13 Great Things To Do In Oregon On A Fun Family Vacation
These things to do in Oregon are sure to keep the whole family happy. And they’re all within a few hours of Portland, the state’s easiest to get to city.
The U.S. west coast has long been a sought-after vacation spot for families. California’s beaches, family-friendly activities, and famous landmarks, in particular, have often taken center stage.
But, it turns out, the Golden State’s northernly neighbor deserves part of the spotlight too.
Oregon’s gorgeous natural settings and surprisingly good weather in many regions makes it a perfect family vacation destination.
In fact, the state boasts arguably some of the country’s most diverse landscapes and scenic views. And much of if it can be viewed in one of the Oregon’s whooping 360 State Parks. They’re just some of the places where the state’s natural beauty has been preserved.
Outside of the parks, Oregon offers great restaurants, family-friendly breweries, various activities and even more beauty.
But, enough gushing about the state. Because the real question is “what exactly is there to do in Oregon.”
Never fear, fellow family travel warriors. The answer is “plenty”. Our family found 13 of the best things to do in Oregon. And we’re sharing them here.
Oregon has a plethora of hiking trails and paths.
Hike Some Of Oregon’s Many Trails
One of the best ways to see Oregon is on two feet.
Many people think of Oregon as damp and rainy. Yet, the weather pattern is anything but in parts of the state, making for great hiking weather.
In fact the towns just east of the Cascade Mountain range boasts high desert climates. So some have almost 300 days of sunshine.
Black Canyon to Sutton Mountain Summit is located in one such town. At just 3 miles, the trail is an easy hike that still offers expansive views.
Trails in Klamath Falls are also worth checking out, thanks to the town’s status as the place with the most days of sunshine in the state.
For more Oregon hiking inspiration, visit All Trails’ 10 Best Trails and Hikes in Oregon.
Biking the high desert area provides a different way to see this unique part of the state.
2. Bike the State’s Bike Trails
Biking is one of my family’s favorite things to do in Oregon.
You’ll find scenic bike rides for all levels, beach biking done on fat bikes, and mountain biking for experienced riders.
Many family resorts, like Sunriver Resort in central Oregon and Hallmark Resort and Spa on the coast, offer bike rentals.
Venturing away from the resorts? Travel Oregon offers THIS bicycling guide to the best routes in the state.
Oregon Coast. (Photo credit: Caleb Jones @ Unsplash)
3. Visit the Oregon coast
The 363 miles of shoreline that make up Oregon isn’t just more pristine than many beaches by chance. That characteristic was largely made possible when it was distinguished as The People's Coast back in 1913. Since then, the land has been deemed public, resulting in less development and more undisturbed beauty.
Oregon’s climate has also been responsible for keeping the beaches less crowded. With an average water temperature of 55 degrees, both the water and the air are often on the chilly side. So while you can’t go to Oregon beaches expecting bikini weather and warm waters, you can expect rugged scenic vistas. The area is best for exploring, enjoying coastal towns, and hitting the water in a west suit.
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular spots on the Oregon coastline. At just an hour and a half from Portland, its claim to fame is Haystack Rock. This 235-foot rock is so striking that you‘ve likely seen it in movies like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.
Nearby Seaside is also close and offers a busier scene than its neighbor to the south. While the town of Florence offers things to do like exploring the sea lion caves.
Check out more seaside escapes in Lonely Planet’s list of the 11 best beaches in Oregon.
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Fly-fishing at Crooked River was a highlight of our recent family trip.
4. Fly-fish In Oregon’s Streams or Rivers
Oregon’s many streams, rivers, and lakes provide the perfect spots from which to fish. Both avid fisherman and newbies alike can enjoy all there is to offer.
Our family chose Crooked River to fish recently. The setting was stunning. And it was perfect for our kids to try their hands at casting a fly fishing rod.
The Ana and Deschutes Rivers are also popular fishing spots, as are many tributaries and waterways in the state.
Steelhead and trout can be fished throughout many of these spots in the state. Local guides can provide those less familiar with the art of fly-fishing all the instruction (and equipment) they need.
Hitting the water in a canoe or kayak is a great way to see the state.
5. Canoe or kayak Oregon’s Waters
Many of those same waterways that provide great fishing also make fantastic kayaking and canoeing spots. And seeing a destination from the vantage point of the water can be some of the most picturesque views of all.
Kayaking in the state can be as calm or as exciting as you would like for it to be. Thrill seekers can enjoy riding the rapids in places like the Rogue River or the Upper Klamath. And those seeking a tranquil float can explore spots like Hosmer Lake, where companies even offer moonlit kayaking trips.
Don’t discount the coast either for seeing the state from a boater’s view. Tripadvisor has THIS guide for kayaking and canoeing the Oregon coast to get you started.
Crux brewing in Bend is a family favorite.
6. Check out Bend’s breweries
Tasting hops in Bend, Oregon has become something of a sport in the area. With over 30 breweries just in town alone, there’s something to please every beer lover.
One of the best things about the breweries in Bend though is that many are family friendly. They offer things like outdoor spaces for kids to run, yard games, and nonalcoholic drink selections.
One of our favorite brew pubs to take the kids to is Crux Fermentation Project. The huge yard and on-site food trucks keep the kids happy and well-fed.
You can check out a large list of Bend’s best breweries and brewpubs on Eater.
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Abby Road From in the Willamette Valley has something for every age.
7. Explore Oregon’s wineries
Oregon has quite a presence in the nation’s wine scene. The state ranks fourth in the country in terms of wine production, behind only California, Washington and New York. Pinot Noir grapes are particularly well-acclaimed here. But, you’ll find lots of varietals, like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Willamette Valley, only about an hour from Portland is Oregon’s premier wine region. This valley alone is home to over 700 wineries.
And just like Oregon’s breweries, many of the state’s wineries are family friendly. Abby Road Farm, for example, welcomes kids. They offer things like opportunities to pet the animals on site.
Many wineries in the Willamette Valley request reservations be made for tastings. Your hotel concierge or rental host can likely help with that. Making reservations also provides an opportunity for you to check the winery’s policy on bringing minors.
Smith Rock State Park offers beautiful views and epic hikes.
8. Visit a National Park or Oregon State Park
Although Oregon has fewer national parks and monuments than some of her neighbor’s, the ones present are pretty spectacular.
Crater Lake National Park is the state’s only official national park but it definitely stands out as one of the most stunning in the country. It encompasses the nation’s deepest lake and has been called some of the most pristine waters on earth.
Other notable and visit-worthy places include national sites, trails, and monuments. Lewis and Clark National Historic Park and Trail and Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve and just a few on the list. The first features amazing views of the Oregon coastline where the early explorers ended their journey. The latter is a network of caves and passages more modern explorers, like us, can traverse.
But, you needn’t go national for a great Oregon park. Hundreds of state parks dot the landscape and visiting them is a perfect thing to do in Oregon.
Smith Rock State Park is one of our family’s favorite. The gorgeous rivers and gigantic rock formations make great backdrops for hiking.
Oregon offers ranch style lodging in many locations.
9. Stay on a ranch
Vacationing in Oregon is often synonymous with outdoor activities and one of the best places to do that is on a ranch. All those great things to do in Oregon are at your doorstep on a ranch-themed resort.
Ranch vacations allow guests to experience the area’s western culture. They entail western themed lodging and restaurants featuring local cuisine.
Ranch stays can vary from full on cowboy experiences to accommodations that just embrace western decor and theming. For example, Steens Mountain Guest Ranch in Diamond, Oregon is in a more rural part of the state. Guests can work alongside the ranch’s owners if they choose, riding and tending to cattle.
On the other hand, Brasada Ranch, located just outside of Bend, feels more like a country resort. Here guests can trail ride in addition to other activities, but they don’t “work the land”.
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Trail riding was one of our favorite activities on a recent Oregon vacation.
10. Explore Oregon on Horseback
Whether you stay on a ranch or not, horseback riding can be a fun thing to do in Oregon for beginners and experts alike.
My family loved our horseback trail riding experience at the ranch where we were staying. You’ll also find several companies offer trail riding not associated with resorts. Guests can choose from trails along the coast, in wine country, or at a state park.
Just remember to pack close-toed shoes as well as pants appropriate for being in a saddle.
11. Visit Beautiful Gardens
Oregon’s mild oceanic climate, warm summers and wet winters make it one of the most lush states in the country. And it turns out Oregonians love to showcase that in gorgeous public gardens. Exploring them makes a great thing to do here.
One of the most well known gardens is the Portland Japanese Garden. Considered the most authentic of its kind outside of Japan, it’s just one of the many gardens in Portland. The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park and Lan Su Chinese Garden are a few others.
Outside of Portland, you’ll find various other gardens, parks, as well as resorts that showcase gardens on their grounds.
ATV Tours in Oregon (Photo credit Rachel Cain @ Unsplash)
12. Go on an ATV Tour
The motorized version of getting around is another good way to experience many of the things to do in Oregon.
Oregon’s open country found in much of the state makes great land to explore by ATVs. Outside of Bend, for example, ATV tour companies offer rides through the badlands. Riders can see Newberry National Volcanic Monument, the Cascades and High Desert panorama, vistas of Mt. Bachelor, and more.
And in the coastal town of Florence, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is home to a 40-mile stretch of sand dunes. The sandy hills reach up to 500 feet in parts and make for great riding.
Hitting the slopes in Oregon.
13. Ski, Snowboard, or Tube
Travel and Leisure said it best when they wrote that Oregon ski resorts, particularly Mt. Bachelor, often fly under the radar. Yet, as they pointed out, they just might be the perfect winter destinations.
Oregon has lots to offer and many places to enjoy skiing and other wintertime activities. The aforementioned Mount Bachelor, for example, is the sixth largest ski resort in North America. It has over 4,300 skiable acres and is close to that town we just can’t keep talking about - Bend.
But Oregon’ s claim to winter fame doesn’t stop there. Timberline, which is located on Mt. Hood, is the only ski area in U.S. open ten months of the year. They also have 4,540 vertical feet, more than anybody else in the United States.
All told, Oregon has 13 ski and snowboard areas. From large ski resorts to smaller day parks, there’s a little something for every skier or snowboarder. And there’s even something for his or her non-skiing tuber friends.
