The 23 Most Beautiful Places in Oregon
Planning an Oregon itinerary can actually be quite difficult, though certainly not for a lack of options. On the contrary, there are too many picture-perfect spots to explore—from parks in charming small towns and remote beaches to impossibly green vineyards and towering mountains that seem to kiss the sky.
Before you just start roaming around the Beaver State (which does actually sound super fun and like an epic adventure in its own right), read up on the most beautiful places in Oregon.
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1. CRATER LAKE
The distinguishing feature of Crater Lake National Park in south-central Oregon? Here’s a hint: it’s a crystal-clear, unmistakably blue body of water that formed 7,700 years ago when an eruption triggered the collapse of Mount Mazama. Still not sure? This completely magical geographic phenomenon is the deepest lake in the United States. Obviously, we’re talking about Crater Lake.
Where to stay:
Harriman Springs Resort Cabin (3 guests): $150/night
Cabin on the Rogue (4 guests): $145/night
Cozy Cabin by Lake of the Woods (5 guests): $134/night
2. MULTNOMAH FALLS
Located in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Multnomah Falls, which rises 620 feet, is the tallest cascade in the state of Oregon and the most visited natural recreation site in the entire Pacific Northwest. In fact, more than 2 million people travel to Multnomah Falls to soak in the resplendent views and feel the refreshing spray of the icy-cool water each year.
Where to stay:
Cozy Riverfront Cottage (5 guests): $158/night
River Bend Lodge (8 guests): $254/night
Eagle Eye Ridge (12 guests): $300/night
3. WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS
It’s literally impossible to pick the prettiest vineyard in Willamette Valley because the entire region is just row after row of verdant grapevines (which produce some of the best pinot noir on the planet, but we digress). Stroll through winsome estates, sip world-class wine and don’t forget your camera.
Where to stay:
Atticus Hotel (2 guests): $329/night
Downtown McMinnville Cottage (4 guests): $150/night
Charming Bungalow (4 guests): $195/night
4. WASHINGTON PARK
Need irrefutable proof that you don’t have to leave the city to find natural beauty? Look no further than Washington Park in Portland. This 458-acre urban green space is home to such scenic attractions as the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum (which has more than 2,300 species of trees from around the world), several memorials, pretty picnic areas and Portland Japanese Garden.
Where to stay:
The Benson, a Coast Hotel (2 guests): $151/night
Hotel Lucia (2 guests): $157/night
The Hoxton Portland (2 guests): $161/night
5. CAPE KIWANDA STATE NATURAL AREA
Cape Kiwanda State Nature Area provides a gorgeous backdrop of sandstone cliffs, great tide pooling at its base and a must-do climb straight up the highest dune on the Pacific coast. Sounds pretty amazing, right? We haven't even gotten a chance to mention the mesmerizing ocean views from the top. Let the Insta-stalking commence.
Where to stay:
Oceanfront Vacation House (6 guests): $333/night
New Beach House (7 guests): $165/night
Hibiscus Haven (10 guests): $275/night
6. TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL
Tucked away in Willamette National Forest, Tamolitch Blue Pool showcases vibrant, gem-like shades of topaz, sapphire and turquoise in a super stunning setting that’s surrounded by lush old-growth forests. Want to see this striking sight IRL? Lace-up your hiking boots for the 4.2-mile trek via the McKenzie River Trail. Just don’t expect to go for a dip, the water is notoriously freezing.
Where to stay:
Riverfront Luxury Cabin #9 (4 guests): $219/night
Cabin in Black Butte Ranch (5 guests): $132/night
Restored Log Cabin (9 guests): $213/night
7. LOST LAKE
By now, you’ve definitely gathered that Oregon is basically an embarrassment of riches in the lake department. Well, we’re not done yet. Lost Lake in Mount Hood National Forest shimmers against the backdrop of blue sky, with Preachers Peak in the distance. Besides the sheer beauty of this place, it’s also an awesome spot for trout and salmon fishing.
Where to stay:
A-Frame Cabin (6 guests): $234/night
Secluded Cabin (7 guests): $300/night
Waterfront Mountain Retreat (8 guests): $283/night
8. THREE SISTERS WILDERNESS
The second-largest wilderness area in Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness encompasses more than just majestic peaks—although the North, Middle and South Sisters are certainly the star attractions. This glorious 286,708-acre preserve also boasts alpine meadows, cascades, lava fields, glaciers, freshwater streams and sparkling lakes. It’s also fabled for its dense forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.
Where to stay:
McKenzie River Cabin (5 guests): $219/night
The Log Cabin Inn (6 guests): $189/night
Restored Log Cabin (9 guests): $213/night
9. WOODEN SHOE TULIP FARM
No, we didn’t go off track and end up in the Netherlands. But we totally get how you might have gotten confused when tulips were mentioned. A Woodburn institution and site of the annual Tulip Fest, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm covers 40 acres of fields filled with colorful blooms. It’s a magnificent must-visit destination for anyone planning to venture to Oregon in the spring.
Where to stay:
The Bali House (2 guests): $153/night
Peaceful Country Retreat (4 guests): $85/night
Charming 1880’s Farmhouse (8 guests): $87/night
10. CLEAR LAKE
Drive 86 miles northwest of Eugene and you’ll happen upon Clear Lake, a breathtaking body of water that totally lives up to its name. Fed by snow runoff from Mount Washington, this pristine lagoon is so astoundingly clear that you can actually see an underwater forest below the surface. Paddle boats are available for rent, which adds a fun factor to this visually arresting destination.
Where to stay:
Riverfront Sanctuary (5 guests): $199/night
Mckenzie River Cabin #13 (5 guests): $209/night
Home on the Upper Mckenzie River (10 guests): $300/night
11. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Where can you find the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America? There are actually 26 different named falls along the Columbia River Gorge. Besides Multnomah Falls (which we already mentioned), Bridal Veil Falls wins our vote for the most magical with water cascading down the vertical basalt cliffs from nearby Larch Mountain on its way to the Columbia River.
Where to stay:
Columbia River Getaway (6 guests): $185/night
Hagrid's Cabin (9 guests): $600/night
Expansive Woodsy Retreat (10 guests): $315/night
12. COLLIER GLACIER
OK, so Collier Glacier is actually located on the west slopes of North Sister within Three Sister Wilderness, but the largest glacier in the state deserves its own spot on this list. Just a heads up that Collier Glacier Overlook via Scott Trail is a difficult 14-mile trek, but it’s worth the effort to see a Little Ice Age artifact up close.
Where to stay:
Private Cabin in the Pines (4 guests): $141/night
Modern Riverfront Home (8 guests): $132/night
Vacation Home in Sisters (8 guests): $150/night
13. OWYHEE CANYONLANDS
The last remaining vestiges of the untouched American West landscape that existed hundreds of years ago, the Owyhee Canyonlands is widely considered to be one of the wildest, most rugged and diverse regions left in the continental United States. This untamed beauty comes to life in the form of red rock canyons, sagebrush-covered hills, streams teeming with trout and gushing rivers.
Where to stay:
14. BROKEN TOP
We'll acknowledge it again, there's just too much beauty in Three Sisters Wilderness to only give it one or even two mentions. Case in point: the shining, high-altitude beacon of beauty known as Broken Top. Part of the Cascade Mountain range, it's one of Oregon’s tallest and most photogenic peaks with snowy reminders of its glacial past still present to this day.
Where to stay:
Broken Top Villa #5 (4 guests): $283/night
Broken Top Golf Club Townhouse (6 guests): $650/night
Broken Top Condo (7 guests): $266/night
15. DRAKE PARK
The town of Bend delights visitors with its only-in-Oregon charms. Drake Park is a prime example. This dreamy 13-acre downtown gem has tree-shaded pathways, lovely picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheater and, of course, the jewel-like Mirror Pond. It’s the perfect place to spend a peaceful and picturesque afternoon watching the ducks swim on the placid surface of the water.
Where to stay:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Bend (2 guests): $180/night
Wall Street Suites (2 guests): $194/night
The Oxford Hotel (2 guests): $312/night
16. TERWILLIGER HOT SPRINGS
The best way to soothe sore muscles after a grueling day of hiking in Willamette National Forest? A clothing-optional soak in Terwilliger Hot Springs. This popular and picture-perfect natural spa area consists of five natural geothermal bedrock basins fed by hot water from a nearby cave. A trip to Terwilliger Hot Springs promises to be equal parts relaxing and resplendent.
Where to stay:
Riverfront Sanctuary (5 guests): $199/night
Mckenzie River Cabin #13 (5 guests): $209/night
Home on the Upper Mckenzie River (10 guests): $300/night
17. OREGON COAST HIGHWAY 101
While Oregon Coast Highway 101 isn't a singular destination per se but rather a ridiculously gorgeous stretch of road, it would be criminal to exclude it on a technicality. This magnificent route runs along Oregon's jaw-dropping Pacific coast, from Columbia River to the California border, and through the mountains. It’s a can’t-miss on any road through the Beaver State.
Where to stay:
Renovated Oceanfront Beach House (8 guests): $321/night
Ocean Views in Depoe Bay (9 guests): $447/night
Beachfront House (11 guests): $500/night
18. PEAVY ARBORETUM
Fantastically beautiful and free to the public, the Oregon State University-operated Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis offers lots of recreation opportunities—from mountain biking and hiking to leisurely strolls—plus quiet areas around the pond for contemplation in an exceptionally stunning environment packed with a diversity of trees, easy-to-navigate trails and meadows that guarantees a great day had by all.
Where to stay:
Garden Guest House in Historic Downtown (4 guests): $160/night
Creekside Cottage (4 guests): $169/night
Contemporary Flat on a Christmas Tree Farm (6 guests): $182/night
19. CANNON BEACH
Cannon Beach is the ultimate Oregon coast destination. Honestly, Haystack Rock—a 235-foot basalt sea stack that’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Oregon—could easily have earned a spot on our list in its own right, but when paired with a long stretch of golden sand, crashing waves and tidal pools, it’s simply beyond words.
Where to stay:
Oceanfront House (5 guests): $860/night
Historic Cottage (8 guests): $245/night
Charming Home (8 guests): $263/night
20. MOUNT HOOD
The tallest and most prominent peak in Oregon? Mount Hood, situated 20 miles east of Portland, is one of the most recognizable sights in the state. Perched at an elevation of 11,250 feet, this dormant stratovolcano doesn’t just loom large. Mount Hood hypnotizes visitors with its grand size, snow-capped summit and plethora of hiking trails.
Where to stay:
Private Cabin with Hot Tub (6 guests): $82/night
Mount Hood Hood Cabin (6 guests): $165/night
Peaceful Cabin (8 guests): $175/night
21. SCHREINER'S IRIS GARDENS
When May rolls around, the visual and olfactory delights of Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem know no bounds. It’s pretty incredible to witness 10-acres of iris erupting in colorful and fragrant glory. Besides stopping to smell the flowers, enjoy a picnic and don’t leave without picking up a fresh-cut bouquet to bring back home.
Where to stay:
Authentic 1739 Cottage (sleeps 5): $185/night
Leslie's Retreat (11 guests): $400/night
Historic Brick Federal Period Mansion (12 guests): $975/night
22. LAVA RIVER CAVE
If you ask us, a cavern can definitely fall into the category of beautiful. Nestled in the spectacular 1.8-million-acre Deschutes National Forest and part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Lava River Cave is a fascinating natural phenomenon that needs to be experienced first hand. Channel your inner Indiana Jones and go explore the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Props to whoever manages to get the best pic.
Where to stay:
Cozy Cabin (4 guests): $283/night
Elegant Contemporary Ranch (8 guests): $217/night
Stunning Retreat with Huge Hot Tub (14 guests): $202/night
23. COBBLE BEACH
A true hidden gem, off-the-beaten-path Cobble Beach at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area warrants a detour. This secluded and stunning cove comprises thousands of smooth, 14-million-year-old pebbles. Carve out a few hours to stroll along the coastline (perhaps pick up a few basalt souvenirs?), peep tidal pools and gaze at native birds soaring through the skies.
Where to stay:
American Classic Guesthouse (4 guests): $129/night
Sweet Beachfront Retreat (6 guests): $120/night
Waterfront Home (6 guests): $125/night
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