Places to Visit in Oregon in December

December is a magical time to visit Oregon, with its snow-capped mountains, twinkling holiday lights, and festive atmosphere․ Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter getaway or an adventurous outdoor escape, Oregon has something to offer everyone․ Here are six of the best places to visit in Oregon in December⁚

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small town on the Oregon coast that’s known for its stunning scenery, including Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack that’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the state․ In December, Cannon Beach is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and festive decorations lining the streets․

There are plenty of things to do in Cannon Beach in December, including⁚

• Strolling along the beach⁚ The beach is always beautiful, but it’s especially magical in December when it’s covered in a blanket of snow․
• Visiting Haystack Rock⁚ This iconic sea stack is a must-see for any visitor to Cannon Beach․ You can walk around the base of the rock or climb to the top for stunning views of the coast․
• Shopping in the downtown area⁚ Cannon Beach has a variety of shops and boutiques, where you can find everything from souvenirs to unique gifts․
• Dining at one of the many restaurants⁚ Cannon Beach has a number of excellent restaurants, serving everything from seafood to Italian cuisine․
• Watching the sunset⁚ The sunsets in Cannon Beach are legendary, and they’re even more beautiful in December when the sky is often filled with vibrant colors․

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cannon Beach, there are a number of hotels and motels to choose from․ You can also find vacation rentals, such as houses and condos․

No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in Cannon Beach in December․ The town is truly magical during the holiday season, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Cannon Beach in December⁚

• Dress warmly⁚ The weather in Cannon Beach can be cold and wet in December, so be sure to dress warmly․
• Bring your camera⁚ You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery, so be sure to bring your camera․
• Book your accommodations in advance⁚ Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the holiday season․
• Be prepared for crowds⁚ Cannon Beach can be crowded, especially during the holiday season․ Be prepared for crowds and be patient․
• Enjoy the magic⁚ Cannon Beach is a truly magical place, especially in December․ Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the holiday spirit․

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States․ The lake was formed 7,700 years ago when a volcano collapsed and its caldera filled with water․ Today, Crater Lake is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and boating․

In December, Crater Lake National Park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and sparkling blue waters․ The park is open year-round, but many of the roads and trails are closed during the winter due to snow․ However, there are still plenty of things to do in the park in December, including⁚

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing⁚ There are a number of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging․ You can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at the park’s visitor center․
• Sledding and tubing⁚ There are a few designated sledding and tubing areas in the park․ You can bring your own sled or tube, or you can rent one at the park’s visitor center․
• Wildlife viewing⁚ Crater Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and bald eagles․ You’re likely to see wildlife if you go for a hike or drive around the rim of the lake․
• Visiting the park’s visitor center⁚ The park’s visitor center is open year-round and offers exhibits on the park’s geology, history, and wildlife․ You can also watch a film about the park in the visitor center’s theater․
• Enjoying the scenery⁚ Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon, and it’s even more stunning in December when it’s covered in snow․ Be sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery, whether you’re hiking, snowshoeing, or simply driving around the rim of the lake;

If you’re planning to visit Crater Lake National Park in December, be sure to check the park’s website for information on road and trail closures․ You should also be prepared for cold and snowy weather․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Crater Lake National Park in December⁚

• Dress warmly⁚ The weather in Crater Lake National Park can be cold and snowy in December, so be sure to dress warmly․
• Bring your camera⁚ You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery, so be sure to bring your camera․
• Be prepared for crowds⁚ Crater Lake National Park is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the holiday season․
• Enjoy the magic⁚ Crater Lake National Park is a truly magical place, especially in December․ Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the holiday spirit․

Bend

Bend is a beautiful city located in central Oregon, at the base of the Cascade Mountains․ Bend is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, its vibrant arts and culture scene, and its delicious food and drink․

In December, Bend is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and twinkling holiday lights․ The city is also home to a number of festive holiday events, including the Bend Christmas Parade, the Bend Winter Festival, and the Old Mill District’s Holiday Market․

Here are some of the best things to do in Bend in December⁚

• Go skiing or snowboarding at Mount Bachelor⁚ Mount Bachelor is one of the most popular ski resorts in Oregon, and it’s just a short drive from Bend․ The resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginner to expert․
• Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the Deschutes National Forest⁚ The Deschutes National Forest is home to a number of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, ranging from easy to challenging․ You can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at a number of shops in Bend․
• Visit the High Desert Museum⁚ The High Desert Museum is a great place to learn about the natural and cultural history of the high desert region․ The museum features a variety of exhibits, including live animals, a replica of a pioneer village, and a planetarium․
• Go ice skating at the Bend River Promenade⁚ The Bend River Promenade is a beautiful place to go ice skating in the winter․ The rink is open from November to March, and it offers skate rentals and lessons․
• Attend a holiday event⁚ Bend is home to a number of festive holiday events in December, including the Bend Christmas Parade, the Bend Winter Festival, and the Old Mill District’s Holiday Market․ These events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere․

If you’re planning to visit Bend in December, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as the city is a popular tourist destination during the holiday season․ You should also be prepared for cold and snowy weather․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Bend in December⁚

• Dress warmly⁚ The weather in Bend can be cold and snowy in December, so be sure to dress warmly․
• Bring your camera⁚ You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery, so be sure to bring your camera․
• Be prepared for crowds⁚ Bend is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the holiday season․
• Enjoy the magic⁚ Bend is a truly magical place, especially in December․ Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the holiday spirit․

Portland

Portland is Oregon’s largest city, and it’s a vibrant and diverse metropolis with something to offer everyone․ In December, Portland is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling holiday lights and festive decorations․ The city is also home to a number of festive holiday events, including the Portland Christmas Festival, the ZooLights display at the Oregon Zoo, and the Holiday Ale Festival․

Here are some of the best things to do in Portland in December⁚

• Visit the Portland Christmas Festival⁚ The Portland Christmas Festival is one of the largest holiday festivals in the Northwest․ The festival features a variety of activities, including a Christmas market, a petting zoo, and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet․
• See the ZooLights display at the Oregon Zoo⁚ The Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights display is one of the most popular holiday attractions in Portland․ The display features more than a million lights, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit․
• Attend the Holiday Ale Festival⁚ The Holiday Ale Festival is a great place to sample a variety of holiday beers from local and regional breweries․ The festival also features live music and food vendors․
• Go ice skating at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink⁚ The Lloyd Center Ice Rink is a great place to go ice skating in the winter․ The rink is open from November to March, and it offers skate rentals and lessons․
• Visit the Portland Japanese Garden⁚ The Portland Japanese Garden is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially magical in December, when it’s decorated for the holidays․ The garden features a variety of traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up the beauty of nature․

If you’re planning to visit Portland in December, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as the city is a popular tourist destination during the holiday season․ You should also be prepared for cold and rainy weather․

Here are some additional tips for visiting Portland in December⁚

• Dress warmly⁚ The weather in Portland can be cold and rainy in December, so be sure to dress warmly․
• Bring your camera⁚ You’ll want to capture all the beautiful scenery, so be sure to bring your camera․
• Be prepared for crowds⁚ Portland is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the holiday season․
• Enjoy the magic⁚ Portland is a truly magical place, especially in December․ Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the holiday spirit․

The Oregon Coast Trail

The Oregon Coast Trail is a 382-mile hiking trail that stretches along the entire Oregon coast․ The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Oregon․ While hiking the entire trail in December is not recommended due to the weather, there are many shorter sections of the trail that can be hiked year-round․

Here are some of the best sections of the Oregon Coast Trail to hike in December⁚

• Short Sand Beach to Oswald West State Park⁚ This section of the trail is just over 4 miles long, and it offers stunning views of Short Sand Beach, Oswald West State Park, and Cape Falcon․
• Ecola Point to Cannon Beach⁚ This section of the trail is just over 3 miles long, and it offers views of Ecola Point, Cannon Beach, and Haystack Rock․
• Hug Point to Nehalem Bay State Park⁚ This section of the trail is just over 5 miles long, and it offers views of Hug Point, Nehalem Bay, and Neahkahnie Mountain․
• Cape Lookout to Netarts Bay⁚ This section of the trail is just over 6 miles long, and it offers views of Cape Lookout, Netarts Bay, and Cape Meares․
• Beverly Beach State Park to Yaquina Head Lighthouse⁚ This section of the trail is just over 4 miles long, and it offers views of Beverly Beach State Park, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and Yaquina Bay․

When hiking the Oregon Coast Trail in December, be sure to dress warmly and be prepared for rain․ The weather can change quickly on the coast, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of conditions․

Here are some additional tips for hiking the Oregon Coast Trail in December⁚

• Check the weather forecast before you go⁚ The weather on the Oregon coast can change quickly, so it’s important to check the forecast before you go hiking․
• Dress warmly⁚ The weather in December can be cold and rainy, so be sure to dress warmly․
• Bring rain gear⁚ It’s always a good idea to bring rain gear when hiking on the Oregon coast, especially in December․
• Be prepared for mud⁚ The trails can be muddy in December, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear․
• Enjoy the scenery⁚ The Oregon Coast Trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery․