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Here Are 11 Spots In Oregon You Must Explore This Winter

Posted on November 13, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Only In Oregon

Only In Oregon

snowy rocky mountains

The Wallowa Mountains in winter. (Mike Lemmon/Flickr)

The travel experts over at Only In Oregon hand-picked this article for our audience. Their writers and editors explore the country, tracking down hidden gems, local favorites, natural wonders, and so much more. Check out more finds in your area at OnlyInYourState.com.

Oregon is full of incredible places to explore. But Oregon in the winter is even more spectacular! Take the opportunity to check out these incredible destinations in all their frosty glory. Ski on one of Oregon's phenomenal mountains, have a unique camping experience on the coast, discover frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and more. Get outside this winter for an unforgettable adventure - you won't regret it.

11. Wallowa Mountains

The Wallowa Mountains are a winter wonderland this time of year. There are great trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.

10. The Coast

Haystack rocks along the Oregon Coast, trees in the foreground.

The Haystacks. (Flickr / Jodie Wilson)


There's something truly magical about the Oregon coast during the winter. For some it's the howling sea; for others the crashing waves. And of course the ocean is always terrific and beautiful.

9. Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood is a wonderful place to explore during the winter. There are many great ski resorts including Timberline, which has a beautiful wooden lodge where you can relax, eat, and sip hot drinks after a day of skiing. To avoid the lines, the ski resorts are best visited on weekdays.

8. Emigrant Springs State Park

Emigrant Springs State Park is a great place to explore during the winter months because it gets a good amount of snow (it's located near the summit of the Blue Mountains) and the park offers log cabins to make winter camping more comfortable.

7. Camp in a yurt on the Coast.

Another way to camp comfortably during the winter months is in a yurt. Some state parks, particularly on the coast, offer these cute little lodgings for overnight stays. Here's a yurt at Fort Stevens State Park.

6. Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is beautiful any time of year, and is a great place to hike in the winter.

5. Frozen Waterfalls

Oregon is full of amazing waterfalls, and some of them look even more magical in the winter. Silver Falls State Park and the Columbia River Gorge have many frozen waterfalls that are so brilliant in the winter. Plus, at this time of year it won't be nearly as crowded.

4. The outdoor ice rink in Ashland.

Located in the southern part of the state, Ashland is a wonderful town. One of the most fun things to do in Oregon in winter is to come here and go ice skating in an outdoor park.

3. Baker County

With vast, snowy landscapes and horizons rimmed with mountains, Baker County is a winter wonderland this time of year. You can explore Burnt River Canyon, ski, ride a snowmobile, and more.

2. Crater Lake

Snowy view of Crater Lake, Oregon.

Winter at Crater Lake. (Steve Terrill / Getty Images)

Crater Lake is most popular during the summer, but in winter it is absolutely magical. Take a winter hike, cruise along the scenic Rim Drive, or stay a night in the Crater Lake Lodge so you can catch the most amazing sunrises and sunsets you've ever experienced!

1. Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor is a wonderful place for dog sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, and it's absolutely beautiful. There are so many unforgettable ways to explore the mountain, and you'll also find companies that can provide a wide array of unique tours.

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