Toketee Top 8: Oregon Adventures for Everyone
Toketee Falls, Southern Oregon
#1: TOKETEE FALLS
With all the (deserved) hype around Crater Lake National Park, it's easy to forget how many other awesome adventures are hidden along the way! Our obvious favorite is Toketee Falls. Just 30 miles Northwest of the CLNP entrance, a super short hike brings you to one of the most picturesque falls in all of America.
Hart Mountain Cabin, Plush, Oregon
#2: Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge
The majestic fault block Hart Mountain range rises above a multitude of massive alkali ponds known as the Warner Lakes Wetland. Mini canyons carve their way into the mountain side, yielding aspen groves and hidden waterfalls. Up top, one can find antelope, birds of prey, rattlesnakes, and ancient petroglyphs scattered amongst sage brush and an infinite sky. There is also a famous hot spring housed here and an awesome private cabin available to visitors.
Harris Beach, Brookings, Oregon
John Day River, Clarno, Oregon
South Sister, Central Oregon
Tom McCall Point, The Dalles, OREgon
Aria Zoner enjoying his own “invention,” the Siskiyou Peaks Trail outside of Ashland, Oregon.
#3: Harris Beach State Park
Just the perfect place to car camp any time of year with one of the most beautiful beaches you'll see on the West Coast, decorated with endless rock formations jutting out into the surf. Just outside of Brookings, Oregon, Harris Beach also offers a nice base camp for those heading out to see the Redwoods in Northern California or want to go wildlife watching or kiteboarding up North a bit.
#4: John Day River
Whether you're there for world-class fishing, a leisurely float, or a multi-day expedition, there is no doubt that the John Day River is one of Oregon's finest. No other river in Oregon offers such beauty and solitude at the same time. Lose yourself in the colorful rolling hills off its banks, the slow steady cadence of its currents, and the breath-taking skies overhead.
#5: South Sister
This nearly straight vertical hike requires no technical expertise - just a love for the outdoors and some grit! In spite of its difficulty, it's extremely popular - and the view is extremely rewarding. Pack food and drink, and when you're done, come on back to nearby Bend for some amazing, hard-earned IPAs.
#6: Smith Rock State Park
There is so much to marvel at here. Climb to the top and gaze as far as the eye can see across Central Oregon. Down below, dip your toes in the Crooked River, and don't be surprised if you're greeted by local resident deer, eagles, ducks, snakes & river otters. Or if you'd rather just hang up top, spectate in awe as expert rock climbers attempt some of the most spectacular ascents you'll ever see.
#7: Tom McCall Point
Tom McCall Point offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, brisk exercise, and if you time it right, a never-ending tour through vivid and diverse Oregon wildflowers.
#8: SISKIYOU PEAKS TRAIL
This is the only thru-hike featured on this page and intended for the truly adventuresome among us. This brand new scenic trail was created by Aria Zoner aka “The Whole Food Hiker.” Learn more about this unique and epic trail at Zoner’s own webpage. Guidebooks available for those wishing to give it a go!