Oregon has a bit of a quirky reputation — but make no mistake about it, this lush Pacific Northwest landscape is full to the brim with some incredible Oregon landmarks. These include such iconic sites as Mount Hood and Multnomah Falls.
From swaths of seaside sand dunes to settings you’ll recognize from one of your favorite childhood movies, here are some of the top Oregon landmarks not to miss.
Top Landmarks in Oregon
Oregon Landmarks
Flavel House Museum
Anyone who’s seen the 1985 smash hit The Goonies will recognize the Flavel House Museum as the place where Mikey’s dad works. That said, even if you (somehow) haven’t had a chance to watch the movie, this well-preserved Queen Anne is worth a visit.
Originally built exactly 100 years before the film was made, in the year 1885, this home was constructed for Captain George Flavel. Captain Flavel was a bar pilot who worked in the Columbia River and one of the area’s first millionaires. The home’s 11,600-square-foot living space takes up an entire city block, and survived the 1922 fire that took out much of the rest of Astoria.
These days, the house is kept as a restored and tourable Victorian mansion, and has since 1991 been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Astoria is awash with must-sees, from its stunning waterfront views to art galleries and eateries along the downtown walking districts to many other Goonies sites. It’s also a stone’s throw from wilderness destinations like Fort Stevens State Park and Ecola State Park.
Wondering where to stay nearby? The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA is an excellent pick!
Multnomah Falls
Ask a Portland local for the things they show to every visitor and chances are pretty good you’ll hear Multnomah Falls mentioned.
While it’s true that this is one of the most touristy of Oregon’s many waterfalls, it’s also easily one of the most beautiful. On top of that, this is a very accessible waterfall, requiring little more than a short walk up from the parking lot along the highway to take in the full scope and beauty of the falls.
Those feeling more adventurous can take a short but steep hike to the top to see the falls from above, and serious outdoors folk might consider the 15-mile round-trip trek that takes you to the peak of Larch Mountain, towering above it all.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Columbia River Gorge is filled with iconic destinations that give tourists and locals alike a bird’s-eye view of this one-of-a-kind valley. Vista House is another popular stop, and Angel’s Rest is another popular hiking option. And, of course, Portland is less than an hour away.
As far as camping goes, we recommend Ainsworth State Park for a beautiful and comfortable escape into nature.
Bonneville Dam Historic District
Go a bit further east along the Gorge to arrive at this powerful feat of engineering. Bonneville Dam Historic District was the first-ever hydroelectric dam with a hydraulic drop sufficient to produce 500,000 kW of hydropower. Built in the 1930s, this dam is actually a system of several structures that work together to harness the considerable power of the Columbia River and provide energy to local communities.
Given its importance both historically and presently, it’s no surprise that the Bonneville Dam Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It was then named a National Historic Landmark District just a year later.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you fancy a trip across state lines (or just an incredibly beautiful viewpoint), head a few miles further east to the Bridge of the Gods and pay the very worthwhile $2 fare to take your car across. You can also park and walk across, free of charge, but do be aware those with a fear of heights might not adore the experience.
When it comes time to park your RV for the night, you might consider booking a site as Lewis and Clark Campground and RV Park.
Mount Hood
With a summit 11,250 feet above sea level, Mount Hood is the tallest peak in the state of Oregon. It’s also one of the most recognizable mountains in the entire world. Although its altitude doesn’t measure up to the 14,000+ peaks that are easy to find a little further southeast in Colorado, the mountain’s prominence is a considerable 7,707 feet. This means it looms over the surrounding valleys and can be seen from over a hundred miles away on a clear day.
Getting to the tip-top of the mountain is a venture for serious, experienced mountaineers only. That said, there are a wide range of hikes at a variety of lengths and intensity levels that allow you to explore the peak.
Keep in mind that this mountain is actually an active volcano. It hasn’t erupted since the 1780s, but scientists predict it will someday. (Fortunately, it’s pretty unlikely to do so while you’re visiting.)
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The way to the mountain from Portland is dotted with cute little cities to explore. These include Sandy and Government Camp. If you’re planning to hike, we highly recommend preparing yourself with a map and maybe even some local guidance from an outdoor outfitter.
Our favorite campsite near the mountain? Mount Hood Village RV Resort.
Timberline Lodge
If Mount Hood’s majesty draws you in winter, you’ll be greeted by thousands of eager snow bunnies taking to its slopes on skis and snowboards. This is when the Timberline Lodge is at its busiest.
This famous ski resort dates back to the 1930s and was dedicated in late September of 1937 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The resort has enjoyed some more recent fame as well: its exterior was used as the facade of the Overlook Hotel in Kubrick’s 1980 The Shining, which might make it look familiar to horror film buffs!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time and into a far-flung alpine vista, Timberline Lodge is actually only 60 miles from Portland and all of its big-city conveniences. Plus, of course, there are tons of other wilderness destinations in this area, including the greater Mount Hood National Forest.
Trillium Campground is another good RV camping option in this area.
Silver Falls State Park
Don’t get us wrong: Oregon has no shortage of incredible waterfalls worth seeking out and exploring. That said, there’s a reason that Silver Falls State Park is one of the most famous of all the wilderness destinations in the entire state.
This landscape is actually home to not one, but ten waterfalls, each with its own brand of staggering beauty. While it does get incredibly crowded during the popular summer months and on weekends, we’ll share a secret. Grab a rain jacket and head to the park on a rainy spring weekday morning. You’ll have the trails all to yourself.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you keep heading east from Salem after you reach this state park, you’ll eventually end up at the foot of majestic Mount Jefferson — and in the stunning high desert city of Bend after that. No matter which way you turn, you’ll find plenty of adventure opportunities.
You can actually camp in the state park, meaning you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the area for the entirety of your trip if you so choose.
Smith Rock State Park
One of the best parts of Oregon, in our opinion, is the fact that it offers so many different ecosystems. Here you’ll, find cold-but-beautiful Pacific coast beaches, misty-and-mushroomy rainforests, wildflower-dotted alpine mountain peaks, and yes, even a desert.
Once you’ve come inland enough to reach the beginning of Oregon’s higher and dryer lands, you’ll shortly find yourself at Smith Rock State Park. This is easily one of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes in all of the Pacific Northwest. Although there are plenty of opportunities for even casual hikers, this state park is best known as a world-class rock climbing destination.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just a few miles out of the beautiful riverside desert city of Bend, this area is awash with outdoor recreation opportunities. Be sure to swing by nearby Tumalo State Park and Tumalo Falls, which you can make into either a short walk or an all-day hiking experience.
While Smith Rock State Park doesn’t allow onsite RV camping, the nearby Skull Hollow Campground does allow RVs who are Ste up for dry camping.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
You may have heard of White Sands National Park or Great Sand Dunes National Park, but Oregon has its own version of stunning, endless sand dunes: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
This 31,500-acre swath of the Siuslaw National Forest constitutes one of the largest temperate coastal sand dune expanses in the world. Along with hiking, paddling, birding, and other diversions, this area is very popular amongst off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just a few miles inland from the beautiful Oregon coast along the Umpqua River, this area is surrounded by other beautiful state parks and recreation areas worth stopping in, such as Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, William M. Tugman State Park and many others.
You can camp at the aforementioned Umpqua Lighthouse State Park for a peaceful adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Crater Lake National Park
Visitors to Crater Lake National Park often describe it as one of the most stunning sights they’ve ever seen. It is profound and swirling with some of the most vibrant hues you’ll ever set eyes on.
Along with being an undeniable spectacle, this lake is a unique historical and natural landmark for other reasons, too. You see, the lake was formed when a violent volcano named Mount Mazama erupted almost 8,000 years ago. With a depth reaching 1,949 feet, it’s the deepest lake in the United States and the second-deepest on the North American continent, and the ninth-deepest on the globe.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the wilder reaches of southern Oregon, Crater Lake is about an hour and a half from the city of Grants Pass, and surrounded on all sides by even more untouched natural spaces. If you’re in need of even more outdoors adventures, check out Collier Memorial State Park or the Joseph Stewart State Recreation Area.
If you wish to camp in the national park, you will want to head to Mazama Campground. It opens in mind-June and stays open until the snow season hits.
Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon’s caves may not be as famous as those in Kentucky or New Mexico, but they are just as fantastic. In fact, they’ve been a tourist destination since they were first discovered back in 1874. Legend has it, hunter Elijah Jones Davidson was trying to find his dog after it had run off from a bear and stumbled upon the caves.
The caves lended to the growing communities in southern Oregon, drawing valuable tourist dollars to the area, and are also home to some unique animals that can’t be found in many other places.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Little more than an hour from Grants Pass, the Oregon Caves are surrounded by both natural beauty and beautiful, friendly small towns that make for a great place to stop and explore.
Cave Junction KOA Journey is a great place to stay while exploring this national monument!
Planning an RV Trip to Oregon
Ready to see all of these Oregon landmarks for yourself and see what other gems you can find? An RV trip is the perfect way to do it. Make sure you check out the best state parks and campgrounds in the state. Additionally, you’ll want to see all the coolest cities in the state, from Portland to Medford and everywhere in between.
