15 Most Beautiful Parks in Oregon To Visit

Oregon is packed with some of the most beautiful parks that offer incredible views, peaceful hiking trails, and a mix of waterfalls, lakes, and forests that feel like something out of a movie. Let's dive in and take a look at the most beautiful parks in Oregon, and these should be at the top of your bucket list.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most jaw-dropping places in the entire state. The lake itself was formed over 7,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption, and today it’s the deepest lake in the country. The bright blue water is so clear, it almost doesn’t seem real. Visitors can drive the Rim Drive for different angles of the lake or hike down Cleetwood Cove Trail to actually touch the water.

Highlights

• Deepest lake in the U.S.
• Rim Drive scenic route
• Great for hiking and snowshoeing

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is one of Oregon’s best places to see waterfalls. Located in the Willamette Valley, it features the Trail of Ten Falls—a scenic loop where you can see, and even walk behind, some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state. It's a popular spot year-round, with hiking trails for all skill levels and plenty of picnic spots for a relaxing afternoon.

Highlights

• 10 waterfalls along a single loop trail
• Family-friendly hiking trails
• Camping and picnic areas

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is a desert gem in Central Oregon that draws rock climbers from around the world. The tall, rust-colored cliffs rise dramatically from the canyon below, making it a favorite for hiking, climbing, and photography. The Misery Ridge Trail is a local favorite, giving hikers a tough workout but rewarding them with panoramic views.

Highlights

• World-class rock climbing
• Gorgeous hiking trails like Misery Ridge
• Great for sunrise and sunset photography

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River Gorge is a natural playground filled with waterfalls, trails, and scenic viewpoints. Just a short drive from Portland, this area offers some of the most accessible and dramatic scenery in Oregon. Hikers love it for trails like Angel’s Rest and Wahkeena Falls, while others just enjoy the drive with stops at places like Multnomah Falls.

Highlights

• Dozens of waterfalls
• Great hikes and viewpoints
• Easy access from Portland

Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds)

The Painted Hills look like they belong on another planet. With colorful layers of red, gold, and tan soil that shift in hue depending on the time of day, it’s one of Oregon’s most surreal landscapes. There are short trails that take you through the area, and it’s a dream location for photographers, especially around sunset.

Highlights

• Vibrant colored hills and badlands
• Easy walking trails and overlooks
• Great for photography and geology lovers

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Cape Kiwanda is a coastal treasure, known for its giant sand dune and rugged cliffs. Located in Pacific City, it’s one of the best spots to watch waves crash against the sandstone and see dory boats launching right from the beach. It’s also part of the Three Capes Scenic Route, so it’s easy to add to a coastal road trip.

Highlights

• Dramatic sandstone cliffs
• Giant sand dune for climbing
• Close to breweries and beach towns

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park offers some of the most postcard-perfect views on the Oregon Coast. Just north of Cannon Beach, the park has forested trails, open viewpoints, and some great whale-watching spots. It’s especially popular for its lookout points of Haystack Rock and Tillamook Head.

Highlights

• Viewpoints of Haystack Rock
• Hiking trails along the cliffs
• Whale watching in the spring

Mount Hood National Forest

Mount Hood National Forest surrounds Oregon’s tallest mountain and offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. In summer, you’ll find hiking trails, mountain lakes, and wildflowers. In winter, it becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding. The mountain views are hard to beat, especially from Trillium Lake.

Highlights

• Year-round outdoor activities
• Waterfalls and lakes
• Historic Timberline Lodge

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes stretch along the central coast and offer a totally different kind of scenery. Massive sand dunes mix with coastal forests, creating a playground for hiking, off-roading, and sandboarding. It’s a great spot for camping and has easy access to the beach.

Highlights

• ATV and sandboarding fun
• Unique coastal ecosystem
• Campgrounds and beach access

Valley of the Rogue State Park

Located in Southern Oregon, Valley of the Rogue State Park is a peaceful place to relax by the river. It’s right off I-5, which makes it a great stop for road trippers. The paved trail along the Rogue River is perfect for walking, biking, or just stretching your legs after a long drive.

Highlights

• Riverside trails and fishing
• Campgrounds with river views
• Great stop between Grants Pass and Medford

Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park is perched high on the cliffs above the Pacific, just outside Coos Bay. What makes it special is the formal garden tucked into the forest, which is filled with plants from around the world. During winter, it’s also one of the best places to watch giant waves crash against the rocks.

Highlights

• Beautiful botanical gardens
• Winter storm watching
• Clifftop viewpoints

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park blends beach vibes with Oregon history. Located near Astoria, this massive park has military bunkers, long stretches of beach, and even the remains of an old shipwreck. It’s a favorite for families and campers, with lots of biking trails and easy access to the coast.

Highlights

• Wreck of the Peter Iredale
• Military bunkers and museum
• Beach access and biking trails

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a peaceful spot for a walk in the woods without leaving Portland. With over 8 miles of hiking trails and a nature center, it’s great for a quick nature fix. Locals love it for its shaded trails and wooden bridges over the creek.

Highlights

• Forested trails and creeks
• Family-friendly loops
• Popular with runners and walkers

Tumalo State Park

Just minutes from downtown Bend, Tumalo State Park is a perfect blend of river fun and high desert beauty. The park sits along the Deschutes River and is great for swimming, tubing, or just relaxing by the water. It’s also a favorite for summer camping and easy day hikes.

Highlights

• Great for summer camping
• River swimming and tubing
• Close to Bend breweries and restaurants

LaPine State Park

LaPine State Park is one of Central Oregon’s more low-key spots, but it offers big rewards. It’s home to Oregon’s largest ponderosa pine and sits along the Deschutes River, making it a great place for fishing, walking, or just enjoying some quiet time in nature. In winter, the trails are good for snowshoeing too.

Highlights

• Oregon’s largest ponderosa pine
• River trails and fly fishing
• Winter snowshoeing and fat biking

These beautiful parks in Oregon show off the state's best hiking, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views—perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

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