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Natural Wonders

Outdoor enthusiasts love Oregon for its treasure trove of amazing natural wonders and the abundance of easily-accessible forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, mountain vistas and ocean coastline. Natural preserves, nature trails and observatories are common and eco-inspired travelers can discover nature in its pristine and spectacular grandeur throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region.

Hike beneath towering 500-year-old trees on the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail, or get a new perspective on forests by climbing 200 feet up into the old growth tree canopy on a guided tree-top tour! Bird watchers will appreciate the nature trails around the Delta Ponds or the West Eugene Wetlands.

Take a summer gondola ride up to the top of Eagle Peak for a stunning view of the Cascades-- the athletically-inclined can mountain bike or hike back down. At Clear Lake, row a boat above a petrified forest visible beneath 100 feet of water. Cycle the McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway (closed to cars during the cold season) to the Dee Wright Observatory at the summit, then hike through 1,500 year old lava flows.

Venture across North America's most expansive coastal sand dunes, driving over 500 foot-high dunes in an off-highway vehicle (eco-friendly guided tours reccommended). Visit America's largest sea cave, home to many bellowing sea lions.  Oregon Coast scuba divers can observe crabs and octopus at Oregon's first official dive park off Florence's North Jetty. And the stunningly beautiful Cape Perpetua is a great destination for whale watching or storm watching.

On an RV trip or have some leisure time? Drive the scenic byways of the Pacific coast or the Cascade Mountains. Grab your camera to capture spring wildflowers, colorful fall foliage or wildlife. Year-round natural adventures await you!