A travel nursing assignment is never complete without exploring the area you’re working. Using your free time to go sightseeing and touring is what’s expected. That’s why we’re here to help you make the most of your time and visit the best places in your area. So, if you’re traveling to Oregon, you’re in luck!
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the USA. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. There’s a little something for every traveler here, whether it’s the natural scenery or the quirky culture. So here are a few places to visit in the state that invented the Tater Tot.
Thor’s Well
Also known as “The Drainpipe of the Pacific,” Thor’s Well is located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. This bowl-shaped, seemingly bottomless sinkhole is carved out of the basalt shoreline and appears to act as a drain as waves slam into the rocks. Be sure not to get too close—the force has been known to regularly sweep visitors to sea. It’s a stunning destination for many photographers, nature lovers, and tourists traveling through Oregon.
Crater Lake National Park
As the only national park in Oregon, it’s one of the prettiest places in the state. People all over the northwestern United States travel for miles to see its mountains, forests, springs, streams, and waterfalls. The biggest draw is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in America with a depth of 1,943 feet, formed by a volcanic eruption that created a crater 2,000 feet deep.
Crater Lake becomes a hot spot for swimming, fishing, camping, and boating during the summer. If your visit is during the winter, you can still enjoy skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and other chilly pursuits. This national park receives 43 feet of snow annually, so you’ll have plenty of time to participate in the activities.
The Willamette Valley
For a more relaxing adventure, Oregon’s very own wine country is the place to be. Willamette Valley is the next best thing to Napa and it is recognized as one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir producing areas. Out of the 530+ wineries found here, the majority are family-owned and are dedicated to making artisanal, handcrafted wines. Little shops and cottages dot the expanding vineyards, and local activities include everything from wine tastings to horseback riding across the fields. This picturesque location is a must for some time to unwind.
The Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest isn’t an actual garden or wilderness destination despite what the name suggests. It’s an amusement park, getting its name from a vivid storybook theme. You can find waterslides, bumper cars, and haunted houses throughout the park, and the attractions are inspired by Mother Goose, Alice in Wonderland, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and many others. There are also light shows, comedy theaters, and visitors can dig for buried treasure or listen to folk songs at outdoor concerts. No matter your age, the Enchanted Forest is one of the top destinations to visit.
Toketee Falls
Toketee Falls is one of Oregon’s famous waterfalls and a great place to visit in the southern region. This impressive waterfall plunges over columnar basalt formations into a large deep-blue pool. To reach it, you need to take a short hike along a 0.8-mile trail located near Idleyld Park. The route is easy and suitable for all skill levels. Afterward, you can enjoy one of the many hot springs nearby and take a relaxing soak.
Powell’s Books
If you’re a bibliophile, then Powell’s Books is a dream come true! Covering an entire city block, this humongous shop has over 3,000 sections collecting everything from comic books to rare first editions. Not only are there comfy chairs and coffee bars that you’d expect from a modern bookstore, but Powell’s Books also hosts things like guided tours, writing workshops, and children’s storybook time. The people here move countless new, used, rare, and out-of-print books every year, and if you can’t find a specific title in the store, they offer even more through their website. If you need new reading material during your assignments, you don’t have to look any further.
Oregon is a true treasure trove of unique and awe-inspiring places. There will always be a location you’ll enjoy adventuring, no matter the region. If you want to visit Beaver State, look at our job board for available travel nurse jobs or reach out to or travel nurse agency for a helping hand. Safe travels to your next travel nurse locations!
