Oregon‘s location in the Pacific Northwest provides visitors with a variety of stunning scenic views from lakes and sandy beaches to waterfalls and impressive mountain ranges.
Beaches
1. Horsfall Beach
Visitors to Horsfall Beach have 47 miles of pristine white-sand beach, endless dunes, and picturesque wetlands for relaxation, exploration, and discovery. During the summer, Horsfall is the ideal oasis for a calming stroll along the beach, soaking up some rays, casting a line to enjoy surf fishing, and cooling off in the blue-green waters of the Pacific Ocean.
With its long stretch of diverse landscape along the coastline, other popular activities include off-road riding, hiking, and horseback riding.
2. Cannon Beach
The summer months are prime time to plan a visit to Cannon Beach where swimming and sunbathing are in full swing. The seaside village offers a variety of things to do along with traversing scenic biking and biking trails.
The beach is also home to the well-known landmark of Haystack Rock. The towering formation resides 235 feet from the Cannon Beach shoreline and is accessible at low tide providing up-close views of a variety of sea life and bird species.
Lakes
3. Crater Lake
Located in Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, visitors are in the midst of the tranquil beauty of scenic mountain vistas and crystal-clear blue water. Crater Lake was created more than 7,500 years ago, and at 1,942 feet it is the deepest lake in the United States
During the summer, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing boat tours on the lake provide plenty of opportunities for exciting things to do.
4. Waldo Lake
Surrounded by the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area and the Cascade Mountains, at 5,400 feet above sea level, Waldo Lake is a natural alpine lake, and the second-largest of Oregon’s freshwater lakes.
Waldo Lake is popular with visitors for its clear water visibility of over 100 feet making it a beautiful destination for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Visitors also enjoy trout and salmon fishing.
5. Green Lakes
Visitors to the Green Lakes have three lakes to observe while hiking the Green Lakes Trail. The rich, teal-colored lakes are located between Broken Top and South Sister with the 3-acre Lower Green Lake being the first of the three destinations and offers an excellent location for fishing.
The Upper Green Lake features 10 scenic acres of wildflowers and assorted grasses. The largest of the three is Middle Green Lake, which covers 83 scenic acres, also noted for its array of grasses and wildflowers. Both the Middle and Upper Lakes are a fisherman’s paradise for rainbow and brook trout.
Camping
6. Wildspring Guest Habitat
Camp in luxury while surrounded by impressive forest landscapes, and mountain and ocean views at Wildspring. Guests can choose from among well-appointed cabin suites discreetly placed throughout the forest for the ultimate in privacy.
The cabins are designed with separate sleeping and living areas and are beautifully decorated with vintage furnishings, walk-in slate showers, assorted antiques, en-suite bathrooms, and assorted amenities. Guests also have access to the Guest Hall with its fully equipped kitchen, open-air jetted hot tub, hammocks, complimentary refreshments, and a free breakfast buffet.
7. East Lake
East Lake offers a little something for everyone to enjoy during the summer. The 420-hectare lake within the Deschutes National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise. Salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, picnicking, and strolling the sandy beach at sunset are just a few of the lake’s attractions.
Travelers looking for a relaxing outdoor camping experience can choose one of the 29 camping sites. The campground is located at the southern end of East Lake where campers have access to a beach and a boat ramp.
8. Sea & Sand RV Park
For an inviting home away from home environment, the Sea & Sand RV Park offers just that, and more. Choose from ocean or forested sites, each with the necessary amenities, which include electricity, water, cable, sewer, and access to free Wi-Fi.
The park features a seven-mile stretch of beach where swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting are just steps away from camping sites, and deep-sea fishing and whale-watching charters and tours are available at nearby Newport and Depoe Bay. Other activities and attractions near the park include casino gaming, an 18-hole golf course, aquariums, lighthouse tours, and a variety of dining and shopping venues.