Places to see in Oregon vacation sights in Oregon Explore things to do in Oregon

Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Oregon with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Oregon sites or check out the sites in another state.

You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Oregon that have become local favorites easily with our site.

We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Oregon whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.

Dorris Ranch

Springfield, OR

Dorris Ranch is a national historic site, a living history farm and a public park complete with walking trails and natural areas. Dorris Ranch also serves as the western access point of the paved, 4-mile long Middle Fork Path, which runs to Clearwater Park. The park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Blue Lake Regional Park

Fairview, OR

Blue Lake Regional Park is a 64-acre natural lake fed by underground springs. The place also has a spray ground for all ages with colorful features that shower, gush, dump and pour water. Blue Lake Regional Park offers the opportunity for activities such as boating, fishing and swimming as well.

Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks

Astoria, OR

Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America’s most famous explorers. The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers and have an adventure in history.

Mount Talbert Nature Park

Clackamas, OR

Slip into Mount Talbert Nature Park to explore the four-mile trail network, check out the views and enjoy a picnic. Keep your eye out for deer, Western gray squirrels, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches and Western tanagers. Mount Talbert is the largest in a string of extinct volcanoes and lava domes that stretches across the east side of the region.

Gilbert House Children’s Museum

Salem, OR

Founded in 1989, Gilbert House Children’s Museum is named after Salem native, A.C. Gilbert. Gilbert House Children’s Museum provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences which spark children’s natural curiosity. The Museum’s mission is to “inspire children to learn through creative play.”

Deepwood Museum & Gardens

Salem, OR

Deepwood is a Victorian historic house designed in the Queen Anne style situated in a five acre public park with formal gardens, nature trails, greenhouse, and original carriage house. The property, located near downtown Salem, is owned by the City of Salem and managed by the Friends of Deepwood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Deepwood offers a variety of experiences including events and programs, and is open to the public year round. As an educational non-profit, Deepwood’s historic house museum offers a glimpse into early Salem history with tours, exhibitions and lecture series.

Owen Rose Garden

Eugene, OR

Nestled next to the Willamette River near the Washington Jefferson Street bridge is the eight and a half-acre park known as Owen Rose Garden. The rose garden features the nationally recognized Oregon Heritage Cherry Tree, a webcam, a large open turf area, a public restroom, accessible gravel walkways with benches, a pergola-lined paved walkway, a 28-foot diameter gazebo, an arbor picnic area, a parking lot and maintenance facility, and an impressive collection of heritage and heirloom roses.

Vista House

Corbett, OR

Vista House is recognized for being one of the most beautiful scenic points on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The place was built in 1917 and is currently offering educational exhibits and displays relating to the building as well. Vista House can also be a place for travelers to rest and refresh.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Eugene, OR

Oxbow Regional Park

Gresham, OR

Oxbow Regional Park provides a perfect launch point for swimming, kayaking, rafting or fishing in the majestic Sandy River Gorge. Reserve a camping spot for the night, and gather around the fire for nature activities and music. You might bump into mink, beavers, raccoons, fox, deer, osprey, songbirds, elk, black bears or cougars. Every fall, nature puts on one of its greatest shows: salmon return to their spawning grounds to lay their last eggs, before dying in the waters where they were born.