Seven Wonders of Oregon: The Ultimate Guide to Oregon’s Most Epic Places

You’ve probably heard of the wonders of the world, but did you know there are seven wonders of Oregon? These are seven breathtakingly beautiful places throughout the state that should be on everyone’s Oregon bucket list. These places range from otherworldly rock formations, to roaring waterfalls and beautiful mountains.

Below I’ll share everything you need to know about these amazing places, from how to get to them, what to do when your there and the best time of year to visit.

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Before You Visit The Seven Wonders of Oregon

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions.

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in existing campsites rather than over vegetation.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain because it can seep into water sources. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind. Bring a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly bury it or pack it back out to dispose of because it can pass diseases to wildlife. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail either. They are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them.

• Leave What You find: Do not take objects like plants off trail with you because they belong on trail. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Do not stack rocks. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states.

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing with multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away.

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum of 100 yards for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road.

• Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

The Seven Wonders of Oregon

Below is everything you need to know about our the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Learn where they are located, when the best time of year to visit is, what to do there and so much more!

1. The Wallowas

Location

The Wallowas are located in northeast Oregon, near the borders of Washington and Idaho. This seven wonders of Oregon is definitely the hardest to get to, but worth the longer hikes and drive out to it. Although the more visited area is the northern side near Joseph, Oregon and the Washington border, it stretches south, covering over 2 million acres of land.

The best time to visit the Wallowas is summer and fall, but it’s accessible year-round. The roads are more difficult to reach to impassible in the winter months. In the early to late summer months expect to have heavy mosquito activity in this area with all the alpine lakes and streams, so pack plenty of insect repellent.

This area gets regular summer thunderstorms, so always check the weather before adventuring outdoors and know they could appear without being in the forecast. The falls months will have less mosquitoes but the weather can begin to be more unpredictable in the mountains with colder weather and snow starting to fall.

What to Do in The Wallowas

• Backpack
• Hike
• Camp
• Paddle/Kayak
• Explore the town of Joseph
• Take the Wallowa Lake Tramway

Things to Know About The Wallowas

• Most of the popular hiking destinations within the Wallowas require very long, difficult day hiking, backpacking or using pack animals to reach. This is because most of these amazing alpine lakes and mountains aren’t easily accessible from town or the trailheads, but they are well worth the trek to reach.

• Although most people who visit the Wallowas are camping deep in the wilderness areas, there’s still plenty to do and see if you want to enjoy day hikes. You can use sites like AllTrails to narrow down hikes within a distance you are wanting to stay in while researching destinations. Keep in mind they can often be off in distance with this app, so be sure to research your trails more.

• You do not need an advance permit to hike or backpack within the Wallowas, but most major trailhead will have a self issue permit at the trailhead. There is a wood box at the trailhead sign with permits to fill out inside before you start hiking. Permits are extremely helpful not only if you get lost but they help allot funds to trails for maintenance. Be sure to read all the information on the sign for up to date trail conditions and any specific rules for the area.

• There are bears and wolves in the Wallowas, along with other predator animals like mountain lions. Always go prepared for an encounter when you go and know what to do if you see any of these animals. Never approach or feed wildlife and keep an appropriate distance, which is a minimum of 100 yards when possible. Always store food properly to keep animals away from camp.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners are best for these longer trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Backpacking gear if your going to backpack. Learn about my gear, here.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or cold weather outings.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guides for The Wallowas

Below are trail guides to beautiful alpine lakes located within the Wallowas.

Ice Lake and Matterhorn Summit

Eagle Cap Wilderness

Location

Mount Hood is located an hour and a half east outside of Portland. It is located south of the Columbia River Gorge, another one of the seven wonders of Oregon, and Hood River. Its proximity to Portland makes it a popular hiking and travel destinations for locals and tourists alike.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Mount Hood is an amazing destination year-round. It has something for everyone from paddling in a lake to hiking or skiing. If you’re a winter sport lover, winter is the best time to go. There are multiple ski resorts on the mountain and snowshoeing trails. Snow activities last into the spring months thanks to higher elevations.

In the summer and fall the activities are endless and also the most accessible months! Mount Hood and the forest surrounding it provide countless activities everyone in the family will surely enjoy. There’s countless campgrounds to pick from, hiking trails for all abilities, bike trails and dozens of lakes to paddle or fish on. Not to mention fields of wildflowers once the winter and spring snowfall melt away.

What to Do Near Mount Hood

• Ski or snowboard
• Sledding
• Paddle or kayak
• Mountain bike
• Visit Timberline Lodge
• Stay in a cabin
• Camp

Things to Know

• Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark that was built during the Great Depression, beginning construction in 1936. It sits on the south side of Mount Hood, just above the tree line and is a must see. Timberline Lodge was dedicated by President Theodore Rosevelt in 1937. The lodge is a working hotel and ski resort open year round, but also a fun day stop! There’s no better place so enjoy the views of Mount Hood than here. If you visit Timberline Lodge in the winter you will need a winter sno-park pass.

• Trillium Lake and Clear Lake are two of the most visited lakes near Mount Hood. They both have campgrounds for visitors and amazing views. There is a $10 day use fee if you wish to recreate at the lakes and aren’t camping, but no extra fee on top of the camping fee.

• Most of the forest service roads around Mount Hood are closed late fall through late spring or early summer, depending on the year’s snow fall. The roads get heavy snow accumulations and do not get plowed like main roads, making them particularly difficult to drive. Go at your own risk knowing if you get stuck a tow truck will not be able to assist causing you to potentially be stuck until the snow melts in the summer. Always pack appropriate winter gear in your car and make sure your car is designed to handle winter off road conditions because it’s necessary for safe travel.

• Mount Hood has amazing wildflowers in the summer months, including bear grass. Very few years there will be a bear grass super bloom, which is certainly a must see event. You can check trail reports or call the forest ranger station for up to date flower conditions before heading out.

• Timberline Lodge is the only ski resort open 10 months of the year, spanning into summer months. Although only one ski lift is open for skiing in the winter, there are countless mountain biking trails accessible at the lodge with ski lifts in use. You can learn more about the bike park, here.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners are best for these longer trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Backpacking gear if your going to backpack. Learn about my gear, here.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or cold weather outings.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guides for Mount Hood

Below are a few of my trail guides for hiking around Mount Hood:

Timberline Trail

The Best Mount Hood Hikes

Paradise Park

3. The Painted Hills

Location

The painted hills are the most unique of the seven wonders of Oregon and are located just under 2 hours northeast of Bend. The Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds. There are three separate units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds. The Painted Hills Unit is the closest to Bend and the most visited.

The other John Day Fossil Beds units are Clarno Unit and Sheep Rock Unit. It’s definitely a commuter to visit these areas, but well worth the drive!

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Painted Hills are open year-round, but you’ll want to time your visit based on the experience you’re wanting. In the winter it can be extremely cold, icy conditions on roads and even snow. If the hills have snow the beautiful red and orange dirt isn’t going to be visible.

In the summer months, it can be extremely hot with little to no shade around. If you visit in the summer, be sure to go early in the morning or evening to avoid hiking here in the heat of the day. Always wear proper sun protection and pack plenty of water because the sun can be unforgiving.

Spring and fall will bring the neutral weather, but you will still expect extreme heat and cold depending on when you visit. Most visitors go during the summer months so fall through spring will allow you to explore the fossils beds with less people around you. Thankfully the Painted Hills are never overly crowded with being more secluded.

What to Do Near the Painted Hills

• Hike
• Visit the Fossil beds
• Camp
• Road bike
• Explore the town of John Day
• Fish, float or paddle the river

Things to Know About The Painted Hills

• Never step off trail and walk on the Painted Hills. Every step causes irreparable damage to the surface, eventually causing them to erode. Unfortunately you’ll see others have and consequently their lasting footprints. Enjoy the beautiful area from the trail and help protect the beautiful hills of this seven wonders of Oregon because they are fragile. If you have to step off a boardwalk or climb a fence to get someplace your feet do not belong in that area.

• Most visitors make it a day trip or camp near one of the units. The towns nearby are quite small and have fairly limited accommodation offerings, but there are options.

• The Painted Hills are made of claystone layers. These layers come from old lake beds and ancient soils, which make them so fragile. The surface of the Painted hills are essentially clay that appears like soft crinkly sand.

• The Painted Hills and a John Day Units are located within the Oregon high desert. In the winter it can be extremely cold, icy conditions on roads and even snow. In the summer months, it can be extremely hot with little to no shade around but the more popular time for visitors. Always go prepared for an emergency with the conditions you could encounter.

• The John Day Fossil beds get their name because they do indeed have fossils visible. You can see various plants and mammals throughout the units.

• There is a visitor center, The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located in the Sheep Rock Unit. It is open five days a week but an extra hour each way from the Painted Hills. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and occasional holidays, but always check before going if it’s open.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Trail runners or walking boots are perfect for these easier trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• Sun protection like a sun shirt and hat to keep harmful UV rays off your skin.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guides for The Painted Hills

Below is my guide to the most unique rock formations throughout the state, including information on visiting John Day and the Painted Hills.

Unique Rock Formations Throughout Oregon

4. The Columbia River Gorge

Location

The Columbia River Gorge is located 45 minutes east of Portland and just across the Columbia River from Washington. Not only is this area one of the seven wonders of Oregon, it’s a state gem. The Columbia River Gorge is popular because of its abundance in waterfalls, over 90 to be exact, all located within an 80 miles stretch of land.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing year-round destination! You can visit here anytime, but you’re experience will differ by season. Winter months can bring a lot of ice and snow. It’s very wet fall through spring as well so there’s a high chance of encountering rain. The rain can cause issues on trail, like down trees and landslides, but the waterfalls are also roaring after a good rain. You may also get to see season waterfalls during the rainy season.

In the summer and fall months, the waterfalls will be less powerful and most seasonal falls will be gone. This is because the snow in the mountains is mostly done melting, creating less water flow. All of the major waterfalls are still flowing all year though.

Spring months bring about beautiful wildflower fields, which draw in thousands of visitors a year. The plateaus of the Columbia River Gorge are a beautiful sight in springtime. Just like spring, fall is full of beautiful colors. The Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oregon during the fall.

What to Do in The Columbia River Gorge

• Wind surf
• Visit an orchard and apple pick
• Explore Hood River
• Hike
• Bike the State Trail
• Visit Multnomah Falls Lodge
• Explore Cascade Locks and the dam

Things to Know About The Columbia River Gorge

• In 2017 the Columbia Gorge was greatly affected by the Eagle Creek Fire. Many of the hiking trails in here are very visible fire scar marks. Hiking on a trail that was affected by the fire still poses risks. Hiking here after heavy rain if during heavy wind increases the likelihood of falling trees and landslides. I have personally experienced both on trails here, so go prepared and know what to look out for.

• The Mulnomah Falls Lodge is a historic building located at the base of Mulnomah Falls. The lodge was built in 1925 and is the most visited area with over 2 million visitors a year. It has a gift shop, restaurant, snack concessions, restrooms and a coffee cart for visitors. It is the most popular area thanks to the towering 620 foot Multnomah Falls, but be sure to explore inside the lodge as well.

• Between May 26th and September 4th, anyone wishing to visit Multnomah Falls will need to get a permit with an allotted time if you wish to use the I-84 parking lot (exit 31). Visitors can pick a one hour time slot to arrive by, but you can arrive anytime within the one hour slot you reserve. There is a $2 fee for reservations. You can make your reservation here. Permits are available for purchase 14 days and 2 days in advance, but you can also get lucky with a day of permit if they are available.

• In the winter months, the Columbia Gorge can get snow and often a lot of ice consequently making for difficult hiking and driving conditions. The ice will affect the trails immensely and make the roads themselves difficult to drive. Interstate 84 can get shut down due to extreme weather, so always check the conditions before heading out. Always have your car prepared for winter conditions. Be prepared to have to spend the night by having proper winter items stocked in your car and plenty of gas because an ice storm could leave travelers stuck.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners are best for these wet trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or cold weather outings.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guides for The Columbia River Gorge

Below are a few of my trail guides for hiking in the Columbia River Gorge:

The Columbia River Gorge: The Best Hikes and Viewpoints

Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek

5. Smith Rock State Park

Location

Smith Rock State Park is located 30 minutes north of Bend, in Terrebone. It is an area known as the high desert of Oregon, sitting to the east of the Cascade range. Smith Rock is surrounded by farm land, the Crooked River winds through the park and has orange jagged rocks towering overhead, making this a must see of the seven wonders of Oregon.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Smith Rock State Park is open year round but the busiest in the summer months. In the summer months hiking here can be extremely hot since it’s in the high desert. Summer hiking is best done earlier in the day when possible to avoid too much sun exposure and the heat of the day.

Fall and Spring bring cooler temperatures and are the ideal time to hike here if you don’t want to hike in the heat. Winter is equally beautiful as the other seasons and if you’re lucky you may see the red rocks sprinkled with snow.

What to Do at Smith Rock

• Rock Climb
• Hiking/trail running
• Horse Ride
• Slack line
• Bird watching

Things to Know About Smith Rock State Park

• Because this is a state park, there is a $5 day use fee to visit. You can purchase a yearly pass or daily pass in advance online, here, or in stores nearby like REI or an outdoor supply store. There are also multiple kiosks at the park you can purchase from. A park pass or proof of purchase must be displayed in the car window. This park has a lot of working rangers, therefore it’s likely you will get a ticket for not displaying a pass.

• Smith Rock is known as a rock climbing hot spot, drawling in thousands of climbers a year. It is thought to be the founding spot of modern day sport climbing and certainly is an epic spot for it.

• Smith Rock has a campground located on the south side of the park, above the canyon wall before you reach the parking. There are no designated campsites here but rather a first come first serve field. There are a few spots marked as campsites, but for the most park, visitors find an area in the large field adjacent to the parking lot. The parking lot has working toilets, showers and camp kitchen cleanup sinks. Most visitors camping here are climbers who hike to their climbing routes each day, but anyone can feel comfortable camping there. It is $8 a night to camp here and you can learn more, here.

• Between January 15th-August 1st there are closures to campsite and rock climbing walls due to nesting raptors. You can learn more about the birds that call Smith Rock home and what the closures look like, here.

• If you’re new to rock climbing or have never tried, there are climbing guides that take visitors out to learn. What better place to try than Smith Rock, surrounded by epic views. You can learn about the various guides, here, to set up a reservation.

• Although the Crooked River runs through Smith Rock State Park, floating or recreating in the water is not allowed here. If you wish to enjoy water activities, you’ll have to find a lake or river elsewhere in Central Oregon. You can use my guide, here, to find amazing lakes to enjoy.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners are best for these rocky trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• Sun protection like a sun shirt and hat to keep harmful UV rays off your skin.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or cold weather outings.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guide for Smith Rock State Park

Here is my guide to Smith Rock State Park. Learn the about the best trails to hike and what to expect when you visit.

Oregon’s Beautiful Smith Rock State Park

6. Crater Lake National Park

Location

Crater Lake is located in central southern Oregon. It is a roughly 1.5-2.5 hours south of Bend, just over an hour north of Klamath Falls and just over 3 hours from Eugene. Although it isn’t next to any major city, it is an easy and worthwile drive!

Best Time of Year to Visit

Crater Lake National park is open year-round, but visiting is drastically different depending on the season. The area sees up to 41 feet of snowfall in the winter months, making it stunning but different to travel to at times.

The Rim Drive and North Entrance close late fall through late spring and even early summer depending on the year’s snowfall. The South Entrance remains open year-round, but can have extreme weather closures. This entrance gets plowed, but after heavy snowfall it may be closed until a crew can clear the road. This closure can last a few days. Crater Lake is stunning in the winter months, and my favorite time of year to visit because of the white snow-covered walls.

What to Do at Crater Lake

• Boat tour to Wizard Island
• Swim in the lake
• Hike
• Snowshoe/ski in winter
• Camp year-round
• Visit the historic lodge

Things to Know About Crater Lake

• It is the only national park on the seven wonders of Oregon list. Because it is a national park there is an entrance fee. You can pay $35 for a 7 day park entrance pass or purchase the America the Beautiful pass for $80. This pass gives you access to all national parks and monuments, among other things and is great if you plan to travel to more than just this park. You can purchase in advance online, here, at most outdoor recreation stores or at the gates when you arrive. It is best to purchase in advance to prevent lines from forming and slowing down the entrances to the park. You can learn more about the pass options and where all it gives you access, here.

• Never walk off trail and to the edge of the lake because it is dangerous. The ground surrounding the lake is extremely unstable and can cause visitors to fall down towards the lake easily. It happens every year to people going off trail and it is illegal if caught. In the winter months, if you are snowshoeing here, be aware that the snow may appear to stretch out a ways but could be hollow underneath and merely a snow cliff that can collapse. Always stay back from the edge and know what is under your feet.

• Crater Lake sees roughly 41 feet of snow in the winter months, which takes many months to melt out. Also, snow is often found even at lower elevations in the park through the month of June and into July at times. The deep snowfall also causes the Rim Road to close all winter through early/mid summer. You can learn about current snow and weather conditions at the park, here.

• Mosquitoes are present in droves here in the early to late summer months. They breed in the melting snow and can often be so thick you can’t go a step without being swarmed. Be prepared for them if you are hiking the the spring or summer months when they are most active. Be okay turning around if they are too persistent on a trail but try to plan a visit when it won’t be an issue if you can. I have encountered heavy mosquito activity on trails here and turned around to prevent being eaten alive even with insect repellant on.

• In early summer after most of the snow is melted, some of the higher elevation trails remain closed longer than the rest of the trails. This is due to the fact that they may still have remaining snow. The remaining snow can cause large rocks and boulders to come loose, creating a dangerous situation for hikers. If you see a trail is closed, do not continue on. I have witnessed people hiking past closure signs. If a ranger sees you, not only is it a hefty fine, it is not worth the risk. Always respect closures.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners are best for these trails.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Insect repellent for early summer months when they are rampant in the park.
• Packable towel if you plan to jump and swim in the lake.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or cold weather outings.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

7. The Oregon Coast

Location

The Oregon coast is, well, the entire ocean coastline from Washington to California. There are 362 miles of unique coastline to explore. The Oregon coast covers the largest span of land out of all the seven wonders of Oregon. Although this is such a large space of land to explore, it’s all so unique and worth a weekend drive if you have the time to see it all. Highway 101 is the best way to drive and see the entire area from the road but you’ll definitely want to get out to explore. You can use my guides below to help decide where to stop and what to see along the way!

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Oregon cost is amazing year-round, so planning your visit really depends on the experience you are hoping for. Summer is the best chance to have warm, sunny days at the beach. Fall through spring are usually cloudy, gloomy or stormy days.

I’ve been to the coast in winter and had almost 70° weather, so you never know what you’ll experience sometimes. My favorite time to visit the coast is in gloomy days rather than warm sunny days.

What to Do on The Oregon Coast

• Whale watch
• Oregon coast aquarium
• Visit a restaurant
• Fishing charter
• Explore the sand dunes
• Christmas lights in Brookings and Coos Bay
• Explore seasides shops
• Hiking
• Camping
• Fly a kite
• Kite surf
• Bonfire on the beach (only where allowed-check before you go)

Things to Know About The Oregon Coast

• Always research the tide schedule prior to the trip to plan out when you want to visit the beach areas. Visiting a popular tide pool will be a bit of a letdown at high tide because the ocean water will cover them. Be sure to know if there are king tides happening as well (usually fall-spring months) as these stormy waves can be quite dangerous.

• The Oregon coast isn’t like California or tropical beaches. In the summer months visitors can get lucky with warm weather, but the water is still quite cold year-round. If people surf, they are usually wearing a wet suit to stay warm, but you can take a dip without.

• The Oregon Coast is filled with unique rocky coastlines. From jagged cliffs to large rocks towering over the ocean, there are endless stunning spots to explore. These rocky beaches make for amazing tide pools, especially in the southern Oregon coast where you can see countless starfish.

• The 101 goes the entire stretch of the Oregon coast from California up to Washington and is the perfect route to explore it all. You can drive the 101 with day trips or take a 2-4 day trip exploring more of the coast. Not only is the road filled with viewpoints, sandy beaches and cute towns to explore, it also has amazing restaurants to eat at.

What You’ll Need to Bring

• A good pair of shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or walking boots are best for days at the coast.
• A waterproof jacket for year-round rainy days.
• Down jacket for cold summer nights or colder days on the coast.
• Electrolytes to help keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration year-round.
• A GPS device to contact loved ones or emergency services when out of cell service.
• Large day hiking backpack to hold gear, snacks and extra clothing layers.
• Always pack the 10 essentials, which you can learn about, here.

Hiking Guides for The Oregon Coast

If you wish to explore the Oregon Coast then use these guides below to help you find the best hiking trails, places to eat and unique destinations.

The Oregon Coast: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Hikes

Everything You Need to Know About Oregon Coast Cities

Reminders About The 7 Wonders of Oregon

• Be sure to always hike with the 10 essentials. Although you hope to never experience an emergency, you should always be prepared for one or having to spend the night on trail. You can see my “The 10 Essentials” guide to learn more about these items to make sure you have what you need.

• Always check the weather and tide pool schedules before heading out. You do not want to miss low tide or get stuck on a gale storm warning day unexpectedly. Know what king tides are and the dangers they pose if you choose to visit during a storm. They are dangerous and you should always be prepared and stay safe.

• Always pack out your trash and follow local beach regulations. If a garbage can is full, take your trash with you to the next open trashcan or to your car to dispose of it properly. If there are overflowing trashcans then it’s easy for birds to pull trash from or the wind to pick it up, increasing litter on the beaches.

• Although a tidal wave is very rare and unlikely to happen when you visit, know where to go if one happens and be prepared to evacuate quickly. There are evacuation route signs all along the coast to follow, so pay attention to them as you drive to be aware of your surroundings in an emergency.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to the seven wonders of Oregon! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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