This Oregon National Parks Guide Will Help You Plan the Perfect Outdoor Getaway
Oregon is known for its gorgeous landscapes, outdoor attractions, and its residents’ active lifestyles. It’s no wonder, then, that this beautiful state in the Pacific Northwest has incredible national parks and forests to explore.
Oregon’s national parks and historical sites are perfect warm-weather trip destinations, complete with hiking trails and campgrounds. Or avoid the crowds and come on the off-season.
The national parks and historical sites of Oregon are some of Oregon’s most popular outdoor attractions. Each one has different geological features and is suitable for a wide array of activities. Whether you’re a novice hiker or experienced adventurer, you can build an exciting trip itinerary around these epic sites.
Read on for the top tips on how to plan an unforgettable getaway around one of Oregon’s national parks.
Things to Know Before Visiting National Parks in Oregon
As you plan your trip to Oregon, keep the weather in mind. Most trails at the national parks and forests have pages on AllTrails, where you can read reviews from people who’ve hiked them recently. From there, you can get a better idea of what to expect. Muddy or icy conditions can make a hike dangerous, so take any reviews from a few days before your trip into consideration.
You should also prepare to buy park passes for your trip. Some can be picked up at the parks’ visitor centers, whereas others can be bought online. Camping, shuttles, and certain trails will also cost you extra, so you may wind up purchasing additional permits.
Crater Lake National Park: Oregon’s Only National Park
Technically, Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park. It’s also the fifth largest in the country, featuring a nearly 2,000-foot-deep lake that was formed by volcanic eruptions. From swimming in the lake to hiking around the rim, there’s enough to do here for a two to three day visit (or even longer for you advanced hikers).
Crater Lake is about an hour away from Klamath Falls, the nearest well-known town. You can even do a Crater Lake Trolley tour that leaves from town. On this 2-hour excursion, you’ll be introduced to the park’s history and some great spots for photos.
If you’re arriving from Portland, you should expect a 4-hour drive to reach Crater Lake National Park.
I also think Crater Lake makes for a great day trip from Medford, OR.
One of the easiest ways to experience Crater Lake once you’re there is by taking a 33-mile road trip around its rim. This drive features dozens of spots to pull over so you can take photos of the lake. If you plan on making this journey, do so during the summer or early fall – the road closes on November 1st due to precipitation, and it doesn’t open back up until May or June.
Those who can manage a steep hike can take a boat trip to Wizard Island (the small island visible on the southwest side of the lake) for a few hours of swimming. Take the Wizard Island Shuttle from Cleetwood Cove, which can be found on the Cleetwood Trail.
Novice hikers can still experience much of Crater Lake National Park by hiking the easy Castle Crest Wildflower, Pinnacles Valley, and Plaikni Falls trails. Whether you plan on getting in the water or staying dry, you’ll love witnessing this iconic Oregon national park in all its glory.
—> Read More: Best Weekend Getaways in Oregon
Oregon National Historic Sites
Alright, we’ve covered Oregon’s lone national park. But there is still so much natural beauty to experience in Oregon, which brings us now to Oregon’s National Historic Sites including National Monuments and National Forests.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
On a hot summer day, stay cool by exploring the Oregon Caves National Monument, often referred to as the Marble Halls of Oregon. Despite only covering 480 acres, there’s so much to see here – both above and below ground. The Marble Halls offer park experiences you’re likely used to, along with others you won’t find anywhere else.
This national park monument sits on the border of Oregon and California, five hours south of Portland and an hour away from Grants Pass. If you rely on your GPS or Google Maps for directions, you may get lost. Instead, check out these driving directions from Grants Pass. Since you’ll need to travel on a narrow road, it’s best to leave your RV and trailers at home for this journey.
In order to see the caves, you’ll need to schedule a guided tour. The National Park Service offers three cave tours – a discovery tour, a candlelit tour, and a family-friendly experience. The park recommends making reservations for tickets in advance.
Before booking, keep in mind that tour guests must be at least 42 inches tall and may not bring backpacks into the caves.
You’ll find more than just caves at this park – there are also six hiking trails with varying elevation gains. Those seeking an easy hike should walk along the Cliff Nature Trail, which is mostly flat and less than a mile long. If you can handle a 2,390-foot incline, try the Mt. Elijah Loop Trail to get a look at Mt. Shasta. Between hikes on the surface and underground adventures, you won’t find yourself bored at this popular tourist destination.
Mt. Hood National Forest
While most national park sites are more suitable for summer vacations, you can also enjoy Mt. Hood National Forest in the winter. You’ll be able to find lodging in the winter, whereas some other parks only offer campgrounds. So whether you’re visiting Oregon in January or July, consider adding Mt. Hood to your trip itinerary. Read on for why it’s such a great Oregon vacation spot.
Mt. Hood National Forest is an hour and a half away from Portland, two hours away from Bend, and four hours away from Crater Lake National Park. Before you begin your journey to Mt. Hood, check to make sure the roads you want to take aren’t closed, particularly in the winter. Some roads close seasonally, whereas others have special alerts due to temporary conditions.
If you’re visiting Mt. Hood in the summer or spring, hiking will likely be at the top of your to-do list. Easy trails include the Trillium Lake Loop and Tamanawas Falls. Those seeking a challenge should try the Mirror Lake or Mount Defiance trails. To hike to the top of Mt. Hood, you’ll need a permit and perseverance, as it can take hours to reach the summit and you’ll be hiking in tough conditions.
Winter adventurers often love Mount Hood for its ski runs. You can choose between five different ski areas – Mt. Hood Skibowl, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline, Copper Spur, and Summit Ski Area. Each attraction has ski runs with lifts, and some also offer tubing, snowboarding, and lessons.
With so many fun things to do, it would be hard to get bored at Mt. Hood National Forest and all its attractions no matter the season.
—> Read More: Ultimate Winter Travel Guide for Sisters, Oregon
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
This eastern Oregon monument is filled with preserved fossils from prehistoric times. It’s divided into three sections, each with a different geological history. You’ll also be able to find lodging and dining options nearby, making the John Day Fossil Beds a convenient trip destination.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is four hours away from Portland, roughly two hours away from Bend, and two hours away from Redmond. The nearest commercial airports are Eastern Oregon Regional Airport and Redmond Municipal Airport. Each part of the park is a long drive away from the next, so you may want to spend a few days here – otherwise, you’ll spend half a day driving.
Between the three sections, there’s plenty to see and do. First, start at Sheep Rock, where you’ll find the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center. This fossil museum also serves as the park’s visitor center and research lab.
After you’ve viewed the fossils on display, it’s time to explore the monument itself. There are a few good hikes in the Painted Hills unit, which is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Oregon.” Some easy to moderate trails in this area include the Carroll Rim, Black Canyon, and Painted Hills Overlook Trails. Don’t forget your camera – the fossil beds are stunning to look at!
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site actually stretches from Oregon into Washington State. It is located on the border in Vancouver, WA.
The history you’ll experience at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is quite diverse. The site has both indoor and outdoor attractions that encompass four different main attractions: a reconstruction of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver, the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks, Pearson Air Museum where you can learn about the history of flights, and the McLoughlin House. All of them are located in Vancouver except for the McLoughlin House, which is in Oregon City, OR.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has many hands-on activities, making this a great destination for families with kids, too. Kids will also no doubt enjoy watching the blacksmith demonstrations that often happen at the fort.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Located in Astoria, OR, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is an incredible place to learn more about the Louisiana Purchase expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It’s also home to Fort Clatsop located near the mouth of the Columbia River. Fort Clatsop served as an encampment for Lewis and Clark during the winter of 1805 to 1806.
While you’re learning about that history, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline and temperate rain forests.
The park is known for its trail system, which features ocean views and interpretive signs teaching you about the area’s past as you hike.
—> Read More: The Perfect 5-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Did you know there’s a place in Oregon where lava used to flow? There is, and you can see it for yourself at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument where these old lava flows have etched out unique formations and paths in the earth.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is close to Sun River and is a great day trip for those vacationsing in the area.
For hikes, don’t miss the Trail of the Molten Land and the Lava River Cave Trail. The Paulina Lake Trail is a loop trail that offers gorgeous water views.
Oregon’s Incredible National Parks and Sites are Waiting to Be Explored
If you love spending time outdoors, a visit to one of Oregon’s national parks, forests, or monuments is a must. With so many opportunities to hike, ski, and camp, you’ll never get bored of exploring the Beaver State. Whether you’re looking for a great adventure or just some sightseeing, you can’t go wrong with these Pacific Northwest outdoor paradises.