If you're looking for things to do in Oregon, we've got you covered with a series of trips designed to make planning a lot easier. Select one below or use the handy navigation to narrow in on a specific experience or destination.
Few states offer opportunities as varied and wondrous as Oregon, so Get Out. Explore.
The Trail of the Molten Land- Newberry Volcano
The Trail of the Molten Land, located outside of Bend, is an easy trail that brings hikers to an alien planet. In reality, you stroll through a roughly one-mile of lava flow, at the bottom of an ancient volcano, but your eyes will surely convince you that you’ve entered an alien realm. What is the … Read more
Trekking the Shimmering Path: A Guide to Oregon’s Big Obsidian Flow Trail
The Bog Obsidian Flow Trail winds through the youngest lava flow in Oregon. The roughly one square mile area is made up of glossy black obsidian and pumice stone. This hike is one of the most unique experiences in all of the diverse state of Oregon. What is the Big Obsidian Flow? The Big Obsidian … Read more
Nature’s Raw Power on Display: Exploring the Geologic Wonders of Newberry Volcanic Monument
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument in central Oregon combines 54,000 acres of land to feature lakes, lava flows, lava tubes, unique geologic formations, and some of the best views of the nearby cascade ranges, all inside one park. The New berry Volcanic Monument is mainly all about lava. The park is on an active volcano … Read more
Descending into the Abyss at Lava River Cave Oregon
Even as you’re descending into the giant maw of Lava River Cave near Bend Oregon, you’re thinking the usual thoughts that accompany steps into the subterranean. Will I see stalactites or Stalagmites? Will the floor be slippery with dropping moisture, will sudden bursts of illumination highlight spectacular displays of geologic history (thanks to thoughtful park … Read more
Oregon’s Lava Cast Forest: Nature’s Sculpture Garden in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Oregon’s lava cast forest is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and features an important remnant of the Earth’s early volcanic history. Hikers of all abilities can enjoy the paved trail through the lava casts at this stunning Oregon location, but first you have to find it! Visiting a Geological Marvel The more we … Read more
Explore Minto Brown Island Park: The Most Dog-Friendly Place in Salem
Minto Brown Island State Park is the perfect dog lover’s paradise. This riverfront West Salem park offers walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming, all with the option to take man’s best friend with you! The Search for Dog Friendly Parks at the Halfway Point When I stumbled upon Minto Island Brown Park in Salem, I was … Read more
What to Do at Crater Lake-Best Bets for Your Visit
When thinking about what to do at Crater Lake, many people go right to the pristine, blue water of the lake itself, but the over 180,000-acre park has much more to offer. With historic lodges, dining, sightseeing drives and endless hiking trails, Crater Lake National park is an experience, not just a destination. We visited … Read more
Valley of the Giants: Oregon’s Tallest Hidden Secret
When it comes to visiting the Pacific Northwest, adventurers have a lot of choices, but none are as humbling as the Valley of the Giants Oregon trail near the now defunct town of Siletz. Accessing this special, sacred old growth grove requires an intrepid spirit, perseverance, and if traveling on a weekday, possibly a death … Read more
Silver Falls State Park in Oregon: 10 Awesome Waterfalls in a Single Day
Silver Falls State Park in Oregon is the largest park in the state at close to ten thousand acres. It features moderate trails through dense Oregon forest that bring you to a total of ten different waterfalls. The well-maintained trails, paired with the uniquely beautiful falls, make Silver Falls hike in Oregon a popular place … Read more
Visiting Oregon: 11 Things to Do When You Get There
When visiting Oregon, it may be hard to narrow down a list of things to do. So, we’ve put together this simplified visitor resource, a companion to our Oregon travel guide, to help you discover the top attractions, and scenic places in Oregon this magnificent state has to offer. Exploring the Outdoors: Scenic Places in … Read more
McDowell Creek Falls- A Mythical Oregon Hike
McDowell Creek Falls Oregon is a moderate hike located north of Sweet Home. It features beautiful forest views and serene boardwalk stairs leading to the base and summit of two waterfalls. Oregon Hike Views For us, the McDowell Creek Falls trail started out in a small gravel parking lot at the Royal Terrace Trailhead in … Read more
It’s a Different Kind of Marble Hall at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve boasts 15,000 feet of underground passageways that wind and dive ever deeper into a marble cave. When it comes to things to do in Oregon, this adventure must be on your list. The History of the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve History of the Oregon Caves National … Read more
Top Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations in Oregon, The Most Dog-Friendly State in the Union
If you’re like us, you’re always seeking new pet-friendly vacations, restaurants, and specially, pet-friendly hotels. We always find ourselves hunting for dog friendly places in Oregon and New England because, after all, going on an adventure just isn’t the same without your dog. And if you’re like us, you also know that pet-friendly vacations and … Read more
Antique Powerland Museum: Revving Up a Good Time
Antique Powerland Museum or Powerland Heritage Park contains 15 individual museums, each with a different category of antique machinery. This museum will keep you occupied for hours, and is the perfect place to add to your Oregon travel guide. The History of Antique Powerland Museum In the vast farmland of 1950’s Woodburn and Silverton Oregon, … Read more
Fort Stevens State Park: Oregon Forgotten Battlements on the Columbia
Outside Astoria, Oregon sits a crucial part of both Civil war and WWII history. Fort Stevens State Park is the site of decades of Oregon battle time defense, protecting the crucial Columbia River waterway. Today, many of the structures still stand. Descending upon Fort Stevens State Park Oregon On a foggy, cold morning in Astoria, … Read more
Toketee Falls Trail in Oregon and the Hunt for a Red Toyota
By far, one of our favorite waterfalls is Toketee Falls in Oregon. Water, in shades of green and blue crystal, cascades over a sheer basalt cliff, falling into not just one, but two turbulent turquoise pools. The Toketee Falls trail winds through stone staircases and the most elaborate treetop trail before it finally gives up … Read more
Fort Hoskins Hiking Trail – Oregon History Hidden in the Valley
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is known for its endless hiking opportunities, many of which are intertwined with rich Oregon history. Fort Hoskins sits nestled into the valley, as a little-known historical secret. If you are planning an Oregon vacation, you may want to add this hidden gem to your list. Fort Hoskins History Originally created to … Read more
Drift Creek Falls Hike- Oregon’s Most Surprising Hike
The Drift Creek Falls hike winds through a dense, damp forest. Ferns carpet the ground, blanketing everything in shades of green. As you walk, the hike may seem to be leading you in endless circles, but soon enough, the forest’s secret is revealed. About Drift Creek Falls Located in Oregon’s Siuslaw National Forest, this 3 … Read more
Starvation Creek State Park: Cabin Creek Falls and Starvation Creek Falls
Starvation Creek State Park is a state park in Oregon located along the Columbia River Gorge. This trailhead serves as a jumping off point for accessing the paved old highway 30, that is now a hiking trail for pedestrians. This trailhead also serves as easy access for four different and unique waterfalls, that are all … Read more
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival 2022- Not Your Typical Tulip Patch
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival 2022 is not your grandmother’s tulip patch! This Oregon tulip festival boasts 40 acres of rainbow tulips with snow-peaked mountains as the backdrop. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to explain the sights here. If you are looking for things to do in Oregon in the spring, look no further! Our Journey … Read more
Ghost Towns in Central Oregon or Scam? Real Deal on Shaniko and Antelope
Shaniko and Antelope are 2 American towns often labelled as ghost towns in central Oregon, but are these communities really abandoned relics of the old west or is it all a scam? We set out expecting to find a hollow remnant of what once was while visiting Oregon. Instead, we found something else. Ghost Towns … Read more
5 Oregon Scenic Places You Definitely Want to Visit this Spring
Spring comes to Oregon earlier than some parts of the country making it a fine time to visit some of the Oregon scenic places that are cluttering up your bucket list. But if you’re looking for ways to enjoy an Oregon in spring, we have 5 of the most scenic places that are sure to … Read more
We Found the Best Things to Do in Astoria Oregon, and that Was a Problem
DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Finding cool and unusual things to do in Astoria, Oregon wasn’t the hard part of our journey. It was compressing … Read more
Finding the Treacherous Route to Yaquina Falls
Down a sloping, winding, and seemingly abandoned logging road, a small trail appears covered in ferns. Down this “trail,” the adventure to Yaquina Falls really begins. The Pre-Adventure to Yaquina Falls The path to Yaquina Falls was not what I expected it to be, from start to finish. My first time visiting the falls was … Read more
Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, Can’t Miss Gem in the Columbia River Gorge
When visiting Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge, it is easy to spend all your time exploring the many waterfalls, like Multnomah Falls, but believe it or not, the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is a can’t miss quick trip you will not regret. The Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is perfect for all ages, … Read more
Oregon’s Mosier Twin Tunnels Hike, Mother-Daughter Trek into History
During our excursion into the Columbia River Gorge, we sought to avoid the crowds. While we did do the more touristy things such as Multnomah Falls, we also tried to stick to lesser known adventures such as Ponytail Falls and the Mosier Twin Tunnels hike. What Are the Mosier Twin Tunnels? Construction on the Mosier … Read more
Visiting Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge – Don’t Make Our Mistake
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls. Revereed for its two-tier plunge and picturesque appeal, the double cascade sees two million visitors a year, most during the summer months. Table of contents Where Is Multnomah Falls? Multnomah Falls Bridge What Is There to Do at Multnomah Falls? … Read more
Horsetail Falls Oregon to Ponytail Falls, Mother and Daughter on the Trail
A recent trip to the Columbia River Gorge had us—as it does many—chasing waterfalls, most notably Horsetail Falls Oregon and the nearby Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls. This duo of plunging cascades offers everything for travelers of all abilities, from the view-it-from-the-roadside sort to the more avid hiker. If you haven’t traveled … Read more
Launching a Balsa-Wood Glider when Visiting Astoria Column Oregon
Sending a balsa wood glider flying from the top of the 125-foot Astoria Column Oregon has become a tradition when visiting the northern coast. While launching your plane, you can enjoy the views of Young’s Bay, the Columbia River and the coastline. What Is an Astoria Column Glider? On a rare clear, sunny day in … Read more
What Lies Beneath Clear Lake in Oregon: Kayaking the Great Blue
Kayaking over Clear Lake, Oregon, you would have no idea what lies underneath. From above, you experience calm, clear water in the peaceful setting. But just below the water’s surface, an underwater world awaits. Clear Lake is an oasis surrounded by forested fir trees that tower above and blanket the shores in shade. The lake … Read more
Latourell Falls Hike, One of the Hottest Trails in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge
The Latourell Falls hike in Oregon is now open following a lengthy closure due to the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. Easily accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway, this loop hike can also be taken as an out and back adventure. No matter how you dish it up, you’ll cover two outstanding waterfalls and … Read more
Easy Oregon Hikes that Lead to Unbelievable Destinations
Tackling some of Oregon’s hiking trails is a multi-day adventure, but if you don’t have the stamina for a backcountry excursion, there are several easy and beautiful hikes, perfect for wiling away a few hours. Here are some of our favorites, as well as a few we hope to conquer in the near future. Easy … Read more
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Review: See More, Travel the Old-Fashioned Way
If you need a relaxing way to see the Oregon Coast while visiting Oregon, or if you have a kiddo that is obsessed with trains, The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is for you and your family! The railway features a historical authentic Oregon steam train which takes you along the Coast and shorelines from Garibaldi … Read more
