The Most Stunning Outdoor Destinations in Oregon

I’m an Oregonian- a term that us Oregon locals have adopted with pride. People from Oregon are obsessed with being from the Pacific Northwest. I may or may not feel that way. What I do realize, especially as I’ve gotten older and explored more, is that the outdoor destinations in Oregon are some of the best in the world. 

We’re lucky, I admit. Fresh air, plenty of nature, tons of rain which means Oregon stays pretty green and lush year round. For hiking and swimming lovers, our nature can’t be beat. It’s just so accessible, and it’s still not too crowded.

While I debated writing this article so as not to encourage any more crowds, I gave in. The nature in Oregon is no longer a secret, so I might as well add my local two cents. 

Opal Pools

Opal Pools, or Three Pools, tops the list of one of the most stunning outdoor destinations in Oregon. I’d dare to venture that it’s one of the most beautiful water holes in the world, but I may be a bit biased. 

Located just outside of the capital of Salem, these stunning swimming pools do take a little effort to get through. By effort, I mean driving down a dirt, service less road for some time and doing some moderate rock scaling to access the best parts. 

While they can get crowded during the summer peaks, if you go during the week and mid-morning to afternoon, you should get the place relatively to yourself. Pack a lunch, a book, and get ready to get wet. 

The water is so vibrant and clear, it’s not even funny. The pictures don’t do the turqoise hue justice. Be prepared- these natural pools are freaking cold. They are also surprisingly deep, and navigating the rocks in between is somewhat challenging. Everything is slippery. There’s plenty of rock space though, to catch some rays and dry off in between swimming and scrambling. 

Columbia River Gorge

I grew up going here all summer, and I’ve only appreciated it more as an adult. While the tragic fire in 2015 wreaked serious damage, I hear nature is doing what it does best- rebuilding. 

This area, just 40 minutes from Portland, is filled with trails, woods, and waterfalls. Best known for being home to Multnomah Falls, there are a few other waterfalls I would recommend over that one any day. I’m all for having to earn your beauty when it comes to the great outdoors. My favorite waterfall is Oneonta Falls. 

A few minutes away from Multnomah, you need to be physically able and careful in order to access it. You have to wade through a river bank for a few minutes until you get to a huge log jam. People have gotten very injured crossing it, primarily due to the crazy crowds these falls now attract- filled with people who don’t know what their doing.

Don’t be that person. These logs are soaked, so they are slippery. Don’t rush yourself. After that you have to swim/wade through chest deep, cold water. So, leave your valuables in the car, or have a waterproof case. Once through the passageway, you get to the main swimming hole with a powerful, gorgeous waterfall. You can swim directly under it, behind it, and jump into it. It’s beautiful. 

That’s not all- don’t sleep on the hikes through here, and don’t miss out on Horse Tail Falls. There are so many ways to spend an entire day here, which makes this area home to some of the best outdoor destinations in Oregon.

Crater Lake

Okay, who hasn’t heard of Crater Lake? Trust me though- you cannot fathom how beautiful this place is until you see it with your own eyes. I have never seen blue this bright- it is truly like looking at a painting. Plus the air is so fresh and nice, I always feel rejuvenated spending a day here. 

You also have loads of options for activities at Crater Lake. The entry fee is very reasonable and you can buy multiple day or week passes. Crater Lake is an active volcano that you can drive around the entire rim of. You can also bike, but you won’t be catching me doing that any time soon. What you can not do is walk the rim. It is massive, the roads are very narrow and it’s not possible.

It will probably take you two-four hours to make it around the whole rim driving, depending on how many of the stops you make. There are multiple natural wonders surrounding the whole rim, with various hikes, viewpoints, natural phenomenons and even a small area you can hike down to swim in. The water is freezing. 

The best part is posting up at the lodge after a day of exploring and sipping on your hot chocolate or Spanish coffee on the outdoor deck, while you soak in the prime view. 

Toketee Falls

I will immediately start with the cons here just to tailor expectations: This waterfall is roped off, so you can only view it from the viewpoint. Unlike most waterfalls and pools in Oregon, you cannot swim here.

Now that we have that out of the way- this waterfall is freaking stunning. It is so beautiful, and the fact that it’s in the middle of the woods, off a quiet, unpopulated highway, makes it that much more beautiful. It’s a short 10 minute hike to the falls, and don’t forget your bug spray. It’s best to pair this with the hot springs below, as they are on the same exit. 

Umpqua Hot Springs

These are hands down my favorite hot springs in Oregon. They are as stunning as they are secluded. That’s not to say that you will definitely be in the company of a few local hippies during the day, and if you go at night, I hear it can turn into quite a party. Also- this is Oregon, and these are hot springs. Meaning, expect nudity. 

There’s a few ways to access the hot springs. We did not know there was actually a trail, so we starting hiking instead and waded across a rushing river to the hot springs. It was great and I highly recommend this. The other route is definitely easier, but you still need to be relatively physically able. You can hike the other direction on the  trail until you come to a makeshift staircase, and it will take you to the top.

There are natural pools on the top of the mountain, looking out on the gorgeous river below and in the middle of the woods. They have a few structures built on top of them. You can also climb down to the last pool, right on the river’s edge. This one is inside a cave, complete with bats. It’s my favorite one. 

Diamond Lake

I had no idea this beautiful lake existed until we realized that all of the campsites at Crater Lake were sold out, and we needed to think of alternatives. Enter Diamond Lake. It’s now one of my favorite places to camp. About 45 minutes from Crater Lake, and 30 minutes from Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs, this camp site is situated in between some of the most stunning outdoor destinations in Oregon. 

You can get a site directly on the water’s edge, and the sunsets are absolutely spectacular. This campsite is strangely not that crowded, and it’s also massive, which helps. The sites are spaced out quite a bit from each other, so you have some real privacy and access to all the views. 

There are options for recreation sports on one side of the lake (which is massive) and there is a spacious dock by the campsites where you can dip your feet in and go swimming. 

Smith Rock

This article isn’t about hiking per se, but it definitely involves hiking. While I will write a whole nother article about hikes in Oregon, this one tops the list for both scenery and hiking. Smith Rock is an incredible state park in Oregon’s high desert. 

A vast, stunning, rocky desert oasis, you can do a lot out here. Climbing is the choice of many, but you definitely need experience. Hiking and biking are the more accessible options. You definitely don’t want to miss the views from the top. 

Mt. Hood

I confess, I never appreciated Mt. Hood as a kid. I realize that I was just unable to see what was right in my face. Mt Hood is the most accessible mountain for snow sports to Portlanders and to many people in Oregon. An active volcano, and it’s absolutely stunning. The best parts about Mt. Hood are the varieties of activities one can find. With multiple gorgeous lakes at it’s base, to hike and swim, climbing, skiing, snowboarding- you can do it all. 

I personally think the best part is the drive up to the mountain. The views, the jagged mountain edges, the majestic trees and Timberline Lodge, makes this one of the most stunning outdoor destinations in Oregon. 

Oregon Coast Trail

The Oregon Coast Trail is essentially multiple trails spanning the whole 352 mile coast of Oregon. It’s amazing. You can do portions of this trail no matter where you are on the coast. There is something truly gorgeous and wild about Oregon’s coast line. All the different towns have very distinct vibes and unlike the gorgeous sunny, vast beaches of the Caribbean or California, Oregon’s are moody, rugged, and covered in greenery. 

There are so many different hiking adventures, rocks to climbs, waterfalls to see and streams to cross when hiking along the Oregon Coast Trail. While most of us don’t associate beaches with hiking, this is something that can’t be missed. 

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