11 Breathtaking Spots In Oregon Where Nature Will Positively Humble You
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Oregon’s natural beauty is rugged and wild. It’s the kind of vast beauty that takes your breath away and makes you realize how small you are in comparison. Here are 11 breathtaking spots that will positively humble you when you stand before them.
It's hard not to be humbled when you look out over the Columbia River Gorge, with its sheer, towering cliffs and winding river. Not only is this place awe-inspiring, but it's also a testament to the resilience of nature - last year's fire may have scarred portions of this beautiful gorge, but when you visit, you'll see signs that it's already starting to slowly heal.
The Oregon Coast is home to two different sea stacks known as "Haystack Rock," but the one at Cannon Beach is truly iconic. Not only is it incredibly picturesque, but at low tide, it's surrounded by tide pools teeming with wildlife.
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It's easy to give Oregon's coast all the glory, but let's not forget all the beauty that's found in the central part of the state. The vibrant colors of the Painted Hills make it easy to see millions of years of history in just one glance. Makes your lifespan seem short and inconsequential, doesn't it?
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Speaking of Central Oregon, we can't leave Smith Rock off this list. People come from all over the world to climb her spires, but even if you don't like to dangle from a rope high above the ground, you'll enjoy the many recreation opportunities here, including just sitting and gazing at the spectacular scenery.
Oregon has hundreds of gorgeous waterfalls, but Tumalo Falls will take your breath away. Located in the Cascade Range, it tumbles 97 feet into the river below, and it's surrounded by lush, green forest.
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It doesn't get more majestic than Mount Hood, and it seems like the farther away you get from it, the more magical it appears. It towers above the valley floor an impressive 7,706 feet, with a total elevation of 11,249 feet, which makes it a popular place for peak baggers.
Stand on the cliffs overlooking Crater Lake, and you'll be blown away by the rich, blue color of this natural wonder. The deepest lake in the country, it reaches depths of 1,949 feet.
Nestled in the shadow of Steens Mountain, the Alvord Desert is actually a dry lake bed that stretches 12 miles long and 7 miles wide. It has an otherworldly quality, and at night the lack of light pollution makes it possible to see thousands of stars.
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If you want to get a feel for the immense power of the Pacific, spend some time watching Thor's Well. Located in Yachats, this 20-foot-deep hole appears to be sucking the ocean down into a vortex, and at high tide, it's both terrifying and exhilarating.
Considered one of Oregon's seven natural wonders, the Wallowa Mountains are definitely picturesque. You'll find them in the northeastern part of the state, and you'll want to spend months (maybe years?) exploring all they have to offer.
There's nothing that makes you feel smaller than standing a cliff, looking out of the vast Pacific, 200 feet above the sea below. You're not really on the edge of the earth, but it sure feels like it on Cape Meares.
This list of 11 places just barely scratches the surface of what Oregon has to offer. What’s your favorite breathtaking spot in Oregon, and why do you love it? We want to know! Don’t forget to share photos of your outdoor adventures on our Oregon Nature Lovers group on Facebook!
The Columbia River Gorge is one of our favorites, and one way to explore it is by taking this enchanting river cruise.
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