The 23 Most Beautiful Places in Oregon

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·11 min read
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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.

RELATED: 15 CHARMING SMALL TOWNS IN OREGON

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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