Clearing skies and warmer temperatures are only a few of the reasons you might want to visit Oregon in March. Add the possibility of early wildflowers, fewer crowds at popular spots and the lingering presence of snow, and there are very few reasons not to consider March for an Oregon Adventure.
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Weather in Oregon in March
Weather is probably the biggest reason that fewer people visit Oregon in March. In contrast to the month of June when the average forecast is sunny and 78 degrees, early spring brings a different feel.
The state averages 20.4 days of rain during the month, adding up to 3.39 inches of accumulated precipitation. However, according to Weatherspark historical data, rainfall tapers off as the month wears on.
Temperatures are rising too. Compared to January when the average high reaches 48 degrees, March in Oregon brings balmy 59-degree days, probably because the cloud cover is lessening. A quick peak at Weatherspark reveals that the chance for overcast or partly cloudy conditions is only 31 percent in March, with more sun at the end of the month than the beginning.
More sun means more pleasurable adventures, but even if you should hit rain, your day isn’t likely to be ruined. Rainfall in Oregon is usually more of a mist or drizzle, with heavy shower activity on the rarer side. Pack some rain gear, and you’ll be fine.
What to Do in Oregon in March
Given the weather, a visit to Oregon in March is a great time to trek out to the eastern portion of the state where dessert conditions inhibit rainfall and a host of activities await the intrepid traveler.
For spelunking enthusiasts, the lava tube caves of Bend offer a glimpse into Oregon’s underworld. Boyd Cave, an easy jaunt down dirt-packed China Hat Road is the most popular. Access to the over 1800-foot tube is made easy via sturdy metal stairs. Other caves in the area are harder to locate and enter, but still accessible.
Eastern Oregon is also home to one of the state’s most colorful sites, The Painted Hills. These colorful mounded peaks are part of the larger John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and are a sight to behold at any time of year. The advantage of visiting this magnificent Oregon landmark in March is fewer crowds, providing you more moments to linger and soak in the beauty of the eastern Oregon dessert.
Best Places to visit in Oregon in March
In addition to eastern Oregon, there is plenty to do in Oregon in March if you aren’t scared off by the possibility of drizzle. All of the best hiking locations are open, offering the advantage of far fewer crowds.
It’s a great time to visit popular attractions along the Columbia River Gorge, such as Multnomah Falls. While you’re there, spend the day visiting some of the gorge’s less famed cascades, including Ponytail Falls, or head into the the town of Hood River and take a drive along the Fruit Loop. Since this area is prized for its agricultural production, you’ll see rolling hills covered in trees as blossom begin to open.
Other travelers prefer to head south into the Umpqua National Forest. To get there, you’ll roughly travel the course of the North Umpqua River until you reach Glide. Here, the great Umpqua meets the Little River in an explosive scene known as the Colliding Rivers, made even more memorable with spring runoff.
Traveling into the forest along Highway 138, you’ll continue in companion with the North Umpqua, passing numerous cascades and some small waterfalls, until you reach the grandaddy of them all, Tokatee Falls. Continue past the falls to take a soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs. Or, for more off-the-beaten-path adventure in a fairy forest, continue east on Highway 138 to Watson Falls.
If you find yourself faced with a rainy day and want to escape the precipitation, head indoors to one of Oregon’s museum experiences. Home to the famed Spruce Goose, the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville traces the history of air travel from its humble beginnings. Make sure to check out the display of flight attendant uniforms used by major carriers over the years.
The Tillamook Air Museum takes another tour of aviation history, this one featuring Oregon’s involvement in WWII as an anti-submarine patrol force. The magnificent hangar off of Highway 101 is an immersive experience into the military aviation heritage of the state, including the giant blimps used to spot enemy submarines entering the Columbia River channel.
For a spirited day surrounded by thousands of blooms at the peak of perfection, visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Opening in mid-March, the 20-acre field is definitely not your grandmother’s tulip patch. Featuring daily activities, food and a festival atmosphere, you could easily spend an entire day communing with the color and beauty of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm backed by the splendor of Mount Hood.
Skiing in Oregon in March
While famed for winter rains, Oregon’s little-known secret is snow, with higher elevations receiving feet of powder each season. Given spring discounts and waning crowds, skiing Oregon in March might just be the perfect downhill experience. In fact, Oregon offers more lift-accessible trails for spring skiing than anywhere else in the country.
For snow bunnies, Mt. Bachelor just outside of Bend is the king of Oregon skiing, offering one of the longest spring seasons in North America. Despite the longevity of the snow layer, you’ll find that spring tickets are highly discounted over the prime-season, making March a great time to ski in Oregon. And with 4,300 acres of terrain and a 9,065-foot summit, you’ll be glad that 7 of the mountain’s eleven lifts are high speed.
For a more diverse experience, combine skiing with nighttime outdoor adventure at Timberline Lodge Ski Area on Mt. Hood. Also offering March discounts, this historic lodge features trails down Oregon’s highest mountain as well as moonlight snowshoeing for those who just can’t get enough powder.
For a more intimate March skiing adventure, head south to Mt. Ashland, where 2,210 acres of snow-covered terrain invite skiing and snow-boarding enthusiasts to test their skills. Best of all, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to reach the beauty of Crater Lake where park rangers regularly lead snowshoe adventures through the park.
If you’re serious about winter sports, you may want to consider purchasing your own equipment at a ski store. It can be less costly than renting, and with some advanced planning, you can have your purchases flown with you on the plane to Oregon.
Oregon Coast in March
Despite the cooler temperatures and lingering fog cover, March is no time to avoid the Oregon coast. In fact, it’s one of the best times to seek adventure on the water.
From late February through early June, pods of Gray Whales take a leisurely swim up the Oregon coast, offering prime viewing and photography opportunities. The advantage to traveling to Oregon in March is that your visit may coincide with one of the Whale Watch Weeks, where volunteers are on hand at state-run viewing centers to teach about whales and help visitors recognize sightings.
Turbulent March weather could easily make for a memorable Oregon coast trip if you drive down to Cape Perpetua, where features such as Spouting Horn and Thor’s well put on an ultra-dramatic show when the waves get rough.
Should I Go to Portland in March?
March can be a great time to visit Portland for those inclined to experience Oregon city life. You’ll find lower cost accommodations this time of year, compared to summer months when the number of visitors begin to rise. You’ll also find some one-of-a-kind events that can only be experienced in the spring.
Spring is cherry blossom season in Oregon and you’ll find a few different eye-popping locations to view blankets of blooms. One is Waterfront Park, where 100 trees begin unfurling pink and white petals as the month of March wears on. The trees were a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association in appreciation for the city’s hospitality over the years.
While the waterfront’s Akebono trees are known for early blossoms, the blanket display of white and pink blooms continues as the month wears on at Hoyt Arboretum. Hoyt is home to around 60 trees of different varieties, including the later-flowering Shirofugen cultivar, which features large 2 inch double flowers well-recognized for being fragrant.
If your travel plans intersect with St. Patrick’s Day, you’re in luck. Portland has a large Irish community and goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day. The highlight of the festivities is the downtown parade, as well as Irish pub crawls, traditional Irish music performances, and plenty of green beer. However, the biggest draw is brought about by Paddy’s Irish Pub. A visit here will bring live music, Irish dance performances, and a taste of the famed corned beef and cabbage.
A Self Guided Solo “Weird and Wonderful Portland” Walking Tour will take you to all of the sights that make Portland unique. Celebrate the areas wierdest and wackiest at your own pace with this audio walking tour. Travelers may sign up for the tour through Viator and follow the audio using the WalknTours app.
Visiting Oregon in March
While the weather isn’t always perfect, a visit to Oregon in March is the best time to enjoy spring skiing or popular attractions with fewer crowds.
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