Essential Experiences for Your Oregon Bucket List
Historic lodges, epic waterfalls, and mouthwatering treats await you on this epic Oregon bucket list.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From the world’s last Blockbuster Video store in
Bend
to stunning wildflower fields in the Columbia Gorge, get ready to discover a mind-blowing variety of activities on this Oregon bucket list.Whether you’re playing tourist in your home state or eager to discover the hidden treasures of
Oregon
, it can be overwhelming to consider where to begin. It might take you years to experience everything on this Oregon bucket list! But you’ve got to start somewhere, right? Car insurance
comparison app Jerry
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designed to save car owners money, has assembled the ultimate Oregon bucket list. These essential experiences will transform you from head to toe, with unique meals, hikes, adventures, and attractions you’ll remember for a lifetime. Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
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Outdoor activities for your Oregon bucket list
1. Visit Haystack Rock
Where: Cannon Beach
When: Year-round (but early spring to mid-summer for puffins!)
Why: This
235-foot sea stack
is a unique landmark on the Oregon coast, as well as a prominent background feature in films like Goonies. The tidepools and nesting birds near Seaside
are incredible.How much? Free
2. Float the Sandy River
When: Summer
Why:
Floating
is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day in Oregon. The Sandy
River is clean and close to Portland. Bring your tube and put in at Dabney State Recreation Area
and enjoy a casual trip down the river.How much? Free (excluding parking)
3. Explore the painted hills in Central Oregon
Where: Mitchell
When: Year-round
Why:
Take a hike
and marvel at red, black, and gold stratification in the Painted Hills, one of the seven wonders of Oregon. It’s located near the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
. How much? Free
4. Hike in fields of wildflowers
Where: Columbia River Gorge
When: April to May
Why: Just an hour from Portland, you’ll find several
stunning hikes
with the Pacific Northwest’s best wildflowers
. Rowena Crest is very popular, as is the Mosier Plateau Trail
. Expect to find lupines, Howell’s daisy, hawkweed, and more—all with stunning views over the river gorge.How much? Free
5. Visit Multnomah Falls
When: Year-round (but spring and winter for the highest flow)
Why: This is a short hike with a large reward.
Multnomah Falls
has a lodge, concessions, bathrooms, and an epic 611-foot high
waterfall with a bridge beneath for photos. It’s day use only, and timed use permits are currently required via advance reservation. How much? $2 per reservation fee
6. Trek to the Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls
Where: McKenzie Bridge
When: Summer
Why: The
Blue Pool
remains below a frigid 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It’s 30-feet deep and not safe to swim in, but it’s well worth the four-mile hike
to see this pristine blue. Water seeps up from the underground lava fields and the trail is bursting with alders and evergreens.How much? Free
7. Walk the Bridge of the Gods and a bit of the Pacific Crest Trail
Where: Cascade Locks
When: Summer and autumn
Why: If you watched or read Cheryl Strayed’s
Wild
, you’ll recognize this location
. Here you can walk a few miles on the PCT
(it’s the lowest point on the trail) and cross over the Bridge of the Gods
over the roaring Columbia River into Washington State
.How much? $2 for cars, free for pedestrians
8. Climb up to Crater Lake
Where: Crater Lake
When: Summer
Why: In
Crater National Park
, you’ll find the deepest lake in the USA (and one of the most pristine). Formed less than 8,000 years ago, Crater Lake
is situated in a volcanic crater at altitude. Drive the scenic rim
, do the Rim Village
walking tour, or book a boat tour.How much? $20 in winter, $30 in summer (per vehicle)
9. Visit Mount Hood for winter sports
Where: Mount Hood
When: Winter
Why: Take your pick of winter sports:
downhill skiing
, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, hiking, and more. With multiple family-friendly ski resorts and pristine backcountry
conditions, winter sports
at Mount Hood
should definitely be on your Oregon bucket list.How much? $9/person
The meals that should be on your Oregon bucket list
10. Daily seafood special at Restaurant Beck
Where:
Depoe Bay
When: 5p to close, 7 days a week
Why: Owner
Justin Wills
(James Beard finalist) has created a truly special
dining opportunity overlooking picturesque Whale Cove
. With rotating selections of fresh seafood like cod, rockfish, and salmon—plus desserts like Basque cheesecake—you’re guaranteed to remember a night at Restaurant Beck
.How much? $34 for lingcod with wild leek blossoms and pickled lingonberry
11. Tea ceremony at Portland Japanese Garden
Where: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205
When: 10a-5:30p (garden), 1:15p-2:15p (tea ceremony)
Why: The
Portland Japanese Garden
is a living tribute to Japanese culture in Oregon, with artifacts, 12-acres of botanical displays
, and cultural demonstrations. The tea ceremony
occurs every few days, as well as traditional music performances.How much? $18.95 admission per adult (tea ceremony included with admission)
12. Rotating French-inspired tasting menu at Le Pigeon
When: 5-10p (closed on Sundays)
Why: It’s true that delicious food is around every corner in Portland, but
Le Pigeon’s
tasting menu is truly legendary
. They once made a savory mustard ice cream (though their current dessert is a rhubarb Marjolaine). Vegetarians
welcome!How much? $14 for a burger, $125 + gratuity for the tasting menu
13. Asian fusion at sky-high Departure
Where: 525 SW Morrison St 15th Floor, Portland, OR, 97204
When: 4-11p, Wed-Sun
Why: Vietnamese honeyed oysters, mahogany noodles, kimchi fried rice, and a
selection
of premium sake await you at this memorable 15th-floor restaurant
. Make sure there’s room on your phone for pictures—and leave room for dessert
!How much? $12 for black sesame opera cake
14. Seasonal ice cream flavors at Salt and Straw
Where: Multiple locations
When: 12p-11p daily
Why:
Salt and Straw
has a reputation that’s well-earned. Their ice cream
is delicious, unique, and community-oriented. How about saffron and honey with crystallized flower petals? Arbequina olive oil? Pear and blue cheese? Pistachio rosewater with strawberry mochi? Take home a pint (or four) if you can’t make up your mind. There are four locations
in Oregon.15. Sample cheese from the Tillamook Cheese Factory
Where:
Tillamook
When: 10a-6p daily
Why: Visit during the week if you want to watch employees working in the creamery. Otherwise, take a self-guided tour anytime, sample some of Oregon’s
finest dairy
products, and take home some limited edition cheese
and merch
. While you’re in the area, visit the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
.16. Marionberry pie from Willamette Valley Pie Company
Where:
Salem
When: Mon-Sat, 10a-5p
Why: Operating since 1999, the
Willamette Valley Pie Company
is arguably the state’s best pie producer
. Did you know that marionberries were first invented
in Oregon in the 1940s? Sample it at their retail store
in Salem or find a WVPie
in a nearby grocery store.How much? Under $10
MORE: Best foodie road trips in Oregon
Only-in-Oregon experiences for your bucket list
17. See artifacts from pioneers who trekked the Oregon Trail
Where:
Baker City
When: Mon-Sat, 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p
Why: The
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
has interesting exhibits, events, presentations, artifacts, and souvenirs related to the pioneers’ journey
through Oregon. There are 500 acres to explore (and you can even see real wagon ruts!). Don’t miss the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
in Pendleton
. It’s the only
Native American museum along the Oregon Trail.18. Explore the Enchanted Forest Theme Park
Where:
Turner
When: 10:30a-5p (varies)
Why: The motto is “Keep Portland weird,” but you can definitely apply this slogan to the entire state. This
handcrafted fairytale theme park
is wacky, quirky, and totally delightful for visitors of all ages. Try the Frog Hopper and the Ice Mountain Bobsleds, or the new Challenge of Mondor.How much? $22 per adult
19. Browse the shelves at Powell’s, the world’s largest independent bookstore
Where: Portland
When: 10a-9p daily
Why: New books, old books, rare books, zines…whatever literary treasure you’re looking for, you’ll find it and more
at Powell’s
. Get lost in the stacks or attend an event
with an illustrious author like novelist John Grisham or poet Fariha Róisín.20. Try not to spill your drink at the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Where: Portland
When: 7p-12a Wed-Sun
Why: Don’t be alarmed if the table shakes or the paintings move. And don’t expect the waiters to provide much reassurance. It’s all part of a delicious ploy to unsettle visitors at this quirky, nighttime, “casually threatening”
coffee house
owned by Goody Cable. It’s cash only—and don’t ask for water unless you want to get wet.How much? $3.25 for tea
21. Visit the Timberline Lodge (aka the Overlook Hotel)
Where: Government Camp
When: Year-round
Why: If you’ve seen The Shining, you’ll immediately recognize this
historic hotel
. But there’s a lot more to this 1937 lodge
than creepy Jack Nicholson vibes. Enjoy a meal
or explore the area, rain or shine. How much? Free to explore, but you’ll need to pay for a parking permit
22. Smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden
Where: Portland
When: Late May through October
Why: There are more than 10,000 rose plants in this
test garden
. It’s designed to test new hybrid varieties and was founded during World War I. This is a must-see
for your Oregon bucket list! How much? Free, but you’ll have to pay for parking
23. Visit the last remaining Blockbuster Video
Where:
Bend
When: Year-round
Why: Feeling nostalgic for plastic clamshell cases, videotapes, and yellow walls?
Come
to the world’s last Blockbuster
shop
where you can rent a DVD, buy a snack, and relive the 1990s.How much? Free to visit
24. Sample tofu at the country’s oldest tofu shop
Where: Portland
When: 8a-5p, Mon-Sat
Why:
Ota Tofu
is the oldest tofu shop
in the United States, in operation since 1911. It’s cash only if you visit the headquarters and you’re welcome to bring your own container.How much? Free to browse!
MORE: How to check for Oregon road closures
Live your best life with affordable Oregon car insurance
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