11 Underrated Places In Oregon That Even Natives Have Never Heard Of
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Mikayla
Author
Oregon is filled to the brim with beautiful destinations and one-of-a-kind attractions. While it’s always fun to check out our state’s classic tourist sites like Multnomah Falls and Crater Lake, there are many wonderful hidden gems in Oregon that should not be overlooked. From quirky roadside attractions to hidden gems on the Oregon Coast, here are 11 underrated places in the Beaver State that most natives have never heard of. Take a look at some of the most underrated destinations in Oregon:
Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, Gold Beach, OR 97444, USA
Most people don't know about this scenic drive you can take along the Oregon Coast. The route passes by rugged rock formations and beautiful beach after beautiful beach. Even when it's foggy, the views are spectacular.
303 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Travel back in time with a visit to the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House. Built in 1888, this gorgeous Victorian-style residence will give you a peek into what life was like in Eugene over a hundred years ago. Guests can take a short tour of the home's interior, which is overflowing with historical memorabilia and photographs. There are also special events scheduled throughout the year, including Christmas tea and a Mother's Day celebration.
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Harney County, OR, USA
Escape to one of the most otherworldly (and isolated) spots in the Beaver State with a trip to the Alvord Desert. Located in southeastern Oregon near the Steens Mountain, this unique land formation is a 12-mile lake bed desert that is unlike anywhere else in Oregon. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and stargazing throughout the desert. The recommended time to visit is from July to November.
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Willamette National Forest, Blue River, OR 97413, USA
Blue doesn't even begin to describe the vibrant color of this incredible pool. Tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, the "Blue Pool", also known as Tamolitch Pool, might just be one of the most beautiful hidden gems in all of Oregon. To reach this natural pool, you’ll take a short and enchanting hike through an old-growth forest. The short hike is well worth the incredible view awaiting you at the end.
6683 Hay Creek Rd, Madras, OR 97741, USA
This family-owned and operated ranch is the perfect place to dig up some buried treasure. The world-famous agate beds are filled with thunder eggs and agate ledge material, which you can dig up yourself and take home. This is one adventure that promises to be fun for rock hounds young and old.
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U.S. 101, US-101, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Located just south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point is a stunning hidden gem on the Oregon Coast overflowing with natural beauty. You'll find incredible sandstone cliffs, colorful tide pools, numerous caves, and a spectacular beach waterfall here.
1924 NE 181st Ave, Portland, OR 97230, USA
The first thing you'll notice upon walking into the Candy Basket is the giant chocolate waterfall. This 21-foot cascading fountain has been around since 1991 and is one of the oldest and tallest chocolate fountains in the world. While you can't eat the chocolate in the fountain, there are plenty of delicious treats to sample elsewhere in this fantastic store.
Foster, Sweet Home, OR, USA
Located off of Oregon Route 20 east of Sweet Home, Short Bridge Ghost Towne is an impressive replica of an Old West town. The area features a variety of Western-themed storefronts, including a saloon and a stage stop. Short Bridge may not be a real ghost town, but that doesn't make this funky roadside attraction any less fun.
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Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Otter Rock, OR, USA
Devil's Punchbowl is a one-of-a-kind rock formation that can only be found on the Oregon Coast. It is believed that this punch bowl formed from the collapse of the roof over two sea caves and intense wave action.
51955 Lava Bed Rd, Diamond, OR 97722, USA
The French Round Barn isn't your average old barn. This unique structure was built about 150 years ago by a wealthy cattle rancher looking for a way to train his horses during the cold winter months. Guests can take a tour of the barn and stop by the nearby visitor's center to learn more about this fascinating piece of local history.
79878 OR-202, Seaside, OR 97138, USA
Open year-round, Jewell Meadows offers visitors an opportunity to view wildlife in a natural setting. You'll find a wide range of birds in the area and an enchanting elk herd.
How many of these places have you explored? What else would you add to this list? Have you ever been to any of these bizarre roadside attractions in Oregon? Share your thoughts with us below!
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More to Explore
The Best Attractions In Oregon.
What are the best natural attractions in Oregon?
The best natural attractions in Oregon include:
- Cannon Beach. This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Oregon with its famous Haystack Rock near the shore which can be seen in the movie The Goonies.
- Crater Lake. This is the deepest lake in the nation and is stunningly gorgeous with deep, intensely blue waters, surrounded by deeply green, lush forests.
- Painted Hills. These multicolored rolling hills look very much like a painting and this is one of the most scenic areas in the state.
- Toketee Falls. This waterfall on the Umpqua river is truly a wondrous sight to behold.
Learn more about these and several more of the best natural attractions in Oregon.
What are the best man-made wonders in Oregon?
The best man-made wonders in Oregon include:
- St. John’s Bridge. This majestic bridge spans Cathedral Park and is a beautiful piece of architecture.
- Peterson Rock Garden. This collection of handmade creations resides between Bend and Medford and is an intriguing work of art.
- Keller Fountain. Located in Portland, this artistic fountain churns 75,000 gallons of water and is a visual spectacle that locals love to visit.
- Pittock Mansion. This Portland landmark is a vast mansion built with a French Renaissance style.
Discover more about these and more of the best man-made wonders in Oregon.
What are some hidden gem attractions in Oregon?
Hidden gem attractions in Oregon include:
- Wolf Creek Inn. Located in Wolf Creek, this is the oldest operational hotel in the Pacific Northwest.
- Thor’s Well. This amazing natural spectacle is a hole in the coastal rocks where water shoots up and drains back in.
- Peter Iredale Shipwreck. This shipwreck has been resting on the Oregon coast for over 110 years.
- Wildlife Safari. At this wildlife park in Winston, you can meet giraffes, feed elephants, and see over 500 species of animals.
Find out more about these and several other hidden gem attractions in Oregon.