Looking for things to do and see while in Oregon? Look no further! For the adventurous travelers out there, we’re excited to present our list of our top 7 photogenic locations to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our home state.
Distilling this down to only seven was a challenge for sure, and we’re always looking for more places to include! Drop us a tag on Instagram and let us know anything we’ve missed!
Our favorite coastal hike, God’s Thumb is a long drive up the Oregon Coast, but the views you can’t get anywhere else. This strangely-shaped outcropping covered in green grass framed by a vast, open view of the Pacific Ocean is well-worth the hike out.
Distance: 4.3mi, out and back.
Difficulty: Moderate
Where to Park: the cul-de-sac at the end of NE Devil’s Lake Blvd.
The trail can get a bit muddy, so make sure to pack shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!
Another iconic photo-op, Haystack Rock is a 235-foot monolith jutting out of the sea at Cannon Beach. No matter what the weather is doing, this mysterious sight has become the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Oregon.
Viewing Haystack rock couldn’t be more simple, with lots of nearby street parking providing immediate access to the beach. Catching a sunset here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for locals and tourists alike!
One of the most-photographed parks in Oregon, Smith Rock State Park is known for its dramatic rock formations and breathtaking views of the Crooked River. From the climbing, to the camping, to the quick and easy day hikes, Smith Rock State Park has something for everyone.
For those willing to stay overnight: the sunrises here are an absolutely otherworldly experience.
One of the most famous views in Oregon: Multnomah Falls is a 620 feet (189m) two-tiered waterfall along the Columbia River (and on the way to our Bingen hotel location). The easily-accessible lower viewing area & footbridge provide a perfect spot for feeling the sheer size of the falls. Those willing & able to make the steep hike up to the top are rewarded with a stable, but exhilarating viewing platform that hangs out over the edge of the falls that makes our legs wobbly.Reward yourself after the hike at the nearby Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, a perfect place to grab a bite to eat, or a souvenir!
Crater Lake is a sight to behold: the shockingly blue waters contrast the caldera surrounding the lake. This ancient, volcanic lake lies in a massive extinct volcano, and its sheer size & beauty make it a mandatory stop during any trip to Oregon, if you’re up for the 4 hr 22min drive from Portland!
Located near the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the Painted Hills are a wildly picturesque sight. The multicolored hills are the result of millions of years of sedimentation, and weathered by time and the elements, this it’s easy to see why this alien landscape has left so many captivated with its beauty.
Proxy Falls in Oregon’s McKenzie River Valley is surrounded by a beautiful, lush forest that few people get to explore, but is well worth the effort. The hike to the falls is short but tricky due to the thick Oregon forest, but the epic cascade of the waterfall along a complex rock wall makes it all the more worthwhile.
A view of the falls is an unforgettable sight to behold, and a great opportunity for landscape photographers!
Hopefully, this list inspires you to break out of Portland and explore Oregon and its many natural wonders. The Pacific Northwest has so much to offer, and we’re sure that you’ll find something that you love. Make sure to bring a camera, and share your experiences with us! @societyhotel