Crater Lake National Park – Klamath County, OR
As the name suggests, Crater Lake developed in a crater caused by an extinct volcanic caldera. The almost exactly circular lake is fed by rainwater and this has resulted in a stunningly clear lake bed. The intensely blue water is a photographer’s dream and it is a beautiful place to camp, hike or relax during a hot summer. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks of Mount Mazama and lava cliffs that create a panoramic backdrop and two tiny islands located right in the middle of the sapphire-blue waters. For a better view, tourists are encouraged to drive around the lake on the circular Rim Drive road that surrounds the lake and provides an overview of the beautiful lake. (Planetware)

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – Hood River, OR
The Columbia River meanders through the Cascade Mountain Range and the area surrounding it is truly gorgeous. This area is referred to as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and it is truly spectacular as it showcases several natural waterfalls and gorges. The 292,500 acre area runs from the mouth of the Sandy River right up to the Deschutes. The area offers hiking, biking, camping and several outdoor sports for locals and tourists. The area is also famous for the beautiful Multnomah Falls. Waterfalls are always gorgeous, but the Multnomah Falls on the Columbia River are truly stunning. The waterfalls split into two different falls spread out over two levels, and this makes it the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The waterfall is traversed by a footbridge that is popular with photographers as a backdrop for special events. Summer is the best time to visit the area. (Planetware)

Mount Hood National Forest – Mt. Hood, OR
Mount Hood is one of the highest mountains in Oregon reaching an impressive 11,239 feet in height. The Mount is surrounded by verdant forest extending from Columbia River Gorge to the Olallie Scenic Area. The forest is more than 1,067,043 acres in size and it is one of the most visited spots in the country. More than four million visitors traipse the 170 recreation sites inside the forest. The most popular areas include Timberline Lodge, Trillium Lake, Rock Creek Reservoir, and the Old Oregon Trail. The forest also has eight official designated wilderness areas that are a must-visit for their unique biodiversity, natural scenery, flora and fauna. (Planetware)

Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, OR
Beaches are standard in appearance, with sand and water but Cannon Beach has to be seen to be believed. The beach is truly stunning with powder sand beaches and looming coastal rocks located near to the beach. Water sports are offered on the beach and the resorts located close to the beach also offer a range of activities. One of the coastal rocks is called the Haystack Rock and is protected under the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge as it is a marine sanctuary for several unique sea creatures. The beach is surrounded by resorts and the closest town is Seaside which is a popular tourist town. The town of Astoria is also located close by and is historically significant for being the location of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park. (Planetware)

Oregon Coast Aquarium – Newport, OR
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located in Newport and the busy tourist town brings a huge amount of visitors to the aquarium. The 23-acre facility is one of the best aquariums in North American with four main exhibits spread out over the facility. The Aquarium is open all through the year and it hosts special tours and encounters, visitor trips, field trips, and even private events on the premises. The private tours are particularly impressive as visitors are guided by an aquarium employee in up-close and personal interactions with octopi, seals, and sea lions. However, events and tours do change regularly and visitors are advised to check the website and book in advance. (Attractions of America)

Washington Park – Portland, OR
Portland offers a bevy of delightful parks and gardens, but none has quite the density of attractions as Washington Park. Within park grounds, the famed International Rose Test Garden is located near the impressive Portland Japanese Garden. Each displays exceptional horticultural expertise and are favorites with green thumbs. For families, the park entices with fun explorations at the Oregon Zoo, as well as the Portland Children’s Museum. With plenty to explore in a day, including some of the best hiking trails near Portland, Washington Park delivers on something new with each visit. (Attractions of America)

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Reedsport, OR
South of Florence begins the dune landscape of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. It stretches along the Pacific Coast for about 40 miles before reaching Coos Bay. The massive wind-shaped sand dunes between the beaches and pocket forests offer a unique area to explore on foot or via off-highway vehicles. Popular destinations within the dunes include the sandboarding destination of Sand Master Park and the Umpqua Dunes area at Winchester Bay. The Oregon Dunes NRA is within the Siuslaw National Forest, alongside other scenic attractions such as Cape Perpetua and the Heceta Head Lighthouse. For a great place to pitch a tent or park an RV, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is located south of Florence and is one of the best campgrounds on the Oregon coast. Visitors to the dunes should make themselves aware of snowy plovers and the restrictions put in place to protect their habitat. (Planetware)

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art – Eugene, OR
This windowless museum in Eugene is designed to protect its art treasures. The wide-reaching collection features primarily Asian artworks, along with pieces from America and Europe. Opened in 1933, the museum is located on the University of Oregon campus, where other attractions include the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and a historic track at Hayward Field. Guided tours of the museum are available the first Saturday of every month and are included with the cost of admission. (Planetware)

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve – Cave Junction, OR
This subterranean attraction centers on a marble cave, accessible only during guided tours. The National Park Service offers a variety of tours that explore the cave, ranging from guided treks for families and kids to wild cave expeditions that veer off the normal tourist path. Above the surface, the protected area offers hiking trails through old-growth coniferous forest. The monument sits at 4,000 feet elevation in the Siskiyou Mountains. (Planetware)

Portland Japanese Garden – Portland, OR
Influenced by Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies, Portland Japanese Garden incorporates the energies of stone, water, and plants to create a peaceful, tranquil botanical haven. The garden, spanning five and a half acres of land, is separated into five features—flat, strolling pond, tea, natural and sand and stone—and also boasts a teahouse, cultural festivals and events, and workshops. (Attractions of America)