14 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Oregon
The great state of Oregon is home to a variety of natural resources, providing a unique experience with nature for the whole family while not taxing the wallet too much. From the grandeur of the sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean to the rugged terrain within the picturesque Cascade Mountains, not to mention the majestic tranquility of the mighty Redwood forests, there is something special for everyone in Oregon. Here are over a dozen affordable summer vacation spots that can be enjoyed within Teaver State that will give a good answer to the inevitable question: What did you do this summer?
Crater Lake National Park
Located in southern central Oregon, in the Rogue River National Forest, Crater Lake State Park possesses some of the most picturesque scenic panoramas in the entire state. A plethora of mountains surround this almost perfectly rounded natural lake, including Garfield Peak, Roundtop, and Hillman Peak, while Wizard Island in the lake itself is a wonder to behold. Several reasonable camping options are near the park, like Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground, and entrance into Crater Lake National Park is also quite affordable, at around thirty dollars per vehicle. Plus, the park offers several free and inexpensive activities to their guests, like hiking with the family along the Cleetwood Cove Trail and visiting Toketee Falls, which drops almost ninety feet through the open air into a stunning, blue-green pool.
Bend
The town of Bend, just south of Redmond and Madras, is worth a visit if you want to take a vacation with the family in Oregon this summer. Between hiking through Tumalo State Park, climbing up Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and Lava Butte, and checking out some of Bend’s many other parks, like Drake Park and Shevlin Park, visitors will still have enough money left over to take everyone out to eat at someplace nice and also affordable, especially if taking the time to check out Bangers & Brews or Spork. If the family is still looking for excitement, the Old Mill District might just be the best way to finish off the day!
Portland
The city of Portland offers free festivals, concerts, and movie screenings all summer long. There are also several botanical gardens in the city, like Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden in the Northwest District, and the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town. Most of these places cost around twenty dollars a person and are worth every cent. Also located in the Northwest District of the city, the Oregon Zoo houses several wild animals, including the California Condor and the Kinkajou, and is quite reasonably priced for single tickets as well as family passes. Inexpensive food can also be found all over Portland, from Frank’s Noodle House on NE Broadway to some of the street food that can be found throughout every neighborhood.
Cannon Beach
Not far from the Washington border, on the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach is one of those places where you can spend a lot of money. For those looking for an affordable vacation, though, this is a possibility in Cannon Beach as well. There are several reasonable lodging choices, including Wright’s For Camping and Sea Ranch RV Park if you wish to camp for the weekend, and Tolovana Inn and Sea Breeze Court if you wish to stay indoors. There is also a plethora of free and inexpensive festivals to check out throughout the summer in Cannon Beach, some with live music and other exhilarating entertainment year-round.
Klamath Falls
Located in Klamath County, the town of Klamath Falls has grown exponentially in the last few decades, now supporting only a little over twenty thousand residents. Yet, this town is perfect to plan into a summer vacation getaway. Along with several outdoor activities that will not tax the wallet, like taking bicycles through Moore Park with the family or hike with friends up Link River Trail to Klamath Lake for some casual fishing, there are some awesome indoor adventures, like stopping by the Children’s Museum for the day. There are also some good places to eat that are reasonably priced as well. Nibbley’s Café is great for the morning, then maybe stopping by the Thai Orchid Café for lunch, finished off with Hanayori Japanese in the early evening.
Grants Pass
Want to save some money while still taking the family out for a great summer vacation? Try Grants Pass, located in Josephine County along the Rogue River. There are several great choices in Grants Pass for interacting with nature without costing you a lot. Riverside Park allows for sightings of a multitude of nature’s creatures, not to mention all the waterfowl. Griffin Park offers chances to whitewater raft, fish, go boating or kayaking, and barbecuing with family and friends. There are also several options for camping in the town of Grants Pass. Schroeder Park is located on Schroeder Lane and Jack’s Landing is on Morgan Lane. Both allow pets and Schroeder Park offers showers and has free wi-fi as well.
Rockaway Beach
With access to the Cedar Wetlands Preserve and Rockaway Beach Wayside, the town of Rockaway Beach is an ideal place to spend a mind-blowing summer vacation and stay on the affordable side at the same time. The Wayside is free to one and all and the preserve is quite reasonably priced. There are also several other opportunities in Rockaway Beach that are not available elsewhere, such as the Three Graces, a famous picturesque rock formation just off the coast. Make time for hiking the Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk through Cedar forests, grabbing something to eat at Thai Rock or the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, or stopping by Warehouse 10 Market or Flamingo Jim’s for that unique souvenir to bring home!
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon is located in Clatsop County on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Being right on the water, Astoria possesses several options for an affordable vacation without taking away from the fun in the sun. Two of the best options are checking out the Astoria Column and the Astoria Riverwalk. The Astoria Column represents the discovery of the Columbia River and the culmination of the Lewis and Clark Expedition while the Astoria Riverwalk is almost thirteen miles of pure enjoyment for the family. There are also several other options that are reasonably priced in Astoria, including riding the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, checking out the Lightship Columbia (at the Columbia River Maritime Museum,) and hiking the Cathedral Tree Trail.
Coos Bay
The town of Coos Bay, Oregon is located in Coos County on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is probably best known for Shore Acres and Cape Arago. Both of these state parks have low entrance fees and offer several free and inexpensive amenities, including spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape, hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking. Slightly closer to Coos Bay, as these state parks are about ten to fifteen miles south of town, visitors can stop by Bastendorff Beach County Park, which offers camping (both RV and tent sites available) for reasonable rates. Also, check out Coos Bay Boardwalk and Mingus Park, both guaranteed to be easy on the wallet while still fun for the whole family.
Lake Creek Lodge
Located in the Metolius River Basin in the town of Camp Sherman in Jefferson County and surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, Lake Creek Lodge is worthy of planning into a summer vacation, whether it is just for you and someone special or for the whole family, and they are quite reasonably priced as well. Along with lodging in one of twenty-eight luxuriant cabins, there is swimming, horseback riding, fishing, fly-fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities available. Plus, Lake Creek Lodge offers free wi-fi and free parking to all guests. There are also several options available on the property, including a coffee bar, a pizza restaurant, a media room, common area fire pits, tennis and pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and a children’s playground, which add even more fun to the vacation.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is situated in the Willamette Valley and is home to ten stunning waterfalls. Near the town of Silverton, Oregon, this state park only costs three dollars per vehicle and offers so much for so little. The hike itself is under seven miles, from South Loop to North Loop, but there are several shorter (or easier) ones available, in case you are traveling with small kids. There is even the “hiking with a stroller” option, though it does not take you past any of the waterfalls. For those wanting to see the waterfalls, five of the waterfalls are over a hundred feet in height, the option is still there, all the while providing excellent photographic opportunities at the same time.
Newport
Located in Lincoln County, the town of Newport is idyllic in its natural beauty. It is also a great spot in Oregon for a reasonably priced summer vacation for the family. There are several inexpensive activities, like checking out the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, the Devil’s Punchbowl, and Nye Beach. There is also South Beach State Park, which offers camping in the manner of RVs, tents, and even Yurts. If hanging out in downtown Newport is more to your liking, several restaurants and other great establishments are open for visitors to enjoy, like Abby’s Legendary Pizza and the Newport Farmer’s Market. Grab some pizza for the family or hit up the market for local produce.
Sisters
Yes, that is the name of the town, Sisters, Oregon. Located in Deschutes County, near the town of Bend, Sisters is the home of several affordable options while taking a vacation, including the Green Ridge Lookout, which is situated twenty feet off the ground, has a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, and only costs forty dollars a night. There are also a variety of other activities in the vicinity, like stopping by the Open Door for some seafood lasagna, grabbing some pictures of Proxy Falls, or spending the day barbequing at Village Green City Park. Sisters even has the Hen’s Tooth and the Stitchin’ Post, two of several novelty shops in town for that unique knick-knack.
Columbia River Gorge
Located just outside Hood River, Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is a perfect place to take the family for the summer. Along with a plethora of outdoor activities that don’t cost an arm and a leg, like Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek, and Horsetail Falls, Timberlake Campground and Eagle Creek Campground both offer affordable prices and great viewa. Also, Columbia River Gorge only costs a few dollars a day. Of course, you would want to have more money on hand, as this doesn’t include meals and local travel. Some inexpensive restaurants are available nearby as well, like the Eastwind Drive-In over in Cascade Locks, the Bungalow Bar & Grill in Carson, and Beacon Rock Café across the border in Stevenson, Washington.
Conclusion
Whether travelers are looking for an affordable vacation spot during the summer and to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, or simply because you are currently saving, Oregan has some great choices for all budgets to check out. From towns to state parks to national landmarks, there are over a dozen affordable vacation spots that have the thrill of adventure in mind without breaking the bank!
