When people around the U.S. think of Oregon, a typical association is outdoorsy, nature-oriented people. And this stereotype makes sense, given the variety of picturesque landscapes and environments spread across our state. From the Three Sisters to the Painted Hills, there are endless ways to explore Oregon’s natural beauty. After living in Oregon for 13 years, here are some of my favorite outdoor activities and natural sites.
With winter around the corner, skiing and snowboarding are some of the best activities for when the temperatures drop. I have only gone skiing before, and my favorite location is Mt. Bachelor in Bend. There are two base areas you can ski between, West Village and Sunrise, and I would recommend checking out the trails at both. A more local skiing destination is Mt. Hood Meadows or Timberline. Night skiing is another popular activity because the evening atmosphere provides a unique experience where short lines and fewer crowds make it peaceful and freeing.
As for the other end of the year, white water rafting is a refreshing and memorable experience that is offered during the summer in Maupin. Groups of friends, family or sports teams can book a trip and expect to be entertained and expertly guided through a series of rapids. Professional guides accompany you the whole way which is amazing because they always know the best swimming spots and are prepared to keep you laughing and having fun the whole time. Trips can range from half days to overnight rafting adventures, so it is completely customizable and a definite must for a day of summer fun, bonding and adventure.
Personally, I haven’t explored all the scenic geography Oregon has to offer, but one memorable site that I have visited is Smith Rock. It is on the way to Sun River, so it is an easy detour or day trip from that popular vacation spot. Smith Rock is a state park that has a variety of outdoor activities, like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and slack-lining. But you don’t even need to plan a rigorous workout to appreciate the radiance of Smith Rock’s cliffs carved by the Crooked River over millions of years. Many easy trails are dog and family friendly and perfect for a group outing.
However, if you are in the mood for a good hike or bike ride, I would recommend the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a scenic 75-mile stretch of road that has been partially converted into a state trail that can be traveled by hikers, runners or bikers. There are many easy to moderate paved sections to choose from that provide stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, waterfalls and historic railways and tunnels. After an out and back bike ride from Hood River to Mosier, I like to stop in Hood River on the way home and grab lunch in one of their homey and welcoming restaurants.
While there are countless ways to appreciate Oregon’s natural beauty, and there are certainly sites that I still need to visit, Mt. Bachelor, white-water rafting in Maupin, Smith Rock and the Columbia River Highway are my top recommendations.
