Let me preface this by saying looking up anything in Oregon looks like an absolute fairy tale. For as long as I can remember, Oregon was somewhere I wanted to go. It seems so magical. Before I was born, my parents took a vacation to the Oregon coast. I remember looking at those pictures in their photo albums and being mesmerized by how stunning it was. It’ll be great to finally visit this place I’ve held in such high regard for so long.
National Parks
If you’ve been keeping up, you know the drill by now. I’m going to see the national parks! What do I think of when I think of Oregon? None other than the Oregon Trail, of course! This National Historic Trail spans multiple states and has multiple markers that I plan on seeing along the way. At the end of the Oregon Trail, there is an interpretive center. It will be fascinating learning about a trail meant for travel as opposed to trade. It’s something I’ve geeked out over since I was a small child, so I’m very excited!
Crater Lake National Park is probably the most recognizable national site in Oregon. The only one I’d really heard of, actually. Set atop the gorgeous cascade mountains, it is a site to behold. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be allowed to kayak in Crater Lake, but I do like the sounds of taking a dip there! The Cleetwood Cove Trail gives you access to the lake. Its a strenuous hike, but I’m up for the challenge. After all, it’s not a race!
I also just learned about the Oregon Caves National Monument. You know I’m already down to go. If it involves water, bridges, or caves its as good as done. As it turns out, there is a candlelight cave tour and nothing sounds more exciting to me than that!
Hiking
While Colorado is quite diverse, the coastal forests of Oregon are something that I haven’t yet experienced. Its a small chunk of the entirety of Oregon’s forests, but for me its definitely the most novel. Due to its high humidity, the coastal fog zone allows the understory of the forest to be filled with ferns and shrubs and plenty of moss. It’s really dry everywhere in Colorado, so I’m excited to see a forest that’s completely different from what I’m used to.
Oregon is home to so many waterfalls I almost can’t wrap my head around it. I promise that I will see as many as I absolutely can while I’m there. Drift Creek Falls looks gorgeous and has a cool suspension bridge. There’s Multnomah Falls, South Falls/Silver Creek, Toketee Falls, Double Falls, and the list just keeps on going!
As far as the coast itself goes, there’s Thor’s Well which is both super neat looking and also super terrifying looking (where does it go!?). I’m excited to go tide pooling in prime tide pooling territory. There’s so many to visit! I imagine I’ll be able to see a bunch of animals I’ve never seen in the wild before. In the tidepools themselves, there are sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sculpins, and several different types of crabs. Then, there are the other animals, like puffins and orcas!
Bigfoot
The entire west coast of the United States is a hot spot for bigfoot sightings. Oregon is no exception. Apparently, near Bend, you can take a helicopter tour specifically to search for sasquatch himself! I couldn’t find pricing during my initial search, so I have no idea if that’s in the budget, but can you imagine if that was the reason I got to fly in a helicopter?
The Oregon Bigfoot Festival happens in August in Troutdale, OR. I don’t plan to be anywhere near Oregon in August, but if it just so happens that I am, I’m staying for the festival. With its focus being on pretty much all paranormal – ghosts, aliens, and bigfoot – its definitely a bucket list item.
When it comes to ghosts, the Oregon Trail left no small number of ghost towns to visit. That’s a western state staple. What piqued my interest, however, was Mount David in Cottage Grove. A haunted house is one thing, and sure, cemeteries can be spooky, but a haunted grove? That sounds amazing! Apparently it also houses a cemetery and its said that if you stay after the sun sets, a ghost will chase you out. That’s my kind of haunting.
Everything Else
I could go on for days talking about all the things I want to do and see in Oregon. I’ve always thought I could live there if it wasn’t for the general lack of sunshine. We’ll see how I feel once I get there, though. Portland was named the best foodie city in 2022 so that is something to make sure I get a taste of. Like Montana, there is also a mystery vortex. In addition to the many waterfalls, there are also so many hot springs and they are all so unique. And what is Oregon without its berries? It’s home to the marionberry and resulting marionberry pie. I do plan to be there during berry picking season, so I’m going to gobble up as many varieties of berries as I can find!
Where should I stop in Oregon? Any foodie recommendations that are must-eat? What about Oregon’s weird side?
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