McKenna Mobley is an avid adventurer, traveler, mountaineer, and writer from Southern California. Her goal is to climb some of the world’s highest mountains and visit as many countries as she can. She loves Latin America and has been to almost every Latin country. She also has a thirst for solo adventuring and has hiked 400 consecutive miles by herself through the Arizona desert. You can also find her on her blog.

Why We Love Oregon: Oregon is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most diverse landscapes – from lush forests and pristine coastal beaches to Ice-Age-era gorges and untouched high desert wilderness.

Hike through its national forests, ski around the iconic Mount Hood, or windsurf along Hood River. Sample Oregon’s agricultural bounty: fresh hazelnuts, juicy marionberries, and crisp craft beers. Explore progressive, quirky cities like Portland and Eugene. Or meander through sleepy towns on the coast while learning about the state’s Indigenous and pioneer history. There’s something for you in The Beaver State whether you visit to adventure, savor, or discover.

Best of Oregon

🏙️ Places to Visit

The author's husband, standing near the Peter Iredale Shipwreck — *Travel Lemming editor Chelsea’s husband at the Peter Iredale Shipwreck on the Oregon coast*

No trip to Oregon is complete without visiting the Cascade Mountains, forests, major cities, and the coast. Here is a summary of the top destinations in Oregon:

Portland – Oregon’s largest city is the best place for incredible food, a lively art scene, live music, and vintage shopping.
Mount Hood – Climb or ski down Oregon’s highest mountain, less than 2 hours outside of Portland and in the heart of the Cascade range.
Bend – One of central Oregon’s most recreation-rich cities, Bend is perfect for skiers, hikers, rock climbers, and anyone who adores year-round outdoor adventures.
Cannon Beach – One of the most popular coastal towns in the state, known for the massive Haystack Rock and nearby Ecola State Park.
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s sole national park offers stunning views and hiking trails around a volcano rim.
Painted Hills – Painted Hills dazzles visitors with its otherworldly earth-toned hills. It’s the most popular unit of the John Day Fossil Beds Monument and one of the 7 wonders of Oregon.
Cape Perpetua – Lush forests collide with the Pacific Ocean on this scenic coastal headland.
Salem – The capital city has a vibrant art scene, excellent museums, and proximity to Silver Falls, one of Oregon’s best state parks.
Eugene – Situated on the Willamette River, Eugene is home to the University of Oregon and top-quality breweries.
Astoria – This sleepy fishing town is known for its great seafood, picturesque views, coastal hiking trails, and being the place where the Goonies was filmed.

✨ Things to Do

Oregon is overflowing with fun things to do. Hike through its national forests, explore coastal towns, and take self-guided food tours through its cities. Here are a few other options:

Photograph Multnomah Falls – The tallest waterfall in the state is only an hour outside of Portland.
Visit Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s sole national park is home to the deepest lake in the USA.
Hike Mount Hood – Oregon’s highest mountain beckons climbers to reach the top of a snow-crested 11,249-foot summit. It’s one of the many great hikes near Portland.
Catch a concert in Portland – The biggest city in Oregon boasts a lively music scene with excellent shows happening nearly every night. For more, see our full guide to what to do in Portland.
Visit the Oregon coast – Oregon’s coast is full of coastal village gems off the beaten tourist path like Astoria and Bandon.
Visit Smith Rock State Park – Go river rafting, rock climbing, or hiking throughout the “Grand Tetons of Oregon.”
Hike in Silver Falls State Park – Get your fill of cascading waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls just outside of Salem.
Raft down the Rogue River – Hold on tight as you wind your way through the Rogue River, over bumpy white water and smoother river stretches.

👉 Explore our full list of things to do in Oregon.

View of the famous bridge at the Multnomah Falls — *Multnomah Falls and its famous bridge*

🗺️ Where to Stay

Aerial view at the Downtown Portland — *Downtown Portland on a gloomy day*

Oregon offers a diverse array of places to stay, along the coast or at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, each with stellar hotel options.

Portland – From shared hostels to luxurious hotels and everything in between, Portland has it all.
Bend – One of the best places in the state for outdoor recreation also has plenty of cozy and outdoors-themed places to stay.
Mount Hood National Forest – Stay in a cabin, ski lodge, or at a primitive campsite in one of Oregon’s most visited national forests.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Camp overnight on the Oregon coast and rip down some dunes ATV-style in the morning.
Willamette Valley – Did you know that Oregon is one of the leading wine producers on the West Coast? Welcome to Willamette Valley.

🛎️ Best Hotels

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You’ll find all sorts of accommodation options in Oregon, whether you’re looking for a rustic A-frame cabin, a coastal cottage, or big-city lodging.

Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa – This luxurious hotel in Astoria boasts spacious rooms with river views, soaking tubs, spa services, and a daily credit at the in-house bar.
The Nines Portland – Live large in Portland at this 5-star hotel in the heart of the big city.
Crater Lake Resort – Stay at this cozy cabin for easy access to the hiking trails in Oregon’s sole national park.
Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge – Stay right on the Rogue River and experience serenity away from big city crowds.
The Inn at Arch Rock – A coastal boutique near Lincoln City right on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The room with ocean view at the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa — *There are water views (and binoculars) in every room at the* ***Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa***

🚗 Best Road Trips

View at the coastline of Pacific Coast Highway — *Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway*

Road-tripping is the best way to see wide stretches of Oregon. Drive along spectacular forest, mountain, or beach roads, stopping along the way to take plenty of photos.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – Drive past secluded beaches and jagged bluffs along a breathtaking stretch of Highway 101.
Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 101 – Arguably the most famous highway in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway runs from California and into Washington, with jaw-dropping views on the Oregon stretch.
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway – Drive an 82-mile loop in Central Oregon that passes through Sisters, lava fields, rushing rivers, and snowy peaks.
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway – This 172-mile scenic byway brings visitors along two of the state’s most recreation-rich rivers.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – Dazzling alpine peaks and turquoise blue lakes make this byway one of the most scenic in the state.

⛱️ Best Beaches

The author with a scenic view of the ocean in her background — *Travel writer McKenna enjoys a scenic lookout over Yachats, south of Newport*

Cannon Beach – The most well-known beach along the Oregon Coast is home to the dramatic Haystack Rock and unbeatable sunsets.
Seaside – A bustling coastal town known for its historic aquarium, delicious seafood, and sandy beach.
Newport – A relaxing town along the central coast known for its two lighthouses, great coffee, and sea lion spotting opportunities.
Gold Beach – The Rogue River meets the ocean at this quiet beach town in southern Oregon.
Manzanita– One of the most scenic beaches along Oregon’s north-central coasts boasts a 360-degree view of Neahkahnie Mountain.

⛰️ Best Mountains

The Mount Hood covered with snow during late spring — *A late spring photo of Mount Hood*

Mount Hood – The tallest mountain in the state promises experienced climbers an intense hike to the summit.
Three Sisters – The 47.5-mile Three Sisters volcano loop is one of the best places to backpack in central Oregon.
Mount Jefferson – The state’s second-highest mountain is one of the most technical and beautiful climbs in the state.
Steens Mountain – This nearly 10,000-foot mountain is surrounded by hundreds of remote and lesser-trodden wilderness trails, and right beside the Alvord Desert.
Mount Bachelor – This mountain is one of the most popular for recreation near Bend, with some of the best skiing in the state.

⛷️ Best Ski Resorts

View skiers enjoying their day at the Mount Hood — *Downhill skiing on Mount Hood*

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort – A Central Oregon resort just outside of Bend with plenty of beginner-level runs.
Mount Hood Meadows – One of the most popular resorts in Oregon on the state’s highest mountain.
Timberline Lodge – A ski resort on the southside of Mt. Hood that’s famous for its killer ski slopes and being in the movie The Shining.
Mount Ashland – The mountain’s 240 skiable acres beckon avid skiers and snowboarders to its slopes each year.
Willamette Pass Resort – A beginner-friendly ski resort with plenty of ski runs for more advanced skiers and snowboarders as well.

♨️ Best Hot Springs

Multiple pools at the Umpqua Hot Springs — *The Umpqua Hot Springs*

Umpqua Hot Springs – Southern Oregon springs with multiple soaking pools in the middle of the forest.
Bagby Hot Springs – Soak in rustic pools in the Mount Hood National Forest for a small $5 fee.
Paulina Hot Springs – Venture just outside of Bend to access these springs right on the banks of Paulina Lake.
McCredie Hot Springs – Natural hot springs right on Salt Creek with fluctuating water temperatures.
Terwilliger Hot Springs – Geothermal pools in the Willamette National Forest with a water temperature ranging from 85-112 degrees.

🌲 Best National Monuments

People hiking the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds — *The famous Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds*

Oregon National Historical Trail – Learn about early settler’s journey west at various sites throughout the state like the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument – The colorful rock formations here preserve an ancient record of ecological life dating back 40 million years.
Oregon Caves – Crawl through dark, twisting passages in the Siskiyou Mountains for a trip to remember.
Nez Perce National Historical Park – Learn more about the early people who inhabited Oregon at various sites in this multi-state monument.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park – Learn about America’s most famous explorers along Oregon’s coast.

🖼️ Best Museums

One of the exhibits displayed in Portland Art Museum — *An Indigenous artist exhibit at the Portland Art Museum*

Portland Art Museum – The largest art museum in Oregon has rotating exhibits and a variety of artists.
Pittock Mansion – This historic mansion doubles as a local history museum, and offers great views of over Portland and beyond to the Cascades.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum – More than 50 aircraft are on display at this aviation museum just north of Salem.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum – Visit this interpretive center to learn all about the history, geology, and Indigenous inhabitants of the Columbia River Gorge.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) – This museum features a large-screen theater, a planetarium, and exhibit halls to educate visitors about the scientific world.

Oregon Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Oregon is a fun state to visit year-round, depending on what activities you want to do while here.

🍂 Fall – The best time to visit to witness Oregon’s dense forests transform into vibrant red and yellow hues. Temperatures in early fall are perfect for hiking in both western and eastern Oregon.
🌞 Summer – The best time to visit western Oregon for the warmest and driest weather, plus outdoor summer events. Be cautious with the heat in eastern Oregon’s high desert.
❄️ Winter – Winter is ideal for skiing, snowboarding around the Cascades, saving money on accommodation, and visiting tourist sites without crowds. This is the rainy season in western Oregon, and there will be snow in the east.
🌼 Spring – The best time to see mountain and desert wildflower blooms throughout the state. It’s still rainy in the west, but this is a good time for outdoor excursions in the east.

🗓️ See the full guide to when to visit Oregon.

🚌 Getting In & Around

There are endless ways to get around Oregon, whether you prefer to use public transit or want to rent a car and go on a road trip.

✈️ Airports – Most Oregon visitors will fly into Portland and land at PDX. There are also airports in southern, eastern, and central Oregon.
🚗 Driving – Go where you want, when you want by renting your own car. A car is practically essential if you’re exploring remote stretches of eastern Oregon.
🚇 Public Transit – The cheapest way to get around major cities in Oregon.
📲 Ride Share – Rideshares are readily available in most major cities like Portland, Bend, and Salem.
🚴‍♀️ Biking – Biking is one of the more popular ways to get around in cities like Portland and Corvallis, which have invested heavily in biking infrastructure. You can also ride along Oregon’s many scenic bikeways.
🛴 Scooters – Major cities like Portland have public scooters available for a small fee.
🚶‍♀️ Walking – Most of Oregon’s big cities and coastal towns have walkable commercial districts.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

☔ – Be prepared for rain – Western Oregon’s rainy season lasts from October to April. Pack accordingly for your upcoming trip and expect consistent rain most days.
👨‍👩‍👧 – Ask the locals for help – Locals are extremely helpful. Don’t be too shy to ask for directions or recommendations on things to do.
🍻 – Try the local brews – Oregon is known its innovative craft breweries, especially in Portland and Bend. Save the Budweiser and Modello for home and try a local craft beer.
⛽ – You can now pump your own gas – As of 2023, you are allowed to pump your own gas in Oregon at self-service pumps. However, you can also go to a full service pump to let an attendant do it for you.
🤑 – There’s no sales tax in Oregon – Oregon doesn’t have sales tax, which is great for big shoppers looking to save a few bucks.

🧳 What to Pack

🧥 – Rain jacket – Western Oregon’s rainy season lasts from fall through spring. Bring a rain jacket to keep you warm and dry through it all.
🥾 – Hiking shoes – Hiking shoes or boots are the one thing you don’t want to forget to pack if you plan on hitting the many hiking trails in this state.
☂️ – Umbrella – Sometimes a rain jacket isn’t enough during the rainy season. Umbrellas are guaranteed to keep you dry.
🎒 – Hiking backpack – An essential if you’re planning to explore the outdoors.
🩱 – Bathing suit – Even if you’re visiting in the winter, bring a swimsuit to luxuriate in some of the state’s best hot springs.

🧳 See the full Oregon packing list.

🤓 Facts & Info

Population (2024) – 4,272,371
Capital – Salem
Largest Metro Areas – Portland, Salem, Eugene
Time Zone – Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7)
Airports – Portland International Airport (PDX), Eugene Airport (EUG), Rogue Valley International Airport (MFR)
Colleges & Universities – University of Oregon, Portland State University, Oregon State University, University of Portland
Nickname – The Beaver State
Demonym – Oregonian
USPS Abbreviation – OR
Governor – Tina Kotek (Democrat)
Country – United States of America

💵 Costs & Budgeting

MERIC Cost of Living Oregon Rank – #45
3 Star Hotel Room – $100/night
1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $100-200/night
Rental Car – $60+/day
Public Transit Ticket – $2.80 (to airport from downtown Portland)
Take Out Meal for Two – $30-40
Sit Down Dinner for Two – $50-70
Draft Beer – $6-8

FAQs About Visiting Oregon

Is Oregon safe for tourists?

Oregon is one of the safest states to visit in the U.S. To avoid the possibility of danger, make sure you follow the same precautions you would in any city when visiting the larger cities like Portland, Salem, and Eugene.

What do I need to know before traveling to Oregon?

There are several important things to know before traveling to Oregon. First, know that there’s no sales tax, and that, as of 2023, you can now pump your own gas at self-service stations (or opt to have it pumped for you at full-service areas).

Also keep in mind that the weather can vary greatly depending on which part of the state you visit. Western Oregon in winter will be quite rainy, especially on the coast. However, you’ll need to bring layers and prepare for the snow in eastern Oregon.

What is the best month to go to Oregon?

July is the best month to go to Oregon because this is when the state experiences its hottest and driest weather. You will also encounter specific summer activities around the state at this time like organized bike rides and outdoor concerts.

How many days do you need to see Oregon?

Devote at least 1 or 2 weeks to fully exploring Oregon. There’s so much to see from north to south and east to west that less time only allows you to scratch the surface. If you only have a few days to explore Oregon, you should devote that time to one or two specific cities.

What are 3 things Oregon is known for?

Oregon is known for its diverse landscapes and gorgeous coast, its laidback and creative cities, and being home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country.

Meet Our Oregon Travel Expert

McKenna Mobley

👉 Read McKenna’s Articles

📰 Oregon Travel Guides

Oregon’s dense beauty makes it one of the top bucket list destinations in the Pacific Northwest. With so many things to do and see in Oregon, you’re going to want to check out our most complete travel guides on the best of the state listed below:

Oregon