5 Hidden Gems in Oregon

Oregon is home to many of America’s most dramatic landscapes that welcome visitors from across the globe. Iconic attractions such as Multnomah Falls, Crater Lake, Mount Hood, and Cannon Beach continue to inspire worldly travelers. But Oregon’s diversity is off the charts, and those famous locations only scratch the surface of the state’s natural beauty. 

By expanding your horizons, you can explore North America’s deepest canyon or pretend you’re in the Swiss Alps. Venture elsewhere, and you’ll find yourself in a barren desert where you may spot the Milky Way at night. So, gas up the car, buckle up, and head to these 5 Oregon hidden gems that will blow you away.

Painted Hills 

Although one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, the Painted Hills are roughly 4 hours from Portland and don’t receive near the fanfare as other Oregon attractions. The geologic wonder is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and offers a glimpse into Oregon’s ancient history. Once a river floodplain, the desolate area now holds fossils of prehistoric plants and animals. As the climate evolved over millions of years, the soils formed bright hues of red, yellow, orange, and black. 

Today, you can watch the striations shine beneath the sunlight and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the landscape. You’ll find 5 hiking trails coursing through the Painted Hills, or you can admire them from the comfort of your car. The 0.6-mile Overlook Trail is an easy path to follow and presents a striking vista of the terrain. At 1.6 miles, the Carroll Rim Trail gives you a wider panorama of the Painted Hills for unbelievable snapshots.

Wallowa Mountains

Many Oregon visitors gush over the snowy Cascade Range, but the Wallowa Mountains are a more remote Alpine paradise. In remote northeast Oregon, the Wallowa Mountains entice outdoor enthusiasts with over 30 peaks above 9,000 ft. The surrounding Eagle Cap Wilderness features over 530 miles of trails for hikers and horseback riders to explore. Tackling the rugged terrain leads you to Sparkling lakes, Alpine meadows, Glacial valleys, and verdant forests in this untamed landscape. 

Wallowa Lake is the crown jewel of the wilderness, and the recreational site is popular for swimming, fishing, and camping. Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the Mount Howard summit for a bird’s eye view of the alpine lake. Hop aboard the seasonal Eagle Cap Excursion Train to coast along the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. And the rural town of Joseph at the base of the Wallowa Mountains features restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, breweries, and distilleries to kick off your adventure.

Alvord Desert

When you think of Oregon, it’s usually lush forests, tumbling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. But a cracked desert with no signs of life anywhere? Beneath the rugged Steens Mountain, the Alvord Desert feels like a wasteland and doesn’t resemble typical Oregon. The desert is a dried-up 12-mile by 7-mile lake bed in an isolated section of southeast Oregon. It’s eerily quiet, and the distant backdrop of snowy peaks feels like you’re on another planet. 

If you drive to the Alvord Desert, there are dirt roads that let you access playa lake. And spending at least one night here is a must for the otherworldly stargazing experience. With no light pollution around for miles, the clear skies of the Alvord Desert put on a magical spectacle. Just make sure to pack extra layers since the desert can get mighty chilly at night.

Thor’s Well

Situated on the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well is one of the coolest places to visit in Oregon. If you’re road-tripping along the 362-mile coast, don’t miss this alluring show of Mother Nature. Thor’s Well is nicknamed the “Drainpipe of the Pacific,” and it appears the ocean water gets sucked into a rocky crevice. Although it resembles a bottomless pit, it’s actually around 20 ft deep.

For the best show, make this pit stop during high tide to watch the well quickly overflow. The water spouts from the opening and crashing waves make thundering roars that resemble Thor’s hammer. Wait for low tide to get a closer glimpse of the opening and gaze into the depths of the well. But proceed with caution due to slippery rocks and the unsuspecting sneaker wave.

Hells Canyon 

Straddling the border of Oregon and Idaho, Hells Canyon might be the most remote location in the Lower 48. As the deepest river gorge in North America, the canyon has some of Oregon’s most heart-racing vistas. Hells Canyon, Hat Point, and Buckhorn present 3 distinct vantages of the near 8,000 ft canyon. To embark on a thrilling Oregon road trip, the 213-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway delivers scenic views of the Snake River cutting through the landscape. 

Explore the depths of Hells Canyon by hiking or joining a whitewater rafting trip. Due to dramatic elevation changes, multi-day trekking excursions are a fantastic way to feel secluded in the wilderness. But you’ll need to know what you’re doing since facilities are limited. One of the popular multi-day Hells Canyon hikes is the 45-mile Snake River Trail that lets you camp alongside the rushing river. And with sharp canyon walls rising high above and it’s class II-IV rapids, Hells Canyon is among Oregon’s top-rated rafting destinations.