Whoever said the best things in life are free clearly has not been to Oregon. From stunning natural attractions to fascinating museums, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the Beaver State for absolutely nothing. The following 10 activities prove that you can have fun in Oregon without spending a dime.
Check them out:
- The Oregon Coast
Flickr/Diana Robinson The Oregon Coast is home to some of the most unspoiled beauty in the country. Thanks to the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill and former governor Tom McCall, the public has access to the beaches along the entire coast. All 363 miles are free and waiting to be to explored.
- Leach Botanical Garden (Portland)
Flickr/David Prasad Located in outer SE Portland, Leach Botanical Garden is a true hidden gem. The garden is filled with peaceful trails and native plants from the Pacific Northwest. Best of all, it’s free during regular garden hours.6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, OR 97236
- Dee Wright Observatory
Flickr/Koocheekoo The wonderfully bizarre Dee Wright Observatory was constructed of lava rock in 1935. On a clear day, you can see spectacular views of the Sisters, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood are from this viewpoint. The observatory is completely free, but it is often closed during the winter months. For current closure information, click here.McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413
- The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Flickr/Timothy Bishop,CMSM This incredibly scenic road stretches for 286 miles and passes through five Oregon counties. The route will take you past some of the most breathtaking spots in the Beaver State, including the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, fascinating ghost towns, and historic communities. Make sure to bring your camera.
- Oregon Coast Historical Railway Society (Coos Bay)
Flickr/Don Barrett An impressive collection of railroad and logging equipment can be found at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Society. You can explore the inside of the vintage locomotives and the mini-museum, and there is even a play area with toy trains for kids. Admission is free, with suggested donation. The OCHR is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website.800 S 1st St., Coos Bay, OR 97420
- Director Park (Portland)
Trip Advisor/Dave E Director Park is a fabulous place to rest and recharge in downtown Portland. There’s a fountain, plenty of charming restaurants, and a giant chess board. You won’t want to miss playing a free game of chess here.815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
- Springfield Museum (Springfield)
Facebook/Springfield Museum Admission is always free to this historical museum. It features a wide array of photos and artifacts that tell the story of Springfield’s past. Museum hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.590 Main St., Springfield, OR 97477
- Sweet Creek Falls Trail (Mapleton)
Flickr/Bonnie Waterfalls, wooden bridges, and lush vegetation await you on this easy and family-friendly hike. There is a waterfall around every corner, with Sweet Creek Falls as the grand finale. The trail is open year-round.Sweet Creek Rd., Mapleton, OR 97453
- Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport)
Trip Advisor/ladycascadia Both the young and young at heart will enjoy a visit to the Hatfield Marine Science Center. From fun touch tanks and tide pools, to a mischievous octopus, there’s plenty of amazing things to see and do here. The center is free with suggested donation.2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365
- Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland)
Facebook/Ground Breaker Brewing Ground Breaker Brewing is the first 100% gluten-free brewery in the western United States. They offer free tours daily before 5:00 p.m.2030 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
How many of these free activities have you done? Let us know which ones we missed in the comments below!
Flickr/Diana Robinson
The Oregon Coast is home to some of the most unspoiled beauty in the country. Thanks to the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill and former governor Tom McCall, the public has access to the beaches along the entire coast. All 363 miles are free and waiting to be to explored.
Flickr/David Prasad
Located in outer SE Portland, Leach Botanical Garden is a true hidden gem. The garden is filled with peaceful trails and native plants from the Pacific Northwest. Best of all, it’s free during regular garden hours.6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Flickr/Koocheekoo
The wonderfully bizarre Dee Wright Observatory was constructed of lava rock in 1935. On a clear day, you can see spectacular views of the Sisters, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood are from this viewpoint. The observatory is completely free, but it is often closed during the winter months. For current closure information, click here.McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413
Flickr/Timothy Bishop,CMSM
This incredibly scenic road stretches for 286 miles and passes through five Oregon counties. The route will take you past some of the most breathtaking spots in the Beaver State, including the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, fascinating ghost towns, and historic communities. Make sure to bring your camera.
Flickr/Don Barrett
An impressive collection of railroad and logging equipment can be found at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Society. You can explore the inside of the vintage locomotives and the mini-museum, and there is even a play area with toy trains for kids. Admission is free, with suggested donation. The OCHR is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website.800 S 1st St., Coos Bay, OR 97420
Trip Advisor/Dave E
Director Park is a fabulous place to rest and recharge in downtown Portland. There’s a fountain, plenty of charming restaurants, and a giant chess board. You won’t want to miss playing a free game of chess here.815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Facebook/Springfield Museum
Admission is always free to this historical museum. It features a wide array of photos and artifacts that tell the story of Springfield’s past. Museum hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.590 Main St., Springfield, OR 97477
Flickr/Bonnie
Waterfalls, wooden bridges, and lush vegetation await you on this easy and family-friendly hike. There is a waterfall around every corner, with Sweet Creek Falls as the grand finale. The trail is open year-round.Sweet Creek Rd., Mapleton, OR 97453
Trip Advisor/ladycascadia
Both the young and young at heart will enjoy a visit to the Hatfield Marine Science Center. From fun touch tanks and tide pools, to a mischievous octopus, there’s plenty of amazing things to see and do here. The center is free with suggested donation.2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365
Facebook/Ground Breaker Brewing
Ground Breaker Brewing is the first 100% gluten-free brewery in the western United States. They offer free tours daily before 5:00 p.m.2030 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
For more fun things to do in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: 9 Awesome Things You Can Do In Oregon When It’s Raining.
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