Oregon is a state known for its stunning natural beauty—from the rugged coastline to its majestic mountains and everything in between. For those looking to explore all that this state has to offer, Oregon’s forests are some of the best places to start.
Oregon’s forests are home to some of the most incredible scenery in the country and offer a wealth of opportunities for hiking, camping and outdoor adventure. No matter what time of year, or what activity you are looking for, Oregon forests offer visitors a diverse range of experiences. Here are five forests in Oregon that you should consider visiting this summer.
1. Siuslaw National Forest
The Siuslaw National Forest is a coastal forest and covers more than 630,000 acres. The forest is known for its dramatic coastline, where visitors can hike along the beach and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. It’s also known for its stunning beaches and towering sand dunes. The forest has many hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears and bald eagles.
There are many campgrounds in the Siuslaw National Forest, making it an ideal spot for a weekend camping trip. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the Pacific Ocean or the myriad of rivers and lakes and comb the beaches for shells or lost items. Siuslaw National Forest features more than 40 miles of coastline and more than 30 freshwater lakes, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.
2. Mount Hood National Forest
The Mount Hood National Forest is located in northern Oregon and is one of the state’s most popular outdoor locations. Home to iconic Mount Hood, the highest peak in the state at more than 11,000 feet, the forest covers over one million acres and includes a variety of landscapes, from alpine meadows to old-growth forests.
Visitors can hike Mount Hood or take a scenic drive along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway, which winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the mountain. The Mount Hood National Forest is also a popular spot for camping, fishing and skiing in the winter months. It features more than 12,000 miles of trails, which range from easy nature walks for the whole family to challenging hikes that will take you all the way to the summit of Mt. Hood.
3. Umpqua National Forest
The Umpqua National Forest is located in southwestern Oregon and covers more than 983,000 acres. The forest is known for being home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, including the iconic Watson Falls, which drops over 270 feet into a crystal-clear pool, and the stunning Toketee Falls, which plunges 113 feet down.
Visitors can also hike along the North Umpqua Trail, which winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The forest features over 750 miles of trails, which range from afternoon walks to serious hikes that rise to the top of the Cascade Range. The Umpqua National Forest is also home to many campgrounds, making it a great area for a weekend camping trip. Campers can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the many lakes and streams of the forest.
4. Willamette National Forest
The Willamette National Forest is located in western Oregon and covers more than 1.6 million acres. It is named after the Willamette River, which flows languidly through the heart of the forest. Willamette is known for its many hiking trails, which wind through old-growth forests and offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. The trails stretch more than 1,500 miles.
Visitors can also explore the Three Sisters Wilderness, which is home to three iconic peaks: North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister. The Willamette National Forest is a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping in any of the gorgeous campgrounds or RV sites.
5. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is a beautiful and diverse forest located in northeastern Oregon. The forest spans more than 2.3 million acres and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, with more than 2,600 miles of trails to explore. The forest has a wide variety of trails, ranging from easy nature paths to arduous hikes that reach some of the highest peaks in Oregon. The Eagle Cap Wilderness is a popular destination for hikers, with more than 500 miles of trails and stunning alpine lakes. The Eagle Cap Wilderness is also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the forest, including the Wallowa Mountains and the Imnaha River.
Camping is another popular activity in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, with over 30 campgrounds to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a primitive campsite or an RV site with all the amenities, the forest has something to suit your needs. Many of the campgrounds are located near popular hiking trails and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The forest also has several backcountry camping areas for those looking for a more remote camping experience.
Keep Exploring
Whether you’re looking for a weekend camping trip or a day hike, these five forests in Oregon are sure to impress, but you don’t have to stop at just these five forests. Oregon has a total of 11 national forests, 6 state forests and 361 state parks. Oregon’s forests offer visitors many experiences and outdoor activities, ranging from hiking through old-growth forests to exploring rugged mountain terrain. Forests in Oregon have a natural beauty that is unmatched by anywhere else in the United States.
If you are looking to hike to the summit of one of Oregon’s many mountain peaks, camp in a lush forest or explore the rugged coastline, this state’s forests have something for you. Pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Oregon’s Forests Forever.
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