8 Of The Most Epic Adventures In Oregon
Oregon is one of the top destinations in the United States for outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. With wildly diverse landscapes contained inside of its borders, including rainforests, mountains, deserts, prairies, and more, it has a little something for everyone looking to explore the Pacific Northwest.
Within Oregon's national and state parks and other wildlands, you can easily find a treasure trove of activities to take part in. Whether it is cycling, hiking, climbing, or a simple road trip, adventure is at hand wherever you go. Let's take a look at 8 of the most epic experiences you can enjoy in Oregon today.
Hike Around Mount Hood
Lavender Valley in Hood River, Oregon with Mount Hood in the background.
The Timberline Trail offers an unforgettable journey for those seeking to discover almost all of Mount Hood’s diverse landscapes. This nearly 40-mile loop circumnavigates Oregon’s tallest peak, showcasing its glacial valleys, eye-popping alpine meadows, and dense forests. Wildflowers blanket the meadows in summer, while panoramic views of the Cascade Range dominate the skyline from numerous viewpoints along the way.
Starting at Timberline Lodge, the trail rises and falls through challenging terrain, crossing rivers like the Sandy and White Rivers, where you must navigate rugged streambeds. It is definitely a good idea to bring your hiking poles!
Key highlights include Paradise Park, known for its lush scenery, and the Eliot Creek crossing, which requires careful navigation due to past washouts.
The trail typically takes three to five days to complete, with backcountry campsites scattered along the route. Proper preparation is essential, as the trail includes steep climbs and unpredictable weather.
Ride the Oregon Dunes
A person riding sand dunes in Oregon.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spans dozens of miles along the coast, giving you one of the country’s most unique landscapes for outdoor experiences. These massive sand dunes, some reaching 500 feet in height, were formed over millennia by wind and waves.
Be sure to hike notable trails like the John Dellenback Trail, which winds through the park's forests, open dunes, and wetlands before reaching the vast Pacific Ocean.
For thrill-seekers, sandboarding and ATV rides provide a high-energy way to explore the rolling terrain. The South Jetty area near the city of Florence is a popular spot for off-road vehicles, while quieter areas like the Tahkenitch Dunes appeal more to hikers and wildlife watchers.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, as coastal birds and elk are common sightings in this wild region of Oregon.
Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
The old Columbia River Gorge highway in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon.
A drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway is one of the easiest and most picturesque ways to discover Oregon. This journey through the Columbia River Gorge blends diverse landscapes with a rich history relating to Oregon's economy and the state's very founding.
Spanning about 65 miles between Portland and The Dalles, the highway was the first scenic road in the United States, completed in 1922. Along the route, you will encounter iconic waterfalls on the roadside, including Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest at 620 feet, and Bridal Veil Falls, accessible via a short trail.
Notable viewpoints, such as Crown Point and Rowena Crest, will give you lofty views over the Columbia River below, which cuts through basalt cliffs and is framed by lush greenery.
The highway also features several historic structures, like the Vista House, an observation point dating back to 1918, with a striking architectural style and educational exhibits about the region.
Cyclists can also ride through car-free segments, including the Mosier Twin Tunnels.
Paddle the Wild and Scenic Rogue River
Aerial view of Rogue River, Oregon, showing Interstate Highway I-5.
The Rogue River is a top destination for a kayaking or rafting adventure in Oregon, combining thrilling rapids with gorgeous stretches of water in the state's expansive forests.
Designated as one of the nation’s original "Wild and Scenic Rivers," the Rogue flows over 200 miles from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific, offering a variety of sights for those who travel down it. Along the way, steep canyon walls, dense forests, and rocky outcroppings provide dramatic scenery. Wildlife, such as black bears, otters, and bald eagles, are often spotted from the water.
The most famous section, a 34-mile stretch from Grave Creek to Foster Bar, features Class III and IV rapids like Rainie Falls and Blossom Bar, challenging even experienced paddlers.
Guided trips are available for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area. Extended overnight trips allow you to visit the historic lodges and remote campsites that rest on the banks of the Rogue.
Cycle the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway
McKenzie Pass highway lined with lodgepole trees under cloudy skies in Oregon.
Cycling the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway makes for a challenging yet unforgettable ride through one of Oregon’s most stunning landscapes. This 38-mile loop contains dramatic views of rugged volcanic terrain, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks in the Cascade Range.
The route begins in the small town of Sisters and ascends through forests of ponderosas and junipers before reaching the high-altitude McKenzie Pass. At the summit, cyclists are greeted by the Dee Wright Observatory, a structure built from lava rock. From here, the best views of surrounding peaks like Mount Washington and the Three Sisters can be had. The route’s descent winds through dried lava fields and alpine meadows, creating an unforgettable contrast of scenery during your journey.
This bikeway is best tackled by experienced riders due to its significant elevation gain and sharp curves. Summer and early fall are ideal times to ride, as the pass is closed to cars during much of the winter.
Summit South Sister
South Sister and Broken Top reflected in calm waters of Sparks Lake with morning mist rising into trees in the Cascades Range, Central Oregon.
South Sister, the third-highest peak in Oregon, offers one of the state's most rewarding hikes. Standing at 10,358 feet, the summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Mount Bachelor and Broken Top. The 12-mile round-trip trail is challenging, with a steady ascent and a few rocky sections as you approach the summit.
Starting at the Devil's Lake Trailhead, the route climbs through alpine meadows before reaching the rocky ridge near the top. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of nearby volcanic peaks and the deep blue hues of Sparks Lake below. The final push to the top includes crossing a lava rock field, requiring careful footing.
This strenuous but attainable hike typically may take 8-10 hours to complete. It is recommended to start early, as the weather can change quickly at higher elevations. Reaching the top of South Sister is a true accomplishment for outdoor journeys in Oregon. Just be sure to pack lots of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing.
Tour a Lake Inside a Volcano
Crater Lake and Wizard Island in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.
Although personal boats are not generally allowed, boat tours are available to book on Crater Lake, offering you an up-close exploration of this volcanic wonder. These guided tours depart from Cleetwood Cove, accessible via a steep 1.1-mile trail descending several hundred feet to the shoreline.
The tour navigates the crystal-clear waters of the caldera, providing exceptional views of the lake's steep cliffs and unique geologic formations. Highlights include Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises 755 feet above the water, and Phantom Ship, a natural rock formation resembling a ghostly vessel.
Along the way, your guides will share the lake’s volcanic history, including the collapse of Mount Mazama, the volcano in which Crater Lake National Park now rests, nearly 7,700 years ago.
Some tours allow passengers to disembark at Wizard Island for hiking and exploration. These excursions offer a rare opportunity to hike the island’s summit or fish from its shores. Tours operate seasonally, typically from late June through September, depending on the weather. Reservations are strongly recommended, as spots fill quickly for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Climb in Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon's high desert near Redmond and Terrebonne.
Smith Rock State Park is among the most sought-after destinations for rock climbing in the United States, attracting adventurers from around the world to its sheer cliffs and rocky spires. Located in Central Oregon just a short drive north of Bend, the park features nearly 2,000 climbing routes, ranging from beginner-friendly slabs to advanced sport climbs like the legendary Monkey Face, a towering 350-foot pillar.
The basalt and welded tuff formations here allow for a variety of climbing styles, including traditional, sport, and bouldering. Popular areas include Morning Glory Wall and the Dihedrals, both offering challenging climbs with rewarding views of the Crooked River below.
For non-climbers, the park’s trails provide excellent vantage points to admire the scenic landscape and climbers in action. The Misery Ridge Trail, though steep, gifts its hikers with panoramic views of nearby mountain ranges.
Smith Rock is open year-round, but spring and fall provide the most comfortable climbing conditions when the normally hot summer weather cools down.
Discover Oregon's Outdoor Wonders
Activities for all interests and skill levels can clearly be found in Oregon. From white water rafting to rock climbing, this wonderful state seems to have it all, with some of the best natural scenery as a backdrop to top it off.
Whether you're exploring Mount Hood National Forest or puttering around Portland, adventure awaits you in Oregon, whichever corner of the state you may be in.
