Oregon has so much to offer tourists of all ages, but especially retirees. This beautiful state has countless travel destinations that feature natural beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxation. Whether you are looking to explore Oregon’s rugged coastline, marvel at gorgeous waterfalls, or attend the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, you can do it in this Pacific Northwest state. Find the best places in Oregon for retirees, encompassing a mix of national parks and forests, small towns, and lodges, which are easy to access and have activities for people of all mobility levels to enjoy.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a jaw-dropping canyon located in northern Oregon along the border of Washington and Oregon. The Columbia River Canyon, which is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, spans 80 miles in total. The best part is that much of it is accessible via the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. Even better, there are tons of waterfalls located along this Scenic Byway, including the tallest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Falls is 620 feet tall and has its own visitor center, restaurant, and gift shop located at the base. A few other must-see waterfalls all within a 20 minute drive of Multnomah include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls. The Columbia River Gorge is also only a half hour drive from Portland, which makes it easily accessible for retirees traveling from out of state.
Ashland
Head to southern Oregon and enjoy all that the offbeat city of Ashland has to offer. This charming small city is perfect for seniors. It’s walkable, has tons of art galleries and gift shops, and is located near the mountains. The Mt. Ashland Ski Area is just outside of town, which has plenty of scenic yet easy hiking trails in the summer and ski runs in the winter. Meanwhile, if you would prefer to spend your Oregon vacation sipping wine on a patio, then be sure to visit one of the region’s many wineries, such as Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Belle Fiore Estate & Winery, Paschal Winery, and Dana Campbell Vineyards.
One last thing to note about Ashland, Oregon, it is the home of the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs between April and December each year. However, no matter what time of year you visit, upon entering Ashland, you will immediately notice the Shakespearean-themed hotels and architecture.
Crater Lake National Park
If you like marveling at the natural wonders of the world, then you won’t want to miss Crater Lake National Park. Located in south-central Oregon, roughly an hour and a half south of Bend, Crater Lake has been designated a national park for a reason. Upon entering the park, you will immediately be struck by the majesty of its namesake lake, which was actually formed by a now-collapsed volcano called Mount Mazama and is nearly 2,000 feet deep.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the park for people of all mobility levels (in addition to snowshoe and cross-country ski trails if you are visiting in the winter). Alternatively, if you don’t wish to explore the park on foot, there are bike tours, as well as the Crater Lake Trolley tour. Both options take tourists around the rim of the lake, allowing you to bask in the glow of Crater Lake from every possible angle. If you want to get closer to the action, you can head down to Cleetwood Cove, the only beach on Crater Lake. Swimming and fishing are allowed, though be warned that the 1-mile trek down and back up is steep.
Hood River
Situated on the Columbia River in northern Oregon is the small town of Hood River. The area is famous for windsurfing, but if that’s not your thing, Hood River is home to plenty of breweries and coffee shops, like Full Sail Brewing Company and pFriem Family Brewers, Double Mountain Brewery, and Doppio Coffee. Meanwhile, history buffs will love exploring the Mount Hood Railroad and Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM). Another great perk of visiting Hood River is the many family farms that surround it. Draper Girls Country Farm, Hood River Lavender Farms, and Packer Orchards (which has a highly-rated bakery featuring tons of seasonal goodies like apple cider donuts and marionberry cinnamon rolls) are all 20 minutes or less by car.
If you feel like a slightly longer drive, head west on I-84 to the neighboring town of Cascade Locks. In Cascade Locks, you will find the Bridge of the Gods, which famously connects Oregon and Washington.
Willamette National Forest
The Willamette National Forest is an Oregon travel destination that nature-loving retirees are sure to adore. This national forest, which is made up of over a million acres of land, can be found in the central portion of the Cascade Mountain Range. Two of the most popular parts of the Willamette National Forest are the Three Sisters Wilderness and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas, both of which boast some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the entire state.
In total, the Willamette National Forest contains over 70 campgrounds, as well as two ski resorts, over 1,700 miles of trails, and plenty of lakes and rivers. Thus, whether you prefer to go whitewater rafting, salmon fishing, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, or for a gentle yet rewarding hike, you can do so in Willamette National Forest.
Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood
Timberline Lodge, one of the most famous hotels in the United States, is another fantastic travel destination for retirees. The lodge was constructed between 1936 and 1938 and also served as the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. Not only is the lodge a historic site in and of itself, but it also has an on-site dining room with a breakfast and lunch buffet, and the grounds offer incredible views of Mount Hood.
In the winter, you can curl up by the fireplace in Timberline’s cozy lounge or hit the ski slopes. In the summer, go on an outdoor adventure in Mount Hood National Forest. There are many short, easy-to-moderate hikes right near Timberline, including Silcox Hut, White River Canyon, and Zigzag Canyon.
Sisters
Sisters, located in central Oregon, is hands down one of the cutest towns that the state has to offer. Here, you will find plenty of lodges, bed and breakfasts, and cottages, alongside a number of golf courses and parks. Peterson Ridge, Black Butte Lookout, and the Sisters to Smith Rocks Scenic Bikeway are all popular spots among visitors, allowing you to enjoy everything from walking and fishing to cycling and snowshoeing. This artsy community is beloved by people of all ages and is home to a number of festivals year-round, like the Sisters Rodeo, the Sisters Quilt Show, and the Sisters Folk Festival.
Bend
If you feel like heading to a bigger city for a day trip, visit the hipster mountain town of Bend. Bend has a population of approximately 106,000 people and is a great hub for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Rent kayaks or inflatables and float down the Deschutes River, meander around the Bend Farmers Market, which is held every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, or visit the historic and industrial Old Mill District, which has tons of eateries, shops, and even a movie theater.
Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park is one final destination that is not to be missed in Oregon. Situated on the awe-inspiring north Oregon Coast, Ecola State Park is one of the most visited locales in the entire state. Over 500,000 tourists come to Ecola State Park every year, and it’s easy to understand why. Encompassing Tillamook Head, Seaside Beach, and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park boasts 9 miles of dramatic, pristine coastline.
If you love the moody beaches that the Pacific Northwest is known for, then Ecola State Park has to be on your Oregon itinerary. No matter the time of year, going for a walk on Cannon Beach and marveling at the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock through the mist is spectacular. There are also plenty of easy and relaxing coastal trails to hike, such as Indian Beach Trail, Clatsop Loop Trail, and Crescent Beach Trail. Located roughly one and a half hours west of Portland, Ecola State Park is easily accessible and well worth the drive.
Are you excited to visit Oregon, a top-rated travel destination for seniors? This noteworthy state has so much to offer retirees. Not only does it have a mild climate year-round, but it also has activities for everyone. Beach lovers will fall head over heels for Ecola State Park, while those who love getting outdoors can head to Willamette National Forest or the Columbia River Gorge. Meanwhile, if you are a fan of the arts, you won’t want to miss Sisters’ many art galleries, or the Oregon Shakespeare Festival held annually in Ashland. Whatever part of Oregon you decide to travel to, you won’t be disappointed.
