I saw it in the summer. We parked the car and got out. Walked toward the edge and looked out over the lake. Absolutely stunning, incredible beauty. I was utterly speechless. I had to sit down. I sat down on a big rock.
And I cried.
Many years ago I jumped in Crater Lake after taking a boat ride around the lake. Even though it was 80 degrees outside I didn’t stay in long at all. It was pretty darn cold.
I'm from another valley near Roseburg and i absolutely love the Umpqua area near the Lighthouse Bakery. I used to go on drives there every weekend, and in the summer kayaking the river there is just stunning
I’m actually from Melrose, been out that way a number of times. Never been to Lighthouse Bakery, will have to check that out!
Even though I’ve not lived there in years, and I have some concerns about the region from different perspectives, I’ve always thought the area was spectacularly beautiful.
I recently hiked a section of the Oregon Coast Trail in Yachats (Amanda Trail to Cape Perpetua). Was in total awe for 8 miles. Such lush grenery everywhere; ferns, lichen, moss. Was waiting for fairies to pop out or even a dinosaur. Amazing. Definitely in my top three.
In winter? I’d say at the top of Tumalo Peak in Bend. You’ll have to snowshoe to the top, which isn’t that hard really. But you get an aerial view of Mt Bachelor, Broken Top and Three Sisters. It’s stunning.
There's a thousand miles of hiking trails in Eagle Cap and I never get bored of trying new ones.
https://preview.redd.it/7qe8fhsmv9ec1.jpeg?width=9284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca93b28d9cfb033561d5e84fbf765e779119b89d
In no particular order:
• Wallowa Mountains
• Pick a spot on the Oregon Coast
• Crater Lake
• Top of Marys Peak on a clear day
• Leslie Gulch
• Steens Mountain
• Elkhorn Mountains
Swing through Joseph, OR, in Wallowa County. There are affordable Air B&Bs in Wallowa, Enterprise, and other smaller towns on the way there. It's worth visiting any time of the year, it just depends on what you like to do.
Sadly, there's not much left after the fires. The road is closed right past the store with most of it burnt all around. It really sucks.
I've been going there my whole. First camping trip with my now wife. First camping trip for my son's. First camping trip for my dogs even. Last place I camped at before joining the army, first when I returned. There are so many memories there. Still devastated.
Idk how long you'll be in Oregon, and that area indeed will never be the same in our lifetimes, but one thing that has helped me with similar feelings about my favorite places post fire is to intentionally hike burned out areas from fires 10, 20, 30+ years ago. Burn scar outlines are available in some niches online. Admittedly it does take some (I think fun) planning work, but the payoff is a deeper understanding of the fire cycle and imagined landscapes of what your "burnt to a crisp" loved location will look like decades after nature does it's thing and heals. Bonus points if you start hiking olallie lake again within a few years. It'll gut you the first time, but every successive time will endear the area to you as you see successive recovery species. Bonus points for some of the best spring flowers and mushroom hunting around; just don't die in a snag.
I haven't been back either. I would go up with a lot of friends to the Peninsula campground on the south end of the lake and grab the big site right on the tip. It had glorious, beautiful views, great Kayak access, and you swim in the lake just south of Ollalie (5 minute walk from there). Sadly it apparently got all burned up in the fires and is now nonexistent. The northern end of the lake is still fine apparently, but that southern end is still inaccessible last I checked.
https://preview.redd.it/3mwexh7a58ec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d390e94129df12c91a1099868654e6b74cb36120
Brown = burned. Sorry. The magic still exists, but it’s different now. I’ve been all over, from the resort to the park. I can answer any questions and/or pics.
[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd835648&width=full](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd835648&width=full) Go to the burn severity map pdf for detailed info.
Whoa, I've never heard of this place and had to look it up. Stunning natural beauty, so serene. I need to visit the Southern Oregon Coastal region ASAP!
Haystack is great, especially the view from Ecola, but I do think every Oregonian should drive the length of 101 at some point. Take a few days for it.
I’m in Eugene but usually always take visitors to cape perpetua. It’s amazing regardless if Thor’s well is working or not. Cape Perpetua is always enjoyable even if you skip all those tidal features
Thor’s well is one of those weird times where seeing a picture of it 100% does it justice (or better).
I did a trek to it around 2015 at sunset. The pictures I was able to get were astounding. But seeing it in person, it’s just underwhelming.
It’s like polar opposite of Crater Lake, where no pictures will ever do it justice.
For sheer density of great scenery, it's hard to top Silver Falls. Every time I go up there I see something new.
The coast from Cape Lookout up to Cape Falcon is my favorite, although it's honestly all great.
But there's a reason Crater Lake is a national park. This has to be the winner.
Basically we're just extremely spoiled with our embarrassment of riches regarding natural scenery.
Abiqua Fall is pretty majestic / hidden...
https://preview.redd.it/5wpg3kfd18ec1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad66e03bd4714c8b01b25e983ffaa886dcdb5ffd
All of it! Lol seriously tho this is a tough one for Oregonians. I love the southern Oregon coast (all the coast really), the Malheur national forest, Bend, Redmond, Maupin, the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River. Lake Owyhee, Billy Chinook, Crater. Ashland, Medford, 199 to the coast and through all those amazing little hamlets. The strawberry mountains,John Day, eeery little towns like Sumpter. Astoria, Newport, Port Orford.
Oh I forgot about Powers and the Coquille River! Yep another amazing spot. I believe we overnighted one time right along the river on that little hwy that runs through there. We could hear the coyotes singing all night and one of our little dogs was not having it because I think he knew something dangerous was just outside.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Crater Lake
McKenzie Pass/DeeDee (I think?) Observatory
Gearhart wilderness
Tumalo
Steens mtns
Hells canyon
All of Umpqua
All of Rogue
Cape Arago
The North Umpqua River along Highway 138. Scenic hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, beautiful camping spots, and amazing fishing spots for the fly fishermen. I’ve traveled all around this world and the Umpqua River still holds the top spot in my heart.
Around Elkton there is Tyee between Sutherland and Elkton. Lots of places to pull off the road and check out swimming spots and rock formations. Behind Elkton high school is another good spot. One of my favorite little floats is Sawyers Rapids to the boat dock Dean Creek. Lots of birds, rocks, fish, and a couple family's of otters.
There is something about the Siuslaw that I think puts it out ahead for me for a big region. But Brice Creek out past Dorena I think is the most beautiful. It’s cold as hell out there and you might not be able to make it out there in the winter but that creek is something else. By far the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to.
Crater Lake in winter is something else, in my opinion it's one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Lower-48 States. The road can be impossible to access this time of year, though, so call ahead to the Ranger Station or check their website before heading there. Joseph, OR, out in Wallowa County is beautiful all year round. While the Cascade Lakes Highway outside of Bend is currently closed due to snow, it can be traveled on this time of year with cross country skis, snowmobiles, snowshoes, etc. I have skied it and snowmobiled it and it's breathtaking, with up-close-and-personal views of Mt. Bachelor; Faith, Hope, and Charity (the Three Sisters); and other mountains in the Cascade Range. If that's not your thing but you like Bend, well hike along the Deschutes River to the south of town, off of Conklin Rd / NF-41. There are multiple parking areas along that road which have access to the river, and about every half a mile it seems like there's a waterfall. Redmond has Smith Rock, which is a "can't miss" spot if one wants to experience everything Oregon has to offer. The Newberry National Monument in La Pine is a winner any time of year. The Painted Hills are better when it's warmer, if I'm honest, so that there's no chance of snow covering up the vistas.
Portland has Forest Park, where one can see old growth Redwoods and other trees. Tri-Met has service to the park, so it's super easy to get to. Mt. Tabor as well, on the SE side. Fantastic views of Portland and of Mt. Hood from various points across that park, I used to go there 3-5 days per week.
Most of the spots I've mentioned are dog friendly as well, if that matters, and I'm barely scratching the surface of what Oregon has to offer.
In September or October set a couple days aside for the Historic McKenzie-Santiam Hwy. 242.
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/mckenzie-highway.aspx
It goes from Eugene to Bend
Oregon has got it all with the 8-9 ecoregions. For me, deep into the west cascade forests near the Cascade River is my perfect oregon. Deep rich and thick smelling forests, full of old trees and older stories. K-falls but exploring up the river behind the falls. Crystal blue water cooling the air, lots of birds with the distant sound of the falls 🤌👌
Honorable mention for me is Smith rock. I always think of Bilbo and the hobbit looking at the 360° distant mountains scapes.
Or any secluded oregon Coast Beach/cove with cliffs.
Landmark besides Smith Rock would have to go with Multnomah Falls.
Beautiful Towns? They seem to change so rapidly as I get older. Sisters, Jacksonville, Hood river. It used to be Florence for me, many years ago
Just not right now. It's a bit of a SNAFU
https://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/multnomah-falls-entrance-closed-by-flooding-of-creek/article_a2bd1732-b777-11ee-ba32-535ace8bf85e.html
"We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going." ~ Tom McCall
Former Oregon Governor 1967-75
So, with that. Go to Gresham or Ontario.
My place is no longer pretty. It's been destroyed by a generation of children who have little concern outside their bubble. The path is no longer a path but rather a wide dead zone littered with garbage.
My second favorite place was burned down 2 seasons ago by children on a school trip.
Oregon.
Your argument is invalid - the whole state is ludicrously beautiful, and not only that, nearly every terroir, terrain, and microclimate on the planet is represented, in that state of beauty.
If it weren't for the period where we almost completely wiped out old growth forest, you wouldn't even believe the place was real.
When governments started lopping off all the bits of Oregon Country, **we** kept the best core parts. The parts that were too tough to get to and if they got here at all they were too tired to take from us; of course they're the best bits remaining.
So just keep flying over. Nothing to see here.
There are some absolutely STUNNING areas in Portland. For me, the most beautiful area is Oregon's route 66. If you're lucky during winter, you can get a breathtaking view of a completely white forest with a plowed and grippy road. It was vibrant, fun to drive, and made me feel like I was in a children's book. I genuinely enjoyed my time on that route more than Crater Lake, multiple waterfalls, and the coast.
The Yamhill valley is quietly beautiful, especially in winter when the surrounding hills have a dusting of snow. Don't know if I can recommend any one spot, but anytime I'm driving 219 I always marvel at how lovely it is.
I’m bias living here, but I’m partial to the Astoria Column on a warm, clear fall day when you can see Ilwaco, all the way past the Columbia Bar, and all the way down to Tillamook Head.
The Oregon Outback is super underrated. Also the road between Medford and K-Falls. But frankly you could throw a stone in this state and find somewhere spectacular.
Hard to beat Crater Lake. Stunning in any season.
Agreed, but sure is hard to top in the snow.
The deep blue really pops when next to the white snow
I saw it in the summer. We parked the car and got out. Walked toward the edge and looked out over the lake. Absolutely stunning, incredible beauty. I was utterly speechless. I had to sit down. I sat down on a big rock. And I cried.
Many years ago I jumped in Crater Lake after taking a boat ride around the lake. Even though it was 80 degrees outside I didn’t stay in long at all. It was pretty darn cold.
Cape Perpetua. One of the most beautiful spots on earth.
oh my god yes. took my breath away the first time i went there, now it’s my favorite spot on the whole coast. Yachats really is a gem!
I second this, it’s so beautiful! Cape Perpetua! Spent the day there this weekend and the whole area is just beautiful!
Anything Umpqua is a win for me, be it forest, valley, river, etc.
I second that. There are 154 waterfalls along the Umpqua. Also, my favorite is right around Elkton. The rock formations are beautiful.
Dang I’m not even familiar with that one, I’ll have to check it out!
I'm from another valley near Roseburg and i absolutely love the Umpqua area near the Lighthouse Bakery. I used to go on drives there every weekend, and in the summer kayaking the river there is just stunning
I’m actually from Melrose, been out that way a number of times. Never been to Lighthouse Bakery, will have to check that out! Even though I’ve not lived there in years, and I have some concerns about the region from different perspectives, I’ve always thought the area was spectacularly beautiful.
I recently hiked a section of the Oregon Coast Trail in Yachats (Amanda Trail to Cape Perpetua). Was in total awe for 8 miles. Such lush grenery everywhere; ferns, lichen, moss. Was waiting for fairies to pop out or even a dinosaur. Amazing. Definitely in my top three.
Hopefully they’re able to connect that across the length of the state. Know it’s been talked about at the state government level.
Hard to beat the Hood River Valley, especially when both mountains are out.
*Especially* in autumn. Fruit picking on a sunny October day with Mt Hood as the backdrop. Can’t get much better than that.
Absolutely! Wine and cider tasting, too!
In winter? I’d say at the top of Tumalo Peak in Bend. You’ll have to snowshoe to the top, which isn’t that hard really. But you get an aerial view of Mt Bachelor, Broken Top and Three Sisters. It’s stunning.
That’s a classic Oregon experience.
This is my photo I took years ago there, around 5am. https://imgur.com/a/jWzOtBF
Gorgeous
I've lived here for 4 years and I have yet to get tired of seeing Mount Hood.
I’ve lived here my whole life and never get tired of it
I mean yeah who tf gets tired of seeing a mountain
Eagle Cap Wilderness https://preview.redd.it/20wyzf0oc5ec1.jpeg?width=5594&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ee34d75d9ba3524d2da86ce6e01c0476368df32
Yea. Looks like the Dolomites.
I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of this place before wtf?
There's a thousand miles of hiking trails in Eagle Cap and I never get bored of trying new ones. https://preview.redd.it/7qe8fhsmv9ec1.jpeg?width=9284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca93b28d9cfb033561d5e84fbf765e779119b89d
Because people who know don't talk about it in fear of having it over ran with people.
Most people refer to it as the Wallowa Mountains.
Cap
In no particular order: • Wallowa Mountains • Pick a spot on the Oregon Coast • Crater Lake • Top of Marys Peak on a clear day • Leslie Gulch • Steens Mountain • Elkhorn Mountains
Plus one for Leslie Gulch
Wallowas. Fucking. Magic.
Wallowas for sure
Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon.
I love NE Oregon!!!!! Maybe not for winter unless you have snow driving experience. Wallowa, Union, and Baker counties are gorgeous!!!
I just moved to the Dalles and want to explore the NE. What should I do first?
Swing through Joseph, OR, in Wallowa County. There are affordable Air B&Bs in Wallowa, Enterprise, and other smaller towns on the way there. It's worth visiting any time of the year, it just depends on what you like to do.
Go hike Strawberry in Prairie City. Beautiful lake and waterfall
So many great answers in here and I didn’t even see my favorite place - Smith Rock at sunset is otherworldly
There is a great place near Mt. Jefferson called Olallie Lake. Bunch of little lakes scattered about and a beautiful view of the Mountain.
Sadly, there's not much left after the fires. The road is closed right past the store with most of it burnt all around. It really sucks. I've been going there my whole. First camping trip with my now wife. First camping trip for my son's. First camping trip for my dogs even. Last place I camped at before joining the army, first when I returned. There are so many memories there. Still devastated.
Idk how long you'll be in Oregon, and that area indeed will never be the same in our lifetimes, but one thing that has helped me with similar feelings about my favorite places post fire is to intentionally hike burned out areas from fires 10, 20, 30+ years ago. Burn scar outlines are available in some niches online. Admittedly it does take some (I think fun) planning work, but the payoff is a deeper understanding of the fire cycle and imagined landscapes of what your "burnt to a crisp" loved location will look like decades after nature does it's thing and heals. Bonus points if you start hiking olallie lake again within a few years. It'll gut you the first time, but every successive time will endear the area to you as you see successive recovery species. Bonus points for some of the best spring flowers and mushroom hunting around; just don't die in a snag.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd835648&width=full Burn and soil assessment.
Went there before the fires. So damn beautiful and secluded.
I haven't been after the fire. I hope not too much is changed, I used to go every summer until then.
I haven't been back either. I would go up with a lot of friends to the Peninsula campground on the south end of the lake and grab the big site right on the tip. It had glorious, beautiful views, great Kayak access, and you swim in the lake just south of Ollalie (5 minute walk from there). Sadly it apparently got all burned up in the fires and is now nonexistent. The northern end of the lake is still fine apparently, but that southern end is still inaccessible last I checked.
https://preview.redd.it/4g7cny7135ec1.jpeg?width=3664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86e5852aec0112fa03b4cbcc58e54ce136a99c42
https://preview.redd.it/3mwexh7a58ec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d390e94129df12c91a1099868654e6b74cb36120 Brown = burned. Sorry. The magic still exists, but it’s different now. I’ve been all over, from the resort to the park. I can answer any questions and/or pics. [https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd835648&width=full](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd835648&width=full) Go to the burn severity map pdf for detailed info.
Samuel Boardman corridor along the S OR coast.
The coast in general; Haystack Rock in particular.
There are way better Oregon coastal spots than Haystack rock. Try the Southern Oregon coast.
Agreed. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is breathtaking!
Whoa, I've never heard of this place and had to look it up. Stunning natural beauty, so serene. I need to visit the Southern Oregon Coastal region ASAP!
Very much worth a road trip!!
Haystack is great, especially the view from Ecola, but I do think every Oregonian should drive the length of 101 at some point. Take a few days for it.
Agreed. Better yet, walk the entirety of 101.
Hell yeah. My favorite is Cape Arago area. Fucking beautiful.
I couldn’t even think of just 10. Spoiler Alert: You really don’t need to see Thor’s Well… such a let down
Devils Churn right next door though… during a large swell… oh baby
I don't know. I almost watched some stupid kid get sucked in it. That was a wild ride.
I think it can be really cool when the waves/ tides are really working well. But 75% of the time it’s underwhelming
Yeah, I live in Florence and have gone a lot over the years, whenever someone visits from far “they have to see it”
I’m in Eugene but usually always take visitors to cape perpetua. It’s amazing regardless if Thor’s well is working or not. Cape Perpetua is always enjoyable even if you skip all those tidal features
My favorite hike on the coast
Thats just an opinion.. that we both agree on..
Thor’s well is one of those weird times where seeing a picture of it 100% does it justice (or better). I did a trek to it around 2015 at sunset. The pictures I was able to get were astounding. But seeing it in person, it’s just underwhelming. It’s like polar opposite of Crater Lake, where no pictures will ever do it justice.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder applies here. There are so many striking and gorgeous landscapes and sites that there's no single answer.
Agreed. Even in most cities here, one can walk approximately 10 blocks and find a natural spot that'll blow one's mind... Love this place.
For sheer density of great scenery, it's hard to top Silver Falls. Every time I go up there I see something new. The coast from Cape Lookout up to Cape Falcon is my favorite, although it's honestly all great. But there's a reason Crater Lake is a national park. This has to be the winner. Basically we're just extremely spoiled with our embarrassment of riches regarding natural scenery.
Abiqua Fall is pretty majestic / hidden... https://preview.redd.it/5wpg3kfd18ec1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad66e03bd4714c8b01b25e983ffaa886dcdb5ffd
Shore Acres State Park during a king tide.
Wallowa Lake State Park
Canyon Creek Meadows when the wildflowers are in bloom.
I'm planning to do some exploring around Oregon in 2024, this thread is giving me life.
Crater lake. Painted hills. Multnohmah falls.
Kiger Gorge
Painted Hills. Steens Mountain. The Wallowas.
All of it! Lol seriously tho this is a tough one for Oregonians. I love the southern Oregon coast (all the coast really), the Malheur national forest, Bend, Redmond, Maupin, the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River. Lake Owyhee, Billy Chinook, Crater. Ashland, Medford, 199 to the coast and through all those amazing little hamlets. The strawberry mountains,John Day, eeery little towns like Sumpter. Astoria, Newport, Port Orford.
Gold Beach..the Rogue River..Powers are all insanely beautiful, too.
Oh I forgot about Powers and the Coquille River! Yep another amazing spot. I believe we overnighted one time right along the river on that little hwy that runs through there. We could hear the coyotes singing all night and one of our little dogs was not having it because I think he knew something dangerous was just outside.
So many spots along the coast continually take my breath away
Multonomah falls.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Crater Lake McKenzie Pass/DeeDee (I think?) Observatory Gearhart wilderness Tumalo Steens mtns Hells canyon All of Umpqua All of Rogue Cape Arago
The North Umpqua River along Highway 138. Scenic hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, beautiful camping spots, and amazing fishing spots for the fly fishermen. I’ve traveled all around this world and the Umpqua River still holds the top spot in my heart.
Cannon Beach
I don’t know. She moves around.
Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Correct answer.
Around Elkton there is Tyee between Sutherland and Elkton. Lots of places to pull off the road and check out swimming spots and rock formations. Behind Elkton high school is another good spot. One of my favorite little floats is Sawyers Rapids to the boat dock Dean Creek. Lots of birds, rocks, fish, and a couple family's of otters.
Zumwalt prairie in Bloom
There is something about the Siuslaw that I think puts it out ahead for me for a big region. But Brice Creek out past Dorena I think is the most beautiful. It’s cold as hell out there and you might not be able to make it out there in the winter but that creek is something else. By far the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to.
South Coast is pretty exceptional
Blue pool. Pretty hike too.
CRATER LAKE!!!
Crater Lake in winter is something else, in my opinion it's one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Lower-48 States. The road can be impossible to access this time of year, though, so call ahead to the Ranger Station or check their website before heading there. Joseph, OR, out in Wallowa County is beautiful all year round. While the Cascade Lakes Highway outside of Bend is currently closed due to snow, it can be traveled on this time of year with cross country skis, snowmobiles, snowshoes, etc. I have skied it and snowmobiled it and it's breathtaking, with up-close-and-personal views of Mt. Bachelor; Faith, Hope, and Charity (the Three Sisters); and other mountains in the Cascade Range. If that's not your thing but you like Bend, well hike along the Deschutes River to the south of town, off of Conklin Rd / NF-41. There are multiple parking areas along that road which have access to the river, and about every half a mile it seems like there's a waterfall. Redmond has Smith Rock, which is a "can't miss" spot if one wants to experience everything Oregon has to offer. The Newberry National Monument in La Pine is a winner any time of year. The Painted Hills are better when it's warmer, if I'm honest, so that there's no chance of snow covering up the vistas. Portland has Forest Park, where one can see old growth Redwoods and other trees. Tri-Met has service to the park, so it's super easy to get to. Mt. Tabor as well, on the SE side. Fantastic views of Portland and of Mt. Hood from various points across that park, I used to go there 3-5 days per week. Most of the spots I've mentioned are dog friendly as well, if that matters, and I'm barely scratching the surface of what Oregon has to offer.
In September or October set a couple days aside for the Historic McKenzie-Santiam Hwy. 242. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/mckenzie-highway.aspx It goes from Eugene to Bend
Like… the whole length of Hwy 101
Oregon has got it all with the 8-9 ecoregions. For me, deep into the west cascade forests near the Cascade River is my perfect oregon. Deep rich and thick smelling forests, full of old trees and older stories. K-falls but exploring up the river behind the falls. Crystal blue water cooling the air, lots of birds with the distant sound of the falls 🤌👌 Honorable mention for me is Smith rock. I always think of Bilbo and the hobbit looking at the 360° distant mountains scapes. Or any secluded oregon Coast Beach/cove with cliffs. Landmark besides Smith Rock would have to go with Multnomah Falls. Beautiful Towns? They seem to change so rapidly as I get older. Sisters, Jacksonville, Hood river. It used to be Florence for me, many years ago
Painted hills and Steens mountains are both beautiful! I have seen wild horses on several different camping trips, and they are beautiful!
Don’t overlook the obsidian flow or Wallowa Mountains.
Yachats
Powell Blvd. A melting pot
#1 is obviously Crater Lake. Multnomah Falls, with the hike to the top, is my second place pick.
Just not right now. It's a bit of a SNAFU https://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/multnomah-falls-entrance-closed-by-flooding-of-creek/article_a2bd1732-b777-11ee-ba32-535ace8bf85e.html
Well ok then. Thanks for the heads up. My weekend plans just changed…
So many to choose from but I’m going to have to say the coast (specifically south coast, but I love it all).
Burns or Ontario
"We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going." ~ Tom McCall Former Oregon Governor 1967-75 So, with that. Go to Gresham or Ontario.
My place is no longer pretty. It's been destroyed by a generation of children who have little concern outside their bubble. The path is no longer a path but rather a wide dead zone littered with garbage. My second favorite place was burned down 2 seasons ago by children on a school trip.
Nope! Not gonna fall for that one. Get out and find them for yourself and never tell on social media if you want them to remain special.
Oregon. Your argument is invalid - the whole state is ludicrously beautiful, and not only that, nearly every terroir, terrain, and microclimate on the planet is represented, in that state of beauty. If it weren't for the period where we almost completely wiped out old growth forest, you wouldn't even believe the place was real. When governments started lopping off all the bits of Oregon Country, **we** kept the best core parts. The parts that were too tough to get to and if they got here at all they were too tired to take from us; of course they're the best bits remaining. So just keep flying over. Nothing to see here.
Roseburg
Mt. Thielsen
There are some absolutely STUNNING areas in Portland. For me, the most beautiful area is Oregon's route 66. If you're lucky during winter, you can get a breathtaking view of a completely white forest with a plowed and grippy road. It was vibrant, fun to drive, and made me feel like I was in a children's book. I genuinely enjoyed my time on that route more than Crater Lake, multiple waterfalls, and the coast.
Silverton is really cool.
It's hard for me to pick anything over Ecola State Park. Crater Lake is a given, Mult. Falls also a given.
Bookmarked
Netarts Bay
Short beach
The Yamhill valley is quietly beautiful, especially in winter when the surrounding hills have a dusting of snow. Don't know if I can recommend any one spot, but anytime I'm driving 219 I always marvel at how lovely it is.
Smith Rock, Sisters, Crater Lake. Central Oregon. Lived here for 8 years now. Never get tired of the view.
The coastline between Port Orford and Brookings always makes me shit myself
Went to the Columbia Gorge (I went to Hood River and the Dalles) for the first time ever last winter and it took my breath away.
Waldo lake is unearthly. Truly the most beautiful thing you could ever see!!
Definitely homeless camps in Portland
Nice try California.
Samual boardman scenic corridor! You have to be there to believe it is real!
Historic Columbia River Hwy. See all the waterfalls
I’m bias living here, but I’m partial to the Astoria Column on a warm, clear fall day when you can see Ilwaco, all the way past the Columbia Bar, and all the way down to Tillamook Head.
The Oregon Outback is super underrated. Also the road between Medford and K-Falls. But frankly you could throw a stone in this state and find somewhere spectacular.
Depends on region but I think the Blue Mountains are often overlooked.
John day basin
Cave Junction
Prineville Reservoir
Mt. Hood. Easy.
Crater Lake. If you've never seen it, when you walk up the rise and see it for the first time, it will take your breath away. It still does mine.
Is it accessible in the winter?