7 Road Trips That'll Take You To Oregon's Best Kept Secrets

Why not skip the swimming pool and explore wacky stop-offs instead? These road trips in Oregon are the perfect addition to any adventure. You can explore these truly fascinating destinations that have to be seen to be believed.
The Octopus Tree
Price: Free
Location: 2375 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR
Why You Have To Go: This unusually shaped tree is thought to be over 250 years old and has interesting theories about why it looks like an octopus.
Portland Troll Bridge
Price: Free
Location: 16448 NW. McNamee Rd., Portland, OR
Why You Have To Go: This bridge is protected by a hoard of trolls, but unlike the scary kind these are adorably small and bright little figurines.
Prehistoric Gardens
Price: $12
Location: 36848 Highway 101 South, Port Orford, OR
Why You Have To Go: These handmade dinos "roam" this rainforest property, making it feel even more like you've been swept back to prehistoric times.
The Bigfoot Trap
Price: $5 for a day pass
Location: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, OR
Why You Have To Go: You can scope out a real-life bigfoot trap and maybe even catch a glimpse of the big guy himself or at least snap some really cool photos.
The Wishing Tree
Price: Free
Location: 2954 NE 7th, Portland, OR
Why You Have To Go: You can add your own wish to this incredible tree which is home to hundreds of pieces of paper displaying hopes, dreams, and of course, wishes.
The Wreck Of The Peter Iredale
Price: $5 parking fee
Location: Fort Stevens State Park, Astoria, OR
Why You Have To Go: You can explore an old shipwreck that sits on the beach from 1906 and see a piece of history up close.
Alvord Desert
Price: Free
Coordinates: Latitude: 42.551377, Longitude: -118.164463
Why You Have To Go: This vast playa stretches miles in either direction and is a wonderous place to stargaze, explore, or take some truly epic pictures.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.