathtaking scenic viewpoints that look over Kiger Gorge and the Alvord Desert below.
30. Camp Out On A Playa At Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert is unlike anywhere else in Oregon. The Alvord Desert sits on the east side of the Steens Mountain Range and is a desolate landscape that is rarely visited. Here, snow-capped peaks soar high above the salt flats of the desert playa.
Visitors may camp on the desert playa for free as it is considered BLM land.
Nearby you can find several hot springs to soak in and there are many other unique natural attractions to explore.
Related: Visiting Alvord Desert: Things To Do & Where To Stay
BEST FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN OREGON
31. Pendleton Whisky Music Festival
Post Malone performing at Pendleton Whisky Fest
The Pendleton Whisky Music Festival has become the biggest music festival in Oregon featuring some of the hottest artists in the music industry. Previous performers headlining the festival have included Blake Shelton, Maroon Five, Pitbull, the Zac Brown Band, 50 Cent and Post Malone! The event takes place every July in the small town of Pendleton.
Pendleton is located in Eastern Oregon and is quite a commute from the western half of the state. However, we assure you it is well worth the effort to get there and attend this top summer music festival! Besides being an absolutely fun and exciting day, it will give you a reason to visit and explore Oregon’s high desert region.
You can visit the festival’s website to stay updated with the line up and to learn more about tickets and camping.
32. Pendleton Round Up
Photo by Pendleton Round Up
Pendleton makes this Oregon bucket list again for the Pendleton Round Up! Thousands of people flock to Pendleton annually in the second week of September for this week long cowboy event.
The main street of Pendleton closes down for a full week and becomes a carnival grounds to host vendors, live music, and nightly shows.
The week begins with a dress up parade held on the Saturday before the round up week begins followed by the Outdoor Kick-Off Concert which is held in the arena. Previous artists have included Reba McIntire, George Strait and Scott McCreery.
Events during Round Up week include bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer roping, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping. The All-Around Cowboy award goes to the competitor who earns the most prize money in more than one event.
33. Visit The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival marks the beginning of spring time in Oregon showcasing dreamy tulip fields that are comparable to those in Holland.
You can stroll through 40 acres of brightly colored tulip fields which are set against a stunning background of majestic mountains looming in the distance and expansive vineyards.
The month long festival which takes place in April is run by a family owned farm in Woodburn. The tulips are planted in October and start to bloom some time in March depending on the previous years climate.
Besides looking at the pretty flowers, there are many other activities the whole family can enjoy here including wine tasting, food trucks, face painting, games and wagon rides.
34. See The Christmas Festival Of Lights At The Grotto
The Grotto’s ‘Christmas Festival of Lights’ is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world and takes place in Portland, Oregon.
This festival features a dazzling forest of lights consisting of over half a million light bulbs and more than 160 holiday concerts performed by the local community. The indoor concerts are scheduled each evening in the Grotto’s 500 seat chapel.
Festival attendees can walk the one quarter-mile long lights trail, enjoy outdoor caroling, see puppet shows and visit the live petting zoo. Holiday foods and beverages are available for purchase.
This extravagant celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through to the 30th December.
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How many of these bucket list items have you completed? Have you got any questions or suggestions about this Oregon bucket list? Let us know in the comments below or on our facebook community page.
