Oregon is not an ideal travel destination for summer-loving outdoor adventurers. The state receives lots of rain and gets pretty cold in fall and winter. It seems like nothing in Oregon can ignite your outdoor adventurous spirit. Or does it?
Last updated: July 27, 2025
Why Oregon Should Be Your Next Outdoor Adventure
I was both skeptical and curious about Oregon. Some dub it one of the most beautiful states in the Pacific Northwest. Others complain about the constant rains and freezing temperatures in winter. I set off on an adventure across coastal and central Oregon to see it for myself. Needless to say, the state stole my heart. And here are ten reasons why you, too, should consider Oregon for your next outdoor adventure.
10 REASONS TO CHOOSE OREGON FOR YOUR NEXT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
1. Latourell Falls
Roshan’s goal for this Oregon trip was to explore the great outdoors, especially gushing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. For some reason, the scenic Latourell Falls wasn’t on his list.
We stopped at the waterfall anyway. And since Dylan, still a toddler, fell asleep, we had to take turns hiking to the waterfall. When I saw Roshan’s face after he came back to the car, I knew he was more than impressed. In fact, Latourell Falls became his favorite waterfall in this part of Oregon.
2. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is the largest waterfall in Oregon. The 611-foot-high waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge and is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway. Thanks to its easy access, Multnomah Falls gets pretty busy. But that’s the only drawback, as far as I’m concerned.
3. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is considered the birthplace of American sport climbing. With thousands of routes, this Oregon’s park allures climbers and outdoor adventurers from all over the world. Moreover, the panoramic views of deep river canyons and towers of volcanic ash contribute to the park’s fame as one of the 7 outdoor wonders of Oregon.
4. Mount Hood National Forest
The Mount Hood National Forest had never been on our Oregon outdoor list. We stumbled upon it by accident while trying to reach another iconic place. We never made it to our initial destination due to heavy snow and my failing to check the weather forecast beforehand. Instead, we happily played in the snow and admired Oregon’s magical winter wonderland at the Mount Hood National Forest.
5. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is an outdoor adventurer’s playground. From hiking up Garfield Peak to making your way to Plaikni Falls, enjoy the view of Phantom Ship along the Sun Notch Trail, and driving along the Rim Drive, the park offers ample attractions to nature and sport enthusiasts. The main feature of the place is Crater Lake. The site is the deepest lake in the U.S., formed in a collapsed volcano.
6. Oregon Coastal Trail
Long-distance hikers have a soft spot for the Oregon Coastal Trail. The path runs along the coast of Oregon from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border. There is no limit to the sites you can see when walking the trail. Sandy beaches, state parks, seaside cliffs, national forests, and coastal towns… No doubt, the Oregon Coastal Trail is one of the greatest outdoor adventures in the state.
7. Umpqua Hot Springs
Oregon has been long known for its natural hot springs. The truth is, the overwhelming attention of social media to Oregon’s natural wonders may make you want to skip them altogether. But give the natural hot springs a chance, and they will persuade you to do the opposite in no time. Start with Umpqua Hot Springs located in the Umpqua National Forest in Southern Oregon.
8. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
As many places we visited during our road trip in Oregon, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor didn’t make the initial cut. The place was our backup plan in case the weather wasn’t on our side. Should I say we were glad that nature interrupted our plans at the last moment? I don’t know. But I never regretted visiting the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic area on our last day in Oregon.
9. Willamette National Forest
The first time we traveled to Oregon, I dreamed of seeing pristine forests with moss-covered trees. Although Willamette National Forest is not the only place in Oregon to see the “mossy” trees, it combines this “sightseeing” with other outdoor activities. Hiking to waterfalls, getting lost in the wilderness, riding mountain bicycles are just the tip of the iceberg.
10. Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock is the most famous feature of Cannon Beach in the northwestern corner of Oregon. Additionally, scenic trails in Ecola State Park and sea caves at Hug Point make this coastal city enticing even for the most experienced outdoor adventurers.
Read Next
- TRAVEL TO OREGON: The Best Time to Travel to Oregon (Regions Guide)
- OREGON ROAD TRIP: 4-Day Oregon Road Trip from Medford to Portland
