Oregon flourishes with interesting landscapes all year round. It’s why millions of people visit it each year. However, certain experiences are best witnessed at specific times of the year. For instance, if you are a nature lover or hiker, fall is the best time to witness the changing hues. If you desire a budget-friendly trip with fewer crowds, winter will be ideal. Keep reading as we explain the best time to visit this scenic state in different seasons and things to do when here.
Best Time to Visit Oregon in Winter
Central Oregon is the ideal place to visit between January and March for winter adventures. It is less crowded during this time, so you can benefit from low-season prices. The average temperature during winter in Oregon is between 40-20 Degrees F.
Here, Mt. Bachelor provides 360-degree lift-served skiing and riding from the volcanic summit, cross-country, and backcountry skiing.
Another great place to visit during the winter in Oregon is Crater Lake. Snowshoeing, sledding, and downhill skiing are some great activities you can partake in at the Crater Lake National Park. You can also book a cozy, dog-friendly rental cabin in Oregon or a romantic cabin in the Pacific Northwest.
Best place: Central Oregon
read more: Romantic Getaways In Oregon
Best Time to Visit Oregon in Spring
The warm months of March or June to September turn Oregon into a state ripe with blooming flowers. Cherry blossoms, tulips, and wildflowers start arriving early in hilly regions like the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade, and Coast Range.
The average temperature during spring is between 57-29 Degrees F. This is also the time to enjoy festivals related to them, like the Wooden Show Tulip Festival, Pear Blossom Festival, Azalea Festival, and more.
When talking of Spring, you can also visit Oregon for a hiking or biking trip. Some top spots include Multnomah & Wahkeena Falls, Marys Peak East Ridge, and Trout Creek to Rooster Rock.
Best place: Bend, Oregon
Best Time to Visit Oregon in Summer
Just like spring, summer months, between June and September, are the most pleasant to explore the Oregon coast. The average temperature in summer is between 65-80 Degrees F.
August is the time when the sun is at its peak. If you want to soak in it, visit the sandy beaches of Lincoln City, take a hike in state parks, or visit lakes in Oregon like Cascade Lakes, Wallowa Lake, Crater Lake, and more.
During summers, you can also venture out to taste delicious cuisines at food trucks in Bend, Oregon, like The Lot Bend and Troutdale Station. No one can miss the local markets and street fairs during June, July, and August. Mississippi Street Fair, Foster Summer Soiree, and Starry Starry Portland are some great ways to enjoy Oregon during summer.
Best place: Portland, Oregon
read more: Lakes in Oregon
Best Time to Visit Oregon in the Fall
If witnessing fall colours is on your mind, visiting Oregon between September and October will be ideal. The average temperature is between 64-29 degrees F, so you can be sure of mild heat.
Just a trip from Portland out to Cannon Beach will mesmerise you with rustic and scenic scenery made of golden sand beaches, dramatic cliffsides, and novel rock formations. Do not forget to visit the five Oregon state parks to experience the changing hues around rivers and forests.
Oregon’s Cascades, Bend, and the coastal range start showing fall colors earlier than the rest of the places. The most amazing places to witness this season unfurling are the Mount Hood area or the Gorge.
The colors then travel southwest and pass through Eugene and Florence. The Portland Japanese Garden is another area where you can look at the beautiful fall foliage.
Best place: Eugene and Bend
Best Time to Visit Oregon for Different Activities
With the right clothing, you can be out in Oregon doing something you love. The weather in this state is ideal for engaging in different activities and exploring your interests all year round.
Winter
You cannot swim in Oregon’s lakes between December, March, or April. However, it shouldn’t stop you from storm-watching, whale-watching, wine-tasting, and seaside shopping. The Promenade, Ecola State Park, and Fort Stevens State Park are the best spots for storm-watching. You can watch massive waves crash against the cliffs from different angles.
The winter and spring migrations of whales are best experienced between mid-December and mid-January at Oregon State Parks. The parks celebrate the migrations twice a year, during late December and late March. During this time, 15 whale-watching sites are set up.
Wineries and wine-tasting rooms on the Oregon coast allow you to explore a huge collection of specialty wines. From Buddha Kat Winery Tasting Room, Hop & Vine, to the Wine and Beer Haus, there are many places to drink, relax, and watch the oceanic views.
The Seaside Carousel Mall, Seaside Factory Outlet Center, and Antique Mall are some great places for kids and adults to shop.
Spring
Spring brings sun mixed with rain and wind. It is quite an unpredictable season in Oregon, so you should wear a few layers of clothing when outside. A great way to soak in the natural spring beauty is by visiting Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort and Mount Hood Ski Bowl for skiing and snowboarding. You can also explore the many trails, meadows, and terrain parks here.
Hiking and backpacking at the Cascade Range of Oregon are some other ways to have a Spring break in Oregon. Besides, guided Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls tours are also popular among tourists.
Summer
Eugene, Cascades, and the Coast regions are the most suitable places to visit during summer in Oregon. The balmy weather makes taking a road trip to places like Willamette Valley Wine Country a pleasant experience. Besides, people love hiking to a waterfall or Columbia River Gorge.
You can raft along the banks of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers or ride horses or an ATV through a quiet pasture. Paddle across a mountain lake, like Wallowa Lake, Cascade Lake, and Timothy Lake, and search for wildflowers, mushrooms, or birds. Summer is a season of undeniable beauty in Oregon. However, note that it becomes crowded during this time.
Fall
A fall getaway to Central Oregon and Portland will fill your calendar with food tastings, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and golfing. During this harvest season, casual eateries and fine-dining restaurants use locally sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering delicacies and serve baked treats.
Nature and outdoor lovers will ambling through meadows on horseback near Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, or Sisters region. This is a great time to witness fall colours through hiking at Eugene, Pleasant Hill, and Cottage Grove.
Golf courses around Central Oregon also open their doors to welcome novices and experienced alike. The Eugene Science Center’s planetarium show allows you to stargaze and learn about various celestial phenomena.
Conclusion
Oregon is certainly unique. No matter when you visit it, there’s a lot to explore and enjoy. You can plan your trip according to the things you love to do and your schedule. This will ensure that you gain the desired experience.
