Camping Gems - Places to Go in Oregon
Crater Lake National Park
Known for its intense blue color and spectacular views, Crater Lake is one of Oregon's most popular destinations. Visitors can take the Rim Drive that circles the lake, stopping for views of the crater down below. Boat tours are also available, and the back country contains a number of scenic trails. The lake includes spots for swimming, fishing for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon, and wildlife viewing for Roosevelt Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, and more.
The High Desert Museum
Discover the world of wildlife and the Old West at this stunning museum, set south of Bend, Oregon. With indoor and outdoor exhibits that feature wild animals, amazing artwork, and living history displays, this is a great place to explore Central Oregon's history and future. The museum has daily wildlife shows that feature porcupines, golden eagles, owls, bats, lizards, and snakes.
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
This 82-mile route through the Willamette and Deschutes National Forest lets you set your own pace. You can take a two-hour drive along this scenic roadway, enjoying vistas of the snowcapped High Cascade peaks and dramatic lava fields. Or spend a more leisurely five hours exploring the Byway with stops at robins-egg blue lakes, rushing waterfalls like Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and deep forests.
Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction
See the famed "marble walls" of the marble cave, visit a National Historic Landmark (the Oregon Caves Chateau), and hike trails through ancient forests. Kids can work toward a Junior Ranger Badge.
Black Butte Ranch
Located on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, this idyllic ranch offers outstanding outdoor golfing, fly fishing, and horseback riding. You can take a trail ride, visit one of the horse camps, or bike along the 18 miles of paved trails (bike rentals are available). Play on one of the 23 tennis courts, go swimming in the indoor or outdoor pool, or do some canoeing and kayaking on Phalarope Lake.
Eugene
This vibrant city on the Willamette River is filled with green parks, a lively college campus, and a colorful arts community. Located between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coast Range, Eugene has a rural atmosphere that's belied by its hip town center. You'll enjoy incredible restaurants, enchanting boutique shops, brew pubs, wineries, and hikes along the riverside greenway system. Don't miss the rhododendron gardens.
Oregon Lighthouses
The dramatic Oregon coast is dotted with charming, historic lighthouses -- buildings that serve as a reminder of past days when shipping was treacherous business. Head to one of these romantic structures for a guided tour and to see the interpretive displays and first-hand historical accounts from the lighthouse keepers. Explore the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, the Cape Meares lighthouse with its sea lions and nesting seabirds; and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse with its trails and tide pools.
Coos Bay
Oregon's rugged coastal beauty will entice you to spend some time outdoors. Depending on the time of the year, you may want to charter a boat to fish or watch the gray whales migrate, hike along the city park's trails, birdwatch, rent an ATV and ride the dunes, or just spend a lazy afternoon flying a kite. If you're really feeling adventurous, try wind surfing.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
You'll cross paths taken by historic greats like Kit Carson on this stunning byway. Travel through the mountains, lakes and forests of central Oregon. Don't miss the lava flows and the area's more than 150 lakes.
Deschutes River
The Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes create spectacular natural drama with splashing waterfalls and narrow headwaters. The river is famous among trout fishers as a fly-fishing hotspot, particularly near the Deschutes National Forest. With both brown trout and rainbow trout, this is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon casting and watching the river flow. |
