Looking for some summertime inspiration? When the summer rolls around, Oregon is a downright magical place to be. There's so much to do and see under the sun that it can be hard to choose where to start. From hiking waterfall trails to harvesting berries at a U-Pick farm, here are 11 unforgettable activities that'll start your summer off right.
11. Go out for ice cream.
When the weather warms up, Oregonians tend to flock towards the many amazing ice cream shops sprinkled throughout the state. Whether it's standing in line at the legendary Salt & Straw or grabbing ice cream cone from your neighborhood shop, there are few better ways to celebrate the summer than with a scoop of delicious ice cream. Find out about Oregon's best ice cream shops here.
10. Have a beach day.
From top to bottom, the Oregon Coast is downright spectacular. Summertime is a perfect time to visit and spend a day soaking up sunrays on the beach. Check out some of our favorite beaches in Oregon here.
9. Jump into a swimming hole.
This summer, skip the public pools and head out into nature for an unforgettable, scenic swim. There are lots of hidden gem swimming holes scattered throughout the state where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters. Check out our list of Oregon swimming holes here.
8. Pick berries at your local U-Pick farm.
Many of Oregon's wonderful farms invite visitors to come pick their own delicious food in the summertime. Take your pick between strawberries, blueberries, lavender, and so much more. Head to your local U-Pick farm or check out a list of great ones here.
7. Visit the deepest lake in the country.
If you haven't seen Crater Lake for yourself, you're missing out. This breathtaking lake is the deepest in the country, and it looks just like something from a dream. As it's located in the caldera of a mountain that's covered in snow most of the year, summer is a great time to visit, hike, take a drive around the crater's rim, and maybe even take a swim! Find out more about visiting Crater Lake here.
6. Visit a waterfall.
Oregon is home to countless waterfalls that'll blow you away with their stunning natural beauty. You can take an epic waterfall hike, or drive right up to the base of one (like Multnomah Falls). Check out some gorgeous waterfalls to visit in Oregon here.
5. Watch an amazing Fourth of July fireworks display.
Growing up in Oregon, I often heard the phrase "summer doesn't actually start until the Fourth of July". What better way to kick off the warm season than with a bunch of amazing fireworks? There are plenty of awesome firework shows happening this year in Oregon; check out our complete list here.
4. Visit a real life Enchanted Forest.
Located near Salem, the Enchanted Forest is a charming fairytale-themed amusement park that's fun for the whole family. Find out more about this whimsical, handmade theme park here.
3. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls.
Located in the amazing Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls is a fabulous hiking trail that makes for a perfect summertime outing. The hike is 8.7 miles long and passes 10 waterfalls in total, although you can easily walk the trail in shorter sections as well. Passing behind waterfalls and weaving through canyons, this easy hike is positively jawdropping. Find out more about the trail here.
2. Go star gazing.
When the clouds disappear, the night sky in Oregon can be truly spectacular. What could be more entertaining than laying out a blanket in the grass and watching the glittering sky?
1. Spend the day on the lake.
There are tons of amazing lakes in Oregon that make for a perfect day trip (or overnight) destination in the summer. Go swimming, take a boat ride, have a picnic, take a hike, or simply relax on the shore taking in the beauty of one of Oregon's loveliest lakes. Check out some of our favorites here.
What's your favorite thing to do in the summer? Check out our Summer Swimming Bucket List for more inspiration.
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