Summer is a magical time in Oregon. Soak up the sunshine at these 16 jaw-dropping destinations in Oregon that are perfect for a summer day trip or weekend getaway.
16. Trillium Lake
This gorgeous lake in the Mt Hood National Forest is absolutely breathtaking. It's a great place to camp or spend the day hiking, swimming, or boating.
15. Boardman State Park
The Oregon coast is absolutely beautiful from top to bottom, and summer is the best time to hit the shores. One stunning place to check out is Samuel H. Boardman State Park, where you'll find amazing hiking trails, viewpoints, campsites, and more. Here's a lovely picture taken from Arch Rock Viewpoint.
14. Opal Creek
During the hot summer months, Opal Creek is one of the most beautiful, refreshing places to take a dip in hidden swimming holes and relax in the beauty of nature.
13. Willamette Valley
There are few better ways to enjoy the summer sun than relaxing in a beautiful place with a glass of wine in hand - and there are few better places to do that than Oregon's serene wine country.
12. Timberline Lodge
Although it's technically the off-season, summer is a great time to visit the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. Now that the snow has melted, you'll be able to hike through wildflower-speckled fields and high altitude forests with beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. If you want to make a weekend trip out of it, you can book a night or two at the lodge.
11. Waldo Lake
This beautiful lake in the Cascade Mountains is a fabulous place to spend a hot summer day.
10. Steens Mountain
Located in the southeast corner of Oregon, the amazing Steens Mountain is truly spectacular. It's best experienced in the summertime, when you can camp, hike, and go sightseeing in the warmth of the sun. It's also a phenomenal place for stargazing.
9. Rogue River
Summer is the perfect season to experience the beautiful Rogue River. Take a boat tour, go rafting, swim, or float on an inner-tube along this incredible river for an unforgettable summer experience.
8. John Day Fossil Beds
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is an incredible natural area, home to the famous Painted Hills, as well as other amazing scenery like the amazing Sheep Rock, pictured above.
7. Crater Lake
This summer, be sure to check out Oregon's most fantastic natural wonder: Crater Lake. This lake is the deepest in the country, and it's absolutely breathtaking.
6. Columbia River Gorge
This incredible river gorge on the Northern border of Oregon is absolutely stunning. There are endless opportunities for exploring here, including sightseeing, windsurfing, swimming, hiking, and more. The There are hundreds of amazing waterfalls to explore, making the Gorge one of the best places in the Northwest for waterfall hunting. Here's a photo of Punchbowl Falls. When it's hot out, you can swim in the waterfall's lovely basin.
5. Cape Perpetua
Summertime is the perfect time to check out the dramatic coastline of Cape Perpetua, home of the famous Devil's Churn and Thor's Well. In the evening, enjoy a tasty meal in one of the charming seaside towns nearby.
4. Cougar Hot Spring
Located in the Willamette National Forest, this serene, beautiful hot spring is the perfect place to relax in nature.
3. Sherrard Point
At the tip of Larch Mountain (located above the Columbia River Gorge) is Sherrard Point: a phenomenal viewpoint where you'll find rolling evergreen hills and snowcapped mountain peaks (including Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, Mt Ranier, Mt Saint Helens, and more) for as far as the eye can see.
2. Cannon Beach
This iconic beach on the northern Oregon coast is home to the spectacular Haystack Rock, and it's a perfect place for a lovely trip to the beach.
1. Wallowa Lake
Nestled into the stunning Wallowa Mountains is the beautiful Wallowa Lake. Spend a hot afternoon swimming or boating on the shimmering blue water, or ride the Wallowa Lake Gondola up to the top of the nearby Mt Howard for incredible sightseeing.
Oregon is an incredibly beautiful place, especially in the summertime.
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