Outside of the Beaver State, few know about the plethora of gorgeous natural wonders sprinkled throughout the eastern side of Oregon. From crystal clear alpine lakes to otherworldly deserts, here are some of the most stunning hidden gems in Eastern Oregon:
Leslie Gulch is an incredible hidden gem in Malheur County, part of the Owyhee Canyonlands. Full of unusual geological formations, this amazing desert canyon is simply out of this world. Learn more about the magical landscape that awaits at Leslie Gulch in Oregon. Take a virtual tour of Leslie Gulch when you watch the stunning drone footage below:
The Owyhee Canyon in southeastern Oregon is a wild, magical expanse of rugged desert terrain carved by glittering rivers. It's a great place for hiking, rafting, fishing, viewing wildlife, and more. When it comes to Oregon natural wonders, the Owyhee Canyon is a must-visit.
Did you know that the deepest river gorge in North America is right here in Oregon? The Hells Canyon Recreation Area is a stunning stretch of wilderness that has been chiseled away over thousands of years by the beautiful Snake River.
One great way to experience eastern Oregon is by taking a long drive on one of the many stunning byways. One great country drive is the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, which starts just east of The Dalles and winds through gorgeous plains, forests, canyons, small towns, and ghost towns before ending in the lovely Baker City. Learn more about why Journey Through Time Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful backroads in Oregon.
Located in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, the Eagle Cap Wilderness is simply astounding. This huge wilderness area is full of rugged peaks, hidden lakes, alpine forests, glittering streams, wildlife, and more. Curious what it's like to hike through the Eagle Cap Wilderness? Take a look at the video below:
Speaking of otherworldly scenery, Oregon's Painted Hills are an amazing natural wonder. Walking through these ancient, colorful hills will make you feel like you've landed on mars. Learn more about the otherworldly and surreal beauty of Oregon's Painted Hills.
Just over Steens Mountain to the east is Oregon's most remote location: the Alvord Desert. This stunning playa is flat as could be and goes on for as far almost as the eye can see. There's also a wonderful hot spring (called Alvord Hot Springs) here, where you can soak in hot mineral water, surrounded by otherwordly scenery. Curious to learn more? Here are 12 reasons to visit the Alvord Desert in Oregon.
The beautiful Steens Mountain is located in a remote area of southwest Oregon. This gorgeous slice of wilderness is a perfect place for sightseeing, camping, spotting wildlife, and more. For an unforgettable day trip, take the picture-perfect Steens Mountain Loop.
Located near the remote town of Joseph, Wallowa Lake is a jaw-dropping body of crystal clear water nestled into the rugged Wallowa Mountains.
Have you visited any of the above destinations? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Before planning your trip to any one of these unique natural wonders, be sure to check out our ultimate hiking essentials list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Hidden Gems In Oregon
Beth C. |December 08, 2023
What are some of the most stunning places to visit in Oregon?
Oregon is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of the most stunning places to visit in Oregon:
Columbia River Gorge
Hells Canyon
Oneonta Gorge
Oregon Caves National Monument
Sea Lion Caves
Steelhead Falls
Multnomah Falls
Toketee Falls
Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Painted Hills
Oregon Coast
Smith Rock State Park
Thor's Well
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Crater Lake
Curious to learn more? Check out our ultimate guide to exploring the most breathtaking natural wonders in Oregon. There's something on this list for everyone!
