Places to Visit in Oregon in Summer
There are so many places to visit in Oregon in the summer. Keep in mind that summer in Oregon does not really start until the month of July and runs through September.
If you’re looking for Oregon vacation ideas, summer is a great time to plan your trip.
Average summer temperatures in Oregon are a high of 80 (it may reach 100 degrees once or twice). Night temperatures are the best as they drop down to the low 60s after the sun has set.
There are many summer outdoor activities like exploring the coastline, hiking, swimming in lakes, photographing waterfalls, and strolling through beach towns.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
What to Pack for a Trip to Oregon
- Rain jacket – always be prepared for rain while you’re visiting Oregon, especially near the coast.
- Hiking shoes – If you’ll be exploring any hiking trails in Oregon, we recommend hiking shoes instead of sandals. After the umpteenth time of getting rocks out of the sandals, you’ll thank us!
- Hiking socks – Darn Tough socks help prevent blisters, keep your feet dry, and are guaranteed to last.
- Water shoes – You’ll want shoes that are made to get wet AND protect your feet from the rocks. If you’ll be visiting the coastal beaches and tidepools, pack water shoes.
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Healthy snacks
MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT IN OREGON IN SUMMER
OREGON ATTRACTIONS IN SUMMER
Columbia River Gorge
If you are wanting to see some amazing waterfalls, then Columbia River Gorge needs to be on the top of the list of places to visit this summer in Oregon
This area is a great place for relaxing with the most incredible views you can imagine. The Columbia River Gorge is a favorite Oregon photography location.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon. It was formed after a volcano erupted 7,700 years ago. This lake is the deepest lake in the United States with the most beautiful blue water your eyes have ever seen.
Not only is this Lake beautiful to look at, Crater Lake National Park offers miles and miles of hiking trails. Crater Lake is a great bucket list location when exploring Oregon with kids! Be sure to include the guided boat tour of the lake in your stop!
Cannon Beach
Just 80 miles west of Portland you will find Cannon Beach. It is a great stop on the coastline if you are looking for a beach vacation with resorts, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Not only that, but it makes our list for the best Oregon Photography locations!
While spending your time on the sand be sure to locate the most striking feature about Cannon Beach.
The 235 ft tall Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is the largest monolithic rock that dots the shoreline and gives a great resting place for the sea birds!
Visit Portland
Whether you are looking for things to do in Portland with kids, or on an adult getaway for the weekend, Portland has so much to offer.
The must do things in Portland include:
- Aerial tram ride to see city views.
- Observation deck to see Mt. Hood/ catch a glimpse of Washington’s St. Helens.
- Tillamook Cheese factory
- Newport
- Otter Rock Beach
If you really want to explore Portland, try visiting a few of these 50 unique things to put on your Portland bucket list.
Washington Park
Washington Park has some of the most gorgeous gardens you will want to visit. This park is one of the oldest parks and filled with so much history.
Portland, Oregon has many parks to enjoy in the summer. You will find that Washington Park is really popular especially during the summer months.
It is suggested that you arrive right when the park opens or use other transportation to visit Washington Park like the city’s Max Light Rail.
Oneonta Gorge
Looking for a hiking trail that leads you right behind a waterfall? Then add Oneonta Gorge to your list of places to visit Oregon in summer.
Summer is ideal for this hike because it requires you to get your feet wet to make it to the waterfall. Another bonus to going in the summer is that the water is warmer and shallower during the summer months.
Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake is the perfect summer vacation for a family. They have both cabins and campgrounds are available for lodging.
Wallowa Lake offers the best beach-like swimming spots, boat launches and is located near an aerial gondola. If you choose, you can ride the gondola to the peak of Mount Howard that is 8,000 feet in height!
Hells Canyon Recreational Area
Hells Canyon is a must on your summer planning list when it comes to visiting Oregon! It is known for the deepest gorge in all of North America.
At Hells Canyon you will experience all different types of terrain, elevation, and more. It is located in Northeast Oregon and is totally worth the trip to visit it as you can explore by car, boat, and trail making it perfect for kids, adults, and the elderly.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Adventure is everywhere at Oregon Dunes National Recreation area.
Here you will find many different activities to keep your whole family entertained. You can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. They even have great picnic areas with the best views of the Oregon coastline.
Battle Rock Beach
If you are looking for the best view for fireworks this fourth of July, then look to Battle Rock Beach. Battle Rock Beach has an amazing show they put on every year.
Not only that, but Battle Rock Beach offers great waves for surfers and wonderful views. Battle Rock Beach also has great hiking trails, as well as a great selection of shops and galleries to browse.
Harris Beach State Park
Harris Beach State Park is located on Oregon’s southern coast. If you are looking for trails and sandy beaches to explore this is the place for sure to visit in Oregon this summer.
You can camp and stay a few nights or just make it a day trip. Enjoy a picnic on the beach and look at the beautiful views that the sea stacks make along the ocean.
Nearby you will also find the city of Brookings that offers amazing views and tons of recreational activities to do. If you are looking to rent a boat or even charter a boat service that will take you to the mouth of the Chetco River this is the place to visit.
Historic Oregon Trail
If you are interested in recreating the history of the Oregon Trail you can visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Here you will hear the story of the hopes, dreams, and heartaches of the Oregon Trail-era pioneers.
Summertime is the perfect time to visit this historic place where you can take a walk through a wagon train, and even experience history come to life at your own pace.
Find Oregon Travel Guides at Amazon:
Plan a Trip to Oregon
- Oregon Road Trip
- Oregon Bucket List
- Oregon with Kids
- Portland Bucket List
- Portland with Kids
- Oregon Photography Locations
- Taking Kids to the Beach
Plan Your Oregon Vacation
- Oregon Bucket List
- Places to Visit in Oregon
- Oregon with Kids
- Portland Bucket List
- Portland, Oregon with Kids
- Check out these Oregon TOURS
- Check out Oregon Hotels
- Check out Oregon Vacation Rentals
