It can be hard to get away from the crowds at popular Oregon destinations like Thor’s Well, hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake.  Sometimes what we seek when going out into nature isn’t the perfect photo, or a trip to get out of the house, but solace and time to reflect, or time to spend away from the world with that special someone.  Oregon is full of incredible vistas and back country trails that few get to see and experience.  Here are 17 Photos that show off the beauty of the less visited places in Oregon.

1. The Eagle Cap Wilderness

 

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A post shared by Cass Kolkjen (@jaditpnw) on Feb 2, 2020 at 9:53am PST

2. The Mt. Hood Wilderness

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Sep 10, 2019 at 8:01pm PDT

3. Clearwater Falls In Southern Oregon

 

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A post shared by ⓙⓔⓢⓢ📷 | Nature Photographer (@jatomlinsonphotography) on Nov 16, 2017 at 12:37am PST

4. On A Remote Road In The Owyhee Canyonlands

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Jul 18, 2017 at 3:49pm PDT

5. Cliff Lake In The Sky Lakes Wilderness

 

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A post shared by Daniel Benson (@originalinator) on Sep 9, 2019 at 8:11pm PDT

6. Mt. Jefferson In The Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Mar 17, 2020 at 7:07pm PDT

7. Steens Mountain From The Alvord Desert

 

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A post shared by Matt Cook (@mattcookoregon) on Apr 14, 2020 at 5:37pm PDT

8. On The Pacific Crest Trail At Santiam Pass

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Feb 24, 2020 at 6:40am PST

9. Mt. Bachelor

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Jan 4, 2019 at 8:04pm PST

10. The Umpqua River

 

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A post shared by ⓙⓔⓢⓢ📷 | Nature Photographer (@jatomlinsonphotography) on Nov 16, 2017 at 12:32am PST

11. The Mt. Hood Wilderness

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:57pm PDT

12. Paulina Creek

 

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A post shared by Jeff C Bryant (@jeff_bryant_photography) on Nov 27, 2016 at 12:19am PST

13. The Three Sisters From Indian Ford Meadow

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on Dec 31, 2015 at 7:46pm PST

14. Broken Top

 

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A post shared by James Dustin Parsons (@extreme_oregon) on May 15, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

15. Mt. McLoughlin Over Klamath Lake

 

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A post shared by ⓙⓔⓢⓢ📷 | Nature Photographer (@jatomlinsonphotography) on Nov 16, 2017 at 12:04am PST

16. The Clatsop State Forest

 

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A post shared by Heather (@satyayogapnw) on Nov 30, 2018 at 9:50pm PST

17. The Malheur National Forest Near John Day

 

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A post shared by @mistarobofoto on Jul 20, 2019 at 6:49pm PDT

Please Note:

• Many back country areas require a permit to hike, camp, or visit.  Please do your research before heading out to explore these places.
• Please follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and don’t set out on an adventure that’s beyond your skill level.
• Hiking and exploring are at-your-own-risk activities.
• Please also be aware of campfire restrictions and be careful with any fires you create so we can preserve our wilderness areas.

What’s your favorite back country area to visit in Oregon?  Let us know in a comment and tag the friends you want to go on an Oregon adventure with!