Taking A Trip Through The Seven Wonders Of Oregon

"No two moments of the day are ever the same."

These are the Seven Wonders of Oregon:

traveloregon.com

Mt. Hood, The Oregon Coast, The Columbia River Gorge, Painted Hills, Smith Rock, The Wallowas, and Crater Lake.

Here's a map of how one might venture this trip:

Calvin Seely

We start off with the Painted Hills.

Calvin Seely

"What is so amazing about the Painted Hills is every time you look around the landscape changes. No two moments of the day are ever the same. The best time to see the intense colors of the Painted Hills is at sunset, but my sunrise view was a great way to begin my morning. Just keep an eye out for all the coyotes howling early in the morning."

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Then travel across to Smith Rock.

Calvin Seely

"Bachelor, and the Three Sisters. If you are a climbing enthusiast, this is a must, but Smith Rock has something for everyone. Just be mindful of rattlesnakes as they enjoy Smith Rock too."

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

And move along to Crater Lake.

Calvin Seely

"Just try and keep your eyes on the road. No seriously, its a dangerous drive. With twists and turns and mountains all around its a bit of a white knuckle drive. Once you get to the top, you'll forget about the drive (until you have to go down) when you see Crater Lake. Breathtaking shades of blue and a pathway you can take by foot gives you the opportunity to jump in to Crater Lake. A must do if you visit."

Next is the hike up The Oregon Coast.

Calvin Seely

"When the fog lifts off of the Pacific Coast, you are greeted with one of the most beautiful and intense landscapes. A scenic hike or drive, the Oregon Coast has both plenty to see and do. Check out Oswald West State Park and make your way to see the massive rock formation of Haystack."

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

And up to Mt. Hood.

Getty / Craig Mitchelldyer

"There is something indescribable about the presence of Mt. Hood on the Oregon landscape. The hike up Mt. Hood was intense, but the views near the summit are worth every bit of energy expended. When you get to a safe spot, try glissading down the South face of the mountain and spend some time at Timberline Lodge. You won't be disappointed."

Calvin Seely

While making our way over to The Columbia River Gorge.

Calvin Seely

"Being a U.S. History teacher, I cannot help but to think of the adventures of Lewis and Clark as they made their way down the impressive Columbia River. A series of breathtaking waterfalls (Multnomah Falls) and hikes, the Columbia River Gorge is a great getaway from the city limits of Portland. Bring a set of extra clothes and hike through Oneonta Gorge and head back to town for some great craft brews in Hood River."

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Finishing the trip at The Wallowas.

Calvin Seely

"My family goes back four generations to this area of Eastern Oregon and it was my first time seeing the Wallowas and its surrounding areas. It was a special thing to go back to old family homestead and climb the same mountains as my great great grandfather. Plus I got to visit the Oregon Trail museum — warning make sure you don't get dysentery or use all your ammo because you'll drown trying to ford the river. If you don't get that reference, you missed out on life."

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Calvin Seely

Big thanks to Calvin Seely for sharing his stories and photos.

Calvin Seely

To learn more about The Seven Wonders of Oregon, visit their website.