Interested in learning a new skill or hobby? Want to take part in a fun activity? Whether it’s snuggling up with knitting needles during the winter, socializing over wine while learning to paint, taking on a do-it-yourself approach to life, or taking awesome outdoorsy classes like windsurfing or paddle boarding, there are tons of great things to be learned in Oregon.
10) Learn to standup paddle board.
Want to try out standup paddle boarding, but don’t know where to start? This awesome board sport can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be, and there are rental shops all over the state that offer guidance or classes to get you started. P.S. — In 2014, Bend was named the world’s "Best SUP Getaway" by Outside Magazine.
9) Go mushroom picking.
Ever wanted to pick your own mushrooms while exploring one of Oregon’s beautiful forests? Get acquainted with the different varieties of mushrooms and learn some tips by taking a class with the Cascade Mycological Society or Oregon Mycological Society. Before you start picking, make sure you know which mushrooms are edible and find out whether the area you’re looking for mushrooms in requires a permit.
8) Try white water rafting.
Feeling adventurous? There are many great places to go white water rafting in Oregon. Choose a river (the Mckenzie River, Rogue River, and the Deschutes are all popular choices) and sign up for a raft trip with Morrison’s Rouge River Lodge, High Country Expeditions, Oregon Whitewater Adventures, or another awesome trip-leading service.
7) Learn to paint, while drinking wine.
Social painting classes have been getting more and more popular— and they also often include drinking wine while you paint. For an evening of fun and creativity, The Loaded Brush, Vine Gogh, or Pop & Paint all offer drink-while-you-paint classes.
6) Work with glass.
Head over to Bullseye Glass Company in Portland and take one of their creative classes, like making glass plates, coasters, jewelry, painting with glass, and more.
5) Brew your own beer.
Interested in brewing beer yourself? You can stop by The Brew Shop in Bend for supplies to brew at home, or use the facilities at Portland U-Brew. Plus there’s even an Oregon Brew Crew club you can join if you want to be part of the home-brewing community.
4) Make your own jewelry.
Making your own jewelry is so much fun and so rewarding. Pick out your beads, choose a design, and go at it! Dava Beads in Portland is a great place to go for classes and workshops, and they also have all the materials you need to do it on your own. And if you’re looking for that one perfect gem, stop by Ed’s House of Gems where there are hundreds of amazing stones, gems, crystals, beads, shells, fossils, jewelry materials, and more!
3) Learn to windsurf.
Have you ever seen people windsurfing before? It’s awesome! It may look hard to some, but with a lesson from Hood River Waterplay or Brian’s Windsurfing you’ll be an expert in no time!
2) Go sky diving!
Sky diving is an awesome, adrenaline-rich activity for adventurers here in Oregon. Take the leap while attached to an experienced professional, or become a licensed skydiver through Skydive Oregon.
1) Learn to knit.
Knitting is a perfect way to stay busy during those long, rainy winter months. There’s nothing better than cuddling up beside the fireplace (or while watching Netflix) and knitting a great scarf, sweater, or hat. Plus, homemade knitwear makes a great gift!
These are just a few of the many awesome things to learn how to do in Oregon. Have you taken any fun classes recently? What other great things can you learn to do in Oregon? Let us know in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.