What to do and see in Oregon, United States: The Best Bodies of Water

August 7, 2021 Viva Honore

Discover the best top things to do in Oregon, United States including Sandy River, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Rogue River, Wallowa Lake, Hosmer Lake, Quartzville Creek, Deschutes River, Crater Lake, Cobble Beach, Oregon Coast.
Restaurants in Oregon

1. Sandy River

Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Sandy River

Scenic river in Oregon popular with kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

+1 541-308-1700 http://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,633 reviews

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

A 1243 mile long river with 80 miles of canyons. Located between the states of Oregon and Washington.

Reviewed By alif30 - Parrish, United States

What a beautiful area! We stopped at A few falls and then the scenic overview place. Multnomah Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Vista House. All in all it took only an a couple hours. I would like to go back someday and hike around the area.

3. Rogue River

3040 Biddle Road Siskiyou National Forest, Medford, OR 97504 +1 541-859-2200 http://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 308 reviews

Rogue River

Located in Southern Oregon, the Rogue River is a great fishing area.

Reviewed By CADNampa_Idaho

There are a couple sites just off the highway between Shady Cove and the Crater Lake road that are wonderful. They are an easy walk from the parking lot too for us seniors with health issues. It is a gorgeous River and interesting area.

4. Wallowa Lake

La Grande, OR
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Wallowa Lake

Reviewed By tamaraleek

My cousin has a vacation home on Wallowa Lake. It is one of my favorite places to visit. It's remote enough to keep out many vacationers, creating a place of peace and beauty. This lake has cool, crystal clear waters. It's wonderful for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. In late summer it even gets warm enough to swim in. The little town of Joseph is so sweet with a nice mix of shops and eateries. My last visit for the 4th of July did not disappoint. The temps rose in the 80's during the day and cooled down so beautifully at night. Please stay as you are Joseph!

5. Hosmer Lake

Bend, OR
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 118 reviews

Hosmer Lake

Reviewed By A1288HTallanb - Clackamas, United States

Getting crowded, but plenty of space to spread out. Take a picnic and head to north end for the day.

6. Quartzville Creek

+1 541-367-6186
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Quartzville Creek

Reviewed By H7293KTjoj

I went to Quartzville Creek to pan for Gold. There is a section of Quartzville Creek located above Green Peter Reservoir that is open to recreational gold prospecting starting at Rocky Top Bridge and goes up to Galena Creek. Within this stretch of Quartzville Creek are the Dogwood and Yellowbottom Recreation sites. It was a fabulous day and waters were low so you could carefully walk across the creek. My intent was to make it to Galena Creek but I had to turn back due to shortage of gas. There are multiple turnouts and loads of campeers. Didn't find any gold but it was It was a scenic drive that I will do again (with a full tank of gas!).

7. Deschutes River

970 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702-2225 +1 541-241-6263 http://www.bendkayakschool.com
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 253 reviews

Deschutes River

Reviewed By jonc588 - Las Vegas, United States

Wide open park and river space (was there during beer fest!)...float down the river, surf on rapids and miles of walkways, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, shops and other distractions. Everyone seemed to have a great time...as did we!

8. Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, OR 97604 +1 541-594-3000 http://www.nps.gov/crla
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 551 reviews

Crater Lake

Reviewed By RhondaA646 - South Portland, United States

We stayed near Crater Lake (see review Aspen Inn) and spent 2 days exploring the area. I had read it’s a one day stop but we could have spent more time. The hikes in the area are spectacular. The lake itself is stunningly beautiful- pictures don’t do it justice to how blue the water. 1st day we did the rim road. We arrived at 12 and the mirroring off the lake was truly remarkable. We also did two easy hikes - Plaikni Falls and Pinnacles. Pinnacles is very short and shows off the interesting formations. The Plaikni Falls is quite beautiful and again an easy walk. Do not forget your bug spray! The walks are mostly forested and the mosquitoes love it. I wouldn’t say they would ruin your hike but any means but the spray will make your walk more pleasant. 2nd day- Cleetwood Cove - walking sticks were my best friend both down and back. If you have any issues with knees, joints etc, I recommend. At 60 it was a challenge but doable. Make sure you get there no later than 8:30 am. The hoards came down on our way back. The reward was jumping from the rock at the end about 15 feet into the spectacular blue water. Is it cold - yes - was it scary - yes - worth it - yes. You can enter around some rocks but the cold water may make you pause - just jump - very deep and you don’t have to jump out far! We did 3 more hikes after that - all easy. Sun Notch - spectacular views of the Phantom Ship. The next 2 hikes showcased the amazing wildflowers found in the month of July. Castle Crest Wildflower Garden Trail stunning with rock walkway around the garden. Annie Creek Canyon Trail. We were not sure about this one as it backs up to the camp ground. It ended up being our favorite. Do the upper rim first and then it descends down to the creek ( not too bad). In July with the wildflowers- it is beyond gorgeous. We hardly saw a soul. We did not do any of the large hikes beyond Cleetwood Cove. I was with my son and I thought he might be disappointed I couldn’t do them but he loved every trail and how unique each trail. I didn’t know what to expect, but Crater Lake went far beyond expectations. It was respite from all the bad news and a place I found solace. It would be wonderful any time but July with the wildflowers was fabulous. Sorry for the long post but I found it difficult to find a post that helped plan our days. Hope this helps!

9. Cobble Beach

NW Lighthouse Drive, Newport, OR 97365
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Cobble Beach

Reviewed By gwallace87 - South Beloit, United States

Absolutely fascinating to experience a beach of cobble stones. Make sure to go during low tide so you can hear the waves as they move across the cobble stones almost singing. Additionally, you will likely see many sea lions sunning as well as the birds that inhabit the area.

10. Oregon Coast

+1 503-838-0926 http://vrbo.com/283939
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Oregon Coast

Use Highway 101, which clings to the ocean for most of the journey or occasionally venture off onto the smaller roads that wind through thick forests, up mountain passes and along seaside cliffs.

Reviewed By Clkinc - Gold Beach, United States

Whether you have driven a small portion or the whole stretch it is beautiful. We throughout the years have driven up and down many times. It is something which never really gets old. So many places to pull off and just enjoy the area!

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