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Top 5 National Parks in Oregon

    Oregon is a place that has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in America. It has green forests, rugged shorelines and clear blue lakes that are unlike any we have ever seen!

    It is something that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking coastlines. 

    There are so many things to do in Oregon, you’ll never run out of adventures! From hiking and camping to fishing and hunting, there’s something for everyone. 

    Today is a perfect day to visit Oregon. It’s the perfect place for your next vacation or weekend getaway.

    1. Crater Lake National Park

    Crater Lake National Park

    The deepest lake in America is at Crater Lake National Park. This happened when Mount Mazama collapsed and a hole was made. Rainwater from streams that run down the mountain fill it with water, then the water flows out of the hole at the bottom as creeks.

    If you are hiking on trails near Crater Lake, it is common to see Wizard Island. It looks like something from Harry Potter’s world or even Atlantis!

    Pets: Pets are welcome at Crater Lake National Park. They can only go to certain places. Bears and bunnies are in the park too. These pets will keep you company while you explore!

    Camping: You can only spend the night in Crater Lake National Park if you are staying at the hotel, have reservations for one of their campgrounds or backcountry permits.

    Tour: Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful place that you should visit during the winter. When it is cold, they put on tours and programs. There are activities for everyone here. For example, you can be a junior ranger or go camping in the backcountry!

    Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for private vehicles at Crater Lake National Park changes depending on the time of year. It is $30 in the summer and only $20 in the winter!

    2. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Fort Vancouver was a place where people traded fur and other items. It was the headquarters of Hudson’s Bay Company Columbia Department. There were 100 people who worked there when it first opened on July 23rd, 1825.

    The fort made a lot of money by trading sea otter pelts. But this stopped when people could not find enough otters to hunt or trade for fur at the same rate.

    Pets: Pets are not allowed to explore the Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum and Visitor Center. They are still welcome in all other areas of this historic site that is located near Portland, Oregon.

    Camping: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a historic site in the Pacific Northwest. You can’t camp there, so if you want to camp, you will need to find another place nearby or offsite.

    Tour: It’s a good day to explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. You can walk through the trails of different exhibits, where you will learn about Asian American & Pacific Islander history or find something fun for all the family with their date night package!

    Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Fort Vancouver National Park is $10. If you are 15 years old or younger, then you can go into the park for free.

    3. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

    Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

    The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is near the mouth of the Columbia River. People named Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored it.

    Administration of this park is a cooperative effort between the national parks and state parks. The national parks help with Oregon’s state parks, and the departments work together to make this happen.

    Pets: Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a safe place for pets. They are allowed on trails and in the parade grounds of Fort Clatsop. 

    Camping: Lewis and Clark National Historical Park does not have any food or lodging available. If you want to do an adventure, this is your place!

    Tour: There are always fun things to do in the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park! You can take tours by canoe or kayak, go hiking, or watch wildlife. It is fun near rivers too if it rains because you can see animals swimming. Don’t forget about junior ranger camps! There are lots of kids who like to explore on their own two feet.

    Entrance Fee: The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park entrance fee is now $10 per adult. This is the first time it has been raised in 10 years. Visit this famous park to see some memorable history!

    4. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

    John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

    There is a National Monument in Oregon called John Day Fossil Beds. There are lots of old rocks with dead plants on them from 45 million years ago that people can see and study.

    There are 3 units of the park. They are Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. Each of these units has its own story to tell about the different periods in Earth’s history they’re all set within.

    Pets: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a great place to take your pet. Pets can go on hikes and picnics. Be sure to put the leash on Fido.

    Camping: Camping is not allowed in three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

    Tour: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a place for people who love fossils. Visitors can go to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, the Historic James Cant Ranch, and trails, and other places too. The monument has a lot of nature’s most ancient history that people can explore.

    Entrance Fee: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a place where you can go and enjoy yourself. You don’t need to pay for anything to get in or stay there. There are many trails and you can look out on beautiful scenery while you walk around.

    5. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

    Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

    Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is a very special park. It is a 4,554-acre park with caves that have stalactites and salamanders living with bats inside the cave walls. They feed on bat droppings during winter when there isn’t enough food outside.

    Underground, the temperature can be anywhere from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to over 90 degrees Farenheit depending on how far down you go. This is interesting for scientists who study climate change and what happened in the past.

    Pets: We do not allow pets in the visitor center, on any hiking trails, or inside of other park facilities. Pets are great for exploring new places with you. But there are no places for them at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument!

    Camping: Camping at this park can be a good experience in the summer. Campers have access to some of Michigan’s most beautiful views and natural features, including vernal pools that are excellent for bird-watching!

    Tour: Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve has a lot of fun adventures to try. Visitors can take Cave Tours, Hiking Trails, Wildlife Viewing Hunts or go Off-Trail for some spelunking!

    Entrance Fee: The Oregon Caves are the most popular cave in America. The entrance is free and there is a lot to see here. It has well-maintained trails that lead you through the prettiest parts of Oregon forestland.

    The Pacific Northwest is filled with beautiful wild places and amazing adventures. You should come to Oregon because of the beaches, or go wine tasting, or experience the Wild West. You will have a great time in this state no matter what you do.

    Friendly people make this state the perfect place for anyone looking for an active vacation or just some time away from it all in a beautiful setting. Have you ever visited Oregon? If not, grab your suitcase because it have plenty of things for you to see!