Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, but all content is based off our own opinions and experiences. We may receive a commission from purchases made through the links enclosed at no additional cost to you!
Bridging California and Washington, Oregon offers a multitude of landscapes that appeals to both city-lovers and outdoor-lovers. I loved every corner of Oregon from the coast to the city to the inland nature destinations. As the gateway to one of my favorite regions, the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a must-visit. There are plenty of things to do in Oregon, but these five are absolute best things to do in Oregon:
Disclaimer: All these suggestions are based on my personal adventures and are completely subjective to my experiences in the state. If you disagree with the list, please feel free to add any of your suggestions in the comments below 🙂
Walk through a blanket of snow to Crater Lake
As the only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake is a must-see for anyone visiting the state who enjoys nature. I admittedly have not explored too much of the park, because I went in the winter. However, I can speak to the stunning lake and forest backdrop. I took the short trek through a soft blanket of snow to reach the edge of the lake. There, I found a crystal clear pool of water reflecting the towering pine trees surrounding it. The snow covered trees swayed and dropped buckets of snow as the layers weighed down their branches. The serene scene mirrors that which can be seen on a postcard and draws in even those who are not particularly inclined to the outdoors.
Wander the aisles of Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books is a bibliophile’s dream. If you love books, you can spend hours browsing the bookshelves or sitting in one of the store’s nooks to dive into a story. Powell’s Books opened in 1971 and holds the title of the world’s largest independent bookstore. That sounds like it should be on the bucket list of any adamant reader and is one of the best things to do in Oregon.
Get weird at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
If there is one word used to describe Portland, it’s “weird.” Tourists can’t fully understand what that means until they experience it for themselves. While there are plenty of fun and weird things to do in Portland, one of the weirdest is the Freakybuttrue Pecularium.
I can say this is one of the weirdest museums that I have been to. It is 100% worth it for anyone interested in the weird, peculiar, and sometimes gruesome. I can’t say much about this museum without ruining the experience, so you’ll have to discover it yourself. If you pay the $5 entry fee, you’ll be able to explore the dark rooms and twisted displays of this small museum. You don’t need much time at this place, because it is small. It’s definitely one of those quirky roadside attractions that you can try to squeeze in if you have the time and want to see a different side of Portland.
Drive along the coast
You can’t beat a coastal drive no matter what state or country you’re in. But there is something special about the Oregon coast that makes in a must-see when visiting the state. Highway 101 spans 363 miles along the Oregon Coast with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery. It’s not the sunny, beachy coast that you can find in places like California, but it has a certain vibe that creates a similar magical experience. As one of the best things to do in Oregon, make sure not to miss this one!
Watch a couple get engaged at Multnomah Falls
This is so specific that there is a high chance you won’t get to have the same experience as me to watch a couple have the most adorable proposal at the falls. Not to mention, the guy came up and asked us beforehand, “Can you get a picture of us? I’m about to propose, so make sure they are good.” No pressure, right? Luckily, she said yes. Otherwise, that could have been awkward.
Anyways, back to Multnomah Falls. You can find this waterfall standing 620 feet high right outside of Portland. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Portland, so prepare to be surrounded by crowd. You will especially encounter herds of people trying to get that perfect photo with the falls.
Oregon is full of treasures and is an insanely gorgeous state. There is so much to explore, and I was only able to scratch the surface with my exploration. I plan to go back someday to explore more of the hidden gems of this state.
Leave a reply