A guide to help you plan your next trip to Oregon.

“All it does is rain in Oregon.”

If your planning a trip to Oregon, the chances are someone has likely said something about Oregon’s rain to you. And while it is true, it does rain in Oregon, its not actually as bad as everyone thinks. In fact, Oregon hasn’t had 90’s. Instead, Oregon has four true seasons. In the summer time, Oregon experiences high temperatures and in the Winter it often snows.

So, how to know when the best time of year to visit Oregon is? Well, like anything it depends on what you want to do while here. Here is a brief over view of each season to help plan your trip.

Winter Travel in Oregon

Along the I-5 corridor, it is unlikely that you will see any snow in Oregon. You will, however, likely see rain. Plan to bring multiple jackets/sweaters for Winter travel, as you will get wet.

Heading inlad towards Hwy 97 you will find numerous ski resorts. Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood are the two most popular for individuals from all around to visit.

Christmas time in Oregon provides its own unique activities, with light shows popping up around the state. Some of the most notable is Shore Acres and the Festival of Lights.

Lastly, winter is an excellent time to visit for outdoorsman. Fishing for Winter Steelhead or the Colombia Basin Sturegon is very popular during the winter months. Never been fishing and want to try? Not a problem! There are countless guides to help you set the hook and land a fish.

Overall, winter isn’t terrible to visit Oregon, as long as you don’t mind the rain. If you are wanting to come see some of the beautiful scenery that Oregon has to offer, it is best to visit during a different time of the year, as Oregon has a low fog that prevents you from seeing off in the distance.

Winter Summary:

Activities: Snowboarding, Skiing, Christmas Festivities, Fishing
Weather: Cold &Wet, Often Windy, Low Hanging Fog
Don’t Forget: Multiple Jackets or Coats, Warm Shoes, Gloves for colder weather

Spring Travel in Oregon

At the beginning of Spring, every thing will still be very wet despite the temperatures being in the 60’s and 70’s. There will be many nights that it will drop down to freezing temperatures so be prepared if you are planning to camp. It’s also during this time that the snowpacks from the Cascade Mountains begin to melt. The rivers during this time of year will likely be high and muddy in appearance.

Its important to note here that if you are planning on hiking to waterfalls, hot sprinfs, or visiting anywhere in the back country of Oregon, you will run into snow on the roads. There is very little cell service in these areas so be prepared and always let someone know your route.

If you do decide to travel to those areas, I recommend using one of the OnX Map apps for planning and collaboration with your friends and family. (Don’t forget to download it for offline use!) Or if you find yourself in places where there is no service often, you might consider purchasing a satellite messaging device from companies like Spot or Garmin.

Now the latter part of Spring is very beautiful. Temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s making outdoor activities bearable. The flowers are starting bloom and everything is very green. This is one of the best times to visit the Oregon Coast as well as the winds are still low.

Overall, if you decide to visit Oregon in the spring, its best to wait until the later part of it for the best experience. I wouldn’t leave your jacket out home regardless of what the weatherman says.

Spring Summary:

Activities: Spring Festivals, Outdoor Recreation
Weather: Rain and Sunshine Mix, Cold Nights, Warm Days
Don’t Forget: Everything will still be wet so a jacket or coat and jeans. Winter Safety precautions if doing back country travel

Traveling through Oregon in the Summer

Depending on what month you visit during the summer will determine if you should visit Oregon during the summer. Oregon suffers from drastic wildfires every year, polluting the air.

Oregon’s wildfires are either due to lightening strike or they are caused by careless or reckless behavior of humans. Make sure you put your campfire all the way out. Don’t throw cigerettes out the window. And, please, if you are towing a trailer, don’t let your chains drag. Also, fireworks that fly (mortars, bottle rockets, roaming candles, etc.) are illegal for exactly this reason. You can learn more about preventing wildfires on Keep Oregon Green’s website.

Early in the summer, however, Oregon is great to visit. The sun is out and summertime fesitivities are popping up all over the state. Some of the most popular events are the Oregon Country Fair, UTV Takeover, Oregon Jamboree, and Graffiti Weekend. However, the rivers are still high and quick moving so its not the best time for swimming.

Summer Overview:

Activities: Summer events across the state, swimming, siteseeing
Weather: 90 degree weather, sunshine, one storm a summer, late summer has wildfire smoke polluting the air
Don’t Forget: a jacket. sunscreen. hiking shoes or boots. water.

Autumn in Oregon

Autumn is probably one of the best times of the year to visit Oregon. Usually we have extinguished the wildfires, the air is breathable and the weather is still decent out, although it does get cold later in the season. It usually doesn’t rain until October-ish.

One of the fun things about fall is Halloween, right? Well, Oregon is home to some of the best attractions for Halloween. For example, the town of St. Helens, Oregon, was where the movie Halloweentown was based. So, every year they decorate the town similar to scenes in the movie and invite everyone to come visit.

Hiking during this time is phenomenal, as its not to hot and not to cold. It does get a little chilly at night though so bring lots of blankets if you go camping. Also note that fire restrictions may still be in effect. Use caution before lighting a fire.

Overall, Autumn is a great time to visit Oregon, well unless you want to go swimming cause it will likely be to cold for that. However, if you come earlier than the weather should be perfect for you to enjoy all of your outdoor activities.

Autumn Recap:

Activities: Halloweentown, Haunted Tours, Ghost Towns
Weather: Warm at the start and then gradually gets colder. Rain in October
Don’t Forget: A jacket. Hiking shoes. Halloween Spirit.

So, when is the best time to visit Oregon? I would recommend Late Spring/Early Summer or in the Fall for optimal weather conditions so you can enjoy as much as you can of Oregons Natural Beauty. However, any time of year is fine as long as you use common sense.

More about Oregon coming soon!

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