Take This Epic Road Trip To Experience Oregon’s Great Outdoors

Oregon is well-known as a place of rich natural beauty. Beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning geological wonders can be found all over the state. One of the best ways to explore all that our great state has to offer is by hopping in the car and taking a road trip. We have put together a Great Outdoors Road Trip that will lead you to some of Oregon’s most naturally beautiful sights. Our trip begins and ends at Silver Falls State Park, but you can start your journey at any point along the way. Get outside and spend some time in Oregon’s natural playground!

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For driving directions, view the complete Google Map here.

Flickr/Lessa Clayton

Our first stop is Trillium Lake. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, this lake has one of the most jaw-dropping views of Oregon's highest point: Mt. Hood. Nestled in a conifer forest, visitors can camp, swim, boat, and fish around the lake.

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Flickr/Steven Robinson

Next, journey on to Silver Falls State Park. Known as the "Crown Jewel" in the Oregon state parks system, this impressive place is home to 10 waterfalls, all of which can be accessed along a scenic hike. If you only have time to do one, make it South Falls. You'll get a close look at a 177-foot curtain of water from behind.

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Flickr/Paul Woods

Our third stop is the magical Opal Creek Wilderness. This natural area is overflowing with beautiful forest scenes and sparkling rivers. Short and sweet hiking trails abound in the area.

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Flickr/Chris Brooks

Journey on to Tamolitch Falls, a pristine pool reached by hiking a secluded trail off of the McKenzie River Scenic Byway in the Willamette National Forest. Oregon's only "blue pool" is truly a majestic sight.

Flickr/Oregon Department of Transportation

Our next stop is Smith Rock State Park, in Central Oregon's high desert. While this place draws rock climbers from all around the world, you'll also find plenty of gorgeous hiking trails to explore.

Flickr/Lessa Clayton

Keep traveling east, and you'll reach the otherworldly Painted Hills. Named one of the "Seven Wonders of Oregon," these hills reveal millions of years of history in their must-colored layers.

Flickr/Amy Meredith

Finally, our journey ends at White River Falls State Park. Located outside of Maupin, Oregon, this little-known park is filled to the brim with stunning scenery and viewpoints. You can take a rugged 0.25-mile trail deep within the canyon to a historic hydroelectric power plant.

Are you up for the Oregon Great Outdoors Road Trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know if you’ve visited any of these beautiful places and don’t forget to share photos from your Oregon Adventures in our Oregon Nature Lovers group on Facebook!

For more natural beauty in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: The One Mesmerizing Place In Oregon To See The Northern Lights.