Scenic Viewpoints & Turnouts
Oregon Coast Scenic Viewpoints
Best Places for Sunsets
Highway 101 along the Oregon coastline is recognized as a National Scenic Byway for its natural beauty and convenient roadside parks and turnouts. Leisurely travel the stretch of highway from Dunes City to Cape Perpetua, stopping to enjoy the panoramic vistas. Some of the parks offer benches and picnic facilities. Popular activities include whale watching, marine wildlife observation and birding, as well as storm watching, sunsets and stargazing! Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is a popular spot for photography on the Oregon Coast.
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
- 92072 Hwy 101 S, Yachats OR 97498
- P: 541.547.3416 Book Now
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- 2400 Hwy 101, Yachats OR 97498
- P: 541.547.3289 Book Now
Sea Lion Caves
- 91560 Hwy 101 N, Florence OR 97439
- P: 541.547.3111 Book Now
Siuslaw Interpretive Center
- Bay St, Florence OR 97439
- Book Now
Neptune Beach State Scenic Viewpoint
- Hwy 101, Yachats OR 97498
- Book Now
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- 855 Hwy 101, Florence OR 97439
- P: 541.271.6000 Book Now

WILLAMETTE VALLEY Scenic Viewpoints
Best places to see the city lights
Right in the heart of Eugene is Skinners Butte - a perfect "lovers' lane" overlooking the city skyline. Drive or hike to the top of the hill for a spectacular 360 degree view of Eugene - Springfield. From here you can see the University of Oregon's Autzen Stadium, Willamette Street pointing direct to the opposing butte - Spencers Butte, and snow dusted mountains ringing the valley.
Other great lookouts require some hiking but the views are fantastic!
Skinner Butte Trail
This easy one mile (0.6 km) forested trail provides a picturesque view of the Willamette River, Spencer Butte (the surrounding valley’s highest peak) and downtown Eugene. There is also a large University of Oregon “O” that is used as a photo opportunity by students and visiting families. There is a parking lot with nearby restrooms located on the north side bottom of the butte. The hiking trail begins across from the parking lot.
An alternative hiking route was recently been added on the west side of the butte, allowing hikers to walk around the basalt columns. On sunny days, many rock climbers go to Skinner Butte to climb the columns. You can also drive to the top of Skinner Butte.
- Cheshire Ave, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.682.4800 Book Now
Ridgeline Trail
- Martin St, trailhead is on south side of the street east of the playground, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.682.4800 Book Now
Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah Hiking Trails
This 4,700 acre recreation area is the largest of Lane County's 71 parks. Within the park, 17 miles (27 km) of trails provide hiking and horseback riding access to the summit of Mount Pisgah and diverse natural areas. Buford Park includes forests, prairies, wetlands, rivers and the mountain summit. Some trails are steep with rocky terrain but still suitable for both hikers and equestrians. Dogs are welcome leashed on Trails 1 & 2. On all other trails dogs may be off-leash but under owners voice command at all times. The Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah provide stewardship of the area. The Coast Fork Willamette River can be accessed via the short hiking trails from the northern parking lot. Suitable for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs; but carrying one’s boat over uneven terrain is required. DAY-USE FEE AREA/RECREATION PASS REQUIRED
- 34639 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene OR 97405
- P: 541.344.8350 Book Now
Cascade Mountains Scenic Viewpoints
Simply Breathtaking
Driving along Highway 126, Highway 242 or Highway 58 and discover scenic turnouts with beautiful views. From waterfalls to covered bridges, sparkling lakes to snow-capped mountains, the Cascade views include scenic bonuses!
Dee Wright Observatory
- Hwy 242, McKenzie Bridge OR 94713
- P: 541.822.3381 Book Now