Unveiling Oregon: Top Travel Adventures of 2024 from Our Expert Reporters

What do a spooky vineyard, a frozen lake, and a compact house share in common? All were amongst our top adventures throughout Oregon this year.

In 2024, our reporters explored extensively, journeying to the coast, ascending the Cascade Mountains, and traveling across eastern Oregon. Throughout this journey, we discovered numerous things to appreciate about our state.

Where else can one unexpectedly encounter a cascade of breathtaking waterfalls just a short distance from the road? Or discover a town with more monarch butterflies than residents? Or partake in a glowing evening kayaking expedition in the mountains?

Oregon is truly a uniquely enchanting location. Here are our top trips from around the state in 2024:

Elkton

Situated about 150 miles south of Portland and 35 miles east of Reedsport, the quaint town of Elkton — a community of roughly 200 individuals — boasts 12 vineyards and six wineries.

While Elkton lacks hotels, guests can opt to spend the night in a yurt at Bradley Vineyards. This cozy and tranquil hideaway has no wifi or television, but offers a substantial collection of vintage vinyl records to enjoy.

The town’s other notable attraction is the Elkton Community Education Center, home to a butterfly breeding program that releases over 500 monarch butterflies each year. This 43-acre educational facility is also a worthy stop for tourists, featuring a replica of an 1830s trading fort, a library, café, gift shop, and native plant gardens.

— S.S.

Gold Hill

October is a wonderful time to visit one of the state’s eeriest small towns: Gold Hill, located in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. This small community is known for the Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery, a roadside attraction where objects appear to roll uphill and people’s heights seem to fluctuate.

Moreover, you can explore the reportedly haunted tasting room at Del Rio Vineyards.

If you visit close to Halloween, consider checking out the “Goonies”-inspired haunted house managed by the Gold Hill Historical Society. This building is also reportedly inhabited by a resident ghost.

Conclude this spine-chilling excursion with an overnight stay at Oregon’s oldest continually operating hotel, the Wolf Creek Inn & Tavern, located just 35 miles north near Grants Pass. Throughout October, the inn is adorned with skeletons, scarecrows, and pumpkins. The decor enhances the already-haunting vibe of the 141-year-old establishment, which even served as a filming site for an episode of the TV show “Ghost Adventures” in 2017.

— S.S.

North Bend/Coos Bay

North Bend and Coos Bay are so close together that they should be combined for a journey to the southern Oregon coast.

In North Bend, you will discover the Itty Bitty Inn, a whimsical sci-fi and 1970s-themed motel where each room offers a distinct theme. The most sought-after reservation is the Star Trek room, crafted to mimic the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Other rooms pay homage to tiki lounges, disco, and the Oregon Trail.

Enjoy breakfast in Coos Bay at So It Goes Coffeehouse, a spot that owner John Beane describes as “an old-school, used book store, a venue for really terrible poetry readings, punk rock music, and late nights” — a coffee shop that serves as a “nourisher of ideas and creative enthusiasm.”

Additionally, Beane himself brings an abundance of creative dynamism to the coastal region. He directed a Shakespearian parody of “Anchorman” at the historic Liberty Theatre, which celebrated its centennial in 2024.

—S.S.

Broken Top Loop

My preferred backpacking adventure this year occurred over three days this past August along the Broken Top Loop trail. This 24-mile path, located a short drive from Sisters, showcases breathtaking vistas of mountain peaks, emerald lakes, creek crossings, and abundant sunshine.

This Central

The Oregon loop trail can be divided into a perfect two-night adventure, featuring superb established camping spots.

Listen: How to spend 3 days hiking Broken Top Loop: Peak Northwest podcast

—V.C.

Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway

Oregon 138 has become my preferred route when journeying from Portland to Crater Lake. Referred to as the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway, or even southern Oregon’s roadway of waterfalls, this route offers numerous spots to take a break and indulge your senses.

If your time is limited, as it was during my late summer journey, make sure to at least visit Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, Whitehorse Falls, and Clearwater Falls. All these cascades are easily reachable by a brief stroll or a short hike from the parking area.

—V.C.

ROCKAWAY BEACH

I have underestimated Rockaway Beach for years. Although I’ve passed through the northern Oregon coastal town numerous times, stopping occasionally for some fish and chips or a pirate festival, I hadn’t experienced a genuine overnight stay since my childhood.

That changed last spring, when my partner and I spent an entire weekend in town, eager to truly experience the area. A walk along the beach, enjoying corn dogs at The Original Pronto Pup, and trekking to the Rockaway Big Tree provided a fantastic beginning. After browsing every shop in town, we stumbled upon a real treasure, Oregon Du Drops, which crafts art from repurposed lightbulbs and collected rainwater.

Our conclusion? While Rockaway Beach doesn’t quite match larger north coast attractions like Cannon Beach or Astoria, there is plenty to appreciate here. It’s certainly more than a mere drive-through town.

Listen: What to see, taste, and experience in Rockaway Beach: Peak Northwest podcast

— J.H.

ANOTHER VISIT TO JOSEPH

Somehow, without even noticing, I have visited Joseph six times over the last eight years. There’s something about this region of Northeast Oregon that continually draws me back, season after season.

At this stage, I feel like I’ve experienced everything, from the Wallowa Lake Tram to exploring Hells Canyon. However, what’s truly remarkable is that I consistently discover new activities to engage in. During my latest journey, I participated in a nocturnal glowing kayaking expedition on Wallowa Lake, met the remarkable people behind the intriguing M. Crow general store, and hiked along the historic Wallowa River Railroad. The Kokanee Inn, which served as my basecamp for the trip, quickly became my new favorite accommodation in the area.

So, have I at last completed my northeast Oregon wish list? Not even close. For instance, I have yet to experience a railriding tour. There are still several locations I would be keen to explore in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. And can I genuinely claim to have experienced Joseph if I haven’t had a round of mini golf at Matterhorn Village? It seems I must return.

Listen: Glowing kayaks, railroad hikes, and more to enjoy in Joseph: Peak Northwest podcast

— J.H.

MINI HOUSE WITH A MINI INFANT

My partner and I took our little, miniature infant on her very first overnight outing: a visit to a small house situated on the slopes of Oregon’s highest peak. Surprisingly, we were able to pack everything she would require – although we did neglect a few significant items for ourselves. The journey of new parenthood is quite the adventure.

Our stay at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village was snug but comfortable. At night, we prepared our meal in the tiny kitchen, then ventured outside to create a fire and indulge in some stargazing. The following day we engaged in quick autumn escapades on Mount Hood, which included a walk along the wooded, paved trails at the Wildwood Recreation Site, and a visit to Timberline Lodge to enjoy mochas by the fire.

We also discovered valuable lessons about traveling with an infant, such as the challenge of carrying a sleeping baby up the steep ladders used inside those small houses, and the difficulty of making our way up a slick hill in the snowfall.

Listen: A brief journey to a mini house on the slopes of Mount Hood: Peak Northwest Podcast

— J.H.