Oregon is home to an incredible array of little-known wonders throughout its varying landscapes. From west to east, the climate goes from lush coastal forests harboring hidden giant trees to the Cascade Mountains and their quaint fire lookouts, the high desert and its natural wonders, and the remote ruggedness of Eastern Oregon.
Even if you’ve lived in Oregon your entire life, there is a very good chance that you have only come across a few things on our list of some of the best-hidden gems to discover in this amazing state.
The Awesomeness of the Oregon Caves National Monument
Located in the far southwestern corner of the state near the California border lies the Oregon Caves National Monument. Oregon is no stranger to caves, as lava flows have littered Central Oregon with caves ripe for exploring.
The Oregon Caves National Monument takes it up another level, though, with 15,000 feet of known caves made from pure marble rather than the lava rock found in caves in other parts of the state.
It is Home to the Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the World
2.5 million acres in Southern Oregon were recently named as the largest dark sky sanctuary in the world by the DarkSky International. This remote area was already known for its incredible dark skies, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography, but now it is officially recognized for this unique feat.
The Wild Population of Bighorn Sheep
Oregon has plenty of large wild animals, including bears, elk, moose, and wolves, but it is also home to bighorn sheep! It is estimated that approximately 800 of these incredible animals live in the northeastern corner of the state near the Snake River and the Wallowas.
It Has the most Covered Bridges of Any Western State
Did you know that Oregon is home to 54 covered bridges? That far outpaces the 10 found in California and the meager 4 found in Washington!
These bridges take travelers back to a bygone era when these small community bridges were a work of art for the towns building and maintaining them. As these bridges age many are falling into disrepair so visit them while you can!
Fort Rock
This ancient tuff ring rises up out of the desert landscape as a natural fortress protecting all that hides inside. Besides being a unique and photographable geological feature, Fort Rock is also home to caves in which sandals were found that were dated to be nearly 10,000 years old!
Thor’s Well
This collapsed sea cave appears to be a bottomless pit constantly swallowing water from the sea. Watching the Well at high tides is a sight to see, as it seems to defy logic, with no obvious exit point for the water to drain back to the ocean. Stay clear of the Well, as sneaker waves have been known to sweep camera gear and unlucky onlookers into the Well and out into the ocean.
The Strawberry Wilderness
If someone told you they were going on a backpacking trip in Oregon featuring scenic alpine lakes, stunning waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, you’d assume they were heading to Mt. Hood to join the hordes of hikers who descent on this area in the summer.
If you want to enjoy all of these sights and a lot more solitude, then head 160 miles southeast to the Strawberry Wildness in the Malheur National Forest. Here, you can set up a tent at lakeside campsites and enjoy the solitude that Eastern Oregon offers.
The Valley of the Giants
Home to some of the largest douglas fir and western hemlock trees in the Oregon Coast Range the Valley of the Giants is a must visit for nature lovers…when you can get there. This area was protected by the BLM in the 1970s as an area of critical environmental concern. It is heavily used by researchers studying the old growth trees that have been dated to over 400 years old!
Access is limited as getting there requires crossing through private lands with gates that can be closed at any time, so check the status of the preserve before you go!
Cedar Grove Botanical Area
Approximately 3 hours east of Bend lies the only grove of Alaska yellow cedar trees east of the cascade mountains. This 26 acre grove of cedar trees feels very out of place in this high desert environment but a set of unique features in the area including the topography and a cold water spring allowed these trees to thrive in an otherwise inhospitable place.
Scientists believe that this cedar stand is a holdover from the last glacial period. Unfortunately, recent fires have killed many of the cedars this grove although a small section have managed to survive.
Independent and Mother Load Mines
Located high in the Ochoco Mountains of Central Oregon are the abandoned mine buildings of the Independent and Mother Lode Mines. These relics from cinnabar mines that sprung up in significant numbers in this region but have long since been abandoned. Some of the mine buildings are on their last legs while others looks they could restart operations any day now!
Wallowa Mountains
Located in the far Northeastern corner of the state and a long way from anywhere, the Wallowa Mountains are perhaps the state’s most stunning mountain range. These striking granite peaks wouldn’t feel out of place in the Rockies or Swiss Alps.
This amazing area offers world-class backpacking, day hikes, and plenty of fun in the nearby town of Joseph.
The Fire Lookouts
Did you know that the forests and peaks of the American West were once home to hundreds, if not thousands, of fire lookouts. These sometimes rickety structures housed fire watch staff during the summer months who kept an eye on the forests for signs of wildfire. While some fire lookouts are still in use today many of the remaining lookouts can be rented out to stay a night or two in their backcountry locales.
Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert is a dried-up lake bed that is so flat that it has been home to numerous land speed record attempts over the years. If breaking a speed record isn’t your thing, then it is also a playground for folks looking for an unbeatable camping experience or just wanting to ride their bike across endless miles of playa.
Steens Mountains
Located just uphill from the Alvord Desert, the Steens Mountains stand high above this remote section of Oregon, with the summit topping out at just shy of 10,000 feet. This area is virtually untouched and perfect for exploring. Keep an eye out for the herds of wild horses and make a stop at the Frenchglen Hotel for one of their famous family-style dinners.
Owyhee Canyonlands
Heading even further east and into an even more remote section of Oregon you’ll find the Owyhee Canyonlands. This area of stunning natural beauty is the ultimate wild destination with limited cell service and even more limited services so prepare accordingly. Those who do visit will be treated so some of the most picturesque scenes found anywhere in the state.
The Sunstone Collection Area
Oregon sunstone is the state gemstone of Oregon, and in southern Harney County, there is an area where you can freely pick it up off the ground and bring it home. The Sunstone Collection Area is open to the public who want to try their hand at finding their own gemstones out in the wild. Come prepared, though, as this area is a long way from anywhere and offers very limited services.
