Ten Classic Winter Adventures

This winter, seize the season and explore all the magic Oregon has to offer. With fewer crowds, this is your opportunity to take your time and soak up every moment, regardless of the weather. 

1. Explore the Oregon Coast

You may be picturing a constant drizzle on the Oregon Coast in the winter, but the breeze off the ocean will often clear the clouds and let the sun come through, even in winter. Layer up and head out to the tidepools for glimpses of underwater ecosystems and ocean creatures living their best lives. Check the tide tables for the low tide to make the most of it! Take the short hike up to Heceta Head Lighthouse to glimpse the beam from its 100-year-old lens, even more visible against cloudy skies. Don’t forget to head into Historic Old Town Florence for a bowl of clam or crab chowder or a warm beverage after your adventures.

2. Go snowshoeing

For waterfall views, start at Salt Creek Sno-Park and snowshoe over to Salt Creek Falls. Follow the tree markers to continue on to Diamond Creek Falls on a 3.2 mile (5.1499 km) loop trail. Or book a snowshoe tour with Cog Wild for a stress-free experience, with transportation, gear, snacks and a knowledgeable guide included. Cog Wild will customize a tour based on your group to help you make the most of your experience. As always, check road conditions before you leave and grab a sno-park pass when needed!

3. Catch a show

Plan a night out on the town and get tickets to a show! The Hult Center for the Performing Arts has a calendar full of ballets, symphonies, Broadway shows and other interesting acts.  The 2025 season features Eugene Ballet’s Dracula in November, Eugene Symphony’s Elf in Concert in December, and Beetlejuice the Musical in March. Catch live music at W.O.W. Hall or the McDonald Theatre, or check the calendar at The Shedd for jazz, American classics and musicals. If local theater is what you’re looking for, check out performances at the Very Little Theatre or the Cottage Theatre in Cottage Grove.

4. Book a cozy overnight stay

No adventure is complete without the perfect basecamp, and we know just the place. Cozy up in a mountain lodge at Loloma Lodge, Eagle Rock Lodge or Wayfarer Resort on the McKenzie River or at Westfir Lodge near Oakridge-Westfir. Stay on the coast at Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast for views of the historic lighthouse or at Driftwood Shores, where every room has an ocean view. If you’re looking to stay in Historic Old Town Florence, River House Inn has you covered. In Eugene - Springfield, stay at Campbell House Inn for classic bed and breakfast vibes or grab a room with a fireplace at Inn at the 5th.

5. Hike to a waterfall

Winter waterfalls are something special, fueled by rainwater and early snows. The forest around is rain-fed, vibrant green and home to seasonal mushrooms. Depending on the time of year, Sahalie and Koosah Falls may have just enough snow for a photo opp or enough to coat the trail. For a waterfall hike that is typically snow-free, take Highway 126 west toward the coast and stop at Sweet Creek Falls –multiple trailheads let you customize the length of your adventure. There are smaller falls all along this trail leading to a multi-tiered falls at the end.

6. Embrace the rain

Oregonians don’t let rain keep them from their adventures – so when in Oregon, do as Oregonians do and get out there! Grab a raincoat and a pair of boots, layer up as needed, and take in the magic of Pacific Northwest weather. With fewer people out exploring, you’ll have more room to roam at your own speed, and your photos will look incredible. Choose a trail through the Willamette National Forest for a little extra coverage from the trees or, if you don’t mind becoming one with nature, opt for a rugged trail at Mount Pisgah with more exposure to the skies (and the mud!)

7. Soak in a hot spring

There’s no better way to warm up on your adventures than a soak in hot springs. Head to Terwilliger Hot Springs, where four pools are nestled in the midst of the trees (heads up, clothing is optional here). Or book some time (and maybe a room) at Belknap Hot Springs, where natural hot spring waters are pumped into the resort’s pools. Don’t forget to check out the garden at the resort while you’re there.

8. Find a new favorite place to eat

Eugene’s food scene is always a treat, and there are plenty of incredible new spots to try. Yardy, one of Eugene’s most popular food trucks, is now a brick and mortar restaurant in a cozy old Victorian home. Grab drinks from their rum bar menu or opt for a delicious glass of sorrel (hibiscus tea) then dig into their West-Indian inspired menu and fill up on curries, sandwiches and fresh market fare. Do not skip the doubles! Brand new to the scene is Tiger Mama, a Korean restaurant that was instantly a hit. They offer a vegan menu and a gluten-free menu on top of their standard offerings. The kimchi udon is sure to warm you up and you should definitely try the japchae!

9. Sip local wines

Head out to South Willamette Valley wine country, where cozy tasting rooms feature vineyard views. In the quieter months, you’ll find more opportunities to get to know tasting room staff and soak in their knowledge as you sip on their wine. If you’re lucky, you might also meet a winemaker or owner with time to chat. Curl up with a flight on couches and beside fires at wineries like Silvan Ridge, Sarver Winery and Benton-Lane Winery.

10. Explore the great indoors

Oregon might be known for the outdoors, but the indoors are pretty cool too. Head to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on the University of Oregon campus to spend time learning about the history of the land and the indigenous people who have lived here for time immemorial. While you’re on campus, don’t miss the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Arts. The JSMA is featuring James Lavadour: Land of Origin through January, a retrospective exploring Lavadour’s deep connection to the Oregon landscape. Get hands-on at the Eugene Science Center, where kids can learn and experiment with exhibits and shows designed to get them interested in science.