Oregon has a plethora of fantastic weekend escapes. The various landscapes throughout the state provide a broad range of weekend activities, from romantic getaways where you might want to check out OBV's list of what to do in Lincoln City, to family attractions, and outdoor excursions.
Choose from historic calderas with views of some of the country's finest sport climbing. Seaside scenic corridors, glacier-fed alpine meadows, and important towns that help define the Pacific Northwest's culture are all fantastic locations to explore.
While a weekend is aplenty, certain destinations, such as Cannon Beach and the Columbia River Gorge, need much longer time. Other attractions, such as the McKenzie River, provide a variety of thrills, such as hot springs and hiking paths. Our selection of the finest weekend getaways in Oregon will help you plan your next trip.
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1. National Park of Crater Lake
Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park, is one of the state's most distinctive and stunning natural attractions. This ancient crater, almost six miles in diameter, is the remains and consequence of the Mount Mazama eruption over 7,000 years ago. Crater Lake's water is a beautiful deep blue and one of the world's most pure lakes, fed solely by rainfall and snowfall.
The view from the rim of Crater Lake is spectacular. With continuous caldera vistas, the Discovery Point route deserves its place as one of Oregon's finest hiking trails. A driving tour along Rim Drive, where lots of parking spots offer views of the caldera, is another option to get crater views. Throughout the summer, a trolley tour of Rim Drive is offered.
Visitors may swim in the chilly waters of Crater Lake or take a boat to Wizard Island by trekking to Cleetwood Cove inside the crater. The Milky Way and other celestial marvels may be seen in the night sky near Crater Lake.
There are campgrounds in the park, and many visitors base themselves in neighboring towns like Medford or Klamath Falls.
Crater Lake National Park is approximately a four- or five-hour drive from Portland, depending on the route. You may also take the bus or rail from Portland to Klamath Falls, then take a shuttle to Crater Lake.
Where to Stay in Klamath Falls is a guide of the best places to stay in Klamath Falls.
2. Cannon Beach
Nothing beats a weekend at the beach, and the vista from Cannon Beach is unparalleled. This tourist beach, which is just a 90-minute drive from the City of Roses on the northern Oregon coast, is one of Portland's most popular weekend getaways.
Cannon Beach's beach is large, welcoming, and scenically appealing. The magnificent Haystack Rock, located close offshore, is the most notable feature. During very low tide, this massive sea stack is home to numerous breeding birds and a plethora of tidal pools. Tidepool watching, kite flying, and just putting a blanket down to enjoy the sun are all popular pastimes on the large beach.
For over a century, Cannon Beach has been drawing families and visitors. With arcade parlors, ice cream parlors, and a wide selection of inexpensive eateries, the downtown area caters to family holidays.
There are many locations to stay in Cannon Beach, with hotels like the Stephanie Inn setting the standard for luxury, elegance, and ultimate holiday pleasure.
3. Mount Hood
Mount Hood, Oregon's highest peak, is located 50 miles east of Portland in the state's north-central region. This hilly region, when combined with the nearby Mount Hood National Forest, is a year-round leisure hotspot.
Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular summer activities. On its way from Canada to Mexico, the country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) meanders through the woodland. Other famous woodland paths lead to scenic natural features such as Trillium Lake and Ramona Falls.
The mountain is home to five ski resorts in the winter, including the well-known Skibowl and Meadows. In the winter, the historic Timberline Lodge is a popular ski-in, ski-out location, and a wonderful spot to warm up by a roaring fire. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two more snow sports available near Mount Hood.
4. Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon's cultural hub, has a way of converting a weekend visit into a long-term move. Aside from globally famous attractions such as the Japanese Rose Garden, Powell's City of Books, and the Portland Art Museum, the Portland community may be diverse, friendly, and constantly buzzing with activity.
Portland's proximity to natural areas is one of its biggest draws. The finest hiking trails around Portland explore amazing places like Forest Park, Mount Tabor, and Powell Butte, and nearby natural attractions match the numerous urban activities to do in Portland. Other beautiful locations within an hour's drive of Portland, such as the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, attract those looking for bigger experiences.
Portland's public transit system is user-friendly, making a car-free weekend a viable option for every visit. TriMet, the city's public transportation system, provides bus, light rail, and commuter train services.
5. Oregon, Bend
Bend, is located on the eastern side of the Cascade Range in central Oregon, with 300 days of sunlight each year. The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, featuring Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters Wilderness, are also accessible from the city. The Deschutes River flows through the city, offering possibilities for floating and fishing. The vast outdoors is Bend's most popular attraction, thanks to these and other large landscapes.
Hydrodynamic afternoons in the city's Whitewater Park are among the city's adventures. Don't miss the High Desert Museum and the Old Mill District, where relics of the city's lumbering past contribute to the present cultural atmosphere.
Few locations are as well-suited to weekend vacations as Bend. It's feasible to ski at Mount Bachelor and rock climb at neighboring Smith Rock State Park on the same holiday weekend if the seasons align. Bend is also near to some of Oregon's most beautiful waterfalls and top-rated hot springs.
The Big Obsidian Flow Trail in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the Green Lakes Trail along the Cascade National Scenic Byway are two of the finest hiking routes around Bend. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, which can be reached by foot or car and offers an excellent view of the city, is a must-see for every visitor.
Bend also has a vibrant downtown area with local restaurants, coffee shops, and other providers of Pacific Northwest tastes for additional cultural appeal.
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