With over 1,100 moderate hiking trails, miles of back country wilderness and opportunities for biking, paddling and rock climbing, just to name a few, there aren’t many other warm weather destinations as friendly to outdoor enthusiasts as Oregon in summer. Add in a host of activities, a penchant for historical fare and a coastline filled with dramatic sites, and you might just find it hard to stay home this year.
Here is what you need to know when visiting Oregon during the summer as well as some of the best things to do.
Oregon Weather in Summer
As May rolls around, Oregon has shaken off much of its wintertime rain and drizzle. The sun erupts for days on end and the air is dry and delightful.
As summer comes on strong, the rain tends to disappear entirely. By August, fire danger is usually at extreme levels, warranting extra caution when visiting the outdoors.
Oregon summer temperatures inland usually strike a balance between the high sixties in May, reaching toward the low 80s by August for highs. Higher elevations, such as those in mountainous regions, will see lower average highs.
Coastal regions also typically see cooler temps in the summer, with highs in the 50s for the northern coast and extending into the 70s the further south you go.
Oregon in Summer: The Perfect Time to Explore the Region’s History
If you’re a history buff, you’re in luck when taking a summer vacation to Oregon as historical sites abound. The northern coast, for instance, features a real-world glimpse into several eras of the state’s battle time history at Fort Stevens State Park outside of Astoria.
This ancient fort defended the critical Columbia River waterway from the Civil War through WWII. Today, you can take a self-guided tour of the batteries and other abandoned buildings or take a guided underground tour. Be sure to contact the Friends of Fort Stevens State Park to make a reservation first and to ensure that tours are running.
While in the area, head over to the Astoria Column. The 125-foot-tall tower is the last of 12 historical markers commemorating the country’s westward expansion. The murals on Astoria Column were designed to depict the history of Astoria and were created by renowned artist, Attilio Pusterla who was experienced in sgraffito painting, an etching technique.
Once you’re done tracing the history of Oregon up the length of the column head inside where 164 stairs will take you to the top and a narrow metal balcony. Here, you’ll enjoy views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains.
One of the more peculiar things to do in Astoria involves climbing to the top of the column and taking flight, by launching a balsa wood glider. Most twirl and spin gracefully into the parking lot below, but a record 6-mile flight has been recorded.
Astoria is also one of the best places to explore the Lewis and Clark Trail. While the original trail ends around Fort Stevens State Park, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park sits a little to the south.
Here, you’ll find a replica of the original Fort Clatsop and trails that commemorate the explorations of these explorers. While visiting Oregon in the summer, you may even find buckskin clad rangers providing demonstrations on how it was to live during this period of exploration.
Heading south down the coast from Astoria, you’ll find another bit of wartime history. The Tillamook Air Museum resides in a former blimp hangar and offers an ode to the state’s WWII history, when blimps took to the skies in defense of the Columbian River. The blimps may be gone, but exploring the oversized hangar is a delight in and of itself. For aerophiles, there is a large collection of historic wartime aircraft.
If the history of aviation strikes your fancy, continue inland to the town of McMinnville. Here, you can feast your eyes on several decades of airtime history, including the infamous Spruce Goose, at the McMinnville Air Museum. In addition to the $23 million one-flight wonder are over 100 other historic planes.
Also hiding inland, well disguised in the heart of the Willamette Valley, is Oregon’s Fort Hoskins. Originally created to monitor and watch the Coastal Indian Reservation, today Fort Hoskins stands abandoned, adorned by a few remaining historic structures and the open parade field where soldiers did their work and practiced their craft. Interpretive signs explain much of the site’s significance.
Oregon in Summer: North Coast Secrets
If you’re looking to beat the heat while visiting Oregon in the Summer, head to the Northern Oregon Coast where temps remain mild for most of the year. Consider visiting the Yaquina Lighthouse in Newport. The lighthouse is open for visitors, and even offers tours, depending on the day and time. More info can be found on their website.
While in the area, you can learn more about the aquatic life of the region at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a large aquatic facility that houses species found in the Pacific Ocean, such as seals, sea otters, puffins, octopi and several species of large fish.
To view one of the largest and loudest animal natives, head over to the sea lion dock on the main wharf. It’s one of the most popular things to do. In fact, these local celebrities have such a following that they even have their own live feed camera.
If you’re looking for a glimpse into how things are made in Oregon, spend some time at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. You’ll see how this famous Oregon delight is manufactured, processed and packaged and can even sample some of the best ice cream in the world.
For other excursions along the Oregon Coast, be sure to read our Northern Oregon Coast Guide.
Summer Vacation in Oregon: What’s Happening this Year
A visit to Oregon in summer is usually filled with festivals and happenings. While most COVID-19 related restrictions have been lifted throughout the state, it will take some time to ramp back up to a full slate of activities, but there is still plenty to do.
The Philomath Frolic Rodeo kicks off on July 8 with lots of toe-stompin’ cowboy fun. Three nights of NPRA rodeo action are joined by live music and dancing during this 3-day event.
If you miss the rodeo in Philomath, there is no need to give up on your rodeo dreams. The Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo is back in the saddle again after a hiatus in 2020. Championship NPRA rodeo stars join hometown fair fun to create an unforgettable 5-day happening, beginning July 28 in Redmond.
Just thirty miles south of Portland, the town of Woodburn hosts the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana on August 7, 2021. With an adult population that is sixty percent Latino, you’ll find authentic eats coupled with food and displays of culture, art and music at this Woodburn festival
Become a miner for a day or two in Cottage Grove this summer. Pick your side by joining one of two fictitious mining towns and show your spirit during the Bohemia Mining Days running July 17 – 18. In addition to good-hearted comradery, you’ll enjoy live music, mining history and even an ore cart race. While in the area, see if you can find the historic remains of the Bohemia Mine.
Enjoying the Great Oregon Outdoors in Summer
Oregon is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Just head out on any one of the myriad hiking trails and you’ll see why. Splendid old-growth forests, a landscape rich in volcanic history and amazing waterfalls are just a few of the sights that await the adventurous spirit.
Ranked as one of our 16 best Oregon hiking trails, the Waterfall Loop Trail #3503, found in the Willamette National Forest travels uphill along the eastern edge of the McKenzie River. Taking this journey, you’ll travel from earth to sky and descend to heaven by way of two waterfalls with celestial names in the native Chinook language.
The Koosah Falls (sky) is the lesser of the two falls on the trail, coming in at around seventy feet in height. Reaching heaven, you’ll find the 100-foot plunge of Sahalie Falls. The hike to Koosah and Sahalie Falls is a loop, taking you past some old-growth specimens and along the rushing turquoise blue of the McKenzie River.
For outdoor fun with a side of thrill, you can try rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. It’s known as the birthplace of U.S. sport climbing and features nearly 2,000 routes that range in difficulty from fourth class to 5.14. If you’re in the dark about what that means, you’re probably best off putting your fingertips in action with one of the local guides before trying any solo climbs.
Paddlers will find a nearly unlimited array of locations to dip an oar, from the wild and tempestuous whitewater on the Rogue River, including jet boat tours, to the peaceful adventure on the crystal waters of Clear Lake, where you can paddle out to find the remains of a submerged forest.
From fat biking to mountain biking and everything in between, cyclists may never want to leave Oregon once they try a trail or two.
The Oregon coast is open year-round for enthusiastic cyclists. Fat biking is best here. If you prefer dirt and the exhilaration of a natural rock formations and big-air jumps, try Sandy Ridge near Mt. Hood. The region features a number of biking destinations from steep climbs and shuttle assisted lifts.
Your Oregon Summer Travel Checklist
Before you book your flights or hop in the car headed for a summer Oregon vacation, be sure to check ahead. Most destinations are open, but a handful remain closed due to COVID-19 related concerns.
It’s also wise to make reservations before you arrive. Hotels, B&Bs, VRBOs and even campgrounds are filling up fast, so booking ahead is the way to go if you want to avoid sleeping in your car.
And speaking of cars, if you plan to fly into one of Oregon’s airports and rent a car, it’s wise to make a reservation in advance. Car rental companies have experienced a vehicle shortage this summer as travelers take to the roads in record numbers. Booking ahead and calling the company a day or two ahead to confirm, could help to ensure that a car is available when you arrive.
Also, be aware of wildfire regulations and safety. Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency on June 30th due to early dry conditions that have escalated the threat of wildfires. Following a horrific late summer in 2020 when fires destroyed over 1 million acres of land and magnificent natural resources, it’s vital that visitors play it safe when visiting Oregon in summer.
If you’re looking for handy welcome centers to guide you along your Oregon summer journey, be advised that many remain closed due to wildfires or COVID-19 concerns. Currently, the Ashland, Brookings, Seaside and Portland International Airport (PDX) welcome centers are open to assist travelers.
Also, be aware of COVID-19 related restrictions. While mask mandates and social distancing measures were lifted in most settings as of June 30, individual businesses may still require masking, so it’s best to be prepared and always have a mask at the ready. Masks are still required at all airports and when using public transit.
Finally, be sure to read our blog on the 7 things you must know before taking a vacation to Oregon, and above all enjoy your visit to Oregon in summer.
