Summer in Oregon is positively magical---because there's just so much to do and see! We've compiled some of our favorite articles featuring warm weather activities to help you make the most of your summer. From exploring secret beaches to spending the night in a mountaintop lookout, here are 13 unforgettable things to add to your summertime bucket list.
* To read the full article on each activity, simply click on the title above each image.
13. Visit Lost Lake.
Tucked away in the beautiful Mt Hood National Forest, Lost Lake is a stunning hidden gem and a perfect summertime destination. Here, you can spend a hot summer day swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and more.
12. Take the hidden beaches road trip.
Ever wanted to explore some of Oregon's most amazing hidden beaches? For just that reason, we decided to put together an amazing Oregon Coast road trip that stops at all of our favorite hidden beaches, including Short Sand Beach, Hug Point, Crescent Beach, and more. (Click the link above the photo to find out more.)
11. Float down the lovely Deschutes river.
One beloved summer activity in Oregon is taking a long, leisurely float on an innertube down one of Oregon's natural lazy rivers. The Deschutes River near Bend is a particularly great place to spend an afternoon floating.
10. Take an unforgettable ride on the Mt Hood Railroad.
Every summer, the Mt Hood Railroad offers scenic excursions on a lovely vintage passenger train that winds past beautiful forests, orchards, and mountain views on the most unforgettable journey.
9. Go camping at Sunset Beach.
The campground at Sunset Beach is one of the best in the state, and it's especailly wonderful in the summertime. Bring a tent, RV, or rent a fabulous Yurt and get ready to spend the weekend relaxing in the most beautiful Oregon Coast setting.
8. Follow the amazing Ice Cream Trail.
Summer is, among other things, the season of ice cream. Sweet tooths beware: this Oregon Ice Cream Road Trip we put together will make your mouth water uncontrollably.
7. Hike to (and behind) the lovely Ponytail Falls.
The Columbia River Gorge is full of amazing hikes that are best experienced during the summer months. One of the most magical is the Horsetail Falls Loop, an easy 2.6-mile hike that passes gorgeous waterfalls, one of which you can walk directly behind for an unbeatable view.
6. Take a scenic drive along Sip 47, stopping at wineries along the way.
Located in the heart of Oregon's wine country, there's a gorgeous stretch of Highway 47 that's full of amazing wineries and vineyards where you can stop in for the most incredible wine tastings. The drive is called Sip 47, and it's downright magical.
5. Spend the night in the clouds at the Gold Butte Lookout.
Ever wanted to stay the night in a historic fire lookout tower? There are numerous lookout towers scattered throughout Oregon where you can spend the night up in the clouds overlooking miles and miles of breathtaking wilderness -- and one of the most wonderful is the rustic Gold Butte Lookout. A night here will make you feel like you're on top of the world.
4. Have a treetop adventure at Tree to Tree Adventure Park.
Speaking of being on top of the world, Tree to Tree is an incredible aerial adventure park hidden away in the forest near Portland where you can zip line, do obstacle courses, and more.
3. Visit the amazing Fort Rock ghost town.
Located in the high desert of Central Oregon near the amazing Fort Rock, Fort Rock Valley Homestead Museum is an amazing assortment of abandoned buildings collected from across the state and relocated to form a unique and fascinating ghost town.
2. Take a ride to the top of Mt Howard on the Wallowa Lake Tramway.
One undeniably amazing way to spend a summer day in Oregon is going to the beautiful Wallowa Lake and taking the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the summit of Mt Howard. The views along the way are downright stupendous, and when you get to the top you'll be greeted by even more jaw-dropping scenery as well as a hiking trail and a restaurant.
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1. Spend a magical afternoon at the Enchanted Forest.
Located in Turner, The Enchanted Forest is a one of a kind attraction tucked away in the Oregon countryside. Here, you'll find all kinds of charming fairytale-themed rides and displays that'll give you a truly magical experience.
What's your favorite summertime activity in Oregon? Check out our Ultimate Oregon Bucket List for more inspiration.
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