Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
My favorite places to visit in Oregon
17
items For years Oregon was an off-the-radar state located on the Pacific Ocean that was known mostly for Myrtle wood trinkets and wet, cold weather. Little did people know that Oregon has so much more to offer. With a rennaisance attributed much to the e...
Completed in 1937, Timberline Lodge was part of the New Deal that put the country back to work during the depression. Hand hewn lumber, wrought iron, stone masonry, and a provenance that brings millions to this location annually, Timberline Lodge is a must visit when in Oregon. Enjoy a meal in the Cascade Dining Room or an Apres Ski drink in the Rams Head Bar upstairs.
Timberline Lodge
Oregon's #1 tourist destination, Multnomah Falls is just east of Portland on Interstate 84. Parking is accessed from the left lane of 84, so be ready to change lanes for the exit.
There is a small gift shop at the park, but the main attraction is by far, the falls themselves. Easily viewed from the gift shop, a fairly easy walk to the bridge will give the visitor an excellent view and understanding of the magnitude of the falls. Those hearty enough can take the trails to the top of the falls and beyond.
A parking permit is required at certain times of the year and day. Be sure to research this before arriving.
There is a small gift shop at the park, but the main attraction is by far, the falls themselves. Easily viewed from the gift shop, a fairly easy walk to the bridge will give the visitor an excellent view and understanding of the magnitude of the falls. Those hearty enough can take the trails to the top of the falls and beyond.
A parking permit is required at certain times of the year and day. Be sure to research this before arriving.
Multnomah Falls (I-84)
My old trompin grounds from my youth. Silver Falls State Park is made up of ten seperate water falls, all of which can be accessed on the 7.2 mile loop hike that can be started from any one of a number of pull out parking areas, or from the main park at the South Falls. Note that the main park is a day use fee park, so you'll need to pay to get in.
The South Falls are the iconic representation of Silver Falls. The trail meanders behind the South Falls allowing the visitor to experience this waterfall in a very unique way.
Walking the trails should be considered an all day trek. Some of the trails may be slick from water from the falls, so be prepared with walking sticks and good shoes.
The South Falls are the iconic representation of Silver Falls. The trail meanders behind the South Falls allowing the visitor to experience this waterfall in a very unique way.
Walking the trails should be considered an all day trek. Some of the trails may be slick from water from the falls, so be prepared with walking sticks and good shoes.
Silver Falls State Park
From Astoria to Brookings, there really is not a bad portion of the Oregon Coast. Rugged, beautiful, peaceful, sometimes angry, and always a treat. The Oregon Coast has something for everyone, from the charm of Cannon Beach to the educational experience of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.
If you decide to drive the whole coastline, give yourself at least a week to be able to enjoy all that the coast has to offer. You won't regret the decision to take more time than less!
If you decide to drive the whole coastline, give yourself at least a week to be able to enjoy all that the coast has to offer. You won't regret the decision to take more time than less!
Oregon Coast Visitors Association: Welcome to the People's Coast
Bend is an enigma in that it is part charming mountain community at the base of the Cascade Mountains, and part bustling city that offers everything from cultural events to rock concerts. Bend is home to world famous Mt. Bachelor, the Central Oregon ski area with some of the best skiing on the west coast.
Full of craft breweries, quaint restaurants, shopping to meet everyone's needs, Bend is activity central for outdoor adventurers looking to climb at Smith Rocks, water ski or fish at a plethora of various lakes around the region, and explore the many...
Full of craft breweries, quaint restaurants, shopping to meet everyone's needs, Bend is activity central for outdoor adventurers looking to climb at Smith Rocks, water ski or fish at a plethora of various lakes around the region, and explore the many...
City of Bend | Home
A rock climbers paradise, Smith Rocks will challenge the novice and expert alike. Located in northern Central Oregon outside of the community of Terrebonne, Smith Rocks many trails, both paved and unimproved, provide access to all areas of the park.
The region can get quite warm in the summers and quite chilly in the winters, so go prepared for the season.
The region can get quite warm in the summers and quite chilly in the winters, so go prepared for the season.
Smith Rock State Park
Located on beautiful Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon, Cove Palisades is a campers paradise with a variety of camping and glamping alike. Groups can enjoy staying at the group campsites, and those a bit more adventurous can take their chances at finding an available spot at Perry South Campground on the Metolius arm of the lake.
There are two marinas, one at The Cove which is near Lake Billy Chinook State Park and the other at Three Rivers Marina on the Metolius arm. Both have stores that offer lake necessities like fishing gear, life jackets, canned food, beer, and a small restaurant in each.
Trout and Kokanee are both good fisheries at LBC - some true lunkers have come from the depths of Lake Billy Chinook!
There are two marinas, one at The Cove which is near Lake Billy Chinook State Park and the other at Three Rivers Marina on the Metolius arm. Both have stores that offer lake necessities like fishing gear, life jackets, canned food, beer, and a small restaurant in each.
Trout and Kokanee are both good fisheries at LBC - some true lunkers have come from the depths of Lake Billy Chinook!
The Cove Palisades State Park
Located just outside the mountain community of Joseph, OR, Wallowa Lake is a mountain paradise and gateway to the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Hiking, fishing, hunting, go-karts, and for the hardy mule train hunting trips into the depths of the back country are all available here.
Be sure to take a trip on the gondola to the top of Mt. Howard for fantastic views of the region and a trek around the many trails at the top of the mountain. There is a restaurant at the top of the gondola that provides enjoyable food and drink.
Be sure to dress for all kinds of weather as it might be sunny but quite windy or chilly at the top!
Between Wallowa Lake State Park and the community of Joseph is the memorial / resting place of Chief Joseph himself.
Be sure to take a trip on the gondola to the top of Mt. Howard for fantastic views of the region and a trek around the many trails at the top of the mountain. There is a restaurant at the top of the gondola that provides enjoyable food and drink.
Be sure to dress for all kinds of weather as it might be sunny but quite windy or chilly at the top!
Between Wallowa Lake State Park and the community of Joseph is the memorial / resting place of Chief Joseph himself.
Wallowa Lake State Park
Once a hideout for bandits running from the law in the 1800's, Fort Rock Natural Area is now a protected natural area providing trails and outcroppings to explore. The natural formation of rock gives this area the perfect spot to hid from just about anything and anyone - or at least it did back in the 1800's.
Portions of the area are off limits during specific times of the year to allow nesting falcons the ability to nest and breed. There is a small outdoor visitor center with geological and historic information about the site.
This is a very out-of-the-way site that is well worth the drive.
Portions of the area are off limits during specific times of the year to allow nesting falcons the ability to nest and breed. There is a small outdoor visitor center with geological and historic information about the site.
This is a very out-of-the-way site that is well worth the drive.
Fort Rock State Natural Area - Oregon State Parks
A favorite place to stop and hike for many, Hole In The Ground is exactly that - a big hole in the ground caused by a meteor strike. The steep slopes make trail hiking here a bit challenging, but the chance to explore the area is well worth every step.
Hole in the ground is unique in that you can actually drive into the crater to explore. There are no signs designating a road to get there, so you have to use your maps and a bit of intuition when exploring the area.
Hole in the ground is unique in that you can actually drive into the crater to explore. There are no signs designating a road to get there, so you have to use your maps and a bit of intuition when exploring the area.
Hole-In-The-Ground | Central Oregon
This geological site is one of the best ways to explore underground with a guided tour. The entire tour is done underground with a few tight areas, so those who are claustrophobic may want to consider sitting this one out. Being claustrophobic myself, I thoroughly the tour, but had to hold back a couple of mild panic attacks in the tighter areas. Really worth the drive as it is off the beaten path just outside Cave Junction, OR.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
I have never seen water of such deep vibrant blue as I have at Crater Lake. This is truly a special place where you can stay for several nights or just hang for the day. I've been to many National Parks & Monuments and few are as enchanting as Crater Lake. Beautiful views about from just about every corner on the loop road around the lake, from the lake itself to Mt. Thielsen to the north, the views are awe inspiring.
Crater Lake is in the Cascade mountain range of Southern Oregon and just north of Klamath Falls. A beautiful drive from any origin will bring you to Oregon's only National Park.
Crater Lake is in the Cascade mountain range of Southern Oregon and just north of Klamath Falls. A beautiful drive from any origin will bring you to Oregon's only National Park.
Crater Lake National Park
The history of Oregon is memorialized in paint around the entire outside of this column located at the highest point in Astoria. At 126 feet tall and with 164 stairs in the spiral staircase, the Astoria Column provides the visitor with views across the Columbia River to Washington State, out past Warrenton to the Columbia River Jetties, and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Be sure to purchase one of the balsa wood airplanes and toss it off the top of the Astoria Column and see how far yours goes!!
This is a day use fee area, currently at $5.00 per car.
Be sure to purchase one of the balsa wood airplanes and toss it off the top of the Astoria Column and see how far yours goes!!
This is a day use fee area, currently at $5.00 per car.
The Astoria Column
A quaint community on the Oregon Coast and home to Haystack Rock, the iconic rock monolith just off the beach at Cannon Beach, this welcoming town has just about everything you could ask for. Trendy restaurants, book stores, regional and cultural trinkets to bring home with you, and comfortable hotels to enjoy for a weekend or longer.
Park your car at one end of downtown and walk your way past curio stores, clothing stores, seafood vendors, and gift shops full of history and cultural icons.
Located on Hwy 101 between Seaside and Tillamook, Cannon Beach is a seaside destination that you'll return to time and again.
Park your car at one end of downtown and walk your way past curio stores, clothing stores, seafood vendors, and gift shops full of history and cultural icons.
Located on Hwy 101 between Seaside and Tillamook, Cannon Beach is a seaside destination that you'll return to time and again.
Cannon Beach
Bandon Dunes is a destination golf resort located on the Southern Oregon Coast. This iconic course is the flagship course in Bandon, home to multiple courses in the area. All are challenging in their own right, but Bandon Dunes, being the patriarch course in the area is the most challenging of them all. Make sure you reserve a caddy as the course can be tricky on its own, but add some tricky wind and inclement weather and you'll want the suggestions of a true pro.
Getting to Bandon is a driver's choice from Portland - head directly south on I-5 and head west from Winston, or take the more scenic route on Hwy 101 from Astoria all the way to Bandon.
Getting to Bandon is a driver's choice from Portland - head directly south on I-5 and head west from Winston, or take the more scenic route on Hwy 101 from Astoria all the way to Bandon.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Sisters, OR is the quintessential western town turned tourist attraction. This former spot in the road between Salem and Bend is now a destination unto itself. Filled with period restaurants and gift shops, Sisters is also home to more modern establishments and restaurants. Be sure to book your hotel well in advance as they fill up quickly.
Explore the head waters of the Metolius River, Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, the Dee Wright Observatory (no trailers allowed on this road), nearby Eagle Crest Resort home to three excellent golf courses, Hoodoo Ski Bowl, Black Butte Ranch, and many oth...
There is plenty to explore within an hours drive of Sisters making it the perfect hub for your vacation activities.
Explore the head waters of the Metolius River, Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, the Dee Wright Observatory (no trailers allowed on this road), nearby Eagle Crest Resort home to three excellent golf courses, Hoodoo Ski Bowl, Black Butte Ranch, and many oth...
There is plenty to explore within an hours drive of Sisters making it the perfect hub for your vacation activities.
Home Page | City of Sisters, Oregon
This near ghost town was once known as the wool capitol of the world, Shaniko was the regional center for wool, wheat, cattle, and sheep, being served by the Columbia Southern Railway with service to Biggs Junction and the Union Pacific Railroad alon...
Shaniko is litterally a ghost of what it once was with a permanent population of roughly thirty people now. Many of the buildings from its heyday are still there, though some are condemned, while others are still used for a community store, post office and hotel.
Shaniko is litterally a ghost of what it once was with a permanent population of roughly thirty people now. Many of the buildings from its heyday are still there, though some are condemned, while others are still used for a community store, post office and hotel.
City of Shaniko | Discover Shaniko