Explore Oregon’s Wild Side: 11 Jaw-Dropping National Parks You Can’t Miss!

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Oregon in the Pacific Northwest has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the USA. From the iconic Oregon coast to jaw-dropping waterfalls and mossy forests, Oregon is certainly a destination for nature lovers. The Columbia River Gorge is a key recreational area known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities. Surprisingly, though, Oregon only has one national park: the famous Crater Lake National Park. But there are plenty of national monuments, national historic trails and national historic sites. There’s no shortage of nationally designated spaces, from a massive lake to a Lewis and Clark trail to national volcanic land. Let’s explore the national parks in Oregon.

National Parks in Oregon

11 Oregon National Parks

national parks in washington and oregon

Crater Lake is the only ‘national park’ in Oregon.

1- California National Historic Trail

The misleading name of the California National Historic Trail might make you think that this trail has nothing to do with Oregon. But, it actually spans across 10 states, with Oregon included.

The trail was created in the 1840s, and 1850’s when emigrants travelled west to the supposed land of ‘milk and honey’ to find better opportunities.

Not all travellers ended up in California, though- several travelled up to Oregon, settling in the western part of the state.

The California National Historic Trail is more than 5,000 miles (8,047 km) long, with the section from the Missouri River to California covering over 2,000 miles (3,219 km).

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There are several historical sites, churches, trail segments created by wagon ruts and museums along the trail.

You can check out the trail and the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Oregon.

This museum features Oregon’s largest natural history collection of thousands of artefacts.

Douglas County Museum is at 123 Museum Dr, Roseburg, OR 97471.

Stay at: Terraluna Inn

2- Crater Lake National Park

national parks in oregon state crater lake at sunset, with forest slopes and still water

Panorama view of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

Crater Lake National Park, one of the state’s most popular natural attractions, is in the Cascade Mountain Range atop a dormant volcano.

Crater Lake, the jewel of Crater Lake National Park, is one of the most pristine lakes in the world.

The lake is the USA’s deepest and the 10th deepest in the world, measuring 1,949 ft (594 m) deep.

Interestingly, no rivers flow in or out of the lake, preserving its deep blue colour and water clarity.

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Crater Lake National Park on a blue-sky day.

There are exciting things to do at this Oregon national park, whether you’re visiting during the winter, summer or the seasons in between.

The park is covered with glittering snow from November through May, providing visitors with many wintertime activities.

You can go snowshoeing with a guide or, if you’re feeling adventurous, on your own. And cross-country skiing through the subalpine forest and meadows that line the lake.

There aren’t any designated sledding areas, but you will find several opportunities to go sledding or tubing around the park.

The open meadow south of Crater Lake Lodge is a popular sledding destination.

The snow starts to melt in May and June, but not completely. Be prepared for snow to block access to some parts of the park. But it’s absolutely still worth the visit.

During these months, you can view the lake from Rim Village, snowshoe (until late May), hike or bike on the Rim Drive, watch the 22-minute long park film, and enjoy the winter’s remaining snow.

One of the fun summer activities in Crater Lake National Park is hiking and there are 23 named trails, ranging from 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to 9.8 miles (15.8 km).

The hiking trails offer diverse views, from the sparkling Crater Lake to pumice fields, from vibrant wildflowers to lush pine forests.

Plus, you can tour Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone off the shores of the lake. Once on the island, hike to the top to see the lake from a new angle.

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Golden Mantled ground squirrel at Crater Lake National Park.

Other activities during the summer months include fishing, backcountry camping and wildflower viewing.

The park is home to 250 species of birds (plus other fascinating creatures such as marmots), making it ideal for wildlife viewing and birding.

In the autumn, you can continue to observe the park’s wildlife and witness impressive bird migrations.

View the lake, hike (weather permitting) and discover multiple species of trees at the Ponderosa Picnic Area.

There are two lodging options within Crater Lake National Park: The Cabins at Mazama Village and the Crater Lake Lodge.

Depending on the season and weather, you might like to try the campgrounds in and around the park.

Stay at: Pet-Friendly House

3- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

national parks oregon fort vancouver

Fort Vancouver is an important national historical park in Oregon, offering educational insights into American history and native cultures.

Fort Vancouver is a national historic site on the north bank of the Columbia River covering land in both Washington and Oregon, with units in Vancouver and Oregon City.

The national historic site covers 207 acres (84 ha), including barracks and an air museum.

In the Oregon part of Fort Vancouver, the McLoughlin House site overlooks the Willamette River and holds a rich history.

The site consists of the McLoughlin House and the Barclay House, which were both built in the 1840s.

Today, these buildings function as educational museums where visitors can learn about the history of the period in which it was built.

Several activities are offered, including tours, talks and Victorian handcraft demonstrations.

McLoughlin House is at 713 Center St, Oregon City, OR 97045. The Barclay House is next door at 719 Center St, Oregon City, OR 97045.

Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton, Portland

4- Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Thousands of years ago, near the end of the last Ice Age, an ice dam in northern Idaho burst, releasing excessive flood water across the Pacific Northwest.

The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail comprises a network of paths connecting educational facilities and natural sites that interpret this significant event.

The trail covers 16,000 square miles (41,440 square metres) that span across Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon.

In Oregon specifically, you can check out sites along the Willamette River and the Wallula Gap.

The specific Oregon sites along the trail consist of Hat Rock State Park, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, Multnomah Falls and the Crown Point National Natural Landmark. Additionally, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park commemorates the historic journey of the Corps of Discovery, featuring replicas of Fort Clatsop, hiking trails, and visitor centers that provide insights into the expedition’s challenges and interactions with Native American tribes.

There’s also the Tualatin Ice Age Walking Trail, the Tualatin Public Library, the Erratic Rock State Natural Site, and the Willamette Floodplain National Natural Landmark.

At these sites, you can hike, read about the history of the Ice Age flood, observe how the land has changed since the flood, and check out skeletons, sculptures and engravings.

Stay at: Modern Upstairs Loft

5- John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

how many national parks are in oregon The sun readies to come up over urban landscape in the fossil beds.

John Day National Monument’s fossil beds.

In east-central Oregon, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument tells many untold stories of ancient Oregon.

The vibrant rock formations hold a history that spans roughly 40 million years, including evidence of ecosystems, climate change, and the evolution of animals and plants.

There’s plenty to do outdoors at the national monument, including hiking, rafting on the John Day River, biking and fishing.

The national monument consists of three specific units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno.

All units have hiking trails and picnic areas, and the Sheep Rock unit also is home to the Historic James Cant Ranch and the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.

At the Historic James Cant Ranch, open only during the summer, you can check out museum exhibits that entail life on the ranch in the early 20th century.

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, however, is perhaps more characteristic of a national monument dedicated to fossil beds.

The centre features fossil displays of more than 500 fossils from the area, in addition to unique murals and a paleontology laboratory.

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is at 32651 HWY 19 Kimberly, OR 97848.

Stay at: Stunning Hilltop Home

6- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is an extensive 4,900-mile (7,886-km) trail that wanders through 16 states.

Tracing the 1803 to 1806 Lewis and Clark expedition, the trail spans from Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean.

Along the lengthy trail in Oregon, there are 42 places to visit, including museums, state parks, hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife refuges.

At these sites, you can hike, read about the history of the expedition, check out unique flora and more.

Specific points of interest include Mt. Jefferson, the Sandy River Delta, Tansy Point, Ecola State Park, and Fort Clatsop.

Additionally, the Nez Perce National Historical Park is a significant cultural site that encompasses 38 different locations across four states.

Stay at: Trouvaille House Suite

7- Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

lewis and clark national historic park

Lewis and Clark national historic park structure.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, not to be confused with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, encompasses sites along the Pacific Coast and the Columbia River.

The PNW National Parks offer a diverse range of unique features and outdoor activities, from breathtaking landscapes to opportunities for wildlife observation, encouraging visitors to explore and plan their adventures in this vibrant region.

However, several sites that make up this national historic park also belong to the national trail.

For example, Ecola State Park is part of both the national trail and the national historic park.

Located just an hour west of Portland, this state park offers sightseeing and recreational activities along 9 miles (14.5 km) of the Oregon Coast shoreline.

Another main point of interest is the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center, where you can take a step back into the past at a replica of the fort.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed at this encampment during the winter between 1805 and 1806, giving the site a rich history in the exploration of the United States.

There are plenty of educational displays, films and demonstrations inside the Fort Clatsop replica.

Hike a trail or check out the historic canoe landing.

The Fort Clatsop Visitor Center is at 92345 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103.

Ecola State Park is in Clatsop County, just three miles (4.8 km) north of Cannon Beach.

Stay at: The Drifthaven at Gearhart

8- Newberry National Volcanic Monument

oregon national parks newberry

Newberry National Volcanic Monument is one of the Oregon national parks sites to visit.

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which was created within the Deschutes National Forest in 1990, provides a wonderful opportunity to view central Oregon’s lava fields.

The national monument covers more than 54,000 acres (21,853 ha) of land full of unique volcanic features such as lava flows, lakes and other geologic features.

Wildlife habitats include forests, wetlands and rocky habitats.

Here, you can view the fascinating wildlife, from bald eagles to raccoons to bats to bears.

You can also cycle, hike, camp, fish, ride horses and picnic. There are trails for both day hiking and backpacking.

Popular ones include Cinder Hill Trailhead, Lava Butte Trail, and Newberry Crater Trail, all providing opportunities to check out the monument’s interesting geological features.

Many activities vary depending on the season.

Popular summertime activities include boating and swimming at the lakes, while wintertime activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

The monument is closest to the cities of Bend, Sunriver, and La Pine.

Stay at: Lassen – Unit 15

9- Nez Perce National Historic Park

The Nez Perce, or Nimiipuu, people have lived in the inland Pacific Northwest for thousands of years.

These natives suffered from several tragedies, including land theft and deadly epidemics.

Yet, the tribe has demonstrated resilience throughout the years and has adapted in many ways.

The Nez Perce National Historic Park consists of 38 places that are important to Nez Perce culture and history.

The Pacific Northwest National Parks, such as Crater Lake and Mount Rainier, offer unique geological features and recreational opportunities that attract outdoor enthusiasts.

Many of the sites, such as the main visitor centre, Big Hole National Battlefield, and the Heart of the Monster, are located in the states of Idaho, Washington and Montana. But, there are still things to do in Oregon.

The Old Chief Joseph Gravesite is an Oregon site that holds much cultural and historical significance.

The cemetery, which covers 5.1 acres (2.06 ha) of land, is a site sacred to the Nez Perce tribe dedicated to Tıwi·teqıs, otherwise known as Old Chief Joseph, one of the most famous Nez Perce chiefs to ever live.

The native leader refused to sell his homeland to American settlers and uttered dying words urging his son to defend this land.

You can explore the site at the gravesite, visit the adjacent Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, or visit the nearby Wallowa County Museum.

All of these sites hold valuable access to knowledge and history of the Nez Perce.

The Old Chief Joseph Gravesite is located just 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Joseph, on the western side of Oregon Highway 82.

The Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is along Oregon Route 351, just south of Joseph.

The Wallowa County Museum is at 110 S Main St, Joseph, OR 97846.

Stay at: Golden Saddle

10- Oregon National Historic Trail

national parks in oregon

The Oregon Trail’s most famous scenery is in Nebraska but part of the trail managed by national parks services crosses through Oregon.

The Oregon Trail represents some of the most famous history of the United States.

Early American settlers trekked more than 2,000 miles (3,219 km) for promises of a new and fruitful life out West back in the 19th century.

Carrying up their belongings and packing them into wagons, the ruts left behind represent the struggle and the triumphs of Americans who took the trail.

Luckily you can visit sites along the trail to learn about the United States settler history. Additionally, Olympic National Park offers stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest.

The sites in Oregon are:

  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

  • Umatilla River Lower Crossing

  • Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

  • Flagstaff Hill (National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center)

  • Wasco County Historical Museum

  • End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

  • McLoughlin House

These places are located throughout the state of Oregon, so you can visit important Oregon Trail sites wherever you are in the state.

You can explore interactive and informative exhibits at the sites, see Oregon Trail ruts, and read about the trail’s past.

Stay at: Motolodge

11- Oregon Caves National Monument And Preserve

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Hit the road to explore the national parks of Oregon.

The last national site in Oregon is the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Another iconic destination in the Pacific Northwest is Mount Rainier National Park, known for its towering peak, outdoor activities, and diverse wildlife.

Here, you can check out the so-called “Marble Halls of Oregon”, created by acidic water that carved into the rock over aeons.

The park is quite large, covering 4,554-acre (1,843 ha) of land and twisting caves.

Here, you can camp, check out a bookstore, and explore the Oregon Caves.

There are three main guided cave tours: the Discovery Cave Tour, the Candlelight Cave Tour, and the Kids and Family Day Tour.

Each tour has unique characteristics, so make sure you sign up for the one that’s best for you.

You can also go off-trail caving, which requires crawling and squeezing through tight spaces in the most fascinating depths of the caves.

The Candlelight Cave tour, for example, entails exploring the cave as its earliest explorers once did: with the light of only a flickering flame.

On the tour, you’ll carry a candle lantern that will take you back in time as you explore the cave. However, the Candlelight Cave tour, the Kids and Family Day Tour, and off-trail cave exploring are always offered, so make sure to check out the tours in advance.

Oregon Caves National Monument is in the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon, 20 miles (32 km) east of Cave Junction on Oregon Route 46.

Stay at: Peaceful Applegate River Valley Sanctuary

If you love exploring national parks, you might like to read:

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