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9 Places In Oregon That Are Better Than Anywhere Else In The Country

Oregon boasts diverse and stunning landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coastlines, with nine particularly amazing natural spots.

Published Jan 13, 2018

Written by 

Mikayla

When it comes to natural beauty, Oregon may have a bit of an advantage over other states. From our diverse (and stunning) landscape, to our magical coastline and bounty of glorious waterfalls, the Beaver State is overflowing with beautiful places. Here are 9 that are especially amazing:

1. Mt. Hood

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Flickr/Bonnie Moreland

There's nowhere else in the country that compares to the majesty of Mt. Hood. Our 11,000-foot mountain has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, 11 glaciers, and a never-ending supply of breathtaking views.

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2. Painted Hills

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Flickr/Tjflex2

Oregon's diverse and dramatic landscape never fails to amaze. Located in our state's high desert region, the otherworldly Painted Hills are truly a one-of-a-kind place.

3. Face Rock State Scenic View Point

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Flickr/Eric Riback

With rugged rock formations and vibrant tide pools, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is home to some of the most commanding ocean views in the country. Gazing out to sea has never been more fun.

4. The Wallowas

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Flickr/R.U.P.A.K - A.N.T.O ~~ Passing Time

From the jagged, snowy peaks, to the shimmering alpine lakes, the Wallowas are a wonderland for adventure-hungry Oregonians. This wild and magnificent part of our state is sure to bring out your inner explorer.

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5. The Columbia River Gorge

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Flickr/Thomas Shahan

This scenic area is a playground for nature lovers and waterfall chasers. Words cannot do this beautiful place justice.

6. Crater Lake National Park

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Flickr/Rual Diaz

Not only is Crater Lake the deepest lake in the United States, it also is one of the most stunning. No matter how many times you visit, it will still take your breath away.

7. Oregon Caves National Monument

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Flickr/Oregon Caves

A trip into the Oregon Caves is a thrilling adventure at any age. Be prepared to be in awe upon entering this national monument.

8. Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area

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Flickr/Barbara Luef

As if Oregon couldn't get any better, we've also got a 32,000-acres of spectacular sand dunes. Whether you take a relaxing stroll through the dunes or speed over them on an ATV, make sure you set aside ample time to explore here.

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9. Silver Falls State Park

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Flickr/Pete

The boundless beauty of Silver Falls State Park has made it a national treasure. And we're so lucky that it's a part of our state.

What places would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!

For more enchanting spots in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: 12 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Oregon That You Must See Before You Die.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

6 Epic Train Rides In Oregon That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Discover six scenic train rides in Oregon offering unique experiences from historical reenactments to dinner excursions.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Tessa Metcalf

Have you ever wanted to take scenic train rides in Oregon? Passenger trains are a great way to experience the wonders of Oregon, whether it's a scenic outing, a dinner excursion, a historical reenactment, or an unforgettable Mother's Day brunch. These six beautiful train rides in Oregon will take you on a journey you'll never forget.

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1. Eagle Cap Train Rides

A train winds along a riverbank, surrounded by lush green hills and autumn foliage.
website/ Eagle Cap Train Rides

Experience the wonders of train rides in Oregon and see the Wallowas like never before by taking a ride on the amazing Eagle Cap Railroad. This wonderful railway offers fall colors expeditions, photography outings, train robbery reenactments, and more. Want to do something amazing this year for Mothers Day? Check out the Mother's Day Brunch train ride for an unforgettable outing.

2. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

A vintage pink and silver train engine parked beside a row of tank cars on a sunny day.
Facebook/Oregon Coast Scenic Railway

Experience the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Dinner Train, a scenic Oregon Coast train ride that will take you on a three-hour trip along the coast and serve you a delicious multi-course meal. Don't forget to take a ride on its signature ride – the Oregon Coastal Excursion, where guests will experience the gorgeous Tillamook Bay to Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memories to last a lifetime. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad continues to be one of the most fun train rides in Oregon.

3. Willamette Shore Trolley

A vintage red and cream train car sits on tracks near a tunnel, surrounded by lush greenery and graffiti.
facebook/Willamette Shore Trolley

Hop aboard this vintage trolley in Lake Oswego for a lovely excursion along the Willamette River. Willamette Shore Trolley

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takes riders along historic rails dating as far back as the 1800s! With special events like the Fireworks Trolley and the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, visitors can pack in a full day of excitement one of the most scenic train rides in Oregon that is also fun for the whole family.

4. Sumpter Valley Railroad

A vintage steam locomotive puffs smoke as it travels along a scenic railway surrounded by trees and mountains.
facebook/ Sumpter Valley Railroad

Sumpter Valley Railroad is especially unique in that it is run completely by volunteers. It's also "the only steam powered narrow-gauge heritage railway in Oregon." Journey through the beautiful Sumpter Valley on one of the most gorgeous steam trains in Oregon and be sure to take advantage of their special events, like the Fall Foliage Express, Halloween Express, Flea Market Weekends, and more.

5. Santiam Excursion Trains

A vintage train with orange and black stripes parked on tracks near a station in Lebanon, surrounded by grass and trees.
facebook/ Santiam Excursion Trains

Climb aboard the Santiam Excursion Trains in Lebanon for a wonderful ride on a vintage train. Seasonal events include Mothers Day Brunch, Cheadle Lake Fireworks, Autumn Splendor, and more. In addition to their brunch and dinner train rides in Oregon, riders can also enjoy wine tasting, beer tasting, and fun family rides, too! This steam train is a fun time for everyone.

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6. Mt Hood Railroad

A colorful train labeled "Mt. Hood Railroad" crosses a bridge with a mountain in the background and lush greenery around.
facebook/Mt Hood Railroad

Take a ride through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery on the lovely Mount Hood Railroad. This awesome railway

offers scenic rides beginning and ending in Hood River, including special outings like the seasonal Easter, Halloween, and Christmas trains. In addition, visitors can take a railbike tour through the Columbia River Gorge for epic views of beautiful valleys.

Oregon is a great state for discovering natural beauty and history by rail! Hop aboard one of the many scenic train rides in Oregon to see the state in a whole new way.

Have you ridden on any of these trains? What other railroads in Oregon offer awesome excursions? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Looking for a scenic and affordable train ride through Oregon's Cascades? If yes, then this Amtrak ride may be perfect for you! And for even more one-of-a-kind adventures in Oregon, peruse the Airbnb experiences page.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Visit The Friendliest Town In Oregon The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up

Sisters, Oregon, is a charming and friendly small town known for its vibrant community, unique attractions, and picturesque landscape.

Updated Apr 15, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Oregon's big cities get all the buzz, but the heart and soul of the Beaver State truly is in its small towns. Once you have spent some time here, you will surely agree. Small towns in Oregon are the best small towns, full of bustling local businesses, unique attractions, and some of the friendliest folks around. One of our favorite towns is a place that's warm and welcoming, even on the dreariest PNW days. We're talking about Sisters, of course, the friendliest town in Oregon! Read up and then start planning your lovely trip!

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Sisters is a vibrant and artistic small town in Oregon named for the Three Sisters, a trio of nearby mountains that tower in the west.

A bronze statue of a rearing horse stands near a street sign and buildings under a blue sky with clouds.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Sisters is located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, bordered by Oregon's high-desert region. Known for its mild and sunny climate, Sisters is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, with the eponymous Three Sisters volcanic peaks and mountainous landscape providing the most picturesque playground.

Snow-capped mountain under a blue sky, surrounded by green trees and a field with a barn in the foreground.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Unlike other "gateway" communities, however, Sisters is a destination in and of itself, a place worth stopping, staying, and enjoying.

A cozy lodge at night, illuminated warmly, surrounded by snow-covered ground and tall trees.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

The downtown of Sisters is charmingly old-fashioned, with 19th-century facades and storefronts housing some of the most delightful local businesses and restaurants.

A charming small town street lined with shops, trees, and mountains in the background on a sunny day.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

Small businesses abound in Sisters, Oregon, with the Sno-Cap Drive-In being a perennial town favorite.

A small drive-in restaurant named "Sno Cap" with a sign, featuring homemade ice cream, surrounded by trees.
Joey Paysinger/Google Local

Folks have been raving about this place since it opened its doors in 1954. And, really, how can you *not* be happy when enjoying an ice cream cone this massive?

A person excitedly looks at a large ice cream cone held in front of them, with a playful expression.
Sno Cap Drive-In - Sisters, OR/Facebook

For nearly five decades, Sisters has hosted the world's largest outdoor quilt show that draws thousands of visitors. It's certainly an incredible event, but really, there are so many reasons to visit Sisters, and not simply this acclaimed festival.

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A group of firefighters and community members pose in front of a fire truck and a mural on a building.
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show/Facebook

You should visit Sisters because it's the kind of place that embraces its quirky side, with residents proudly displaying all sorts of delightful lawn art!

Colorful metal sculptures of roosters and sheep in a grassy area, with a fence and buildings in the background.
Amy Meredith/Flickr

Visit Sisters because it's the kind of place with a bustling downtown that's always hosting some sort of festival or community event.

A banner for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, featuring colorful flowers and mountains under a blue sky.
Austin Brown/Google User Reviews

Come to Sisters because it's the kind of place outdoor-loving folks choose to raise a family.

Santa Claus waves from a decorated sleigh, surrounded by excited children and a festive crowd in a winter setting.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

It's the kind of place where children still believe in Christmas magic, where Santa comes each year to spread holiday cheer.

Sisters is so friendly and picture-perfect that it almost doesn't seem real.

A large, two-story building with a wooden facade and stone accents, surrounded by greenery and a paved walkway.
Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce/Google Local

But luckily for us, Sisters is as real as it gets...

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...and for that, we are forever grateful.

A vibrant rainbow arcs over a cloudy sky, with trees and houses visible in the foreground.
The Sisters Country/Facebook

When was the last time you visited Sisters? When it comes to friendly places in Oregon, it's one of the best! It's sure to leave you feeling warm and happy feelings. If you're planning a fun trip to this nice town, you'll find some great options for places to stay on Vrbo. Whether you're looking to go with your significant other or a big group of family and friends, you will find fitting accommodations.

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