Oceanside, Oregon

The Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail, located near Gaston, Oregon, offers a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Opened to the public in recent years, this refuge protects vital wetland and prairie habitats while providing an easy walking trail ideal for birdwa...

Less than 2 hours from Portland, set the GPS to Gearhart, and drive out onto Del Ray Beach for the sunset with your significant other. This is the only beach in the state of Oregon that you are allowed to drive on. If you have four wheel drive, take a little drive through the incoming waves and ...

The Banks–Vernonia State Trail is one of Oregon’s premier multi-use rail trails, and the Banks Trailhead to Buxton Trestle segment offers a scenic and accessible experience for hikers, cyclists, runners, and nature lovers. This section begins in the town of Banks, about 25 miles west of Portland,...

Youngs River Falls is a scenic 50-foot waterfall on Youngs River, about 15 minutes outside of Astoria. The falls are somewhat unique in that the base is located only about 10 feet above sea level From Astoria. The falls have been featured in several movies, most notably Free Willy 2 and Teenage M...

Nestled in the scenic Chehalem Ridge Nature Park near Gaston, Oregon, the Timber Road, Ayeekwa, and Witches Butter Loop offers a serene 3.3-mile trail experience. This easy loop, typically completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, meanders through diverse landscapes, including meadows, dense fir ...

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint is a stunning coastal gem on the Oregon coastline. Boiler Bay offers up picturesque panorama views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Located just north of Depoe Bay, this state scenic viewpoint is a great stop for not only taking in the landscape but also ...

It all started when a man, in my grandad's age, initiated a conversation outside a rest stop just off the coastal highway, 101. I, then, was alone waiting for my travel companions outside the restrooms. He approached me without warning, and began asking intricate details of my travel plans and th...

Tucked in a forest within a few minutes drive of Astoria and along the Columbia River, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is small in size but rich in history.  If you're a wanderluster who appreciates learning about the early explorers that came before you this is a can't miss spot.  My own...

The Netul River Hike is a picturesque trail located in Oregon's Coast Range, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region's natural splendor. This moderate 2-mile out-and-back hike follows the Netul River, providing stunning views of the surrounding forests, meadows, and wildlif...

Black Rock Mountain Bike area is the perfect place to hone your MTB skills and take your riding to the next level. Black Rock offers clearly marked single track trails riddled with wooden ramps, berms and dirt features. There are trails ranging from "green" to "double black diamond", ensuring the...

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in nature on the Kingfisher Marsh and Pintail Pond Loop, a serene and accessible trail nestled within the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge near Hillsboro. This easy, family-friendly loop offers an exceptional opportunity to observe native wildli...

Parking for this hike can be found at either end of the trail. It starts at the west end of the Lewis & Clark Bridge from a small access road that is used as a parking lot. From here it is a flat walk along an old grassy road that is well maintained. If you forgot to bring along bags to pi...

Devils Punchbowl State Park is located just off of Highway 101. Finding the access path to the beach can be tricky since you need to be on the North side of the Punchbowl, but look for a path heading through the trees on C Avenue just north of 3rd. Once you get down to the beach head left.You may...

Nestled within Fort Stevens State Park near Warrenton, Oregon, the Coffenbury Lake Trail offers visitors a serene journey through the Pacific Northwest's coastal forest ecosystem. This accessible trail circles the pristine Coffenbury Lake, providing year-round recreation opportunities and stunnin...

At the northwestern-most point of Oregon sits Fort Stevens State Park. Located 3 ½ hrs from Seattle and 2 hrs from Portland, the park sits closest to the city of Astoria. The park itself has over 4300 acres to explore, with day use and camping open year round. However, the most well-known and mos...

Otter rock is the most popular surf spot for beginners in the state of Oregon. Located by Devils Punch Bowl, Otter rock offers playful waves that are great for beginners to learn how to surf. It's often called the Waikiki of Oregon. Even though it is a predominately beginner surf spot, the waves ...