The Best Experiences in Oregon: Top 10 Must-Do Activities (Currently Open)
Oregon isn’t just a state—it’s a full-sensory experience. From crashing ocean waves and towering evergreens to bustling food scenes and timeless small towns, the Beaver State delivers adventure and beauty in every corner. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or culture seeker, Oregon offers unforgettable experiences that blend the wild and the refined in equal measure.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Oregon (Currently Open)—each one a reason to pack your bags and fall in love with this stunning Pacific Northwest gem.
1. Explore Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s Deep Blue Wonder
Few natural sights in America can compare to Crater Lake National Park, one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Formed from a collapsed volcano, the lake’s deep sapphire color and striking clarity make it truly otherworldly.
Visitors can:
Drive or bike the 33-mile Rim Drive for panoramic views.
Take a boat tour to Wizard Island, where you can hike to the top for stunning photo ops.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter for a serene, snow-covered experience.
Crater Lake is open year-round, though access to certain areas depends on weather conditions. No matter the season, it’s a must-see Oregon experience that captures the state’s natural magic.
Location: Southern Oregon
Vibe: Awe-inspiring, peaceful, and iconic
2. Wander Through Portland’s Food Scene – A Culinary Playground
If Oregon has a beating heart, it’s Portland—and its pulse is found in the city’s legendary food culture. Portland is home to everything from fine dining to food carts that redefine street cuisine.
Must-try experiences include:
Sampling flavors from over 500 food carts across the city (check out Cartopia and Prost Marketplace).
Visiting Le Pigeon, Andina, or Toki for elevated dining.
Treating yourself to Voodoo Doughnut or Blue Star Donuts—two Portland icons.
Exploring the city’s farmers markets for artisan cheeses, craft beer, and small-batch coffee.
Whether you’re a casual diner or a foodie on a mission, Portland’s culinary scene promises an unforgettable (and delicious) adventure.
Location: Portland, Willamette Valley
Vibe: Eclectic, trendy, and full of flavor
3. Drive the Oregon Coast – A Scenic Journey of a Lifetime
Stretching 363 miles from Astoria to Brookings, the Oregon Coast is a masterpiece of rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and endless ocean views. Unlike other states, Oregon’s entire coastline is public, meaning you can explore every beach and tidepool freely.
Highlights include:
Cannon Beach, famous for Haystack Rock and romantic sunsets.
Newport’s Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Depoe Bay, known as the whale-watching capital of the state.
Bandon Beach, where dramatic rock formations meet soft sand.
Pack a picnic, take your time, and let the salty breeze and coastal charm remind you why Oregon’s coastline ranks among America’s best road trips.
Location: Western Oregon
Vibe: Wild, picturesque, and endlessly relaxing
4. Discover Multnomah Falls – The Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge
Rising 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest—and for good reason. The waterfall’s elegant two-tiered cascade flows year-round, framed by moss-covered cliffs that look straight out of a fairy tale.
Visitors can:
Walk across the Benson Bridge for an up-close view.
Hike to the top of the falls for a sweeping perspective.
Stop at the Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, for local fare and souvenirs.
Located just 30 minutes from Portland, this iconic Oregon experience is both easily accessible and endlessly rewarding.
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Vibe: Majestic, romantic, and photo-perfect
5. Visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – A Desert by the Sea
On the southern coast, the Oregon Dunes offer one of the most surreal landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Stretching nearly 40 miles between Florence and Coos Bay, these towering sand dunes invite adventure seekers of all kinds.
You can:
Rent an ATV or dune buggy and race across the sands.
Go sandboarding for a thrill you won’t forget.
Hike through the dunes to the ocean’s edge.
Camp under a starlit sky surrounded by shifting sands.
This unique environment—part desert, part coastal forest—offers an unforgettable mix of adrenaline and serenity.
Location: Florence to Coos Bay, Oregon Coast
Vibe: Adventurous, surreal, and wildly beautiful
6. Experience Oregon Wine Country – Sip, Savor, and Stay Awhile
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its Pinot Noir and sustainable winemaking. With over 700 wineries, it’s a paradise for wine lovers and weekend travelers alike.
Top experiences include:
Tasting flights at Domaine Serene, Stoller Family Estate, or King Estate Winery.
Enjoying a farm-to-table lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Touring local boutique wineries by bike or private tour.
Staying in charming wine country inns or vineyard lodges.
Every sip here tells a story of Oregon’s soil, climate, and dedication to craftsmanship. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to slow down and savor life’s finer things.
Location: Willamette Valley, Central Oregon
Vibe: Sophisticated, scenic, and flavorful
7. Hike and Relax at Smith Rock State Park – Oregon’s Outdoor Playground
Adventure seekers flock to Smith Rock State Park, one of Oregon’s most striking natural landmarks. Towering cliffs, deep canyons, and the winding Crooked River make this park a dream for climbers, hikers, and photographers.
Things to do:
Conquer the Misery Ridge Trail for unbeatable panoramic views.
Try your hand at rock climbing on world-class routes.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery along the river.
Located near Bend, Smith Rock is also a gateway to Central Oregon’s outdoor scene, where mountain biking, rafting, and skiing are all close by.
Location: Terrebonne, Central Oregon
Vibe: Adventurous, rugged, and unforgettable
8. Explore the Quirky Charm of Ashland – Theatre, Wine, and Small-Town Magic
Tucked in Southern Oregon, Ashland is best known for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the most respected theater events in the country. But this artsy town offers much more than great performances.
Visitors can:
Attend a live show at the Elizabethan Theatre or Allen Elizabethan Stage.
Stroll Lithia Park, a lush oasis right in town.
Browse art galleries, boutiques, and local cafes.
Visit nearby wineries and scenic drives through the Rogue Valley.
Ashland’s blend of culture, cuisine, and charm makes it one of Oregon’s most beloved destinations for travelers who enjoy life’s thoughtful details.
Location: Southern Oregon
Vibe: Artistic, cultural, and charming
9. Go Chasing Waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park – The “Crown Jewel” of Oregon Parks
If waterfalls are your thing, Silver Falls State Park near Silverton should be at the top of your Oregon bucket list. Home to the Trail of Ten Falls, this park offers an epic 7.2-mile loop that passes behind and beneath breathtaking cascades.
Highlights include:
The iconic South Falls, a 177-foot curtain of water.
North Falls, where you can walk directly behind the waterfall.
Mossy forests and fern-filled canyons that feel straight out of a fantasy novel.
It’s a hiker’s paradise and one of the most photogenic destinations in Oregon—perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
Location: Silverton, near Salem
Vibe: Lush, serene, and photogenic
10. Relax in Bend – The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Comfort
For those who want it all—mountains, craft beer, and laid-back vibes—Bend delivers in spades. This Central Oregon town is famous for its year-round outdoor activities and warm, friendly atmosphere.
Top things to do:
Float or kayak the Deschutes River in summer.
Hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor in winter.
Sample brews at Deschutes Brewery or 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
Explore Lava River Cave or the High Desert Museum.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or relaxation, Bend offers something for every type of traveler. It’s the kind of place you visit once and immediately plan to return to.
Location: Central Oregon
Vibe: Active, laid-back, and full of character
Honorable Mentions – More Oregon Experiences You’ll Love
While our top ten highlight the best of Oregon, there’s still so much more to explore. Don’t miss these additional must-do experiences:
Mount Hood Scenic Loop: Perfect for skiing, hiking, and alpine lake views.
Oregon Caves National Monument: Go underground in Southern Oregon’s marble caverns.
Hells Canyon: The deepest river gorge in North America, ideal for rafting and sightseeing.
Painted Hills: Part of the John Day Fossil Beds, these rainbow-colored hills are a photographer’s dream.
Downtown Eugene: A hub of arts, local cuisine, and outdoor markets.
Every corner of Oregon holds its own adventure—each one uniquely tied to the land and its people.
Conclusion – Discover the Magic of Oregon
The Best Experiences in Oregon remind us that this state isn’t just about landscapes—it’s about connection. From the tranquil beauty of Crater Lake to the creative pulse of Portland, from the rugged coastlines to the refined vineyards, Oregon is a place that feeds your soul and sparks your sense of wonder.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross-state journey, Oregon’s mix of adventure, flavor, and charm will make you fall in love with every sunrise and every sip of local wine. So pack your hiking boots, bring your camera, and set out to experience the very best of Oregon—because the magic here isn’t just in the scenery. It’s in every unforgettable moment waiting to be discovered.