Oregon is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering prime recreation landscapes that cater to every adventure seeker. From the breaking surf of the Pacific to the lush forests and peaks of the Cascade Range, there’s no shortage of locations to explore. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, fishing, or simply taking in the natural beauty, Oregon’s best outdoor recreation spots promise unforgettable experiences.
Oregon’s varied landscapes make it a prime destination for outdoor recreation. Imagine kayaking through mountain lakes, hiking past towering waterfalls, and camping under the stars. From Oakridge’s endless mountain bike trails to the dramatic cliffs of Smith Rock, the state’s natural wonders offer endless opportunities for adventure.
So, let’s dive into the best places for outdoor activities in Oregon and start planning your next great escape.
Mountain Biking in Oakridge
Even though Bend has become the de facto mountain biking capital of Oregon, it is actually Oakridge that is worth the first visit for bikers seeking long downhill runs through massive, lush forests. This small town located an hour and 45 minutes southwest of Bend is your typical sleepy Oregon town for most of the year, but come summer, mountain bikers descend to shuttle world-class runs like Alpine or Lawler.
The Oakridge Bike Shop is the place to go to get intel on trails, book a shuttle, or pick up any last-minute gear to hit the dirt.
Windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge
Windsurfing is one of those sports that requires a very specific confluence of weather and landscape to even be possible, and the Columbia River Gorge offers both in spades. With easy access to the water around Hood River, frequent, steady winds blowing down the gorge, and a wide, slow-moving waterway that kicks up waves perfect for sending windsurfers high into the air, this area attracts enthusiasts to the sport from around the world.
Check out Big Winds in Hood River where they can give you the latest wind intel and hook you up with the latest and greatest in wind surfing gear.
Kayaking on Waldo Lake
With so many stunning lakes across the state of Oregon, it feels like Waldo Lake somehow manages to fly under the radar. This massive lake, located just south of Bend, is one of the largest in the state, and with no natural inflows, the water is stunningly clear. On some days, it is possible to see the lake bottom in over 100 feet of water! Best of all there are no gas-powered engines allowed on the lake, so the only waves you’ll have to worry about will be coming from the wind.
This area is a kayaker paradise with numerous coves to explore, backcountry campsites, and plenty of space to find solitude on the water. Just watch out for the massive mosquitoes that descend on the lake during the early summer months!
Rock Climbing at Smith Rock State Park
Did you know that Smith Rock State Park is generally regarded as being the birthplace of modern sport climbing in the United States? The park, with its towering basalt spires and dry weather, has made it a climbing destination for decades.
Trails running along the Crooked River lead to a variety of different climbing routes that range from beginner friendly to the awe inspiring ascent up famous Monkey Face. There are plenty of backcountry camping options and the small town of Terrebonne is nearby which offers up all the necessary services to support a weekend of climbing.
Skiing at Mt. Hood
If you’ve ever wanted to ski through the summer then Mt. Hood is one of the only places to do it in North America. The Palmer Glacier at Timberline provides a solid, if not at times narrow, surface to take laps well into the summer months.
The skiing isn’t bad during the winter either as Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, and Skibowl all offer a variety of options from lighted night skiing to backcountry bowls, to a historic lodge to kick your feet up and enjoy a 1st class dinner after a day on the slopes.
Cross Country Skiing in Bend
Bend is famous for its massive system of mountain biking trails but come the winter months much of that trail building gusto is redirected to laying down smooth coordoray on cross country ski trails. Between Mt. Bachelor and Meissner Central Oregonians have access to over 60 miles of trails that are groomed on a daily basis throughout the winter.
On top of that, there are dozens, if not hundreds of additional miles of ungroomed or occasionally groomed trails that lead to scenic vistas, backcountry warming huts, and downhill runs that will leave you breathless.
Fly Fishing on the Deschutes River
Each spring, fly fishing enthusiasts from around the country descend on the Deschutes River for its famous salmon fly hatch. This hatch takes place on the lower 100 miles or so of the Deschutes and sends the trout into a feeding frenzy.
Stop into one of any of Bend’s many fly fishing shops, buy a couple of flies, and you can probably get the latest intel on the timing of the hatch and the best spots to hit the water. Everyone working there is just as eager to get out on the water as you and is more than happy to share.
Backpacking in the Wallowas
Located deep in the northeastern corner of the state, this massive wilderness area, which is served by the nearby town of Joseph, is a mecca for backpackers seeking alpine lakes and tall granite peaks without having to worry about crowds or hiking permits. The Wallowas, also known as the Oregon Alps for their craggy peaks, are a long drive for almost everyone living in the Pacific Northwest, but once you’re there, you’ll understand why everyone who visits raves about them.
Most of the trails into the wilderness area run along rivers and are easily accessible but to get to the good stuff it requires putting in some serious elevation! Folks looking for a sneak peak of the mountain range can ride the Wallowa Lake Tram up to the top of Mt. Howard which offers up stunning views deep into the wilderness area.
Hiking along the Highway of Waterfalls
The Highway of Waterfalls, known officially as North Umpqua Highway, runs from Roseburg through the Cascade Range to Diamond Lake. Along this route, you’ll pass by the trailheads for over a dozen waterfalls, with hikes ranging from a short walk from the parking lot, like at Toketee and Watson Falls, to longer hikes on the trails that parallel the Umpqua River.
Once you’re done hiking head up to Umpqua Hotsprings where you can kick back and enjoy a soak in the natural hotspring pools.
Beachcombing in Yachats
Folks beachcombing the Oregon coast are typically not after manmade items that have washed up in the surf but instead on the lookout for agates. These translucent gemstones, formed during ancient volcanic activity across the state, wash down rivers and end up deposited across beaches up and down the coast.
One of the most popular areas for finding agates is the rocky beaches around Yachats. Check out Neptune Beach and Stonefield Beach, especially at low tide, for the best chances of taking home a few of these beautiful rocks.
Whitewater Rafting the Rogue River
Oregon is home to numerous rivers that provide incredible whitewater rafting experiences. From the remote John Day River to the popular fly fishing excursions on the Deschutes, there are plenty of options no matter where you are in the state. Mile for mile, though, most locals will tell you that their favorite rafting is on the Rogue River. With plenty of short sections with big-time rapids, this river can easily be shuttled in a couple of hours with huge payoffs.
If you’re looking for the best of the best on the Rogue River check out the 40-mile Wild and Scenic stretch which is probably the most well known multiday rafting trip in the state.
Surfing in Pacific City
Just because the Pacific waters on the Oregon coast stay cool year-round, that doesn’t mean that it deters surfers from heading out to the local break to catch a wave or two. As the saying goes, there is no bad weather (or water in this case), just bad gear. And the hearty surfers that call Oregon home can attest to that.
Pacific City has a classic break right off of Cape Kiwanda that attracts surfers from all over the northwest. Add in the city’s chill vibe and the opportunity to grab a beachside beer at Pelican Brewing, and it’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the state.
Camping at Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park may not be the most remote campsite in the state, but in terms of things to do, especially if you’re camping with kids, it is tough to beat. The state park campground is well-run and offers miles of hiking and biking trails, WWII installations to discover, miles of sandy beaches, and even a shipwreck to explore!
Add in lakes where you can fish for bass, bluegill, and perch and its convenient location to the charming riverside town of Astoria, and this adds up to one of the best camping experiences in the state.
Trail Running in Forest Park
Forest Park runs along the west hills of Portland, which separate the western suburbs from downtown. Trails crisscross the park, sometimes ascending to the top of the hills but primarily running along its length. This makes the park the perfect getaway for local trail runners looking to get in some miles and some elevation without heading out to Mt. Hood or the Gorge.
The trails in the park range from wide forest roads to rooty connector trails that will leave your quads burning once you reach the top. Add in the bonus that you can run right by popular sights like Pittock Mansion, Washington Park, and the zoo and this makes for one of the best trail running experiences in Oregon.
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay serves as the unofficial whale-watching capital of the state. The waters right outside the bay are a great place to catch a glimpse of the gray whales that migrate along the coast each winter and spring as they travel between Mexico and Alaska. These waters are also home to around 20 whales who spend most of the year here, so there is a chance that you can catch sight of one of these magnificent mammals year-round.
Pay a visit to the Whale Watching Center, where you can scan the waters from their decks and get helpful tips from the volunteers on staff. If you want to get a closer look at the whales (but not too close!), head out on a 2-hour whale-watching tour with local tour company Dockside Charters.
