The Most Beautiful Rivers in Oregon You Need to Explore

This tributary – a 12-mile (19.3-kilometer) extension of the larger Willamette River – is relatively short, but equally beautiful. The North and South tributaries rise in the Cascades, with the North impounding to form Detroit Lake and the Middle joining with the South to form Foster Lake. Along the North Santiam River, find fishermen casting a line for local Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Santiam River, OR, USA

This 33-mile-long (53.1-kilometer-long) river is nestled within the peaks of the Cascade Range, draining the southwestern portion of nearby Mount Hood. The Salmon River, surrounded by rows of pine, roaming elk, and crisp Oregon air, is a protected National Wild and Scenic River from its headwaters on Mount Hood to its junction with the Sandy River.

Salmon River, OR, USA

The Wallowa River, a 10-mile-long (16-kilometer-long) tributary, flows through the Wallowa Valley before joining with the Grande Ronde River. The waters are popular for fishing, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing – bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, black bears, and bald eagles – and float boating. The upper portion is relatively untouched, while the lower reaches flow through open, grass-covered hills.

Wallowa River, OR, USA

A popular stop for fishing, camping, rafting, and kayaking, McKenzie River flows for 90 miles (144.8 kilometers) through the Cascade Range as it moves westward to the Willamette Valley. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail follows the banks of the river for over 25 miles (40.2 kilometers); watch for bald eagles, osprey, dippers, and mergansers along this Willamette River tributary.

McKenzie River, OR, USA

The Columbia River – wedged between the canyons of the Columbia River Gorge – is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. It rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, traveling for over 1,200 miles through Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Gorge is the largest National Scenic Area in America and one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, with views of the Cascade Mountains and waterfalls to the south and Washington cliffs to the north.

Columbia River, OR, USA

The John Day River is the longest free-flowing river in Oregon, and one of the longest in the U.S. A tributary of the Columbia River, John Day runs for 284 miles (457 kilometers) with its elevation ranging from 265 feet to 9,000 feet (80.7-2743.2 meters). Portions of the river are designated National Wild and Scenic, with the river offering diverse geological features – monoliths, buttes, and ancient red and green soils – and abundant wildlife. The river is known for its Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bass fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting, and a plethora of other recreational opportunities.

John Day River, OR, USA

The Deschutes River, a National Wild and Scenic River, flows for 175 miles (281.6 kilometers) through ruggedly beautiful landscapes. The Upper portion is filled with trout and offers views of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument; the Middle, a popular hiking destination, is known for its remarkable geologic formations and waterfalls; and the Lower is a whitewater rafting and premier fishing hot spot.

Deschutes River, OR, USA

Marked by steep canyons and the towering walls of the Owyhee Plateau, this National Wild and Scenic River is a popular hiking and whitewater rafting destination. The canyon rims are home to deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, and several species of raptors. A tributary of the colossal Snake River, the Owyhee runs for 346 miles (556.8 kilometers) before entering the Snake River Plain near the Oregon-Idaho state line.

Owyhee River, OR, USA

The North Umpqua River is considered to be one of Oregon’s most beautiful rivers; with its crystal clear waters traversing through lush forests and mountainous landscapes, it’s hard to disagree. A renowned fly-fishing and whitewater rafting waterway, this National Wild and Scenic River draws hundreds of visitors annually with its allure and recreational opportunities.

North Umpqua River, OR, USA

Named for its deeply blue waters, this river in the Willamette National Forest defines all that is Oregon beauty. Expect wide-open vistas of Blue River as its aqua-marine waters travel through rows of Douglas fir-lined mountains. The river is 17 miles (27.3 kilometers) long, joining with the McKenzie River near the town of Blue River.

Blue River, OR, USA

It comes as no surprise that Chetco River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River: tropical-like turquoise waters, steep mountainous terrain, and boulder-strewn falls can be seen along its 44-mile (70.8-kilometer) designated segment, backed by views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. For the remaining 55 miles (88.5 kilometers), the Chetco descends from its 3,700-foot (1127.7-meter) elevation to sea level as it prepares to empty into the Pacific Ocean. The river is recognized for its pristine water quality and is a destination for a myriad of recreational activities.

Chetco River, OR, USA

Rising in the mountains of the Tillamook State Forest, the Wilson River flows for 33 miles (53.1 kilometers), merging with its North Fork before entering Tillamook Bay. Locals claim this waterway is one of the best fishing spots for steelhead and Chinook salmon in the state.

Wilson River, OR, USA

One million years ago, the Owyhee Mountains separated the Snake River from the Columbia River, creating a lake in present-day Idaho. The river finally pushed through the mountains, rushing northward and cutting through the volcanic rock that borders it today. The canyon that resulted is 10 miles (16 kilometers) across, with surrounding walls steep and enormous – some reach an average height of 5,500 feet (1676.4 meters) above the river, with Seven Devils the tallest at 9,393 feet (2863 meters) high. They create the deepest gorge in the U.S. The Oregon portion winds through Hells Canyon before entering the Columbia River. At a whopping 1,078 miles (1734.8 kilometers) long, Snake River is nothing but wild and scenic.

Snake River, OR, USA

A designated National Wild and Scenic River, the Klamath‘s mesmerizing deep blue waters move swiftly from Oregon’s high desert through the towering peaks of the Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains before entering the Pacific Ocean in California. Wildlife and fish are abundant, which made this river a popular location for several Native American tribes and early European settlers. The changing vegetation of pine, sage, and juniper along its corridor make for peaceful scenery amongst its powerful rapids.

Klamath River, OR, USA