Oregon is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. Even after several long road trips, hikes and week-long vacations, it only makes me want to spend more time there. It has tons of easily accessible coastline, beautiful old forests, incredible mountains, and not one, but three different deserts.

Dare I say it has more variety in scenery than Washington? Oregon makes for the perfect place to elope, honeymoon, or do both! Here are my top picks of where you should explore.

The Coast

This list must start with the infamous coast. If I could choose one spot to vacation for the rest of my life, I’d happily choose the Oregon coast. It has tons of beautiful scenery — sandy beaches (yes, we don’t take sandy beaches for granted in the Pacific Northwest!), sea stacks, coastal forests, waterfalls on the beach, beachside cliffs, and overlooks.

To keep entertained, visit the adorable coastal town shops and museums, check out tide pools, try boogie boarding (do research what riptides look like beforehand!), or my favorite activity — enjoy a fire on designated beaches.

2. Waterfalls

This suggestion is broad because there are SO many waterfalls in Oregon! Silver Falls State Park has 10 waterfalls on one trail alone. Take your pick based on location, whether you want to hike, or the type of falls.

3. The Columbia River Gorge

This area is full of waterfalls and jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River. The gorge is perfect for those who want to soak in nature’s finest but still have all the amenities of city life in nearby Portland.

4. Bend, Oregon

Bend has so much to offer, and I’m talking about more than just the breweries they’re known for. If you love desert vibes, mountain biking, kayaking, floating rivers, hiking, or rock climbing, this is the place for you. With nearby Smith Rock State Park, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the Deschutes National Forest, the scenery is just a varied as the activities.

5. Mount Hood National Forest

Mount Hood is well-loved in Oregon, and rightly so. It’s gorgeous and has great seasonal activities. It’s known for having the longest ski and snowboard season in the U.S. — from November to May – and, in summer, beautiful hikes, lakes, forests, and waterfalls!

6. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Although there is more to this area, the Painted Hills are most renowned. Made from volcanic eruptions 35 million years ago, I love the bold, red rock layers and easy accessibility. This area is very fragile, so following leave no trace principles is important, but easy to do, with designated trails and boardwalks through the most gorgeous areas.

7. The Alvord Desert

If you’re looking for a unique desert, this is it. I love the dry cracked earth, the Steens Mountains in the distance, and hot springs at the entrance! Plus, it’s the best place to stargaze in Oregon. Keep your elopement simple, or go all out with tents and more. You’ll have miles to yourself!

8. Crater Lake National Park

Awe yourself with one of the deepest, bluest, and cleanest lakes in the world. Visit during summer months for complete accessibility (some roads close in the winter) and you can swim, hike, or take a boat ride to Wizard Island. During winter you can look forward to snowshoeing, sledding, and even snowmobiling.

9. Umpqua National Forest

Say what? You’ve never heard of the Umpqua National Forest? I hadn’t either until I took a spontaneous road trip through Oregon with my husband. It’s one of Oregon’s smaller national forests, but it’s nothing short of charming. It’s gorgeous any time of the year, but I especially love how green the water looks on a clear day.

Let's start planning your elopement!