Oregon: Where To Go in 2025

Hot ticket: The Rogue River Lottery is open from Dec. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025

From the deepest lake in the United States to painted hills, ancient fossil beds and glorious ocean-kissed dunes, Oregon offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most unique environments on the planet. For those interested in history, it offers a window into both Native American heritage and the region’s pivotal role in the development of the United States, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Oregon Trail.

So where to go in 2025? Here’s our rundown of the usual suspects and some lesser-known options that are well worth checking out. Did we miss a good one? Please let us know by posting your experience in the form at the bottom of this article.

There’s something hypnotic about standing on a lip overlooking the deepest lake in the United States. Formed within the remnants of an ancient volcano, Crater Lake is surrounded by steep cliffs, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives like the famous Rim Drive, which provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

Sadly, Crater Lake Boat tours out to Wizard Island are cancelled for 2025 and 2026 due to construction and rockfall hazards, but this is still a stunning, unforgettable place to visit. If the views from above don’t suffice, take Cleetwood Cove Trail to the shore of the lake. On a hot day there’s nothing better than a cold plunge – and this is the only place where it’s allowed. You can also go fishing for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. No fishing license required.

The Columbia River Gorge National Recreation Area, spanning the border between Oregon and Washington, is a breathtaking canyon carved by the Columbia River. Known for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, and lush forests, the gorge offers stunning views and abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, windsurfing, and scenic drives along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Geologically, the gorge was shaped by massive Ice Age floods over 12,000 years ago, which scoured the landscape and created its dramatic features. The area also has a rich human history, as it has been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years and was a critical route for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Today, visitors can explore its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant small towns, making it a perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure.

Along with the incredible Multnomah Falls, which draws over 2 million people a year, you’ll definitely want to visit the Vista House at Crown Point, an octogonal marvel perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Gorge. For more activities and advice on dining, check out The Gorge Guide.

Permits: From May to September you’ll need to secure a timed use permit for Multnomah Falls. Parking is extremely limited, so consider options through Columbia Gorge Car Free or Columbia Area Transit (CAT).

If you’re still planning on driving, take I-84 to Exit 31.

Tucked between the Oregon Coast and the sprawling Siuslaw National Forest, Honeyman State Park is a hidden gem that offers an exciting blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and serene escapes. Known for its iconic sand dunes, tranquil lakes, and dense coastal forests, this 2,000-acre state park provides a perfect base for those looking to explore the magic of Oregon’s coast.

Honeyman is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This vast expanse of shifting, golden sand stretches for miles along the coast, creating a dramatic landscape that’s unlike anywhere else in Oregon.

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding: Rent equipment at nearby shops and glide down the steep slopes for a unique and exhilarating experience.

Dune Hiking: There are several trails in the park, including the Honeyman Trail, which connects to the Sutton Creek Trail, providing an easy-to-moderate hike through the dunes and along the edge of the nearby freshwater lakes.

In addition to the dunes, Honeyman State Park is home to the serene Sutton Lake, a 1,000-acre freshwater lake that’s perfect for a variety of water activities. The calm, clear waters of Sutton Lake make it an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Paddle around the lake, taking in the surrounding views of the dunes and dense forests, or cast a line in hopes of landing a bass, bluegill, or crappie.

The lake also has a beautiful day-use area with picnic tables and spots for relaxing, making it a perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon. For those staying in the park, there are several campgrounds near the lake, allowing you to enjoy the serene surroundings both day and night.

Beyond the dunes and the lake, Honeyman State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that will appeal to nature lovers of all kinds:

Camping: The park features two campgrounds, Honeyman Campground and Lakeview Campground, both of which provide convenient access to the dunes, lake, and forest. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cozy cabins, Honeyman offers options for all types of campers. The campgrounds are equipped with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing camping experience. You can book a site up to 6 months in advance.

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail, located in southern Oregon, is a paradise for hikers seeking adventure along one of the West Coast’s most iconic rivers. Stretching 40 miles from Grave Creek to Big Bend, the trail winds through the rugged Rogue River canyon, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a rich sense of solitude. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day backpacking trip, this trail delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Keep an eye out for black bears, river otters, bald eagles, and osprey, as the Rogue River canyon is teeming with wildlife.

The Rogue River Trail actually falls under the Bureau of Land Management, which has put together this old-school pdf guide with detailed information on where to go and what you can see, along with a very cool map.

Historic Landmarks: Along the trail, you’ll find remnants of the area’s rich history, including old homesteads, mining relics, and the Rogue River Ranch, which dates back to the late 1800s. Fans of Western fiction writer Zane Grey can check out the one-room cabin he built at Winkle Bar. In “Tales of Freshwater Fishing” he gushed about the Rogue River site, writing: “Far indeed it is across the dark Oregon peaks to railroad or automobile road!”

Waterfalls and Swimming Holes: Numerous creeks feed into the Rogue River, creating small waterfalls and refreshing spots for a swim during the summer months. Tate Creek Camp is a great place to take a dip after a long day hiking.

Whitewater rafting: Explore Mule Creek Canyon, a narrow, scenic gorge that offers class III rapids, or if you’re really feeling brave you can take the plunge down Rainie Falls, a popular spot for whitewater enthusiasts and salmon watchers.

Overnight Lodges: For those not camping, rustic lodges like Morrisons, Black Bar Lodge and Marial Lodge offer cozy stays and hearty meals, accessible only by trail or river.

Permits: While no permits are required for day hiking or backpacking along the Rogue River National Recreation Trail, permits are required if you plan to float the river itself – and the annual lottery for rafting and kayaking trips from May 15-October 15 is a hot commodity.
Also check out this video about permits.

Top Destinations to Visit

Mount Bachelor: Renowned for its winter skiing, Mount Bachelor transforms into a summer haven for hikers and mountain bikers. Ride the chairlift for panoramic views of the Cascades or explore the extensive trail system around the mountain.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument: This unique area showcases the volcanic origins of the region. Visit Lava Butte for stunning vistas, explore the mile-long Lava River Cave, or hike around the massive Newberry Caldera, home to sparkling Paulina Lake and East Lake. Don’t miss the dramatic Paulina Falls, a picturesque double waterfall. And definitely stop by the Lava Lands Visitor Center, open from May through October, which can get you oriented with its 3D topographic map.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: This 66-mile route winds through pristine forests and offers access to numerous alpine lakes, including Sparks Lake, Devils Lake, and Elk Lake. These are ideal spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with breathtaking views of nearby peaks like South Sister and Broken Top.

Smith Rock State Park (technically adjacent but a must-visit): A rock climber’s paradise and a photographer’s dream, Smith Rock features towering cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and abundant wildlife along the Crooked River.

Tumalo Falls: Just a short drive from Bend, Tumalo Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Oregon. A short hike leads to a viewpoint, while longer trails take you deeper into the lush Deschutes backcountry.

The Deschutes National Forest is rich with wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, bald eagles, and even river otters. The forest’s varied landscapes include volcanic lava flows, high desert plateaus, and lush forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. During the spring and summer, wildflowers blanket the meadows.

Permits and Planning

Day-Use Permits: Many areas in the Deschutes National Forest require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for day hikes and overnight stays, particularly in the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Washington wilderness areas. These permits are needed from late May to early October.

Camping Permits: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the forest, but you’ll need a wilderness permit if camping in designated wilderness areas. Campfires are often restricted during the summer due to wildfire risk—check local regulations before lighting one. The Forest Service offers this extensive list of options, or just pop over to Recreation.gov to book.

To reach Blue Pool, visitors must hike the McKenzie River Trail, a scenic 6.6-mile (one-way) path that meanders along the river, offering a variety of landscapes. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with some elevation gain, but it’s well-maintained and easily navigable for most hikers. From the trailhead at Trail Bridge Reservoir, hikers will make their way along the McKenzie River, passing rushing waterfalls, old-growth trees, and other natural landmarks along the way. As you approach the pool, the trail veers away from the river and leads you up a gentle incline, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest before you finally descend to the pool’s edge.

The fossil beds preserve a nearly continuous record of over 40 million years of Earth’s history. The area was once a lush, tropical landscape, home to ancient mammals, plants, and forests. Over time, volcanic eruptions blanketed the region in layers of ash, preserving fossils in extraordinary detail. As erosion sculpted the land, these layers were revealed in dramatic bands of color, each representing a different era. Today, paleontologists study fossils from this region to better understand the evolution of mammals, ecosystems, and climate over millennia.

The monument is divided into three units, each offering unique sights and activities:

Painted Hills: The most iconic part of the monument, with vivid layers of red, gold, black, and orange that change hues depending on the light. The Painted Cove Trail is a short boardwalk loop that takes you through the hills, while the Painted Hills Overlook Trail offers panoramic views of the colorful terrain. Visit in the late afternoon or evening for the best photography opportunities. For the helpful advice, check out Oregon Essentials.

Sheep Rock: Home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, this unit offers the best insights into the park’s fossils and ancient ecosystems. At the Paleontology Center you can see real fossils, exhibits, and even paleontologists working in the lab. Then hike the Blue Basin Overlook Trail for incredible views of the region’s blue-green rock formations. The historic Cant Ranch House provides a glimpse into the human history of the area.

Clarno: This unit showcases massive rock formations called the Palisades, formed by ancient volcanic mudflows. Along the Trail of Fossils, you can spot fossilized leaves and wood embedded in the rock. Then take the Geologic Time Trail to learn about the area’s evolution through interpretive signs.

Getting There
The monument is remote, but its three units are accessible by car:

Painted Hills: Located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, off Highway 26.
Sheep Rock: Situated along Highway 19, near the town of Dayville.
Clarno: Found 18 miles west of Fossil, Oregon, along Highway 218.

The units are spread out, with drives between them ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. It’s best to plan your visit by focusing on one or two units per day.

Permits and Fees
– Entrance Fee: Free! There is no cost to enter John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
– Permits: No permits are needed for day visits or hiking. However, if you’re planning any group activities or scientific research, special permits may be required.

Where to Stay
– Nearby Towns: Mitchell, Dayville, and Fossil have small lodging options and campgrounds. For more amenities, consider staying in Prineville or John Day.
– Camping: While there is no camping within the monument itself, nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and state parks, such as Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, offer camping opportunities. This OregonHikers.org thread has more options.

Fishing on the Snake River offers an unforgettable experience. Anglers can target a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and the renowned sturgeon, which can reach impressive sizes. Guided fishing trips are popular, especially for sturgeon, as these massive fish require specialized techniques. The river also provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing and spin casting from the shore or boats. The best time to visit depends on your target species. Spring and early summer are ideal for bass and trout, while sturgeon fishing is productive year-round, with summer offering comfortable weather.

The river also offers world-class whitewater rafting and jet boating. Experienced rafters can navigate the Class III–IV rapids, or you can book a guided rafting or jet boat tour for a thrilling yet safe way to explore the canyon’s depths. Three popular vendors are Borderline River Charters, River Adventures, Hell’s Canyon Raft and Snake River Adventures.

If you want to take your own boat, be sure to apply for a private powerboat reservation at recreation.gov, starting on March 1 at 7 am Pacific time. Also check out the Forest Service’s Boating Guide.

Strict landlubber? Try a scenic drive to Hells Canyon Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the canyon’s rugged cliffs and the Snake River below, or take the Wallowa Mountain Loop, 218-mile journey that winds through the beautiful Wallowa Mountains and provides access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness and numerous small towns like Joseph and Enterprise.