Oregon is home to a diverse array of national parks and monuments, each offering unique natural and cultural experiences. Crater Lake National Park is a true gem, showcasing the deepest lake in the country and its stunning blue waters formed in a volcanic caldera. With an abundance of hiking trails and overlooks, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding cliffs. Moving west, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area boasts expansive sand dunes along the coast, providing opportunities for activities like sandboarding and ATV riding. Additionally, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument offers a glimpse into the region's rich paleontological history, featuring three units with well-preserved fossils of prehistoric plants and animals. The Mount Hood National Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts countless recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, skiing, and fishing amidst picturesque landscapes. Lastly, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument highlights the volcanic past of central Oregon, featuring a variety of geological wonders such as cinder cones, lava flows, and obsidian flows. Whether exploring ancient fossils or marveling at majestic lakes, Oregon's national parks and monuments offer something for everyone seeking to connect with nature and learn about the state's natural and cultural heritage.
There are 17 parks and other monuments in Oregon: