Oregon feels like the hidden gem of the United States. We were awestruck by how vast and beautiful the landscape is. The whole state is packed with amazing places to visit, all of which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world – but these are the ones we feel should not be missed.
Opal Creek
Let’s just state the obvious – the water at Opal Creek is incredible, amazing, breathtaking – and any other adjective you’d like to add in. This is worth the stop just to see water this blue outside of the
tropics. And the best part is – the hike alongside Opal Creek is equally as amazing. Deep within the Willamette National Forest, the trail is also scattered with remnants of the logging and mining industries that are a big part of Oregon’s history. There’s nothing like walking through pristine wilderness only to come across rusting metal that almost looks like it’s been there forever.
There are three really amazing landmarks within Opal Creek – (1) Opal Pool, (2) a natural waterslide, and (3) Sawmill Falls. Opal Pool is so clear you can easily see the bottom, but is known for being quite chilly – although on a hot summer day, that might be amazing after the hike. And who doesn’t love a natural slide? This is fun no matter the age range of people traveling with you. And last, but certainly not least, Sawmill Falls mixes the beautiful white from the falls with the deep green of the water – and it’s stunning.
Haystack Rocks
If your not paying attention, you might think for a second that you’ve stumbled into Halong Bay in Vietnam, and while these beautiful rocks do share a similar feel to their counterparts in Vietnam, they
certainly are closer and – for those of us who prefer to RV, rather than fly – much more conveniently located. These amazing formations are found at Cannon Beach, but you should time your visit for low tide so you can get out to them. And the walk out is not short of wildlife. The low tide leaves behind plenty of tidal pools and you might just be able to spot a puffin hanging out on the rock as well. A few times a year, the tide gets so low – you can walk all the way around the behemoth and if you choose to venture out there at night, you’re sure to be impressed by the number of stars you can see.
Columbia River Gorge
Not that we’re ranking favorites – but the Columbia River Gorge is definitely packed
with things to do, and all of them will make you feel like you’ve stepped into some type of natural oasis. Honestly, we could probably make a list just of breathtaking sites in this one area alone – there are that many. The gorge itself is 80 miles long and borders the Columbia River, that divides Washington and Oregon. It’s so big it actually has gorges within it, including the Oneonta Gorge – and the beautiful green moss that covers the rocks on the side of this gorge has earned it the name the Emerald Canyon. And, to make it even better, the creek that runs through the gorge is often the only way through – so make sure to wear you water shoes and be prepared to get wet. Oh – and to top it all off – the creek has several beautiful waterfalls throughout.
If you want to get up close and personal with some waterfalls – the Eagles Creek Trail might be the
one for you. As you near the end of the trail, you’ll pass through Tunnel Falls where you literally can walk behind the waterfalls – ducking into the cavernous rocks thanks to trail builders from the early 1900s. If you choose to keep going for another half a mile or so – the trail will come to an end, but you’ll get to see Twister Falls – where two waterfalls come together to look somewhat like a twister, hence the name. Be warned though – the path to get there is tight and has been lovingly referred to as the Vertigo Mile.
And if you’re not convinced, maybe this will tip you over – Oregonians are known for being extremely friendly – going out of their way to welcome visitors and offer whatever help or guidance they can offer. So, this destination is a win-win, friendly people and truly jaw-dropping scenery. Sounds like an RVers paradise if you ask us!
