Exploring Oregon: My Top Destinations
I have been living in Oregon for seven years now! Wow. As a lover of all things Oregon, I feel I have explored a decent amount of the state over the time I’ve been here, which is why I wanted to compile this blog. My most asked question on Instagram is where do I go while I am here!? Look no further. Below you will find my favorite hiking destinations, restaurants, and where to stay along the way.
McKenzie River Area
Blue Pool
Blue Pool is a part of the famously blue McKenzie River corridor 1.5 hours from Eugene. Known as Tamolitch Blue Pool, the hike is 3.7 miles round trip from the trailhead to the pool with 300 feet of elevation gain. The fall is my favorite time to visit as the colors of the water against yellow leafs and overcast day gives the water the best color in my opinion. While the water looks enticing to swim it, the water is always around 35 degrees. If you want to make this trip longer the McKenzie River Trail is 27 miles long. In the winter the pool will appear a deep blue color against the snow, and in the spring a waterfall may emerge when the dam is released upstream. If you are looking for a place to stay while you are here we love staying at Horse Creek Lodge. The Lodge has multiple cabins available for rent as well as campsites tucked in the woods with plenty of privacy.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls
If you are driving from Eugene to Bend, Sahalie and Koosah Falls are great places to stop along HWY 126, both short hikes from the car so if you are limited on time this is a great pit stop. Both falls are accessible for wheelchairs and a great place to take grandparents and kiddos with no hiking experience. These falls are part of the McKenzie River Trail, a 27 mile trail along the famous McKenzie River that flows towards Eugene. If you are heading back west stop at the Blue Sky Market and grab some fried chicken on a stick, its surprisingly delicious especially after a hike.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is also along the McKenzie River Cooridor along HWY 126. Clear Lake lives up to it’s name, because it is insanly clear from the top you can see all the way to the bottom of the lake. The lake was formed 3000 years ago when lava from nearby Sand Mountain reached the river to form the lake. A trail goes around the lake for 4.6 miles of reletivley flat ground. On the lake itself there is a little shop where you can rent a boat and paddle around the lake for $17.50 for a half day and $35 for a full day. If you want to stay here there are rustic cabins and yurts available for rental.
Oregon Coast
Samuel H. Boardmen Cooridor
This part of the Oregon coast has the bluest water along the coastline being so close to the warm California waters. Plus, the rock formations are the most unique and you can actually hike on them. A popular destination for photographers, you can understand why when you look up photos from the area. The most popular time to photograph is in the winter when the light rays and fog from the coastline are the strongest.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is the most popular coastal town on the Oregon coast. Perhaps it is the fact that it is directly west of Portland, or the famous movie the Goonies was filmed here. Cannon Beach is also home to Ecola Beach State Park, which has great views of the famous haystacks from higher ground. When visiting the haystack there are many tidepools around the base. Be sure to abide by Leave No Trace principles and do not walk or touch the wildlife in the tidepools as it is harming to their ecosystem. Read more on what to do while your there on my blog here.
Drift Creek Falls
Home to the only suspension bridge in Oregon Drift Creek Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls to visit in the springtime after the rains have came. Located outside of Lincoln City, Oregon the hike is 3 miles round trip and suitable for children. You can view the falls from the suspension bridge or hike further down to the base of the waterfall.
Central Oregon
Smith Rock State Park
Located near Bend, Oregon the unique rock formations at Smith Rock State Park are worth seeing. It is popular to photograph Smith Rock at sunrise and sunset. There is no camping allowed in the parking lot here, and police will ticket illegal parking as it has become a busy place. Misery Ridge is a 3.7 mile hike with 915 feet of elevation gain that will take you to the top. Smith Rock is a popular place for rock climbing, which is fun to watch as you hike or walk around. From the main parking lot it is accessible for wheelchairs to view the rock from the viewing posts.
Sparks Lake
For good reason, Sparks Lake is one of the most visited destinations along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway outside of Bend Oregon. Tucked in the Three Sisters Wilderness right off the highway, Sparks Lake sits at the base of South Sister and Broken Top. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit as the reflections and colors are bound to be a great place for photography. If you are stopping in Bend I recommend booking through Central Oregon Vacation Homes. My favorite restaurants and breweries in Bend are: Wild Rose Northern Thai, Spork, 900 Wall, Chow, Drake, Worthy Brewing, Boneyard Beer, and Immersion Brewing.
Alvord Desert
The Alvord desert is about an 8 hour drive from Portland. If you are coming from Nevada or Idaho it is worth it to stop here. Oregon is full of beautiful green forests unlike this part of Oregon that has nearly no trees and some of the hottest hot springs in the state. You can find more information on my blog and what you should see while you are out there.
The Wallowas
I have backpacked this area of Oregon twice now. The Eagle Cap Wilderness is also known as the Swiss Alps in Oregon, the highest mountain range Oregon has to offer. Hiking in the area is not for the faint of heart as it requires a lot of elevation gain to get to the beautiful alpine lakes. However, there is a way to view the Wallowas from the top via the Wallowa Lake Tramway which climbs up nearly 4000 feet giving you a view. Riding horseback on these trails is another way to get around if you don’t want to hike. One day I want to hike out to the Minam River Lodge-add this to your bucket list. By horseback or by hiking you can reach the resort in the middle of the wilderness and stay while enjoying 5 star meals from the staff.
Cities
Eugene
I have been living in Eugene since 2013. While smaller than Portland, Eugene is home to the Oregon ducks and many amazing farm to table restaurants. My favorite local hikes include Spencer’s Butte and Mount Pisgah Arboretum. My favorite restaurants are: Pandita, Akira, Bon Mi, Brail’s, and Sabai. Favorite places to stop for a beer is Oakshire Brewery, Beer Garden, Beer Stein, and Pint Pot.
Portland
If you are traveling into Oregon by plane, chances are you will fly into Portland. Portland is close to many famous attractions like Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, Japanese Gardens. and the Rose Gardens. Typically when I travel to Portland I am all about the food. Some of my favorite restaurants to add to your list: Mediterranean Exploration Company, Bamboo Sushi, and Tropicale. I enjoy staying in the Pearl District or Southeast Portland, depending on why I am visiting. My favorite hotels in Portland are: McMenamins Crystal Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Vintage, and the Jupiter Hotel.
Salt Creek Falls
Located off HWY 58 towards Oakridge, Oregon Salt Creek Falls is accessible for handicapped and children as you can drive up to the viewpoint with a short walk to the railing. A steep hike will bring you through the woods and closer to the waterfall. When you are there I suggest seeing Diamond Creek Falls-the trailhead is on the left side of the parking lot. During wintertime the gate to the parking lot closes but is accessible by snowshoe. If you have time in this area I also suggest visiting Waldo Lake. The Oakridge area is full of many hikes that are lesser known. Visit Hike Oregon to find what trails to hike while your there.
Crater Lake National Park
For good reason Crater Lake National Park is a popular destination for tourists. My favorite time to visit is the spring when the road opens back up-roads close due to snow for the wintertime. The spring is not the most popular time to visit, which is preferable for me. The mountains covered in snow brings out the blueness of the water. Summertime is quite busy. Dogs are only allowed on some trails within the National Park, so be cautious of this when you visit.
Hot Springs
Oregon is full of natural hot springs. Due to COVID keep in mind that some of them are closed at this time. My personal favorite hot spring is Cougar Hot Springs located off HWY126-there is a $7 (cash only) per person fee for these hot springs as they have become popular so an attendant is there to ensure cleanliness of the pools. Umpqua Hot Springs are a great place to stop and visit if you are visiting Crater Lake National Park. Be sure to stop and visit Toketee Falls as well, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon.
Jefferson Park
Located at the base of Mount Jefferson, Jefferson park is located in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. I have only backpacked here once, but it was one of the best places I have backpacked to in the PNW. In 2020 the area endured a wildfire which may have impact on some of the trails in the area, be sure to check into this after winter of 2020 to see if the area is safe to hike to-as of today it is currently closed. With many lakes to choose from the area does not have a bad place to camp.
Lemolo Falls
If you are visiting Crater Lake National Park, Lemolo Falls is about an hour from there. These falls are some of my favorite in Oregon. You hike down through a beautiful lush forest to the bottom of these falls in 2.2 miles. I recommend doing the south trailhead as the north trailhead will take you to the top of the falls. We visited in the summertime and had the place to ourselves on a Saturday morning.
I haven’t explored all of Oregon (yet) and I reached out to my audience to suggest their favorite places: Ruby Beach, Leslie Gulch, Cape Perpetua, Barview Jetty campground, , Hallmark Inn (Newport and Cannon Beach), Stephanie Inn, Adobe Resort, Hi-Tide in Seaside, Headlands Lodge, and Whale Cove. Have more suggestions? Feel free to reach out to me and I will add to this list.
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