Full of majestic waterfalls, gorgeous canyons, beautiful beaches, and more, Oregon is an absolute treasure of a state. With such amazing natural wonders like Multnomah Falls and Crater Lake, it can be easy to overlook the bountiful beauty that is hidden all over the state. Today, we’ve compiled a list of 18 enchanting, hidden wonders in Oregon that you’ll definitely want to check out.
- 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. Tamanawas Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
- Paulina Lake
Flickr/ Ed Keith The serene Paulina Lake is located in Newberry Crater in Central Oregon. Paulina Lake, Oregon 97739, USA
- Owyhee Canyonlands
Flickr Bureau of Land Managemen The Owyhee Canyonlands of southeast Oregon are breathtakingly beautiful, and lauded as the state’s very own Grand Canyon. Owyhee Canyon, Oregon 97910, USA
- Oneonta Gorge
Flickr/ Paul Weeks Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Oneonta Gorge is a majestic passageway between enormous, moss-covered rocks leading to the lovely Oneonta Falls. A place of breathtaking beauty, check the USDA website to stay up to date on the latest closures in the area. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
- Broken Top
Flickr/ Kevin Thomas Broken Top is an extinct volcano in the Cascade Range of central Oregon. The otherworldly landscape here will drop your jaw. Broken Top, Oregon 97413, USA
- Sahalie Falls
Flickr/ Pete Sahalie Falls is a beautiful hidden waterfall in Oregon that can be found on the McKenzie River. Sahalie Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
- Hells Canyon
Flickr/ Nan Palmero Hells Canyon is not only Oregon’s deepest canyon, it’s the deepest river gorge in North America. And contrary to its name, it’s a stunningly beautiful place! Hells Canyon, Oregon 97842, USA
- Arch Cape
Sam Beebe/Flickr Located on the coast of Clatsop County, Arch Cape is a pristine oceanside destination with a world-class resort! Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA
- Valley of the Giants
Flickr/ Celeste Ramsay The 51-acre Valley of the Giants is full of enormous, ancient trees that are real-life giants. These Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees are absolutely massive, and sure to leave you speechless. Valley of the Giants, Leland, MI 49654, USAValley Of The Giants, Oregon, USA
- Sweet Creek
Flickr/ Robert Shea Sweet Creek is as charming as its name implies. Located in the Siuslaw National Forest, this creek is followed by a lovely hiking trail that leads you past multiple cascading waterfalls. It’s a must for Oregon waterfall chasers! Sweet Creek Falls, Oregon 97453, USA
- Leslie Gulch
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington This stunning canyon in Malheur County is home to numerous otherworldly rock formations and stunning scenery. Leslie Gulch, Oregon 97910, USA
- Cape Foulweather
Flickr/ Wayne Taylor Cape Foulweather may not have the most attractive name, but don’t let that deter you: the views here never disappoint. When you’re at the Cape, you are 600 feet above the sea. You can see the lighthouse at Newport to the south and the massive, secret sea caves to the north… it’s positively perfect! Cape Foulweather, Oregon, USA
- Terwilliger Hot Springs
Flickr/ David Berry This natural hot spring is located in the Willamette National Forest. 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
- Elk Lake
Flickr/ sfrancisball Nestled into the Cascades is the majestic, reflective water of Elk Lake, a place that’s beautiful year-round – but especially in the winter! Elk Lake, Oregon 97413, USA
- Alvord Desert
Flickr/ Richard Hicks The Alvord Desert is located in a remote area of southeast Oregon. The landscape will make you feel like you’re on another planet. Alvord Desert, Oregon 97721, USA
- Wallowa Lake
Flickr/ Marie Nestled into the Wallowa Mountains of eastern Oregon is the beautiful Wallowa Lake. Wallowa Lake, Oregon 97846, USA
- Steelhead Falls
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington Steelhead Falls is a unique and thoroughly enchanting waterfall on the Deschutes River. It’s not particularly easy to find, but it’s totally worth the search. Northwest Steelhead Falls Drive, NW Steelhead Falls Dr, Oregon 97760, USA
- Waldo Lake
Flickr/ Byron Hetrick Waldo Lake is a gorgeous natural lake nestled into the Cascade mountains. This crystal-clear lake is wonderful for all sorts of outdoor recreation! Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
How many of these places have you visited? Did you know about them all? What are some other hidden wonders in Oregon — please share them with us in the comments below!
Flickr/ Bret Vogel
The gorgeous Tamanawas Falls is located near the base of Mount Hood, and it is truly a sight to behold.
Tamanawas Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
Flickr/ Ed Keith
The serene Paulina Lake is located in Newberry Crater in Central Oregon.
Paulina Lake, Oregon 97739, USA
Flickr Bureau of Land Managemen
The Owyhee Canyonlands of southeast Oregon are breathtakingly beautiful, and lauded as the state’s very own Grand Canyon.
Owyhee Canyon, Oregon 97910, USA
Flickr/ Paul Weeks
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Oneonta Gorge is a majestic passageway between enormous, moss-covered rocks leading to the lovely Oneonta Falls. A place of breathtaking beauty, check the USDA website to stay up to date on the latest closures in the area.
Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
Flickr/ Kevin Thomas
Broken Top is an extinct volcano in the Cascade Range of central Oregon. The otherworldly landscape here will drop your jaw.
Broken Top, Oregon 97413, USA
Flickr/ Pete
Sahalie Falls is a beautiful hidden waterfall in Oregon that can be found on the McKenzie River.
Sahalie Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
Flickr/ Nan Palmero
Hells Canyon is not only Oregon’s deepest canyon, it’s the deepest river gorge in North America. And contrary to its name, it’s a stunningly beautiful place!
Hells Canyon, Oregon 97842, USA
Sam Beebe/Flickr
Located on the coast of Clatsop County, Arch Cape is a pristine oceanside destination with a world-class resort!
Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA
Flickr/ Celeste Ramsay
The 51-acre Valley of the Giants is full of enormous, ancient trees that are real-life giants. These Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees are absolutely massive, and sure to leave you speechless.
Valley of the Giants, Leland, MI 49654, USAValley Of The Giants, Oregon, USA
Flickr/ Robert Shea
Sweet Creek is as charming as its name implies. Located in the Siuslaw National Forest, this creek is followed by a lovely hiking trail that leads you past multiple cascading waterfalls. It’s a must for Oregon waterfall chasers!
Sweet Creek Falls, Oregon 97453, USA
Flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
This stunning canyon in Malheur County is home to numerous otherworldly rock formations and stunning scenery.
Leslie Gulch, Oregon 97910, USA
Flickr/ Wayne Taylor
Cape Foulweather may not have the most attractive name, but don’t let that deter you: the views here never disappoint. When you’re at the Cape, you are 600 feet above the sea. You can see the lighthouse at Newport to the south and the massive, secret sea caves to the north… it’s positively perfect!
Cape Foulweather, Oregon, USA
Flickr/ David Berry
This natural hot spring is located in the Willamette National Forest. 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/ sfrancisball
Nestled into the Cascades is the majestic, reflective water of Elk Lake, a place that’s beautiful year-round – but especially in the winter!
Elk Lake, Oregon 97413, USA
Flickr/ Richard Hicks
The Alvord Desert is located in a remote area of southeast Oregon. The landscape will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Alvord Desert, Oregon 97721, USA
Flickr/ Marie
Nestled into the Wallowa Mountains of eastern Oregon is the beautiful Wallowa Lake.
Wallowa Lake, Oregon 97846, USA
Steelhead Falls is a unique and thoroughly enchanting waterfall on the Deschutes River. It’s not particularly easy to find, but it’s totally worth the search.
Northwest Steelhead Falls Drive, NW Steelhead Falls Dr, Oregon 97760, USA
Flickr/ Byron Hetrick
Waldo Lake is a gorgeous natural lake nestled into the Cascade mountains. This crystal-clear lake is wonderful for all sorts of outdoor recreation!
Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden wonders in Oregon September 02, 2021 Sarah What are some little-known lakes in Oregon? Everyone has heard about Crater Lake, but did you know about Oregon’s Little Crater Lake? In Mt. Hood Forest, Little Crater Lake is a pristine oasis that’s a total hidden treasure. Much like its big sibling, Little Crater Lake is a resplendent, dazzling body of clear, blue water. However, unlike Crater Lake, which is the largest lake in the U.S., Little Crater Lake is just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep. It’s a natural wonder itself and it is definitely a bucket list must for all Oregon adventurers! The best part? The hike to Little Crater Lake is less than half a mile long, and there’s no fee to access the trailhead or lake, making it one of the most accessible adventures in Oregon! Are there many hidden waterfalls in Oregon? Hidden wonders abound in Oregon, especially when it comes to waterfalls. In fact, Oregon is home to several under-the-radar waterfalls that many lifelong Oregonians don’t even know about! Upper Butte Creek Falls is an enchanting 26-foot waterfall that you’ll find by taking a very short and accessible .3-mile hike. Koosah Falls is another stunner — it’s located about 0.25 miles from Sahalie Falls, and is an amazing, 70-foot waterfall. Upper Shellburg Falls also comes to mind: it’s a little off the beaten path, but well-worth the trek. Does Oregon have many natural wonders? As the above list illustrates, Oregon is home to an abundance of natural wonders! With towering mountains, sweeping coastlines, old-growth forests, and dazzling lakes, Oregon is a true beauty. And the best part is that many of our natural wonders (especially the most well-known places) can be visited for free! Here are eight incredible natural wonders in Oregon that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and need to be on your bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden wonders in Oregon
September 02, 2021
Sarah
What are some little-known lakes in Oregon? Everyone has heard about Crater Lake, but did you know about Oregon’s Little Crater Lake? In Mt. Hood Forest, Little Crater Lake is a pristine oasis that’s a total hidden treasure. Much like its big sibling, Little Crater Lake is a resplendent, dazzling body of clear, blue water. However, unlike Crater Lake, which is the largest lake in the U.S., Little Crater Lake is just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep. It’s a natural wonder itself and it is definitely a bucket list must for all Oregon adventurers! The best part? The hike to Little Crater Lake is less than half a mile long, and there’s no fee to access the trailhead or lake, making it one of the most accessible adventures in Oregon! Are there many hidden waterfalls in Oregon? Hidden wonders abound in Oregon, especially when it comes to waterfalls. In fact, Oregon is home to several under-the-radar waterfalls that many lifelong Oregonians don’t even know about! Upper Butte Creek Falls is an enchanting 26-foot waterfall that you’ll find by taking a very short and accessible .3-mile hike. Koosah Falls is another stunner — it’s located about 0.25 miles from Sahalie Falls, and is an amazing, 70-foot waterfall. Upper Shellburg Falls also comes to mind: it’s a little off the beaten path, but well-worth the trek. Does Oregon have many natural wonders? As the above list illustrates, Oregon is home to an abundance of natural wonders! With towering mountains, sweeping coastlines, old-growth forests, and dazzling lakes, Oregon is a true beauty. And the best part is that many of our natural wonders (especially the most well-known places) can be visited for free! Here are eight incredible natural wonders in Oregon that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and need to be on your bucket list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Everyone has heard about Crater Lake, but did you know about Oregon’s Little Crater Lake? In Mt. Hood Forest, Little Crater Lake is a pristine oasis that’s a total hidden treasure. Much like its big sibling, Little Crater Lake is a resplendent, dazzling body of clear, blue water. However, unlike Crater Lake, which is the largest lake in the U.S., Little Crater Lake is just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep. It’s a natural wonder itself and it is definitely a bucket list must for all Oregon adventurers! The best part? The hike to Little Crater Lake is less than half a mile long, and there’s no fee to access the trailhead or lake, making it one of the most accessible adventures in Oregon!
Are there many hidden waterfalls in Oregon?
Hidden wonders abound in Oregon, especially when it comes to waterfalls. In fact, Oregon is home to several under-the-radar waterfalls that many lifelong Oregonians don’t even know about! Upper Butte Creek Falls is an enchanting 26-foot waterfall that you’ll find by taking a very short and accessible .3-mile hike. Koosah Falls is another stunner — it’s located about 0.25 miles from Sahalie Falls, and is an amazing, 70-foot waterfall. Upper Shellburg Falls also comes to mind: it’s a little off the beaten path, but well-worth the trek.
Does Oregon have many natural wonders?
As the above list illustrates, Oregon is home to an abundance of natural wonders! With towering mountains, sweeping coastlines, old-growth forests, and dazzling lakes, Oregon is a true beauty. And the best part is that many of our natural wonders (especially the most well-known places) can be visited for free! Here are eight incredible natural wonders in Oregon that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and need to be on your bucket list.
