If you’re planning a trip to Oregon for your spring break or summer vacation and are looking for fun Unique things to do in “the Beaver State” that would be a perfect idea for families and friends, then make sure you read our list of 10 places you can visit!
10. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
This 85-mile stretch of land was formed by ancient volcanoes and has been chiseled away by overwhelming floods. Though the gorge actually includes portions of Washington in addition to Oregon, the Oregonian section takes you through the Cascade Mountains and provides views of misty mountains, dense forestlands, and more waterfalls than any other area in the country thanks to the 75 inches of rain that falls on average every year.
9. Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum
If you’re looking for something to do in Oregon for a car or plane lover in your group, then fly over to Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum. This museum is committed to the preservation and education of aviation, automobiles and other transportation-related antiques. The museum currently features over 300 vehicles. Most of the planes are from 1903 to 1941, while most of the cars were built between 1909 and the 1960s. There are special events every second Saturday of each month, and holds flying and car demonstrations, restoration demonstrations, and more.
8. Powell’s City of Books
If you’re looking for a thing to do in Oregon that appeals to bookworms, then Powell’s City of Books is a no-brainer. This bookstore claims to be the largest independent new/used bookstore in the world. There is over 1.6 acres of space that houses nine color-coded rooms and over 3,500 different sections. Their inventory for their retail chain and online sales is at over 4 million, so if you’re looking for a specific book, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. They also hold tours every Sunday at 10am, where you can learn more about the history of this very special bookstore.
7. Wine Tasting at over 500 Wineries in Willamette Valley
If there are any winos in your group, then make sure you stop by one of Willamette Valley’s 500+ wineries. This area near Portland is Oregon’s leading wine region. It’s also recognized as one of the best producers of Pinot noir – one of the most notoriously finicky grapes to grow. In addition to great wine, the area also is home to many high-end inns, charming bed & breakfasts, and numerous fine dining restaurants.
6. Crater Lake National Park
If you’re looking to visit a national park while in Oregon, you’ve got only one option: Crater Lake. This may be the only national park, but it packs a punch. Established in 1902, this is the fifth-oldest national park in the country. The lake itself is the result of a massive volcanic explosion and is 1,949 feet deep at its deepest point. This makes Crater Lake the deepest lake in the United States, second-deepest lake in North America, and the ninth-deepest lake in the world. Hiking, camping, and fishing are popular here. It’s a fisherman’s dream here as there as no license is necessary, and there’s no limitation of size or number. The only fish protected is the bull trout – the only fish native to the lake.
5. Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
The Oregon Trail is known to most of us thanks to the 1970s educational computer game. But you can learn more about the real deal at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. The center offers living history demos, interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, events, and more than four miles of interpretive trails. You may not be able to hunt for food or ford a river here, but you won’t have to worry about catching dysentery, either.
4. Portland Japanese Garden
If you’re looking for a little piece of tranquility during your visit to Oregon, then think about stopping by the Portland Japanese Garden. This 12-acre traditional Japanese garden is composed of eight garden spaces and a Cultural Village. Highlights include an authentic Japanese tea house that was constructed in Japan and assembled onsite in 1968 and a 100-year old five-tiered pagoda lantern from Portland’s sister city, Sapporo, Japan.
3. High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum near Bend is a great thing to do for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of North America’s high desert country. The museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits of Native American, pioneer, and animal life. In all, the museum has over 18,500 artifacts in its collection. In 2017, the museum became a Smithsonian Affiliate Institution. This distinction allows the museum to have access to some of the Smithsonian’s artifacts and traveling exhibits.
2. Mount Hood National Forest
A hiker’s paradise awaits at Mount Hood National Forest. There’s nearly a thousand miles of trails, but the most spectacular tend to be the ones that take you around the lakes. Not the hiking type? Drive the Mount Hood Scenic Loop that passes a number of small communities and historical sites. And if you’re a fan of horror movies, book a night’s stay the Timberline Lodge. The lodge, constructed in 1937, is a national historic landmark and recognizable as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. But whatever you do, stay out of Room 237.
Photo: K1 Speed
1. Experience Authentic Go Kart Racing at K1 Speed
If you’re someone that craves excitement and unique experiences, then a trip to K1 Speed in Portland or Bend should definitely be on your Oregon list of fun things to do. Known as the world’s largest and premier indoor go-karting operator, K1 Speed features go-karts are all-electric, so you don’t need to worry about breathing in exhaust fumes or leaving with stinky clothes. Plus, the power is instant, giving these karts a much faster acceleration than any gas-powered kart you’ve driven before. Junior karts speed up to 25mph and delight kids 4’ or taller, while adult karts rocket to 45mph for racers 4’10” or taller.
The location is immaculate and features motorsport memorabilia fit for a museum, meeting spaces for group events, an arcade for all ages, and an onsite eatery that serves food & beverages. And since everything is indoors, it doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or scorching hot – you can still enjoy this popular worldwide attraction, open seven days a week. If you’ve never experienced go-kart racing before or have never been to a K1 Speed – you simply have to stop in for an Arrive & Drive race.