12 Stunning Places to Visit in Oregon

If you're looking for jaw-dropping scenery, Oregon is an absolute dream. From deep blue lakes and hidden caves to golden deserts and colorful hills, this state has a little bit of everything. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, here are 12 breathtaking places in Oregon you have to see!

One: Crater Lake National Park

Imagine standing on the edge of a massive volcanic crater, gazing down at the deepest, bluest lake you've ever seen. Crater Lake is a surreal sight, formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago. The drive around Rim Drive offers several viewpoints, each giving you a new angle of this natural wonder. If you're up for an adventure, take the boat ride to Wizard Island or hike up Garfield Peak for an epic panoramic view.

Two: Hood River Lavender Farms

If you love vibrant colors and the scent of fresh lavender, Hood River's lavender farms are a must-visit. In summer, the rolling fields turn into a purple paradise, with Mount Hood standing majestically in the background. Walk through the fragrant rows, snap some dreamy photos, and grab a bundle of fresh lavender or some homemade lavender products to take home.

Three: Skylight Cave

This hidden gem near Sisters, Oregon, feels like stepping into another world. Skylight Cave gets its name from the openings in the ceiling that let beams of sunlight pour in like spotlights from above. The best time to visit is in the morning when the light rays are at their strongest. Bring a flashlight and be ready for some scrambling—it’s worth every effort!

Four: Multnomah Falls

Oregon’s most iconic waterfall never disappoints. Multnomah Falls is a 620-foot cascade that looks like something out of a fairytale. You can take a short hike up to Benson Bridge for a closer view or challenge yourself to reach the top. Either way, the misty air and lush greenery make this a magical experience any time of year.

Five: Smith Rock

Rock climbers, hikers, and photographers alike flock to Smith Rock for its jaw-dropping rock formations and sweeping views. The deep canyons and rugged cliffs are a playground for adventurers, but even if you're not scaling the rocks, trails like Misery Ridge offer breathtaking sights. Sunrise and sunset here? Unreal.

Six: Cannon Beach

There’s something special about walking along Cannon Beach with Haystack Rock towering in the distance. Whether you're exploring tide pools, watching the waves roll in, or just enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, this is one of the most picturesque coastal spots in Oregon. Bonus points if you visit at sunset—the colors are unreal!

Seven: Cottonwood Canyon

Looking for wide-open spaces and solitude? Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a hidden treasure in eastern Oregon. Rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and the John Day River make this place a peaceful retreat for hikers, campers, and wildlife lovers. The stargazing out here? Absolutely next level.

Eight: The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Come spring, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm explodes into a sea of color with tulips in every shade imaginable. Located in the Willamette Valley, this farm hosts an annual Tulip Festival with food, wine, and of course, thousands of stunning flowers. If you love photography, this place is a dream come true.

Nine: The Painted Hills

One of the most unique landscapes in Oregon, the Painted Hills look like something from another planet. These rolling hills are striped in red, orange, yellow, and black due to ancient climate changes. The best time to visit? Right after a rainstorm, when the colors pop even more against the sky.

Ten: Sparks Lake

If you're after a postcard-perfect alpine lake, Sparks Lake delivers. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, this lake mirrors the surrounding peaks and forests like a dream. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking here are all fantastic, but simply sitting by the shore and soaking in the view is magical in itself.

Eleven: The Willamette Valley

Wine lovers, this one's for you. The Willamette Valley is home to some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, with rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Spend a day (or weekend) hopping between wineries, enjoying delicious tastings, and taking in the stunning countryside.

Twelve: The Alvord Desert

Oregon isn’t all lush forests and waterfalls—there’s also the vast and breathtaking Alvord Desert. This dry lakebed stretches for miles, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for camping, photography, and even land sailing. At night, the lack of light pollution makes for some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience.

There you have it—12 incredible spots that showcase the beauty and diversity of Oregon. Whether you're craving coastal vibes, mountain adventures, or hidden gems, this state has it all. Now, which one are you visiting first?