5.0Haystack Rock(3.271 reviews) - Towering scenery and raw Nature Spent 1-2 hours Beaches • Geologic Formations
Haystack Rock is a unique 235 feet monolith that attracts wildlife and tourists alike and is part of the Oregon Coast’s geological history, formed millions of year ago by lava flows that created many of the dramatic capes and headlands along the coast. Haystack Rock is protected under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a seabird nesting colony and it is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a State protected Marine Garden. The Rock is home to nesting seabirds in the summer and marine invertebrates all year. Tidepool seekers are beckoned by its wonders every day. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental educational program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. HRAP offers an extensive interpretive program on the beach during the spring and summer months around low tide.See more..
5.0Columbia River Gorge(1.226 reviews) - Best Way to See the Falls Canyons • Geologic Formations
The Columbia River Gorge, a 75-mile canyon through the Cascades, is a broad, picturesque river with water-controlling dams.See more..
This scenic coastal spot features a large rock with face-like features.See more..
5.0Oneonta Gorge(507 reviews) - Amazing rock structure right over your head! Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
When we went the area was still closed off but we walked through the tunnel to see what we could. It was fun, there are not a lot of places where you can walk through a tunnel or have massive boulders right over your head, it felt a little death-defying. The area we could see was definitely worth the stop.See more..
Two flat-topped hills with an abundance of growing wildflowers.See more..
5.0Painted Hills(128 reviews) - Best of the three Units Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations • Scenic Walking Areas
I visited the Painted Hills near Prineville on a fine afternoon in June and enjoyed the fabulous views. It appears this Unit is the most popular of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and I agree with that view. The colorful stripes and ripples on the mounds and mountains of Painted Hills can be enjoyed just from the overlooks, though there are a few trails if one wants to spend more time. The Carroll Rim trail is the longest with some steep sections; but the view from the top of the rim is gorgeous. The main parking in the Unit has a wonderful picnic spot and when I was there in June the area was chirping with all kinds of birds. The Painted Hills is very beautiful with striking colors of geology.See more..
5.0Crack in the Ground(26 reviews) - Another slot canyon Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations
It is really very interesting place but it is not so easy to go there. Road is very very rough with lot of potholes and with a parts with undulating surface. At times I was worried about car. There is a small parking with toilet which was closed when we was there. Trail to crack is short and there is a bench for rest. Crack in the ground is nice slot canyon under the earth surface, little bit colder but it was pleasant. We met some man and we together agreed that road is terrible but it worth to go there.See more..
3.5Hole-in-the-Ground(18 reviews) - More of a crater versus a hole Geologic Formations
A volcanic explosion crater that was formed between 13,500 and 18,000 years ago.See more..
4.5Leslie Gulch(10 reviews) - A must see Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
This place was quiet and free of crowds. I would take any guest from out of town here. The hiking is easy and we only scrambled over some rocks at one time. We took our dogs, but not sure of the leash rule. We didn't see anyone else all day. Take plenty of water and go early as it will get hot later in the season. Also try to avoid the wet season as it could get muddy. Spend a few hours exploring and taking photos.See more..
The Clarno Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is worth a stop if you have an hour or so to go on the steep, short but scenic Arch Trail. The neck-craning view of the Arch at the end of the trail is the pay off. But, the rest of the hike is also enjoyable from the scenic view of the hills. The Trail of Fossils is also nice but rocky; a leaf fossil is the highlight of this trail. Clarno Unit is certainly worth a stop in the National Monument.See more..
3.5Pillars of Rome(4 reviews) - Unexpected sight on a long trip Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
We were driving from California to Montana and decided to make the quick detour to check out this sight. The gravel road in is easy for any vehicle and is about a mile in to the views. The geology is really interesting. It's easy to see how this would be a good landmark for the early pioneers. Worth the quick stop.See more..
4.0Sheep Rock(2 reviews) - Imposantes formations rocheuses Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks • Geologic Formations
Quand on remonte la vallée en direction du visitor center, on longe sur la droite d'imposantes falaises à la aux roches curieusement dessinées et sculptées. Cela donne un paysage original et spectaculaire.See more..
5.0Doerner Fir(1 review) - Tallest non-redwood tree in the world Spent 2-3 hours Geologic Formations The Doerner (Douglas) Fir is deep in the national forest and not easy to find so you need to research the maps on Internet or visit the USFS office in Roseburg OR. to save yourself a great deal of searching. This tree is 327' tall and was once 330', tied with a California Redwood as the tallest tree in the world, but lost the top 3 feet. It is a 1/2 mile moderate hike through primeval forest and is shockingly tall. For tree lovers, this is a must see but for others it is an adventurous hike. I've been to Sequoia NP and seen the General Grant and Sherman. They are way more "grand" but far shorter than the Doerner.Fir. This is old growth timber and there are plenty of giant firs all around the area. Google "Doerner Fir" and there is a lot of information about it. Access is easiest from Douglas Country as it is only 30 miles west of Roseburg, OR. You take the Coos Bay Wagon Rd to a "Y" at the base of the hills and take the rd to the right. There are no signs but that is called the "access road". Go up and I mean UP on this paved road about 6 miles. Somewhere along that road it becomes the "Burnt Mtn Rd". The next "Y" is forest rd 27-11-12, and you take the left fork going about 3-4 miles. Now you come to another "Y" and you go left and leave the pavement on this relatively good gravel road called forest road 27-9-21.It's easy to miss because it looks just like another gravel road - you will go by many. It's maybe only 3 miles along this road and you will come to a restroom, parking area and trail signage - the ONLY signage for the Doerner Fir you will see. This trail is NOT wheel chair accessible and is moderately strenuous. Remember, you are in the deep forest here and the trail has root trip hazards. There is some logging in this area so drive with your lights on and cautiously. This is not winter accessible due to high altitude access points you traverse.See more..
3.0Pillars of Rome(1 review) - Neat natural features that are easy to get to Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations
These natural features are forth a stop and a quick look. Unusual in this part of the desert so why not check them out?See more..
