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. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy – from beach-goers who want to soak up the sun on some of Oregon’s best beaches, to hikers looking for an adventure in one of its majestic national parks.
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.
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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
- Camera Gear Checklist for Travel Photography
Map of Oregon Summer Vacation Spots
Here is a map of all the great places you can visit in Oregon during summertime!
Places to Visit in Oregon in the Summer
With its rugged coastlines, majestic national parks, and breathtaking creeks and rivers, there are plenty of places to explore in this beautiful state.
Columbia River Gorge in the Summer
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, especially the iconic Multnomah Falls!
Take a leisurely hike through some of Oregon’s best trails or enjoy the breathtaking views from one of many lookout points. The Columbia River Gorge is sure to provide an adventure like no other this summer!
Crater Lake National Park in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 to capture 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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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 in the Summer
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.
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