Three of Oregon’s Natural Landscapes
By: Mckenzie Gerdes
Many people dream of traveling the world, but have they considered exploring the natural beauty of where they live? In a world where travel is limited due to the continued spread of COVID-19, maybe it’s time to adventure in the vast outdoors of Oregon.
Oregon has stunning natural landscapes, from green forests to snow-covered mountains, from misty coastal ranges to windswept high-deserts. I’ve lived in Oregon my entire life, and I have three particular landscapes that I recommend you visit.
I took this picture in the high-desert near Madras, Oregon. Approximately two and half hours east of Newberg, the high-desert is an otherworldly landscape full of rolling plateaus and sparse grass. When you are there, you feel close to the sky.
No, this is not the desert. This is, in fact, a sand dune located in the coastal town of Florence, Oregon. Drive two and half hours southwest of Newberg, and you will be gazing at heaps of white sand against a blue backdrop. I was first introduced to this place when I went ATV riding on the dunes, which was a great time, except for getting stuck in the sand and having to get a tow. Nonetheless, it is a great place to visit, and it feels like a movie set because of its stark contrast to Oregon’s natural green forests.
I took this picture while approaching Fort Rock in Oregon, located about four hours southeast of Newberg. Fort Rock is a circular formation with an entrance and rock walls rising 200 feet above the center. Hiking trails are located around and within the fort. It’s a surreal experience to be looking out of a giant rock formation at the miles upon miles of flat high desert land, the sight only broken by an occasional green farmer’s field.
Next time you are planning a trip, but want something affordable and outdoors, visit any of these three natural landscapes in Oregon. After all, the best way to get to know Oregon is to explore the nature it boasts.