The 7 Wonders of Oregon – The Ultimate Guide

The Seven Wonders of Oregon is a collection of natural landmarks that showcase the state’s diverse beauty. From the rugged coastline with volcanic sea stacks to the lush forests with roaring waterfalls and towering volcanoes, there’s something new to see around every corner! Adding the 7 Wonders of Oregon to your itinerary is the best way to shape your road trip in Oregon and provides you with all the ingredients to visit the most stunning landscapes in Oregon. Get ready to explore the 7 Wonders of Oregon in our ultimate guide!

What are the 7 Wonders of Oregon?

The 7 Wonders of Oregon are initiated by Travel Oregon which launched the campaign in 2013. The list of seven wonderful landscapes is to encourage locals and visitors to experience these stunning natural wonders of Oregon. And the great thing is that all nature attractions on the list are diverse and showcase a different side of Oregon. From the rugged coastline to the old-growth forests and geological wonders, here are the 7 Wonders of Oregon including the best time to visit and how to visit them in the best way possible. 

• Columbia River Gorge
• Mount Hood National Forest
• Oregon Coast
• Smith Rock State Park
• Painted Hills 
• Crater Lake National Park 
• The Wallowas 

We will work our way down from northern Oregon to central Oregon and finally to southern Oregon to get a chronological idea of which wonders you can combine on your Oregon road trip. 

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge sits along the Washington/Oregon border and is the first scenic highway in the United States to receive the National Historic Landmark status.

The Historic Columbia River Highway winds alongside the majestic Columbia River, and treats travelers to a spectacle of cascading waterfalls at every turn. Prepare for an unforgettable journey, as there is so much natural beauty to see along the road. There are more than 90 waterfalls to visit, but the most beautiful waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge you must visit are:

• Multnomah Falls
• Latourell Falls
• Oneonta Falls

Besides chasing waterfalls, there are also other beautiful hikes to do in the Columbia River Gorge that wind up the mountains with stunning views over the gorge and river. 

Best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a year-round destination, however, to see the waterfalls at their peak flow, spring and early summer are the best months. This is also the season of wildflowers painting the meadows around the Columbia River which gives a picturesque touch to the area. 

October is also a great month to see the fall colors in the Columbia River Gorge. However, the waterfalls are less powerful around this time compared to spring. 

Where to stay near the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge connects the quirky city of Portland with the historic town of Hood River. So depending on your personal preference, you can either stay in Portland for the city vibes or Hood River for a more laidback, natural environment. 

Best Portland accommodations

• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton. Located in the Pearl District, this Portland hotel has everything you need. From an indoor pool, a stunning rooftop terrace, a gym, and spacious, clean rooms, you won’t be short of anything while staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton.
• Hotel Lucia. Located in downtown Portland, this funky hotel has a great location, close to many restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. It is the perfect stay combining city life and exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge at a short drive. 

Best Hood River accommodations

• Westcliff Lodge. The charming Westcliff Lodge offers stunning river views and is only a short drive away from the historic center of Hood River. The clean rooms have great amenities such as s coffee machine, small fridge and toiletries. Book the river view room for the most amazing view from your room. 
• Columbia Cliff Villas. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Hood River, the Columbia Cliff Villas are pure luxury. However, prices are fair if you compare the value you’ll get! Almost all rooms have river views, and some of the bigger suites have a fully equipped kitchen which makes preparing your own meal an easy task.  

Mount Hood National Forest

Mount Hood is Oregon State’s highest peak standing at 11,239 feet (3,425 meters) and is a beautiful area to explore! With plenty of hikes, waterfalls, alpine meadows and lakes to visit, Mt Hood area can keep you busy for days. And after all this exploration, you can relax at one of the many wineries.

The fourth-highest peak in the Cascade Range is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as it boosts a wide range of hiking trails. Mount Hood is the center of attention when exploring the surroundings, and each attraction offers its own unique experience. 

From hiking the Tom, Dick and Harry Trail with stunning Mt Hood views to visiting the pristine lakes such as Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. Or visit the fruit and lavender farms with the spectacular backdrop of Mt Hood. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the fruit and vineyards, driving the Hood River Fruit Loop is highly recommended. This 35-mile self-guided driving route through Hood River County passes numerous fruit orchards which is the perfect way to pick up some organic fruit. It’s also a great area to go on a vineyard and wine-tasting tour at one of the beautiful Hood River Wineries. 

Best time to visit the Mount Hood area 

Depending on your personal references and the activities you plan to do, visiting Mount Hood between July and October is the sweet spot. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting the many wineries. To hit the slopes, January through March is the best time.  

Where to stay near Mount Hood

• Timberline Lodge. The historic Timberline Lodge is the perfect cozy mountain lodge to relax after a day of exploring. The outdoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna are fantastic amenities that the lodge offers. Including several on-site dining options, you won’t be short of anything while staying at the Timberline Lodge. 
• BW Premier Collection. A 5-minute drive from the entrance of Mt Hood National Forest is the BW Premier Collection located. This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a 27-hole gold course and a tennis court. It is the perfect place to combine outdoor explorations around Mt Hood and enjoy the resort’s facilities.  

Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast stretches for almost 400 miles and is some of the most dramatic coastlines in the US. The sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline dotted with sea stacks make it a must-visit. 

One of the most famous Oregon Coast towns is Cannon Beach with the iconic Haystack Rock. But an Oregon Coast road trip isn’t complete without visiting the beautiful Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor with the Natural Bridges and Secret Beach as the most famous attractions. 

Another interesting stop is the coastal sand dunes in Florence which are one of the largest in the entire world, rising to heights of 500 feet and spanning over 40 miles in length!

Best time to visit the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a great destination to visit year-round. Temperatures stay mild throughout the year, but the highest chance on clear skies is in the summer months. Nevertheless, the spring and fall months are a great time to visit as well. You will escape the crowds in these months, prices for accommodations are usually lower, and the changing weather can bring beautiful, dramatic clouds, great for photography!

Where to stay along the Oregon Coast

Depending on the area you’re exploring, there are various coastal towns to stay. The Oregon coastline stretches for almost 400 miles and can be divided into three sections. 

Northern Coast (Cannon Beach and Cape Kiwanda)

• Surfsand Resort. The oceanfront Surfsand Resort has a beautiful, modern design and overlooks the iconic Haystack Rock. The rooms are contemporary, cozy and very clean. With a heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub including Spa center, an on-site fitness center and a restaurant you will have everything you need.

Central Coast (Depoe Bay or Newport)

• The Coho Oceanfront Lodge. Located on Lincoln City Beach, this oceanfront hotel has stunning studios with unobstructed ocean views. The lodge offers a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and on-site spa.

Southern Coast (Brookings or Bandon)

• Beachfront Inn. Another fantastic beachfront property, closely located to the Natural Bridges. This affordable option is great in many ways. We loved the spacious rooms with stunning views, and even breakfast is included. This is one of the best options in Brookings looking at the great reviews, the location, and value for money.

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock is one of the State Parks that will surprise you. It’s so different from anything else in the Pacific Northwest, which is mostly lush forests, roaring waterfalls and a rugged coastline. Smith Rock on the other hand is all about deep river canyons and towering rock spires. Due to a series of super-volcanic eruptions coming from the Cascade Range Mountains millions of years ago, massive amounts of volcanic ash, lava and other volcanic debris created the landscape with its volcanic features. Over time, these mineral deposits solidified into the distinctive basalt rock formations visible in the park today.

The best way to explore the park is by hiking some of the trails. The Misery Ridge trail is the best hike in the park that encompasses walking along the Crooked River and winds its way up to the summit, overlooking the impressive rock formations. 

Rock climbers can challenge themselves at one of the 1800 bolted routes. The park is known to be Oregon’s best rock climbing destination and even one of the best sport climbing areas in the United States!

The charming town of Bend is only 40 minutes away and a great place to base yourself and also visit some of the beautiful waterfalls near Bend!

Read in our complete guide everything about visiting Smith Rock State Park

Best time to visit Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is open year-round and is beautiful in any season. However, the summer months are very hot because there is almost no shade in the park. So the sweet spot to visit Smith Rock State Park is in spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Visiting in winter is an option as well, but you might need micro spikes to hike to trails with elevation. 

Where to stay near Smith Rock State Park

Bend is the best place to stay as it’s only 40 minute away from the park. With plenty of accommodations, there’s an option for everyone’s taste and budget in Bend. 

• Tetherow Hotel. Located on an 18-hole semi-private golf course, this stunning resort is situated outside of Bend and lies on the border of Deschutes National Forest. Therefore it offers breathtaking views from the rooms and several hiking trails can be accessed right from the property. 

• Waypoint Hotel. This beautiful, modern boutique hotel in Mid-Town is a great, central place to stay in Bend. With over 100 restaurants located within walking distance of the hotel, you can enjoy eating all the delicious food after a day of exploring. Including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, outdoor fire pits, and a food truck, the Waypoint Hotel has everything you need!

Painted Hills 

The Painted Hills Oregon are a geological wonder known for their vibrant colors and interesting patterns. Located in the Sheep Rock Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the collection of colorful rolling hills showcases colorful soil and scenic patterns that provide insight into the changing climate millions of years ago. The red and orange bands within the hills reflect the once-tropical climate, transitioning to a golden hue approximately 34 to 32 million years ago as the area became cooler and drier. 

The best way to explore the Painted Hills is by hiking a few of the trails. The best ones are the Painted Hills Overlook Trail and Painted Cove Trail. Both offer incredible views of this otherworldly landscape and at the Painted Cove Trail you get up close to see all the details and textures of the hills. 

Read in our complete guide everything about visiting the Painted Hills Oregon

Best time to visit the Painted Hills 

The best time of the year to visit the Painted Hills is late spring and early fall. Both seasons provide pleasant temperatures and the wildflowers during spring or autumn colors add extra ambiance to the scenery. During the summer months it can get super hot and there is little shade.

The best time of the day to visit the Painted Hills is either early morning or late afternoon to take advantage of the soft light. However, if your road trip planning doesn’t allow you to get there around these times, then don’t worry. Even during midday, the Painted Hills are mesmerizing to visit. Just make sure to avoid the middays during summer months as there is no shadow along the trails. 

Where to stay near the Painted Hills

The best city to stay near the Painted Hills is Bend, which is about 100 minutes away. Because the Painted Hills are located in the high desert area, there are not many options closer. We stayed at Element Bend and highly recommend this location. 

– Element Bend. This beautiful, modern 3-star hotel has clean, light and spacious suites and rooms with a working desk, tea coffee maker, fridge and very comfy beds. Featuring outdoor barbecue facilities, an indoor swimming pool and delicious breakfast included, this is fantastic value for money. 

Crater Lake National Park 

Thousands of years ago, the breathtaking Crater Lake emerged from the eruption and collapse of the volcano named Mount Mazama. A huge caldera was left behind, and over time, the basin was gradually filled with rainwater and snowmelt, creating the Crater Lake as we see it today. 

The most unique feature of this crater lake is that it’s not only the deepest lake in America at 1,943 feet (592 meters), but also one of the clearest lakes in the world! The reason why Crater Lake is so pristine is that the lake doesn’t get fed by other inlets or rivers, preserving its crystalline waters in their purest form.

Visiting Crater Lake is a must, not only because it is Oregon’s only U.S. National Park, but mainly because it is such a family-friendly and easy way of visiting one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon! You can just drive up to the crater rim and visit various viewpoints. Hike some of the trails, or take in dip in the pristine water of Crater Lake! 

Best things to do at Crater Lake

• Follow the Crater Lake Rim Drive. This 33-mile scenic drive wraps around the lake, with numerous breathtaking viewpoints to pause and enjoy the stunning scenery. One of the interesting stops is at the Phantom Ship overlook, where you can marvel at ancient rock formations. These volcanic spires date back 400,000 years and emerge from the depths of the Crater Lake which is pretty impressive to see!
• Hike The Watchman Peak Trail. If there’s only one hike you have to do at Crater Lake, it’s this one. From the Watchman Overlook, you’ll have epic views over the entire lake including Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.
• Hike Cleetwood Cove Trail. If you want to get to the lakeshore, then this trail gives you direct access to the lake. Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the lake, but be prepared because the water is cold, even in the summer months!

Best time to visit Crater Lake 

The best time of the year to visit Crater Lake is from spring until fall. While parts of the park remain open year-round, the winter months are a bit more challenging. This part is in fact one of the places that gets the most snow in the entire country! 

Where to stay near Crater Lake National Park 

The closest town is Klamath Falls which is 60 miles south from the park. There is only one option to stay inside the park which is at the historic Crater Lake Lodge overlooking the lake. A more affordable option is mentioned below.

• Crater Lake Gateway – Rocky Point Resort. These lakeside cabins in the woods are super comfy and offer stunning views. It’s a great place for people seeking a quiet area. 

The Wallowas 

Considered the Alps of Oregon, the Wallowa Mountains are located in Eastern Oregon and stretch about 40 miles (64 km) between the Blue Mountains and the Snake River.

Wallowa Lake State Park is fairly undiscovered and a perfect place for explorers that love to go a bit more off-the-beaten path. The Wallowa Mountain Range has different areas to explore, but Eagle Cap Wilderness is one of the best places to go. This part offers 534 miles of hiking trails to explore the picturesque alpine meadows and towering granite peaks.

Another way to explore the park in a less intensive way is by taking the Wallowa Lake Tramway that goes up to the peak of Mt Howard. From here you’ll have panoramic mountain and lake views for little effort. It’s easy to understand why this is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon with it’s unspoiled beauty!

Best time to visit Wallowas 

For hiking the best time to visit the Wallowas is in late spring, summer and fall. Temperatures are mild during that period and the higher elevation hikes are snow free. For winter sports December, January and February are the best months to hit the slopes. The ski area is great for cross-country skiing and is a popular destination to visit. 

Where to stay near the Wallowas 

Joseph is the closest town to stay and closely located to Wallowa Lake. It’s a lovely, quiet town to stay with plenty of activities to do. 

• Eagle Cap Chalets. Located at the southern end of Wallowa Lake, this lovely chalet resort provides everything you need for a comfortable stay. A seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub are the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Some accommodations include fully equipped kitchens and BBQ facilities with kitchenware so you can easily prepare your own meals. 

More USA travel inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the 7 Wonders of Oregon. For more USA travel inspiration, head over to our other guides. 

Oregon

15 stunning Oregon hikes with waterfalls

10 beautiful waterfalls near Bend, Oregon

How to visit the Painted Hills in Oregon

Smith Rock State Park visitor’s guide

Hiking Guide to Misery Ridge Trail in Smith Rock

Trail of Ten Falls in Silver State Park Oregon

How to visit the Natural Bridges in Oregon

Washington

15 best hikes at Mount Rainier – The Ultimate Guide

Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park

New York City

30 best things to do in NYC at night – The Complete Guide

20 Best Viewpoints in NYC – The Complete Guide

Best places to stay in NYC – The Ultimate Guide

Alaska

15 best Alaska Helicopter Tours you must consider!