Things to do in Oregon
Welcome to Oregon
The state of Oregon, tucked between Washington and California in the US Pacific Northwest, delights locals and visitors alike with its magnificent landscapes that are ripe for adventure. The state is home to mountains in the Cascade Range, including the majestic Mt. Hood, which can be seen from downtown Portland, the state's largest city. Tour Portland (aka Stumptown) from Pioneer Square to the French Renaissance–style Pittock Mansion while enjoying treats from the city's famous food carts. Then, head for the vast Columbia River, which snakes along much of the border between Oregon and Washington, creating the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy a hiking and rock climbing tour, stopping to admire waterfalls along the way; or book an adventurous white-water rafting tour. Marvel over stunning Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park and the deepest lake in the country. You can also wind surf, kayak, and Jet Ski on the Hood River. Take a break on a culinary tour across the Willamette Valley, known for a fine selection of wineries; learn to paddleboard in Corvallis on the river; join a biking or hiking tour of the hip city of Bend in summer (or ski there in winter); and head for family-friendly white-water rafting on the Rogue River in southern Oregon. Finally, lace up your walking shoes and explore the high deserts, fossil beds, and vast forests of eastern Oregon.
5-Star activities in Oregon
Top 15 attractions in Oregon
Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls
Latourell Falls
Portland Steel Bridge
Willamette Valley
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Mt. Hood
Portland Japanese Garden
Oregon Coast
Pioneer Square
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
International Rose Test Garden
Wahkeena Falls
Portland Pearl District
Powell’s City of Books
Explore Oregon by interest
Explore our promoted experiences
Recent reviews from experiences in Oregon
All about Oregon
When to visit
The weather in Oregon is far from predictable, but much of the state is at its most pleasant in summer, particularly in July and August, when the chances of rain are relatively low (by Oregon standards) and the weather is sunny and warm. However, summer is also wildfire season in Oregon, so it’s wise to be prepared for the possibility of smoky skies well into September.
Getting around
While Oregon does have some train and long-distance bus service options, the best way to get around the massive state is by car, particularly if you want to get out and experience the great outdoors. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tour options available that will take you out to the Oregon coast, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Willamette Valley wine country. Most depart from Portland.
Traveler tips
Oregon has many hot springs, and while there are a few developed hot springs resorts in the Willamette Valley, there are many located out in the forest that only charge a nominal fee for parking and maintenance. Some of the most popular include Bagby Hot Springs near Estacada (currently closed, but set to reopen in 2023), Terwilliger (aka Cougar) Hot Springs east of Eugene, and Umpqua Hot Springs in the southern part of the state.