Oregon is one of the most well-known states in the US, and there is no doubt that this state has vast tourist spot that attracts visitors not only from the US, but from around the globe. Cities like Portland, Bend, Newport, and Oregon City are the ones most loved by tourists.
However, not only from these places, but from various other cities in Oregon, a wide range of tourist spots remain underappreciated. That’s why in this post, I’ve shared 15 hidden gems in Oregon, including indoors, outdoors, and restaurants that can make your visit to the state memorable and exciting.
Table of Contents
Indoor Hidden Gems in Oregon
1. Portland Puppet Museum, Portland
Location: 906 SE Umatilla St, Portland, OR 97202
The first hidden gem in Oregon on the list is the Portland Puppet Museum. In this museum, you will get to know about puppets. There is a range of puppets on display, and the attention to detail on each puppet is worth appreciating, considering there are puppets from different parts of the world.
Another standout thing about this museum is the chances for visitors, especially children, to interact with these puppets. Throughout the year, this museum hosts puppet shows where you will see puppetry in action.
These performances can range from classic tales to modern, original stories. Whether you are a group of adults or have kids with you, one thing is certain that no one is getting bored during the visit.
Also Read: 15 Underrated Tourist Spots in Athens, Georgia
2. Deschutes Historical Museum, Bend
Location: 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Up next, let’s fly to Blend. The Deschutes Historical Museum is for history enthusiasts who want to explore the historical events of Bend and Deschutes County, in particular. And because Bend is often associated with outdoor travel, it is not hard to understand why such a gem of a museum is underrated in Bend.
As you enter the museum, you will be welcomed by the range of artifacts around. This museum has over 75,000 artifacts in both digital and physical form, which the management keeps changing to preserve for a longer period and to let visitors see new displays almost every time. The artifacts on display include photographs, books, historic maps of the region, furniture, vehicles, pottery, clothes, and historical documents about notable personalities from the region.
3. World Forestry Center – Discovery Museum, Portland
Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
The Discovery Museum in the World Forestry Center is also a unique museum that is worth checking out. There is something for everyone that will keep you engaged, whether you are a group of adults or have kids with you. Here, specifically, you will get to know how forests and trees around us impact our lives and why caring about them should be our priority.
The interactive exhibits in the museum are the best thing about this place. On the first floor, there are exhibits regarding the animals in the forest, timberjack harvesting, and a prototype, which is like an experiential lab inside the museum.
The second floor, going forward, is my personal favorite. Start this floor with the virtual tour of forests in China, South Africa, and other countries. You will also learn about different types of forests on a huge world map along the way. And lastly, the London plate collection in the museum is where you will see over 150 plates made from different woods.
But the real highlight of the center, especially for kids, is “Peggy the train”, on which visitors can climb over and explore the train. And lastly, don’t miss seeing the petrified stump, which is a five-million-year-old display, just outside the museum. It is one of the most exciting places to visit in Oregon, with lots of things to do.
Also Read: 14 Off-the-beaten Tourist Spots in South Bend, Indiana
4. Oregon Historical Society, Portland
Location: 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Established in 1898, the Oregon Historical Society is the place to be if you are into history. The three-floor building has permanent and rotating exhibits where you’ll learn interesting and insane historical facts about Oregon.
As you go inside, you will see various displays covering a range of historical events, like how the native American tribes first inhabited here, the arrival of explorers like Lewis and Clark, and the early days of the region. My personal favorite exhibit here is the Experience Oregon exhibit. The artifacts inside the exhibit are super rare and unique, which includes documents, pottery, clothes, various handmade objects, photographs, maps, sculptures, and weapons that were once in use by the natives of Oregon.
Overall, this is the type of museum that people of every age will enjoy visiting, whether kids or adults.
5. Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport
Location: 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. Newport, OR 97365|
The last indoor hidden gem in Oregon on this list is Hatfield Marine Science Center, which is inside the Oregon State University, Newport. The best thing about this place is that, not only do you see the artifacts, but also the interactive displays, which are the main highlight of this place.
These displays cover a range of marine topics, like the local ecosystems of the Oregon Coast and global ocean health. You will also get the information on marine life like sea otters, jellyfish, and salmon, as well as the impacts of climate change on marine environments.
Some of the most popular exhibits are interactive, like the live marine life tanks, which are one of the main attractions at the center. You can see closely and can even touch some of the coastal water species, like sea stars, anemones, seahorses, and even baby sharks. These creatures live in tanks that are carefully designed to replicate the ideal environment of every species. This is the type of place that everyone, especially children, loves visiting.
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Oregon
6. Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens, Portland
Location: Portland, OR 97217
The first outdoor hidden gem in Oregon on this list is Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens, which is in Portland. It is the type of place you’d love to spend some time after a busy day.
This garden has more than 5,000 rose bushes, with flowers in a variety of colors, and always maintained plants and grass area that adds an extra charm to the beauty of the place. There are also different gazebos where you can sit and just admire the beauty around you. And if you want, you can walk on the well-maintained walking paths for an even better experience. This is the kind of place that not only makes you refreshed, but you’ll also feel light and comfy.
7. Elk Rock Garden, Portland
Location: 11800 S Military Ln, Portland, OR 97219|
Another outdoor destination that is also underappreciated in Oregon is the Elk Rock Garden, which is in Portland. This 13-acre garden not only has flowers but a vibe that many other gardens don’t have.
As you reach this place, you will see plants, trees, and flowers, with creeks flowing on the side, which makes this place peaceful and beautiful at the same time. While the stone stairs with benches on the side of the creek are also something you can’t ignore here. Lastly, before leaving, head to the Willamette River, which is just a couple of blocks away, to end your visit on a high note.
8. Deschutes River Trail, Bend
Location: Deschutes River Trail, Bend, OR 97702
The Deschutes River Trail in Bend, Oregon, is for adventure lovers who like to explore and visit the natural side of Bend, which the city is generally famous for. The trail consists of 12 miles, which starts from the Farewell Bend park, with surreal views of the Deschutes River.
Along the hike, there are both paved and unpaved paths, which remain well-maintained, making the trail ideal for people of all ages. It is not a hard hiking area by any means, and you will see people of different ages enjoying their time here. The views of the Deschutes River will be the main highlight of the hike, along with the beautiful voices of the birds you will hear in the middle. And not only hiking, there are also trails where you can go biking if you want.
9. White Wolf Sanctuary & Educational Facility, Tidewater
Location: 10095 E Alsea Hwy, Tidewater, OR 97390
Animal lovers will love the White Wolf Sanctuary & Educational Facility in Tidewater, Oregon, which often gets underappreciated despite being such a cool place to visit. If you are tired of visiting the zoo, this sanctuary has wolves you won’t generally see in zoos.
There are 11 wolves in the sanctuary, which are of different species. The volunteers here possess great knowledge about the wolves, their habitat, and overall, it will also be a very informative visit that you’ll surely enjoy. After visiting this sanctuary, head to the Alsea River, which is not far away from here, and will be a beautiful place to end this outdoor tour in Tidewater.
10. Hobbit Beach Trailhead, Florence
Location: 91892 Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR 97439
The last outdoor hidden gem in Oregon on this list is the Hobbit Beach Trailhead in Florence. This is not a huge trail, and just spans around 1 mile. The trail difficulty is easy, which makes it ideal for families. And the trail is surrounded by trees and surreal views, with the sound of the birds making the hike even better.
The trail will also lead you to the beach side, where you can spend some quality time in front of the sea. And not far away is the Heceta Head Lighthouse, which many tourists also like to visit whenever they come to this place.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Oregon
11. Five Fusion & Sushi Bar, Bend
Location: 821 NW Wall St #100, Bend, OR 97701
To eat at the first hidden gem restaurant in Oregon, we need to head towards Bend. Five Fusion & Sushi Bar is a perfect restaurant for those who want to try authentic Japanese food in Bend, Oregon.
This place has such a cool and classy vibe with a modern interior that makes it look even better. The seating area is comfortable, and open spaces are around with minimalistic decor on the wall, keeping things intact.
On the menu, you will get to choose from a range of Japanese items, including sushi and sashimi in different varieties, with the option of salmon, crab, tuna, toro, hamachi, and other fish options. Not to forget, they also offer steak, rolls, and salad options. And lastly, apart from the food, the food serving deserves a massive appreciation as well.
12. Brooklyn Trattoria, Portland
Location: 4708 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite E-3, Portland, OR 97229
Brooklyn Trattoria is an underrated Italian restaurant in Portland, Oregon. And for Italian food lovers, this hidden gem restaurant is a must-try to taste some authentic Italian cuisine. Starting with the ambiance, this place has a warm and cozy vibe inside with different small lighting and various seating options that make the experience of eating here even better.
On the menu, get ready to try a variety of Italian dishes, from the appetizers to the Italian classics. Some of the most favorite items that you should definitely try are bruschetta, shrimp scampi, pasta, grilled octopus, caesar salad, cabernet braised beef pappardelle, lamb osso bucco, saffron seafood, lasagna, chicken parmesan, bolognese, a wide variety of ravioli, and many other options.
13. Poppi’s Anatolia, Eugene
Location: 992 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
The next hidden gem restaurant on the list is Poppi’s Anatolia, which is in Eugene, Oregon. The ambiance inside is minimalist but super attractive.
As you enter, the walls will grab your attention with different paintings and artwork hanging on the walls. Along with that, the woodwork and artificial creepers make it look even more stunning. The indoor eating experience deserves massive appreciation at this place.
Then, on the menu, you will get a wide range of options from Greek to Indian and American cuisines. Some of the notable items include dolmadakia (stuffed leaves), spinach pie, pakoras, korma, chicken curry, gyros, hummus, salads, soups, bhaji, tiropita, Greek chicken and potatoes, and many others.
14. Decant, Medford
Location: 1108 E Main St, Medford, OR 97504
Decant in Medford, Oregon, is another restaurant that often gets underappreciated, considering the quality they have to offer. If you are looking for a fine dining restaurant for a romantic dinner in Medford, there aren’t many better places than Decant.
Upon entering, you’ll feel the coziness in the atmosphere. The decor has a lot of woodwork, and the walls are filled with paintings and showpieces, which makes this place an ideal place for a romantic dinner. The comfortable seating area and open space around it are another plus point.
On the menu, most customers’ favorite dish is the halibut wagyu and mushroom risotto, which is a must-try here. On top of that, they also offer other items like Croutons, prime beef, spring rolls, mushrooms, lamb, risotto, and many other options.
15. del Alma, Corvallis
Location: 136 SW Washington Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333
The last restaurant in this list of underrated places to eat in Oregon is del Alma, which is in Corvallis. This is a Latin American restaurant with a wide range of Latin American items on the menu, perfect if you want to try something different and unique in Corvallis.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is quite comfy and cozy with a comfortable seating area and small lightings which make the overall decor of the restaurant look even more better.
On the menu, you are going to have a range of options to choose from. seared scallops, salmon montadito, beef chilaquiles, prawns, yellowfin tuna, lamb, filet mignon, mushroom risotto, soups, salads, are all part of their menu, along with dessert options, adding more variety to the menu.
FAQ’s
1. What is the prettiest place in Oregon?
Even though there are countless beautiful places to visit in Oregon, I personally think that the Crater Lake National Park is the prettiest place in Oregon.
2. Why is Oregon so famous?
Oregon is generally famous for its naturally beautiful places, including coastlines, mountains, dense forests, and volcanic lakes.
3. What is the number one tourist attraction in Oregon?
While everyone has different preferences, I think that Crater Lake National Park is the number one tourist attraction in Oregon.
4. What is the best time to visit Oregon?
The best time to visit Oregon depends on various factors, like the city you are visiting, but generally, late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) are considered ideal times to visit Oregon.
5. Is Oregon expensive for tourists?
Oregon is generally considered moderately priced for tourists.
