When people think of Oregon, images of Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, and Mount Hood tend to come to mind. And for good reason! While these attractions are all nothing short of incredible, the Beaver State is so much more than a few superlative superstars. It’s also full of countless natural wonders that are a bit more off the beaten path, and equally worth exploring. From secluded alpine lakes and hidden waterfalls to desert hot springs and under-the-radar trails, here are 20 hidden places in Oregon that are sure to take your breath away, and leave you in total awe of the beauty of the Beaver State!
- Lost Lake
Flickr/ Peter Roome Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, this secluded lake boasts amazing views and reflects Mount Hood in its mirror-like water. While more are “finding” Lost Lake, it still remains a place that’s uncrowded and intriguing – and wonderful for camping! Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
- Opal Creek
Flickr/ Bret Vogel Opal Creek is a stunning, turquoise creek that weaves through the Willamette National Forest. The creek has many small waterfalls and swimming holes that are heavenly on hot summer days. Opal Creek, Oregon, USA
- Pillars of Rome
Flickr/ Scott Butner The Pillars of Rome are amazing rock formations located near Rome, Oregon. This stunning place is roughly five by two miles wide, full of intricate geological formations made up of fossil-laden clay and other sediments. Many of the pillars reach as high as 100 feet tall! Pillars of Rome, Old Ion Hwy, Jordan Valley, OR 97910, USA
- Hart’s Cove
Flickr/Peter Pearsall/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hart’s Cove is an enchanting rugged cove on the Oregon Coast. The lookout can be found at the end of a beautiful 5.4 mile (round trip) forest hike. This is one of the best treks on the Oregon Coast! Harts Cove, Oregon 97149, USA
- Waldo Lake
Flickr/ Byron Hetrick Waldo Lake is a gorgeous natural lake nestled into the Cascade mountains. This crystal-clear lake is absolute paradise for kayakers! Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
- Terwilliger Hot Springs
Flickr/ David Berry Also known as Cougar Hot Springs, this amazing natural geothermal hot spring is located in the Willamette National Forest near the Cougar Reservoir. The soaking pools are absolutely lovely and serene. It’s a delightful place to soak away all your stresses! Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon 97413, USA
- Natural Bridges Cove
Flickr/ Cary Bass-Deschenes Located in the Samuel Boardman State Park, The Natural Bridges are an amazing coastal feature that can be accessed by a short hike. This unique natural wonder was formed over thousands of years by the gradual shifting of sea and stone, resulting in beautiful natural arches nestled into a secluded cove. The viewpoint overlooking the Natural Bridges can be reached on a short, easy stroll just off Highway 101, and makes for a truly magical day trip destination! Natural Bridges, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
- Owyhee River Gorge
Flickr/ Nicholas D. The Owyhee River is a tributary of Snake River. It weaves majestically through the dramatic landscape of eastern Oregon. This stunningly beautiful area has been hailed as the Grand Canyon of Oregon, as it is truly wondrous! Owyhee River, Oregon 97913, USA
- Leslie Gulch
Flickr/ Scott Butner This stunning canyon in Malheur County has otherworldly rock formations and stunning scenery. Leslie Gulch, Oregon 97910, USA
- Toketee Falls
Flickr/ LDELD Toketee Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located on the Umpqua River near Roseburg. The waterfall cascades beautifully down an ancient basalt wall into a deep blue basin. One of the most unique and wondrous waterfalls in Oregon, Toketee Falls is absolutely breathtaking to behold in person, and it’s a perfect destination for your next unforgettable excursion into nature. Toketee Falls, OR 97447, USA
- Dee Wright Observatory
Flickr/ Chassy Cleland The Dee Wright Observatory is a peculiar (and wonderful) lookout at the summit of McKenzie Pass. The fairy tale-like structure is made of lava stone and it’s windows frame amazing views of the surrounding Cascade mountains. It really is one of the coolest hidden places you can visit in Oregon! Dee Wright Observatory, McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, USA
- Summer Lake Hot Springs
Flickr/ Lorenzo Tlacaelel This unique mineral hot spring is located in a secluded, rustic building near Paisley. It’s a tranquil little oasis that’s sure to completely relax and recharge! Summer Lake Hot Springs, Oregon 97640, USA
- The Wallowas
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr The Wallowa Mountains are one of Oregon’s 7 Natural Wonders, but due to their remote location they have remained off-the-beaten-path. But let’s put this place on your path, because it is an absolutely wonderful area for wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking. Wallowa Mountains, Oregon 97846, USA
- Valley of the Giants
Flickr/ Celeste Ramsay The Valley of the Giants is a 51-acre forest located in northwest Oregon. The forest is full of enormous, ancient trees that are real-life giants. These Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees are absolutely massive! Some of the largest are bigger than 20 feet in circumference. Even the most devout tree hugger can’t get his arms around these giants! Valley Of The Giants, Oregon, USA
- Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
Flickr/ Minette Layne The Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to observe wildlife, especially if you’re a bird lover. Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Highway 140, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument Big Obsidian Flow
Flickr/ Tjflex2 The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a fascinating place in the Deschutes National Forest. The Big Obsidian Flow was created more than a thousand years ago, covering the landscape with shiny, surreal-looking obsidian rocks. It’s a place that will totally leave you spellbound by nature’s prowess. Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF, Bend, OR 97702, USA
- Koosah Falls
Flickr/ Northwest Power and Conservation Council This lovely hidden-gem waterfall is located in the Willamette National Forest. Waterfall chasers: be sure to check out the nearby (and also lovely) Sahalie Falls while you’re in the area! Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
- The Oregon Garden
Flickr/ Travel Salem Located in Silverton, the Oregon Garden is a beautiful botanical garden that spans 80 acres. The garden includes more than 20 different specialty gardens; each is unique in its own way, and highlights a different theme. Allow yourself a few hours to fully explore and appreciate this picturesque place. The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
- Steens Mountain Wilderness
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management The Steens Mountain Wilderness is located in southeastern Oregon. The rugged landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping, and made even more magical by the presence of wild horses! Steens Mountain Wilderness, P9V8+93, Diamond, OR 97722, USA
- Tamanawas Falls
Flickr/ Bret Vogel The gorgeous Tamanawas Falls is located near the base of Mount Hood, and it is truly a sight to behold. The Tamanawas Falls Trail is located in one of the most glorious parts of Mt. Hood National Forest, and it runs parallel to the Hood River in the majestic Cascade Mountains. Swoon! Tamanawas Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
How many of these hidden places in Oregon did you know about? Have you been to any of these destinations? What are some other hidden places in Oregon you’d like to share with fellow readers? Let us know in the comments below, or nominate your top picks here!
Flickr/ Peter Roome
Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, this secluded lake boasts amazing views and reflects Mount Hood in its mirror-like water. While more are “finding” Lost Lake, it still remains a place that’s uncrowded and intriguing – and wonderful for camping!
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
Flickr/ Bret Vogel
Opal Creek is a stunning, turquoise creek that weaves through the Willamette National Forest. The creek has many small waterfalls and swimming holes that are heavenly on hot summer days.
Opal Creek, Oregon, USA
Flickr/ Scott Butner
The Pillars of Rome are amazing rock formations located near Rome, Oregon. This stunning place is roughly five by two miles wide, full of intricate geological formations made up of fossil-laden clay and other sediments. Many of the pillars reach as high as 100 feet tall!
Pillars of Rome, Old Ion Hwy, Jordan Valley, OR 97910, USA
Flickr/Peter Pearsall/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Hart’s Cove is an enchanting rugged cove on the Oregon Coast. The lookout can be found at the end of a beautiful 5.4 mile (round trip) forest hike. This is one of the best treks on the Oregon Coast!
Harts Cove, Oregon 97149, USA
Flickr/ Byron Hetrick
Waldo Lake is a gorgeous natural lake nestled into the Cascade mountains. This crystal-clear lake is absolute paradise for kayakers!
Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
Flickr/ David Berry
Also known as Cougar Hot Springs, this amazing natural geothermal hot spring is located in the Willamette National Forest near the Cougar Reservoir. The soaking pools are absolutely lovely and serene. It’s a delightful place to soak away all your stresses!
Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon 97413, USA
Flickr/ Cary Bass-Deschenes
Located in the Samuel Boardman State Park, The Natural Bridges are an amazing coastal feature that can be accessed by a short hike. This unique natural wonder was formed over thousands of years by the gradual shifting of sea and stone, resulting in beautiful natural arches nestled into a secluded cove. The viewpoint overlooking the Natural Bridges can be reached on a short, easy stroll just off Highway 101, and makes for a truly magical day trip destination!
Natural Bridges, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Flickr/ Nicholas D.
The Owyhee River is a tributary of Snake River. It weaves majestically through the dramatic landscape of eastern Oregon. This stunningly beautiful area has been hailed as the Grand Canyon of Oregon, as it is truly wondrous!
Owyhee River, Oregon 97913, USA
This stunning canyon in Malheur County has otherworldly rock formations and stunning scenery.
Leslie Gulch, Oregon 97910, USA
Flickr/ LDELD
Toketee Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located on the Umpqua River near Roseburg. The waterfall cascades beautifully down an ancient basalt wall into a deep blue basin. One of the most unique and wondrous waterfalls in Oregon, Toketee Falls is absolutely breathtaking to behold in person, and it’s a perfect destination for your next unforgettable excursion into nature.
Toketee Falls, OR 97447, USA
Flickr/ Chassy Cleland
The Dee Wright Observatory is a peculiar (and wonderful) lookout at the summit of McKenzie Pass. The fairy tale-like structure is made of lava stone and it’s windows frame amazing views of the surrounding Cascade mountains. It really is one of the coolest hidden places you can visit in Oregon!
Dee Wright Observatory, McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, USA
Flickr/ Lorenzo Tlacaelel
This unique mineral hot spring is located in a secluded, rustic building near Paisley. It’s a tranquil little oasis that’s sure to completely relax and recharge!
Summer Lake Hot Springs, Oregon 97640, USA
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
The Wallowa Mountains are one of Oregon’s 7 Natural Wonders, but due to their remote location they have remained off-the-beaten-path. But let’s put this place on your path, because it is an absolutely wonderful area for wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking.
Wallowa Mountains, Oregon 97846, USA
Flickr/ Celeste Ramsay
The Valley of the Giants is a 51-acre forest located in northwest Oregon. The forest is full of enormous, ancient trees that are real-life giants. These Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees are absolutely massive! Some of the largest are bigger than 20 feet in circumference. Even the most devout tree hugger can’t get his arms around these giants!
Valley Of The Giants, Oregon, USA
Flickr/ Minette Layne
The Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to observe wildlife, especially if you’re a bird lover.
Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Highway 140, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA
Flickr/ Tjflex2
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a fascinating place in the Deschutes National Forest. The Big Obsidian Flow was created more than a thousand years ago, covering the landscape with shiny, surreal-looking obsidian rocks. It’s a place that will totally leave you spellbound by nature’s prowess.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Flickr/ Northwest Power and Conservation Council
This lovely hidden-gem waterfall is located in the Willamette National Forest. Waterfall chasers: be sure to check out the nearby (and also lovely) Sahalie Falls while you’re in the area!
Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
Flickr/ Travel Salem
Located in Silverton, the Oregon Garden is a beautiful botanical garden that spans 80 acres. The garden includes more than 20 different specialty gardens; each is unique in its own way, and highlights a different theme. Allow yourself a few hours to fully explore and appreciate this picturesque place.
The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management
The Steens Mountain Wilderness is located in southeastern Oregon. The rugged landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping, and made even more magical by the presence of wild horses!
Steens Mountain Wilderness, P9V8+93, Diamond, OR 97722, USA
The gorgeous Tamanawas Falls is located near the base of Mount Hood, and it is truly a sight to behold. The Tamanawas Falls Trail is located in one of the most glorious parts of Mt. Hood National Forest, and it runs parallel to the Hood River in the majestic Cascade Mountains. Swoon!
Tamanawas Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden places in Oregon September 02, 2021 Sarah What are some hidden places in Oregon that even lifelong Oregonians don’t know about? Oregon has no shortage of beautiful nature scenes to take in. And while we all have our favorite places to visit when we want a secret refuge, it’s hard to really summarize why some are the best of the best. Here are 13 hidden gems in Oregon that might be off your beaten path, but are totally worth discovering for yourself (and even some of you lifelong Oregonians might not know about them all!) What are some fun day trips in Oregon? If you enjoy exploring hidden places in Oregon, then you will definitely want to check out our Hidden Gem Road Trip, a 15-hour, hidden-gem tour de force of the Beaver State! Many of these places make for fun day trip adventures, too, so if you just have an afternoon to spare, we recommend checking some of them out! What are some hidden waterfalls in Oregon? Well-known cascades like Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls tend to steal the spotlight (and for good reason, because they are magnificent!), but there’s so much more to Oregon’s waterfalls than these stars! Take Hug Point Falls, for example. Located on a picturesque piece of Oregon shoreline, Hug Point State Recreation Site is one of Oregon’s most incredible treasures: the wondrous Hug Point Falls. It’s a 15-foot waterfall that gently cascades down a sandstone drop-off along the Oregon Coast. It will completely take you by surprise, and is just one of several little-known waterfalls in Oregon that are worth a visit!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden places in Oregon
September 02, 2021
Sarah
What are some hidden places in Oregon that even lifelong Oregonians don’t know about? Oregon has no shortage of beautiful nature scenes to take in. And while we all have our favorite places to visit when we want a secret refuge, it’s hard to really summarize why some are the best of the best. Here are 13 hidden gems in Oregon that might be off your beaten path, but are totally worth discovering for yourself (and even some of you lifelong Oregonians might not know about them all!) What are some fun day trips in Oregon? If you enjoy exploring hidden places in Oregon, then you will definitely want to check out our Hidden Gem Road Trip, a 15-hour, hidden-gem tour de force of the Beaver State! Many of these places make for fun day trip adventures, too, so if you just have an afternoon to spare, we recommend checking some of them out! What are some hidden waterfalls in Oregon? Well-known cascades like Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls tend to steal the spotlight (and for good reason, because they are magnificent!), but there’s so much more to Oregon’s waterfalls than these stars! Take Hug Point Falls, for example. Located on a picturesque piece of Oregon shoreline, Hug Point State Recreation Site is one of Oregon’s most incredible treasures: the wondrous Hug Point Falls. It’s a 15-foot waterfall that gently cascades down a sandstone drop-off along the Oregon Coast. It will completely take you by surprise, and is just one of several little-known waterfalls in Oregon that are worth a visit!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oregon has no shortage of beautiful nature scenes to take in. And while we all have our favorite places to visit when we want a secret refuge, it’s hard to really summarize why some are the best of the best. Here are 13 hidden gems in Oregon that might be off your beaten path, but are totally worth discovering for yourself (and even some of you lifelong Oregonians might not know about them all!)
What are some fun day trips in Oregon?
If you enjoy exploring hidden places in Oregon, then you will definitely want to check out our Hidden Gem Road Trip, a 15-hour, hidden-gem tour de force of the Beaver State! Many of these places make for fun day trip adventures, too, so if you just have an afternoon to spare, we recommend checking some of them out!
What are some hidden waterfalls in Oregon?
Well-known cascades like Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls tend to steal the spotlight (and for good reason, because they are magnificent!), but there’s so much more to Oregon’s waterfalls than these stars! Take Hug Point Falls, for example. Located on a picturesque piece of Oregon shoreline, Hug Point State Recreation Site is one of Oregon’s most incredible treasures: the wondrous Hug Point Falls. It’s a 15-foot waterfall that gently cascades down a sandstone drop-off along the Oregon Coast. It will completely take you by surprise, and is just one of several little-known waterfalls in Oregon that are worth a visit!
