Oregon is packed with incredible destinations for day trips, whether you’re into nature, history, food, or adventure. Here are some of the best day trips you can take in the state:
Nature & Scenic Drives
- Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls – Visit waterfalls, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the stunning views along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge – Explore year-round skiing, hiking trails, and the historic lodge with incredible mountain views.
- Silver Falls State Park – Walk the Trail of Ten Falls, a beautiful hike that takes you past multiple waterfalls.
- Crater Lake National Park – Take in breathtaking views of the deepest lake in the U.S. and drive the scenic Rim Drive.
- Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock) – Relax on the beach, explore tide pools, and visit the charming coastal town.
- Smith Rock State Park – A paradise for rock climbers and hikers, with stunning rock formations and scenic views.
- Painted Hills – One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, these colorful hills are a geological wonder.
- Opal Creek Wilderness – Hike through old-growth forests and see crystal-clear water pools.
Coastal Getaways
- Astoria & Fort Stevens State Park – Explore Oregon’s oldest town, visit the Astoria Column, and see the shipwreck at Fort Stevens.
- Newport & Yaquina Head Lighthouse – Visit Oregon’s tallest lighthouse, explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and watch for sea lions.
- Tillamook & Three Capes Scenic Loop – Tour the famous Tillamook Creamery and drive along Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares.
Wine & Food Lovers
- Willamette Valley Wine Country – Tour world-class wineries and enjoy Pinot Noir tastings.
- Hood River & Fruit Loop – Visit orchards, cideries, and wineries while enjoying views of Mount Hood.
- Portland Foodie Tour – Sample food carts, visit craft breweries, and check out unique eateries in Oregon’s food capital.
Historic & Cultural Spots
- Bend & High Desert Museum – Learn about Oregon’s high desert history, visit craft breweries, and explore downtown Bend.
- Oregon Caves National Monument – Take a guided tour of marble caves in the Siskiyou Mountains.
- John Day Fossil Beds – Explore ancient fossil sites and the colorful rock formations of the Painted Hills region.
- Eugene & the Cascades – Visit local markets, breweries, and the University of Oregon.
- Ashland & Shakespeare Festival – See a world-class play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and explore Lithia Park.
Best Day Trips in Oregon by Region
Here’s a breakdown of great day trips across different parts of the state, ensuring you have plenty of options no matter where you are!
🌲 Northwest Oregon (Portland & Coast)
- Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls – Hike to stunning waterfalls and enjoy epic views.
- Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock – Explore tide pools and the charming coastal town.
- Astoria & Fort Stevens State Park – Visit the historic shipwreck and climb the Astoria Column.
- Tillamook & Three Capes Scenic Drive – Tour the cheese factory and see breathtaking ocean views.
- Mount St. Helens (WA) – Learn about the 1980 eruption at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
- Silver Falls State Park – Hike the Trail of Ten Falls through lush forest.
- Sauvie Island – Pick fresh berries, enjoy the beach, or go birdwatching.
- Willamette Valley Wine Country – Taste world-class Pinot Noir at scenic vineyards.
- Hood River & Fruit Loop – Sample cider, wine, and fresh fruit while enjoying Mount Hood views.
- McMinnville & Evergreen Aviation Museum – Home to the famous Spruce Goose and local wine tasting.
🏔 Central Oregon (Bend & High Desert)
- Smith Rock State Park – Rock climbing, hiking, and breathtaking canyon views.
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Explore lava tubes and crater lakes.
- High Desert Museum & Bend – Experience Oregon’s natural and cultural history.
- Tumalo Falls – A short hike to a spectacular waterfall near Bend.
- Paulina Lake & Hot Springs – Soak in natural hot springs with a mountain view.
- Metolius River & Wizard Falls Hatchery – Crystal-clear waters and an excellent fly-fishing spot.
- Fort Rock & Crack in the Ground – A unique volcanic rock formation and lava fissure to explore.
- Crooked River Canyon – Stunning river canyon with excellent fly fishing and hiking.
- Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – A picturesque drive with plenty of lakes to explore.
- John Day Fossil Beds & Painted Hills – Vibrant rock formations and prehistoric fossils.
🏕 Eastern Oregon (Wallowas & High Desert)
- Wallowa Lake & Tramway – Ride the gondola to the top of the mountains for incredible views.
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway – One of the deepest canyons in North America.
- Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert – Remote wilderness with dramatic cliffs and vast desert flats.
- Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Baker City) – Learn about pioneer history.
- Anthony Lakes – Pristine mountain lakes with great hiking and kayaking.
- Joseph & Bronze Art Walk – Explore a charming artsy mountain town.
- Sumpter Valley Railway – Ride a historic steam train through gold mining country.
- Leslie Gulch – Stunning rock formations and a hidden hiking gem.
- Malheur Wildlife Refuge – A birdwatcher’s paradise with diverse wildlife.
- Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site – A preserved 19th-century Chinese apothecary.
🌊 Southern Oregon (Crater Lake & Rogue Valley)
- Crater Lake National Park – See the stunning deep blue lake and drive the Rim Road.
- Oregon Caves National Monument – Take a guided tour of underground marble caves.
- Ashland & Shakespeare Festival – Catch a play and explore Lithia Park.
- Rogue River Jet Boat Tour (Grants Pass) – Thrilling boat rides through scenic canyons.
- Wildlife Safari (Winston) – Drive through a park with free-roaming animals.
- Bandon & Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint – One of the most stunning beaches on the Oregon coast.
- Brookings & Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor – Incredible sea cliffs and coastal hikes.
- Applegate Valley Wine Tour – A lesser-known but fantastic wine region.
- Illinois River & Swimming Holes – Find crystal-clear swimming spots in the Rogue Wilderness.
- Umpqua Hot Springs – Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by lush forest.
Here’s a list of budget-friendly day trips across Oregon, ensuring you can explore without spending much! Most of these options are free or low-cost, with only minor expenses like gas, food, or parking fees.
🌲 Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Northwest Oregon (Portland & Coast)
- Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls – Free waterfall hikes with incredible views.
- Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock – Enjoy the beach and explore tide pools for free.
- Astoria & Fort Stevens State Park – Visit the shipwreck and climb the Astoria Column (small parking fee).
- Tillamook Creamery & Cape Meares Lighthouse – Free cheese sampling and coastal views.
- Sauvie Island Beaches & Berry Picking – Free to visit, small cost for U-pick farms.
- Silver Falls State Park – Just a $5 parking fee for the famous Trail of Ten Falls.
- Hiking Mount Tabor (Portland) – A free urban volcano hike with city views.
- Washington Park (Portland) – Free gardens, trails, and a great picnic spot.
- Forest Park & Pittock Mansion Viewpoint – Free hikes with panoramic Portland views.
- Hood River Waterfront Park – Free river access for swimming, picnicking, and windsurfing watching.
🏔 Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Central Oregon (Bend & High Desert)
- Smith Rock State Park – Only $5 to park for world-class hikes.
- Tumalo Falls – Free waterfall access with nearby hiking.
- Lava River Cave (Newberry Volcanic Monument) – A $5 day-use fee to explore an ancient lava tube.
- High Desert Museum (Bend) – Free entry on certain community days (check their calendar).
- Sparks Lake & Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – Free lake access and stunning views.
- Paulina Creek Falls – A free, short hike to a double waterfall.
- Metolius River & Wizard Falls Hatchery – Free to explore, with crystal-clear waters.
- Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint – Free drive or hike to a 360-degree view of Bend.
- Crooked River Canyon & Peter Skene Ogden Viewpoint – Free breathtaking canyon views.
- John Day Fossil Beds & Painted Hills – No entry fee to see prehistoric landscapes.
🏕 Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Eastern Oregon (Wallowas & High Desert)
- Wallowa Lake State Park – Free lake access with amazing mountain views.
- Hells Canyon Overlook – Free scenic drive and viewpoint of North America’s deepest canyon.
- Steens Mountain Loop – Free access to some of Oregon’s most remote landscapes.
- Sumpter Valley Dredge State Park – Free mining history and scenic trails.
- Leslie Gulch – Free hikes through colorful rock formations.
- Malheur Wildlife Refuge – Free birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site – Free museum about Oregon’s Chinese history.
- Anthony Lakes Recreation Area – Free lake access, with optional budget camping.
- John Day River Free Camping Areas – Scenic spots with no cost for day use.
- Eagle Cap Wilderness Trailheads – Many free trailheads for stunning mountain hikes.
🌊 Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Southern Oregon (Crater Lake & Rogue Valley)
- Crater Lake National Park (Free on Certain Days) – Normally $30 per vehicle, but free on select National Park Free Days.
- Oregon Caves National Monument Grounds – The cave tour has a fee, but hiking the surrounding trails is free.
- Lithia Park (Ashland) – Free Shakespeare-themed park with scenic trails.
- Rogue River Natural Bridge & Waterfalls – Free access to unique lava-formed bridges.
- Wildlife Safari Drive-Through (Winston) – Free Walkabout – The drive-thru safari has a cost, but the walk-through area with animals is free.
- Brookings & Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor – Free coastal hikes with stunning ocean cliffs.
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint (Bandon) – Free beach walks and sea stack formations.
- Illinois River Swimming Holes – Free, beautiful swimming spots in the Rogue Wilderness.
- Applegate Lake – Free hiking trails and budget-friendly kayaking opportunities.
- Umpqua Hot Springs ($5 Fee) – Affordable natural hot springs in a forest setting.
These trips allow you to explore Oregon’s beauty on a budget while still experiencing waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and history! Do you want recommendations for a specific activity like hiking, photography, or family-friendly trips?
Here’s a list of budget-friendly, lesser-known day trips across Oregon, perfect for getting off the beaten path while spending little to no money! Most of these places are free or low-cost, with only minor expenses for parking or small fees.
🌲 Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Northwest Oregon (Portland & Coast)
- Bridal Veil Falls & Latourell Falls – Hidden gems in the Columbia River Gorge with short, free hikes.
- Stub Stewart State Park – Affordable ($5 parking) with hiking, biking, and disc golf near Banks.
- Nehalem Bay State Park – Quieter than Cannon Beach, with great sand dunes and free beach access.
- Cape Falcon & Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Free hike to a hidden coastal viewpoint.
- Lost Lake (Near Hood River) – Affordable lake day with stunning Mount Hood reflections.
- Bayocean Peninsula Park – A “ghost town” hike on a forgotten coastal spit near Tillamook.
- Molalla River Recreation Area – Free hikes and swimming spots away from crowds.
- Wahclella Falls – A short, less-crowded waterfall hike ($5 parking).
- Scappoose-Vernonia Trail – Free paved biking and walking trail through forested terrain.
- Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City) – Free coastal hike up a sand dune with incredible views.
🏔 Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Central Oregon (Bend & High Desert)
- Steelhead Falls (Near Terrebonne) – A free hidden waterfall hike in the high desert.
- Alder Springs & Whychus Creek – A remote hike with a scenic creek crossing.
- China Hat Road Lava Caves – Lesser-known lava tubes near Bend (bring a flashlight!).
- Fort Rock State Natural Area – A free volcanic rock formation rising from the desert.
- Dry River Canyon Trail – A unique slot canyon hike east of Bend, best in fall or winter.
- Big Obsidian Flow – A stunning volcanic landscape with shiny black obsidian rocks.
- Cline Falls State Park – A quiet spot for swimming and picnicking along the Deschutes River.
- Devils Garden Lava Field – A free, eerie landscape of lava formations near Christmas Valley.
- Pine Mountain Observatory – Free stargazing nights run by the University of Oregon.
- Glass Buttes Rockhounding – Free place to find obsidian, great for geology lovers.
🏕 Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Eastern Oregon (Wallowas & High Desert)
- Spring Creek (Chiloquin) – A crystal-clear, lesser-known kayak and swimming spot.
- Joseph Canyon Overlook – Free viewpoint over a dramatic canyon near Enterprise.
- Blue Basin (John Day Fossil Beds) – A free hike through otherworldly blue-green rock formations.
- Cottonwood Canyon State Park – A hidden canyon with rugged beauty, perfect for free camping and hiking.
- Elkhorn Crest Trail (Near Baker City) – Stunning high-elevation views with no crowds.
- Jordan Craters – Remote lava fields where you can explore volcanic vents.
- Thief Valley Reservoir – A peaceful, free spot for fishing and picnicking near Baker City.
- Hart Mountain Hot Springs – Free hot springs in a remote wildlife refuge.
- Southeast Oregon’s Pillars of Rome – A hidden rock formation resembling Roman architecture.
- Owyhee Canyonlands – A remote, dramatic landscape often called the “Grand Canyon of Oregon.”
🌊 Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Southern Oregon (Crater Lake & Rogue Valley)
- Table Rocks (Near Medford) – Free short hike with stunning views over the Rogue Valley.
- Bolan Mountain Lookout – A hidden viewpoint and free camping spot near Cave Junction.
- Lava Beds National Monument (CA Border) – Free on certain days; explore lava tube caves just over the Oregon-California border.
- Crater Lake’s Plaikni Falls Trail – A lesser-known waterfall inside Crater Lake National Park.
- Stout Grove (Redwood National Park, CA) – Free access to giant redwoods near the Oregon border.
- Illinois River Forks State Park – A secluded swimming and picnic spot near Cave Junction.
- Secret Beach (Brookings) – A hidden cove along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.
- Castle Rock (Gold Beach) – A hidden hike leading to an ocean viewpoint.
- Wood River Wetlands (Chiloquin) – Free birdwatching and peaceful wetland trails.
- Fremont-Winema National Forest – A quiet alternative to Crater Lake with free dispersed camping.