Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Oregon, United States

April 29, 2022 Yuk Petri

Discover the best top things to do in Oregon, United States including Shore Acres State Park, Crater Lake National Park, Smith Rock State Park, Ecola State Park, Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, Hug Point State Park, The Glass Forge, Pittock Mansion, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Cape Lookout State Park.
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1. Shore Acres State Park

89428 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420 +1 541-888-3732 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=68
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 816 reviews

Shore Acres State Park

The park has created a "garden for all seasons" and an observation building which offers spectacular views of seascapes and migrating whales.

Reviewed By 928brendaz

I went to see the sunset at Shore acres and experienced a bonus of a spectacular Christmas light display. So glad I stumbled into it.

2. Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park, OR +1 541-594-3000 http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,026 reviews

Crater Lake National Park

Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park.

Reviewed By mgschmidt2019 - Dorsten, Germany

Blue, blue pure and intense colour allover with Wizard Island on one side! The deepest lake in the US, rised by a volcanic eruption, is a visitor´s resp. photographer´s dream. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range it offers unbelievable and beautiful views along the various trails and alongside the West and East Rim drive with more than 30 pullouts to inhale the dramatic scenery. Take your sandwiches, fruit and coffee with you to enjoy a great picnic near the Rim Village. The park´s entrance feeis $25 per vehicle, good for 7 days.

3. Smith Rock State Park

Highway 97 9 Mi. North, Redmond, OR 97760-9721 +1 800-551-6949 http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,086 reviews

Smith Rock State Park

Reviewed By wonderland62 - Hillsboro, United States

I don't know what is more impressive - views of nature or watching rock climbers scale cliff walls! Bring water and you can have your pick of different trails (difficulty scale is accurate).

4. Ecola State Park

Off Hwy. 101, Cannon Beach, OR +1 503-436-2844 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_188.php
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,827 reviews

Ecola State Park

Reviewed By TrailsExplorer

This is a wonderful area to get a taste of the Oregon Coast with some great mountain hikes to view from above and beach hikes to observe the sea stacks.

5. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

1600 Air Museum Rd 1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR 97031-9800 +1 541-308-1600 [email protected] http://www.waaamuseum.org
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 401 reviews

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they're full of LIFE! Enjoy over three-and-a-half acres of indoor exhibit space.

Reviewed By 104jareds

I first heard of WAAAM years ago, shortly after they opened. At first I thought "An antique airplane and car museum in Hood River? How good could that be?" I have come to rue those thoughts. If only I had visited much sooner. If you like antique planes, this is a must see, bucket list item. The number and variety of antique aircraft is simply astonishing. And the fact that the planes are maintained in flying condition - well, that is just fantastic. I am not a pilot, but I do like vintage aircraft. I love to see all the details that make up a craft that can take to the air, in the relatively simple form of old airplanes. You can see all the working bits in some of these planes. Take a look at the 1910 Curtis Pusher, where you CAN see everything. If you also like vintage cars, those are here in abundance as well. Would you like to learn how to drive old cars? WAAAM has you covered there as well. I have taken the Model T driving course, and will be back for another one. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things about WAAAM, it is simply wonderful.

6. Hug Point State Park

Highway 101, Cannon Beach, OR +1 503-986-0707 http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 507 reviews

Hug Point State Park

Reviewed By Brookecn - Denver, United States

Great stop while driving South on 101 from Cannon Beach. The tide was low so we got to walk out on the sand and checkout tide pools and see some anemones, and walk right up to a small waterfall on the beach.

7. The Glass Forge

501 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR 97526-2472 +1 541-955-0815 [email protected] http://glassforge.com
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 280 reviews

The Glass Forge

This is a fully operational glass blowing shop, where you can get up close and even try your hand at blowing molten 2000 degree glass. The artisans are usually working producing all kinds of glass art from vases, bowls to paperweights and sculptural pieces. Come browse the gift shop, or just stay and visit. It does get warm so can be very nice in the winter!

Reviewed By ThisDotDanni - Grants Pass, United States

Easy glass blowing for people who have never done it before. Wonderful selection of colors for making floats or ornaments. Awesome explanations!!

8. Pittock Mansion

3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210-5099 +1 503-823-3623 [email protected] http://pittockmansion.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,529 reviews

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.

Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States

This is a must-see when in Portland. It’s location close to downtown Portland (but feels a world away) makes it a perfect excursion. I took the self-guided tour of the mansion’s interior which was well worth the $12 cost of admission. The (at that time) state-of-the-art household features such as recessed lighting, massaging/spa shower, individually controlled lighting, thermostat, refrigeration room and local/long distance telephone system are incredible. Although most of the household furnishings are not original to the house (or the Pittock family), I found it quite fascinating to learn how they acquired these from other local families in similar sociology-economic circles who lived at the time as the Pittocks. The history of the home’s construction, it’s decline and subsequent abandonment and its massive restoration is amazing. The grounds are lovely and the front lawn has some of the best views overlooking Portland and beyond (on a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and more).

9. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 +1 503-771-8386 [email protected] https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?propertyid=27&action=viewpark
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 439 reviews

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

In the summer months, this peaceful park comes alive with brightly colored rhododendrons.

Reviewed By U57KMmaryl - Portland, United States

In any season, you'll find a reason to linger here. You can see bald eagles, great blue herons, wood ducks, and a huge variety of overly friendly geese, ducks and squirrels. There are also nutria, beavers and river otters. Each season brings new delights.

10. Cape Lookout State Park

13000 Whiskey Creek Rd US 101 to Three Capes Scenic Drive Oceanside, Tillamook, OR 97141-9499 +1 800-551-6949 http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=134
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 370 reviews

Cape Lookout State Park

Coastal park offering opportunities for whale watching.

Reviewed By Jcwill5 - McMinnville, United States

My son and I camped for three nights and were super pleased with our experience here. We did the long beach walk north to the end of the sand spit, the shorter beach walk south to the caves and tide pools, and took the long hike up to the cape lookout trail head and then out to the cape (9.4 miles round-trip). Our tent camping site was clean, well laid out, and offered running water, a picnic table, and fire ring. We were graced with bright sunny days and a clear night for star gazing on the beach. This is a real gem of a park, and they have a really fine day use area, too, for one day visitors. We highly recommend it!

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