Think you know Oregon? Think again…
Oregon is not the biggest state in the Union, not by far. But venture east of the Cascades into High Desert country and it can certainly seem that way. Gigantic open spaces where the skies open up and the infinite wild west claims you as one of their own. Going off the beaten path in Oregon holds a promise that will fulfill and excite you.
There are millions of acres of untouched wilderness. The Mount Hood region alone has so many hidden pockets of dense forest, sparkling lakes, and remote mountains where the wildlife go months or even years without seeing a single human in their midst.
The Oregon coastline is heavily traveled but look hard enough and you will discover many opportunities for isolation along the edge of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Granted, there are a ton of things to do around the state, but most people wouldn’t think to go further than Portland, the coast, or Mount Hood.
These people are missing out.
If you are any sort of adventurer, it is well worth taking the time to seek out what is beyond the norm. Dare to burst free from the crowds and explore the hidden treasures of the great state of Oregon. Here are just a few places you should definitely check out if you have a hankering for getting off the beaten path.
Pillars of Rome
Southeast Oregon’s Malheur County has a fascinating rock formation deemed the Pillars of Rome. Drive along Hwy 95 South to Rome, then go west from Rome station the south for a mile and a half. Millions of years of weather erosion have carved out this geological wonder.
Lost Lake
Located a few miles northwest of Mount Hood, there is a resort and campground at the waters’ edge. Come here for the remoteness, stay for the beauty that is Mount Hood National Forest.
Newbury National Volcanic Monument
Located in the Deschutes National Forest, this is a unique opportunity to see hardened lava flows in Central Oregon. A caldera formed, stretching 17 miles across the volcano. It is still active, with a shallow magma body 2 to 5 kilometers deep.
Steens Mountain
Endless miles of gravel roads, remote lookout points where you can see clear into Nevada and wild horses. Steens Mountain is a massive fault-block mountain stretching 50 miles from north to south. Located in Harney County in southeast Oregon, hardcore outdoor enthusiasts flock to this area for remote hiking, camping and wildlife viewing.
Dee Wright Observatory
Located not far from the famous PCT along highway 242 west of the Willamette National Forest. The summit of McKenzie Pass, to be exact. This observatory is made entirely of lava stone, which gives it the illusion of rising up over the surrounding lava stone by a giant playing with his building blocks.
Natural Bridges Cove
Hwy 101 along the southern Oregon coast hold many natural wonders, and Natural Bridges Cove is but one of them. The town of Brookings is your last stop in Southern Oregon before hitting the California border, and the cove is just a few miles north of that. See the power of the Pacific Ocean right off of the highway.
The Ghost Town of Whitney
Located in Baker County just south of State Highway 7 in Northeast Oregon, Whitney is an honest-to-gosh ghost town. It was founded in 1900, but 18 years later its sawmill burned down as the town never recovered. Today a few torn and tattered buildings remain.
