Everyone who's visited Oregon knows it's a state full of natural wonders and surprises. While there's plenty of cascading waterfalls to chase here, there's so much more to the Beaver State than meets the eye. To kick off your bucket list, we've compiled our favorite places to visit in Oregon. From hidden emerald swimming holes to beautiful beaches and wide open pink deserts, there are so many drool-worthy spots here you probably never knew existed. Opal Creek Price: $5 per vehicle each day Location: Opal Creek Trail, Lyons, OR Why You Should Go: You can explore an emerald green creek surrounded by 1,000-year-old trees. View this post on Instagram Yesterdays adventure. Took my breath away! . . . . . . . . . . . . #oregon #beauty #beautiful #gorgeous #views #waterfall #bathingsuit #summer #adventure #explore #travel #pacificnorthwest #curls #inmyelement #love #me #hiking #nature #getoutdoors A post shared by Kanani Rose (@naniroze) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:12pm PDT Website Alvord Desert Price: $8 for the hot springs and $5 for the access road Location: Alvord Desert, OR Why You Should Go: You can visit one of the most isolated and unique land formations in the state for cheap. View this post on Instagram Those desert vibes with a fresh dusting of snow. A post shared by Jackie Arnal (@mountainjacks) on Jan 9, 2020 at 10:13am PST Website Umpqua Hot Springs Price: $ 5 day-use entrance fee Location: North Umpqua Trail, Oregon Why You Should Go: You can soak in a private infinity pool above the forest in Oregon. View this post on Instagram Bathing in hot springs was a great way to start up vacation. 🌲🌙💙 A post shared by Emma Talley (@ertalley) on Sep 4, 2019 at 8:42am PDT Website Painted Hills Price: Free Location: Painted Hills, OR Why You Should Go: You can visit amazing rainbow colored hills containing animal fossils from 30 million years ago. View this post on Instagram Check out my photo workshops! #earthpics #californiaphotographyworkshops #keithskeltonphoto #keithskeltonphotography #phototours #photographyworkshop #earthday #blackandwhitelandscape #landscapephotograph #wintertree #roadtrip #easternoregon #winterlight #colorlandscapes #lighttrails #lonelyroad #landscapephotography #colorlandscapes #lax #losangelesview #dtla #cityscape #eastla #oregonexplored #mounthood #awesome_earthpix #paintedhillsoregon A post shared by Keith Skelton Photography (@picskelton) on Mar 7, 2019 at 5:52pm PST Website Wallowa Lake Price: $7 entrance fee per person or vehicle Location: Wallowa Lake, OR Why You Should Go: This gorgeous lake is famous for being carved out by pleistocene glaciers. During the spring and summer it's often surrounded by colorful flower fields. View this post on Instagram Beautiful views above Wallowa Lake will soon be accessible to the public, after a yearlong fundraising effort has come to a close. The Wallowa Lake Moraines Partnership announced Tuesday that it has officially purchased nearly 1,800 acres of land on the eastern rim above the iconic northeast Oregon lake, with plans to manage the land for public recreation in the near future. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome that serves the public’s need for permanent protection and access to this spectacular natural landscape,” John Hillock, a Wallowa County commissioner, said in a news release. The land overlooking the east side of the lake has been in private hands for decades, but in 2011 owners of a sizable plot announced their intentions to sell, with plans to build a conference center and single-family homes. That caused an uproar among some in Wallowa County who feared the development would sully both the view and the culture of the community. Controversy led to the formation of the Wallowa Lake Moraines Partnership – comprised of county officials, Wallowa Land Trust, Wallowa Resources and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The partnership aimed to to buy the land for public use instead. The project received endorsements from local officials, as well as U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden. Follow the link in our bio for the full story. 📷 Courtesy of David Jensen A post shared by The Oregonian (@theoregonian) on Jan 22, 2020 at 5:25pm PST Website Little Crater Lake Price: $10 for 5 days or $35 per year Location: Mt. Hood National Forest, OR Why You Should Visit: You can take an easy half-mile trail to one of the most beautiful spots in the state. Plus, it's a great spot to swim! View this post on Instagram recovery in Oregon 🤩 A post shared by Gabby Seiler (@gabby_seiler) on Aug 4, 2019 at 6:53pm PDT Website Tamolitch Blue Pool Price: $10 per 5 days or $35 per year national forest entrance fee Location: Tamolitch Falls, Williamette National Forest, OR Why You Should Go: You can swim in a naturally crystal clear blue swimming pool surrounded by lush forest. Be careful though; the water is 40 F and chilly! View this post on Instagram #tamolitchpool #mckenzieriver A post shared by Mike Johnston (@mikej411) on Feb 8, 2020 at 6:47am PST Website Sahalie Falls Price: $10 per 5 days or $35 per year national forest entrance fee Location: Sahalie Falls, Williamette National Forest, OR Why You Should Go: You can hike to a jaw-dropping 100 foot waterfall surrounded by moss. View this post on Instagram Continuing with “chasing waterfalls” theme. #oregon #pnwonderland #nikonfallor #koosahfalls #pnw #nikon #naturephotography #naturelovers #nikon1635 #portland #waterfall #nikond850 #pacificnorthwest #nikonusa #columbiarivergorge #sahaliefalls #instapassport #fallcolors #fallinoregon #ทริปจบรูปไม่จบ #explorenature #オレゴン #오레곤 A post shared by kawin towe (@kawin.towe) on Nov 1, 2018 at 2:11am PDT Website If you're looking for places to visit this summer, nothing is better than these off the beaten path gems. Some of these Oregon forests will seriously make you feel like you're in Jurassic Park. 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.
