Oregon is a state with a reputation for being quirky and unconventional, and that reputation is well-deserved. From the city of Portland, known for its offbeat culture and eclectic food scene, to the remote corners of the state where natural wonders abound, Oregon has no shortage of weird and unique experiences to offer!
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or a lover of the bizarre and unconventional, there’s something for everyone in Oregon. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most fascinating and offbeat things to see and do in the Beaver State, from exploring ghost forests to soaking in desert hot springs and everything in between. It’ll surely make sure for a quirky summer road trip!
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Table of Contents
14 Unique Things to See in Oregon
1. The Octopus Tree
Located in the Siuslaw National Forest, the Octopus Tree is a giant Sitka spruce that looks like an octopus with multiple trunks that grew from its base. This unusual tree, estimated to be over 250 years old, is considered a unique and popular stop for those cruising down Oregon’s coast.
Its unusual shape is attributed to a lightning strike, which caused the tree to grow out in multiple directions, creating “octopus arms.” You’ll also be conveniently next to Cape Mears Lighthouse, which is a well worth it stop in itself. This area is just outside the popular Oregon Coast town of Tillamook.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Sheltered Nook on Tillamook Bay (Quaint Tiny Homes on the coast)
2. Mill Ends Park in Portland
This quirky “park,” located in the middle of Portland’s bustling downtown, is the world’s smallest park (literally)!
It is only two feet in diameter and was originally intended to be a site for a light pole, but it remained vacant for years, and weeds took over.
In 1948, a journalist named Dick Fagan planted flowers and created a whimsical story about the park’s origin, which eventually became a reality.
There’s even a sign marking its name—very official! If you’re wondering what to do in Portland, you might want to give this weird spot a visit for a few minutes and then move on to the next!
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: The Kennedy School (An old converted school…yes, chalkboards and all!)
3. Thor’s Well
This natural yet weird wonder is a large sinkhole that fills with seawater during high tide, creating the appearance of water disappearing into the ground!
Located on the Oregon coast, the well is thought to have been created by the collapse of an underground cave. It is named after the Norse god Thor, as the water that rushes out of the hole is said to resemble the force of Thor’s hammer.
Speaking of which, definitely be careful visiting, as the waves can really sneak up on you. You may choose just to enjoy Thor’s Well from the viewpoint above.
This weird Oregon spot is located in the lovely Cape Perpetua, which is home to plenty more incredible hikes, vistas, and raging seascapes.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Adobe Resort (A hotel on a cliff with epic views of the ocean)
4. Witch’s Castle
Also known as the Stone House, the Witches Castle is an abandoned stone structure located in Portland’s Forest Park. The “castle” was built in the 1930s and is rumored to have been the site of various mystic practices and even murders. Its unique architecture and eerie history have made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers but spoiler alert—these were once bathrooms!
You can walk the Wildwood trail for about half a mile, and you’ll reach Witch’s Castle. The trail continues and you can make it a longer walk and head to Pittock Mansion, which is a beautiful building (that wasn’t a former bathroom) This whole area is one of the best spots for hiking in Portland.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Mcmenamins Crystal Hotel (Known as one of the most haunted stays in Portland!)
5. Skylight Cave
This lava tube cave is located in Central Oregon and features unique geological formations and three skylight openings in the ceiling. You can hike through the cave to see the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over time and catch the unique sunbeams that rush through the cave creating a unique scene!
It’s located kind of in the middle of nowhere just outside of Sisters, Oregon. You’ll have to climb a rickety ladder to the bottom and navigate through the cave for a minute or two in the dark, so bring some light. But it won’t be long until you start seeing the light beaming through the skylights. Make sure to come mid-day on a sunny day.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: FivePine Lodge (Cozy cabins nestled in the magical Oregon pines)
6. Haystack Rock
OK, so maybe this isn’t a hugely weird thing to do in Oregon, in fact, it’s super common, but we all are weirdly obsessed with this sea stack! It’s the most famous sea stack of them all, Haystack Rock.
This towering 235-foot sea stack is located on the Oregon coast and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Cannon Beach. It is a unique, beautiful, and iconic natural wonder that provides a habitat for a variety of seabirds and marine creatures. You can explore the tide pools around the base of the rock and admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Consider getting a cabin in Oregon at this stunning spot along the coast and become as enthralled by this rock as everyone else here.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Hallmark Resort (Yep, you can pretend you are part of a Hallmark Movie…:) and it’s right on the beach!)
7. Bend Blockbuster
This is the last surviving Blockbuster video rental store in the world! It’s located in Bend, Oregon. The store has become a nostalgic and quirky tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all around who want to experience the novelty of renting movies. The store also features a selection of Blockbuster-themed merchandise, such as t-shirts, keychains, and even your very own Blockbuster card.
While Bend’s Blockbuster is super cool, there are tons of other things to do in Bend that might pique your interest too! There are waterfalls, tons of hikes, and access to the gorgeous Cascade Mountains.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House (A lively hostel housed in a historic 1910 building)
8. Alvord Desert
This vast, dry lake bed in southeastern Oregon covers over 80 square miles and offers an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can camp under the stars, explore the desert on foot or by vehicle, and soak in the Alvord hot springs (one of the most unique hot springs in the US!). The area is a popular destination for stargazing, as it offers a stunning view of the night sky.
This is a remote area of eastern Oregon, and few venture out this way, but those that make the effort will be rewarded. After camping in Alvord Desert, head to World Famous Fields Station for a milkshake the size of your face!
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Alvord Hot Springs Campground
9. Smith Rock
This towering rock formation, located in Central Oregon, attracts rock climbers and hikers from around the world. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles and prairie falcons, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
You can hike through the park’s trails or rock climb on the various formations. The highlight of the park is the Misery Ridge Trail, and while the name might hint at its difficulty, don’t let it deter you. The challenging trail is stunning. The weird, unearthly landscape will make you forget your calves are burning.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Smith Rock Resort (Glamping Yurts located just 11 miles from the park).
10. Newberry Caldera
This massive volcanic crater is located in central Oregon and is home to a variety of natural wonders, including lakes and lava fields. The caldera, which was formed over 500,000 years ago, offers a glimpse into the area’s volcanic history. You can hike around the caldera, explore the lava fields, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Paulina Lake!
Grab the best views of the stunning landscape and bizarre-looking terrain at Paulina Peak. You can either hike through a forest path or drive up to the top.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Sunriver Resort (Complete with a spa, golfcourse, and outdoor and indoor resort-style pools)
11. Owyhee Canyonlands
The Owyhee Canyonlands is a remote and unique landscape in southeastern Oregon, characterized by deep canyons, towering cliffs, and volcanic formations. The area’s rugged terrain and isolation create a sense of untouched wilderness.
The best hike in the Owyhee Canyonlands is the Leslie Gulch Trail. It takes hikers through narrow canyons and past insane towering rock spires. Do note the roads in Owyhee are rough and rugged, and you’ll most certainly be covered in dirt by the time you leave.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Succor Creek State Natural Area (Remote campground)
12. Neskowin Ghost Forest
Located on the Oregon coast, this mysterious forest is made up of ancient tree stumps that have been preserved for over 2,000 years by the sandy soil and tidal flows. The trees were originally part of a forest that was buried by a massive earthquake and tsunami and have since been slowly exposed by the shifting sands. The ghostly appearance of the forest, combined with its eerie history, has made it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Surf and Sand Inn (Once a U.S. Coast Guard lookout station, now a cozy cottage to stay!)
13. Crater Lake
Come take a dip in Oregon’s favorite giant, deep blue swimming hole. Crater Lake is no ordinary lake, but a natural wonder nestled in, well, a crater! Fed by only rain and snow, this crystal-clear lake is a breathtaking sight to behold. You can take a boat tour, hike down to the lake’s edge, or explore the surrounding old-growth forests and chase waterfalls. Just don’t forget to pack a swimsuit for your visit to this iconic Oregon landmark.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Crater Lake Lodge (A beautiful stay overlooking the lake)
14. Painted Hills
If you’re looking for a psychedelic experience without the use of substances, look no further than Oregon’s Painted Hills. These rolling hills and rocky formations offer a wild display of colors that seem straight out of a dream or perhaps another plant.
The hills get their name from the vibrant layers of volcanic ash and soil that make up the rock formations. Hiking trails range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, but they all offer unique landscapes and awe-inspiring views.
Unique Place to Stay Nearby: Painted Hills Vacation (Four unique cottages to choose from!)
Weirdly Wonderful Stops on an Oregon Road Trip Map
We hope this list helped you plan your trip to Oregon and you found some weird and fun spots to add! You can save this map to make your Oregon road trip planning seamless!
Tip! Do you need a rental car for this epic Oregon Road Trip?! Be sure to check out the DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the very best deals! Happy road-tripping!
About the Author!
Nina and Garrett are two PNW-obsessed world travelers that love hanging out in the outdoors and having a nice cold beer after a long hike. You can catch them exploring the PNW in their trusty 1974 VW Bus named Lucy and writing about their epic adventures on their blog, Oregon is for Adventure!
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