These Towns in Oregon Come Alive in Spring
Oregon is a beautiful state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States between California and Washington. The Snake River on the eastern boundary separates it from Idaho. Oregon is the biggest lumber producer in the US.
Oregon is an exceptional state to visit because every geographical terrain is within its borders and is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Springtime in Oregon means festivals, seafood celebrations, sandcastle competitions, and wildflowers. These eleven towns come alive in the spring and exemplify the state's best characteristics.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, on the Pacific Coast, is a tranquil coastal town. It is known for its long shoreline, which provides an optimum view of the 235-foot Haystack Rock formation, occasionally home to tufted puffins. Ecola State Park is also home to a remarkable seven-mile hiking trail with views of Haystack Rock and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
The discontinued lighthouse sits atop Tillamook Rock and is approximately one mile offshore. Cannon Beach has a relaxed atmosphere, and the walkable downtown area has several lovely shops and restaurants. After a pleasant day on the trails, stop by the Wayfarer Restaurant for authentic seafood and good times.
Seaside
Seaside is a popular destination for its coastal vibe and natural scenery. The beach has great surf breaks and a 1.5-mile oceanside Promenade from 1921. Another must-see attraction is the 80-year-old Seaside Aquarium, where you can feed the seals.
This family-friendly resort town is self-proclaimed as the Oregon Coast's sandcastle-building, kite-flying, and bumper-car-bumping capital. And don't forget to ride the brightly colored Carousel, housed in the Carousel Mall. This is one of the best towns to see in the Spring because of the attractions, surf, and natural scenery.
Astoria
Astoria is a small town on the Columbia River with stunning scenery and a picturesque bridge. For a panoramic view of the skyline, travel to the Astoria Column. Not only does it offer unparalleled views, but indigenous murals depict local culture and history are also on display.
The Astoria-Megler bridge is 4.1 miles long and spans the famed Columbia River. Another notable attraction is the Lightship Columbia, the first active lightship on the West Coast, which first saw service in 1892. At the head of the Columbia River, the Lewis and Clark National Museum is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Acres of rainforests and coastal land are interspersed with exhibits of Native American heritage.
Ashland
Ashland is a pretty town in southern Oregon, known for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The festival started in 1935 and shows run from March to October. Outdoor sites include Lithia Park, the largest in town, with 93 acres of forested canyonland, and Emigrant Lake County Park. The park is an impressive 1,467 acres, and fishing, camping, and boating are allowed.
There are several vineyards to explore on a warm Spring day, like Irvine & Roberts and Dana Campbell. Wineries include Grizzly Peak and Weisenger Family Wineries. If you're looking for whitewater adventure, book a trip with Noah's River Adventures, which hosts introductory classes and three or four-day trips.
Joseph
Joseph is at the base of Wallowa Mountain and the southern tip of the three valleys of the mountain. It is hailed as the cultural and tourism epicenter of Oregon. One of the more fun attractions is Joseph Branch Railriders, where guests pedal quadricycle railway bikes on a historic track. A landmark site is Chief Joseph's gravesite, for whom the town is named after.
Not surprisingly, many outdoor attractions attract nature lovers and thrill seekers from all over. Whitewater rafting is common, and trips are available through Winding Waters River Expeditions. Wallowa Lake State Park is between the twin Wallowa Peaks, has a beachfront lake and hiking trails, and is a gateway to Eagle Gap Wilderness Area.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a small and nationally recognized historic town in Jackson County. It has a vibrant culture, and events like the Parade of Inns on May 19th are held in the quaint downtown area. Spring is a perfect time to walk around downtown and explore the shops or visit a winery in the Rogue Valley.
Southern Oregon is home to over 100 wineries, and Jacksonville has several wineries and vineyards like Dancin and Daisy Creek vineyards. Jackson Creek, which the town is named for, runs through the community and can be accessed through numerous hiking trails. Jacksonville is an ideal Spring destination due to its abundant natural features, walkable downtown, and cultural scene.
Baker City
Known as the "basecamp of Eastern Oregon," Baker City includes parts of the Oregon Trail, Snake River, and Hells Canyon. There are over 100 historic buildings, including the landmark Geiser Hotel, built in 1889. There are outdoor adventure outfitters, living history, and a classic downtown with brick buildings, including the Baker City Tower, an art deco building constructed in 1929.
A stroll through town will introduce you to the Baker Heritage Museum, Chinese Cemetery, and Barley Brown's Brew Pub, among many other attractions. Downtown is part of the Main Street Program, a historic recognition, and is best explored on foot. Baker City is classic, has a beautiful history, and is perfect to explore, especially in the warmer months.
Sisters
Sisters, originally named Three Sisters, is a remarkable town in Central Oregon. It is between the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests, which is only one reason to visit in the Spring. Many Spring activities are available, like the Black Butte Ranch, 15 minutes north of town, and the annual Sisters Rodeo, held in June.
If shopping is your thing, a trip to the Cowboy-esque downtown is necessary. Baldwin, Dixies, and Blazin Saddles are where to dress like a local. Sisters also offers gorgeous views of Three Sisters Mountain, the third-largest peak in Oregon. Whether shopping or a secluded hike in the beautiful mountains, Sisters comes alive in the Spring.
Florence
Florence is a picturesque town at the mouth of the Siuslaw River. The 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse offers spectacular views of migrating whales and comfortable hiking trails. The Sea Lion Caves, home to Stellar sea lions, is a major draw for visitors.
The historic downtown has many shops and galleries, making Florence ideal for nature lovers, foodies, and those looking for a shopping vacation, especially in Old Town. There is no shortage of outdoor activities, including the Oregon Dunes, stretching 40 miles to North Bend, where the mouth of the Sisuslaw River meets the Pacific River. Florence is a dream spot for nature viewing and for those who love historic towns.
Yachats
Yachats is a coastal town whose name means "dark water at the foot of the mountain". The rocky cliffs give way to spectacular views, especially at Thor's Well. Also known as the "Drainpipe of the Pacific," the hole in the basalt rocks drains all the water and seems to drain the ocean.
Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is another notable bluff recreation with a panoramic ocean view. This remarkable beach town is also a foodie haven, particularly The Drift Inn, known for its clam chowder and fresh fish and chips. Picnics on the beach are common here during the spring, especially on the bluffs, and they should be at the top of any beachcombers' bucket list.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is a quaint inland town home to six amazing covered bridges, including Chambers Railroad Bridge, the lone remaining covered railroad bridge in Oregon. The countryside Cottage Grove's claim to fame was featured in a 1926 Buster Keaton movie, The General.
Natural features include the Coast Fork Willamette River and the Row River tributary. Each provides ample fishing and boating activities and drinking water for the town. The Row River Trail is a 14-mile paved hiking National Hiking Trail that wraps around the now-defunct Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line. This is a gorgeous town with easily bikeable trails, stunning views, and a charming town.
Oregon is a picturesque state, especially in the Spring. The state offers historic towns along with stunning views of mountains and coastline. During this season, the temperate air provides the perfect climate for exploring historic towns like Florence or views of the Pacific Ocean in Yachats. It also provides outdoor activities for the adventurous who enjoy white water rafting or fishing and serene hiking trails that are beginner-friendly in Cottage Grove.
Astoria provides gorgeous views of the famed Columbia River, while Florence has a historic lighthouse. These eleven towns come alive in Spring and provide a stunning backdrop for a trip through town or camping. Oregon is a naturally beautiful state with a vibrant culture with much to offer, especially in the warmer months.
