Oregon

The deepest lake in the USA is ringed by the Cascade Mountains’ lush, old-growth forests and peaks and hosts Wizard Island (a volcanic cone). This enchanting landscape, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, can be explored by backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing or boating.

The colossal Columbia River, the second largest river in all of North America, cuts a deep track through the Cascade Range here, a geological spectacle that gives way to waterfalls, fields of wildflowers and an ideal climate for wine. This is also a recreational paradise, offering kayaking, windsurfing, snowboarding and everything in between.

The very picture of a Pacific shoreline, Cannon Beach’s dark rocks and cobalt-blue waters are backed by the deep green of the forest, which is teeming with elk. See natural landmark Haystack Rock, visit Ecola State Park or hang out in an artistic village community, stopping by one of many brewpubs.

In Portland, you’ll find historic Washington Park, which brings the region’s dramatic natural landscape to the city and includes a playground, archery range, arboretum and the not-to-be-missed International Rose Test Garden.

In 2021, this gem became Oregon’s first state park to earn certification as an International Dark Sky Park, one of fewer than 200 such places in the world. Pull up your RV or pitch a tent and join ranger-led guided stargazing tours during the summer months. Spend your days fishing, paddling and hiking along the scenic shoreline.

Enjoy the largest concentration of sand dunes in the country entirely at your own pace – via dune buggy, sand board, a hike or even a paddling excursion on tranquil waterways. Towering 152 meters in the air, these otherworldly sand hills inspired Frank Herbert to write his classic science fiction novel “Dune.”

Two of Oregon’s nationally designated Wild and Scenic rivers line this 277-kilometer route, an incredible journey through the southern Cascade Mountains. Take a leisurely drive along the byway to encounter more than 15 gorgeous cascades that lead to sparkling mountain lakes, along with stunning views of white-water rapids, deep gorges and more.

Located in the high desert of Central Oregon, Newberry Crater's expansive caldera contains East Lake, Paulina Lake, Paulina Falls and the largest obsidian lava flow in the USA. Climb a 7,000-year-old cinder cone for unique views of the Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters. Experience waterfalls, lava flows, peaks, lakes and immersive hiking trails.

This heritage center in Pendleton preserves and honors the traditions of the Indigenous Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Tour the museum’s permanent and special exhibits, have lunch at the café and peruse the gift shop for local art, handmade crafts and Pendleton woolen blankets. While in the area, explore the Umatilla-owned Wildhorse Resort & Casino, which boasts a movie theater, a golf course, two hotels and more.

Experience the biodiversity of the Oregon Outback at one of the most expansive wildlife habitats in the Western USA. This incredible refuge is home to more than 300 species of wildlife including pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats and more. You can camp, enjoy natural hot springs, paddle at the Warner Wetlands and dig for sunstones, Oregon’s state gem.