12 Best Towns in Oregon for a Winter Getaway
States in the Pacific Northwest are bursting with activities across all four seasons of the year, and Oregon is no exception. As the Fall Season wraps up, tourists start considering other locations for a great winter experience.
Oregon is a perfect winter wonderland. This Pacific Northwest state is perfect for a winter getaway, from the snow-capped mountains to the warm inns serving hot chocolate. Like any other season, Oregon is flooded with activities to keep you busy, from skiing down Mount Hood to attending a heart-warming local festival.
Here are the twelve best towns in Oregon for a winter getaway for an awesome winter experience. Pick two or three of these towns to visit this winter season.
Sisters
Galloping horses near the Three Sisters Mountains in Sisters, Oregon.
Sisters is a perfect winter wonderland, experiencing snow all year round. With the Three Sisters Mountain forming the beautiful background, this winter town is flooded with outdoor activities for tourists.
There are many Ski resorts in and around Sisters. One such resort is the Hoodoo Ski Area, and tourists get to go night skiing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in this ski region. View the work of local artists at any of the art galleries.
Sisters has several cozy accommodations like FivePine Lodge and Spa or Left Coast Lodge, where tourists can wrap themselves with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate on cold winter mornings. Dive into any of the hot spring pools at Belknap Hot Springs.
Yachats
Pronounced as “Yah-Hahts,” Yachats is a town cuddled by the Central Oregon Coast Range on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This town offers a unique winter experience with beautiful waterfront views and a rugged black basalt beach rather than the usually sandy beach.
Visitors try catching the winter Steelhead fish at the Alsea River. A few miles away from Yachats is the scenic and romantic Cape Perpetua. Cape Perpetua is the major tourist attraction near Yachats. Tourists go there to enjoy whale watching during the winter migration season.
For the best winter experience, stay at the Overleaf Lodge and Spa. The lodge organizes a lot of heart-warming events for tourists as a way of sharing love during the festive period.
Hood River
In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge is a winter wonderland. From snow-covered mountain ranges to Hot springs, Hood River is a picture-perfect destination for a winter getaway. This winter town attracts more than lovers of outdoor activities; its streets are filled with art lovers and lovers of beer and fine dining.
Have you ever wondered what hiking looked like in winter? Visit the Catherine Creek trail for some fascinating winter hiking fun. Spend the cold afternoons lounging around the hot springs in Hood River. The most popular of these hot springs is the Carson Hot Springs.
Lodge at the famous Inn at the Gorge, a cozy bed and breakfast accommodation. For the days you want to stay indoors, enjoy the delicious meals served at the restaurants.
Ashland
Aerial view of Ashland, Oregon, during the winter season.
At the foothills of the Siskiyou mountains is the small, unusual winter town. Ashland is a small town in Jackson County with an unusually warm winter temperature. The majority of its snowfall is in the mountains surrounding it and in recreational activities.
The mountain trails are open all year round for hiking, biking, ziplining, and bird watching. Ashland is a hub of endurance events; you can take part in the famous Mount Ashland Hillclimb run. Go ice skating with your partner at the Ashland Centennial Ice Rink.
Stay at the cozy B&Bs with historical and charming architecture. The innkeepers at these accommodations are experienced and well-versed in the history of these regions.
Paisley
Morning cloud bank over Paisley Valley, Oregon.
Right between Summer Lake and Lake Albert is the small town of Paisley. Paisley is a historic town with a rich native American history. The coprolites found in the Paisley caves and Fort Rock dates back to as far as 14,290 years ago. These are the oldest evidence of the early Native Americans.
Paisley is flooded with activities all year round. If you’re looking to spend the winter playing in the snow, the town is home to some of the finest Ski resorts. After skiing down the trails, dive into the steaming Summer Lake Hot Springs. Rent any of the cabins at Summer Lake Hot Springs for a cozy B&B experience.
Redmond
Dramatic sunset over an American mountain landscape in Redmond, Oregon.
At the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range is a small town named after its founder, Frank Redmond. Redmond is known for its bike trails, water sports, and caving. The streets of Redmond are littered with charming boutiques, restaurants, world-class wineries, and luxury resorts.
When the temperatures are down and the snow comes pouring down, it is the perfect time to put on your adventure boot and explore Redmond. Go ice skating at Redmond’s outdoor skating rink in the Downtown area. Ride your snowboard up and down Mount Bachelor.
Redmond has different accommodation options for visitors, from exotic resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Astoria
The Alderbrook neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon, is covered in a rare layer of snow.
Astoria, a port city, is the oldest city in Oregon. It is located on the southern shore of the Columbia River. It is named after a New York investor, John Jacob Astor, whose fur company founded the Fort Astoria. The town maintains a cool temperature during winter compared to other areas of Oregon.
During the winter, you can catch the famous lecture “Past and Present” at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. These lectures shed more light on the history of this region, from shipwrecks to famous ships. Listen to poets rhyme about their time on the sea at the famous “Fisherpoets Gathering.” Explore this historic town from any of the Inns or hotels in the region.
The meals on their menu leave your taste buds tingling for more. The Bowline Hotel and the Benjamin Young Inn are famous accommodations in Astoria.
Baker City
Mountain range near Baker City, Oregon.
The miniature Winter wonderland called Baker City is located between the Wallowa Mountains in the east and the Elkhorn Mountains in the west. Baker City has the Powder River running through its Downtown region.
Baker city sees a lot of tourists all year round. If you’re planning to visit Baker City during the winter season, pack your skiing gadgets, or you can rent gear from the rentals in the town. Go Skiing and snowmobiling around the Anthony Lakes Ski Resorts.
Lodge at the famous Geiser Grand Hotel. The hotel in itself is a tourist attraction because of its Victorian-style interior and exterior.
Cannon Beach
Winter sunset casting a golden light over beach houses in Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA.
Cannon Beach was listed in the 2013 National Geographic “Top 100 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in World.” The town is always steaming with tourists all year round. It is stunning during the winter season.
During winter, tourists can watch Roosevelt Elks graze around the parks of Cannon Beach. While watching the Elks, adhere strictly to the rules of watching Elks, like “Do not feed the Elks.” You can spend the afternoon combing the beach for hidden treasures washed up on the shoreline by the sea waves.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean from any of the oceanfront hotels in Canon Beach. See the Haystack rock from your room window at the Ocean Lodge.
Silverton
Wide-angle view of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park after a snowstorm in Silverton, Oregon.
Seated on the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley is Silverton, a small town named after the Silver Creek that passes through it. This is a beautiful summer town, but its true beauty comes out in winter. Just as there is an allure of activities to do during the hot and bright summer, the activities in winter are a lot more captivating and breathtaking.
A major winter event in Silverton is the lighting of the million lights at the Christmas market. Visitors get to watch the town light up and interact with locals with a cup of hot chocolate in hand from the local vendors. The hiking trails at Silver Falls State Park are open all year round, so enjoy a winter hike down these trails.
Stay at the Oregon Garden Resort to enjoy your winter vacation in Oregon.
Mosier
Mosier is seated along the Columbia River. The lands in this town are very fertile, and the town is famous for producing apples, cherries, and prunes. Apart from agriculture, this town has some favorite tourist hotspots.
The Mosier Twin Tunnels are perfect for a cross-country ski experience in winter. These tunnel trails offer visitors a breathtaking view of the original Columbia River Highway. Visit the town's wineries to taste some of the most excellent wines along the Columbia River Gorge.
Rent a Scandinavian-style cabin at Camp Randonnee to enjoy the waterfront view of the Columbia River from the comfort of your bed.
Joseph
Winter view of the Wallowa Mountains and a traditional red barn on a cattle ranch near Joseph, Oregon, USA.
Joseph, nicknamed the “Litlle Switzerland of America,” is a favorite winter getaway location for tourists. There are a lot of activities to do in Joseph in winter, from sledding to snowmobiling. Get ready for a snowy holiday.
For fun in the snow, get your gear and sled along the Alder Slope, or wear your snowshoes and hike up the Hurricane Creek Trails. Attend the Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race event.
Explore Wallowa County from the Loft Downtown, an exotic hotel in Joseph. This hotel is a few miles from the Wallowa State Park.
Oregon's Winter Wonderland Awaits
Oregon is always steaming with tourists in summer, but many do not know that this Pacific Northwest State has some exotic towns for a perfect winter getaway. Whether it's with your significant other or your group of friends, these 12 towns are the best towns in Oregon for a Winter getaway.
Have fun hiking up snow-covered trails and eating heart-warming meals at local restaurants. Today is the best time to plan your trip to Oregon.
