The Top 31 Oregon Bucket List Destinations

Oregon has a lovely mix of urban and natural sights. From the Columbia River Gorge to Portland’s many attractions, there’s something for everyone.

Making an Oregon bucket list can help you decide what to see. Once you’ve decided which options are ideal for your trip, you can create an Oregon bucket list to ensure you see the things that are most important to you. 

We’re sharing some Oregon bucket list ideas here to get you started, but you can also gather some of your own to create the perfect must-do list for your trip to the Beaver State. 

Bucket List Vacations: Oregon’s National Parks

National parks are always worth including on any bucket list. The National Park Service does an excellent job of maintaining parks, monuments, trails, and historic sites, so we can fully appreciate the beauty and history they have to offer. 

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake was formed by a violent volcanic eruption around 7,700 years ago. Today, the lake is the deepest in the US and is one of the most pristine bodies of water in the world. You can walk around the rim, or hike to the bottom to get a closer look.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is spread across four different sites in two different states. That park tells incredible stories of transition, settlement, conflict, community, and more, helping us better understand the history of the area and of the country. 

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Explore the prehistoric past of Oregon at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Whether you prefer hiking through the places where fossils have been preserved, or exploring the working lab and visitor center, there is something for you here. 

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

The Lewis and Clark expedition was an incredible one. Learn more about this incredible journey and the area it covered at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. 

Nez Perce National Historical Park

For as long as anyone can remember, the land of the inland Northwest has been home to the Nez Perce people. The tribe survived and adapted to enormous changes, always holding fast to their history and culture. Learn more about them at the Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve showcases some of the most spectacular caves in the entire country. They were formed by eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock. The result is an otherworldly place to explore. 

National Trails

Oregon is also home to a number of national trails. They include:

• Oregon National Historic Trail
• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
• Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
• California National Historic Trail

Stroll the International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden features an enormous variety of roses and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Be sure to get plenty of photos of the roses, and – of course – stop and smell them as well.

Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is another fantastic place for a walk. This is a well-manicured garden with plenty of places to sit and reflect on life. Bring a camera, and give yourself plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the peace this garden has to offer. 

Browse Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. Because of that, it has a little bit of everything. Plan on browsing for a while, especially if you love to read.

Hike to the Witch’s Castle

Portland has several hikes to try. One of our favorites is the Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park. This trail leads hikers to an old stone house known as the Witch’s Castle. 

Attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival

One of the best festivals the state has to offer is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This is one of the most well-known Shakespeare festivals in the world and is attended by theater fans from all over. If you appreciate the performing arts, add this to your Oregon bucket list. 

Try Salt and Straw Ice Cream

Oregon has quite a few amazing ice cream places to choose from … but definitely don’t miss Salt and Straw. The chain serves up delicious and unique frozen treats. Try Pear and Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender, or Arequipa Olive Oil. You’ll also find classic flavors available as well. 

Ski Mount Hood

If you’re visiting Oregon in winter, try skiing Mount Hood. Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort offers lessons and rentals, so even newbies can try. 

Climb to the Top of Multnomah Falls

Oregon has amazing scenery, including some of the prettiest waterfalls in the entire country. Multnomah Falls is located along the beautiful Columbia River Highway. It’s an impressive 620 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in the state. 

Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop

The Hood River Fruit Loop is a stretch of road that runs right by a number of local farms. Shop the farm shops and stands, or head to a pick-your-own farm. Either way, you’re sure to come home with fresh fruits and veggies. 

Eat Tillamook Cheese

Yes, we all know Wisconsin is famous for its cheese. But some of the tastiest cheese in the country is actually made in Oregon. Be sure to grab some Tillamook Cheese when you visit. Melt it on something or eat it straight from the block for a delicious snack.

Explore Astoria

One of our favorite Oregon coastal towns is the little town of Astoria. Be sure to give yourself time to stroll the streets of the historic downtown. You’ll find local shops and boutiques as well as plenty of delicious restaurants. You can also cross the Astoria-Megler bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in the country. 

Ride a Horse on the Shore in Bandon

Riding a horse along the Oregon coast is a magical experience that everyone should try at least once. You can try this in the slow-paced town of Bandon. 

Visit with Sea Lions at Sea Lion Caves

At Sea Lion Caves, you can see dozens of beautiful sea lions and explore the largest sea cave in America. You can take an elevator to an observation post where you can watch the Steller sea lions. Also, check out the walls – they’re covered in lichens, algae, and mineral stains that make formations that look like Lincoln’s Head, the Goddess of Liberty, and other fanciful creations.

Check Out Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is a bizarre natural, coastal phenomenon. This hole in the rocks looks to be bottomless and seems to be mysteriously draining the ocean away as the water streams endlessly into it. 

Sled the Oregon Sand Dunes

An interesting part of the Oregon coastline, the Oregon sand dunes are a great option for those looking for a different kind of recreation. People drive dune buggies over the dunes, but you can also try sandboarding or sand sledding instead.

Admire the Painted Hills

The Painted Hills got their name because… well, they look painted. These hills are covered in stripes of green, red, orange, pink, and gold. It’s not hard to see why these are referred to as one of the “7 Wonders of Oregon.”

Kayak Devils Lake

Devils Lake is yet another natural attraction to experience. The lake is a brilliant turquoise, and it beckons kayakers with its shimmery surface. Along with boating, you can camp, fish, and bird watch from shore.

Cruise Highway 101

Highway 101 is famous for its vistas as it wanders along the West Coast by the Pacific Ocean. We highly recommend driving at least a portion of this highway when in Oregon. Make sure you stop for photos along the way!

Savor a Slice of Marionberry Pie

If you aren’t from Oregon, you may not have heard of marionberries. These local berries are especially tasty in a pie. Marionberry pie is served up in diners and restaurants all over the state. 

See Haystack Rock

Cannon Beach is famous for its iconic 235-foot sea stack, lovingly named Haystack Rock. This huge rock formation is well worth snapping some photos of before you head out to explore the adorable town and Ecola State Park nearby. 

Float the Deschutes River

Grab a tube and hit the Deschutes River. It’s well known as the place to go when you just want to let the river carry you away. The water is nice and cool, so it’s an ideal place to cool off in the heat of the summer. 

Relax in Umpqua Hot Springs

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as soaking in natural hot springs. One of our favorites is Umpqua Hot Springs. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the state. 

Learn at Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Whether you walk through a lava tube, check out the lava forest, or hike up a mountain of obsidian, a visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument is always unique and memorable. You’ll find more than 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features at this central Oregon monument.

Enjoy the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Tulips are a cheerful way to signal the arrival of spring. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm of Oregon plays host to an entire festival for the flowers each year. You’ll find hot air balloons, wine tastings, a children’s play area, and more. Be sure to check out the food & craft market as well.

Oregon is a fantastic place to visit and you won’t run out of things to see, especially with an Oregon bucket list to keep track of your travels. But attempting to visit all of these amazing places in a single trip can be tricky. One thing that can help is taking an RV.

Traveling in an RV gives you the freedom to jump from one attraction to the next quickly and without much hassle. Additionally, you will be comfortable wherever you roam. 

Lucky for you, we have plenty of Oregon rental RVs to choose from, so you can book one today in preparation for the ultimate Oregon road trip!

Download the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in Oregon.