It’s that time of year: spring break Oregon activities are almost upon us! If you’re looking for places to go for spring break in Oregon, you’re in luck!
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how you can make this Oregon spring break the best one yet.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes of Mt. Bachelor for some spring skiing, or whale watching on the Oregon Coast, there are tons of great Oregon spring break ideas.
Let’s discover the best spring break destinations in Oregon so that you can make the most of this amazing time of year!
Oregon Spring Break Overview
It’s the end of winter and spring is around the corner. Spring break in Oregon is an excellent time of the year to plan a trip, take some time off work, and explore the beauty that spring in Oregon has to offer.
In the Willamette Valley, trees and flowers are beginning to bloom. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of the blossoming trees in Portland or the tulip farm near Woodburn!
On the Oregon Coast, Gray Whales are migrating north, and it’s starting to get less windy and stormy compared to winter.
In Central and Eastern Oregon, it’s as sunny as ever and just starting to warm up. In fact, lower elevation hikes and spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor are ideal this time of year.
| Region | Upsides | Downsides |
| Portland area and Willamette Valley | Blooming flowers Some warm sunny days | Can be rainy days |
| Oregon Coast | Whale watching Some sunny days Less crowds compared to summer | Can be rainy days Temperatures can be cold (40s and 50s) |
| Central Oregon | Lots of sunny days Spring skiing Less crowds than in summer | Nights can be cold (below freezing) |
In the following sections, we’ll cover all these spring break activities Oregon has to offer and more!
Best Spring Break Destinations in Oregon
Let’s cover the top destinations for spring break in Oregon. We’ll list some of the fun things to do in Oregon for spring break at each destination.
Portland Oregon Spring Break
Whether you’re a visitor looking to explore Oregon’s largest city, or a Portland local who wants to enjoy what spring break in Portland could look like, you’re in luck!
There are tons of fun spring break activities in Portland. One of the most photogenic is the cherry blossoms that line the Japanese American Historical Plaza.
Of course, the Oregon Zoo is a hit for families (as a kid this was always my favorite) and especially enjoyable on a sunny spring day.
The Columbia River Gorge is waterfall heaven year-round and wildflower heaven in the spring. There are tons of amazing wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.
If the weather outside is rainy, you can’t go wrong a day in Portland visiting the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and some of the amazing Portland breweries and restaurants.
Oregon Coast Spring Break
Spring break is an incredible time of year to visit the Oregon Coast. The weather is improving during spring, with less rain and wind when compared to winter, but not as crowded as summer.
In fact, the combination of sunshine and some clouds (it still rains a lot during spring on the Oregon Coast) can yield some of the best sunsets of the year!
Not only is the weather improving, but an estimated 25,000 Gray whales are making a northern migration between the end of March and through May.
Last year, we were in Newport Oregon and managed to spot some whales!
If spring on the Oregon Coast sounds like your vibe we recommend a stay at Newport, Pacific City, Seaside, or Cannon Beach.
Also, if you’re coming from Oregon’s largest city, check out the best coastal beaches near Portland.
Bend Oregon Spring Break
On the other side of the Cascade Mountains, Central Oregon sunshine reigns supreme. Spring in Bend Oregon brings warmer temperatures during the day but still frigid nights.
One of the main things to do in Bend Oregon for spring break is skiing at Mt. Bachelor. In fact, this is Oregon’s largest ski resort and usually open through May, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy spring skiing.
In addition, Central Oregon has some beautiful lower elevation hiking trails (like Smith Rock State Park) which are ideal temperatures in the spring.
Furthermore, there are tons of amazing resorts near Bend that provide an epic basecamp for exploring the Central Oregon outdoors and all of the fun things to do in Bend.
As Central Oregon residents, we are more than happy to help you explore this amazing region with all of our articles about Central Oregon!
Other Fun Oregon Spring Break Activities
In addition to these amazing spring break destinations Oregon has to offer, there are many more incredible options!
Don’t pass up a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon. We especially love the Painted Hills, which is famous for its bizarre colors.
You may also consider a visit to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm which is usually open from late March to early May and has an impressive display of blooming tulips.
The Oregon Garden is also a great way to experience spring, with its stunning 80-acre botanical garden that is an absolute dream to spend a day at.
Of course, if you love farmers markets as much as us, you will be excited come April in the Willamette Valley
Spring Break in Oregon FAQ
Is spring a good time to visit Oregon?
Yes! Spring in Oregon brings warm and sunny days, a diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities, and the beginning of many people’s favorite season in Oregon.
Is Oregon a good place to visit in April?
Yes! April in Oregon is a great time to enjoy vibrantly blooming wildflower hikes and botanical gardens. Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is excellent in April. Central Oregon is usually sunny with moderate temperatures, although the Willamette Valley can have some rainy days.
Our Tips for Spring Break in Oregon
- Pack for any type of weather: Even though sunny days are common, there can also be a lot of rainy weather during spring in Oregon
- Check road conditions: Use the Oregon DOT website Trip Check to stay up to date on road closures and conditions.
- Be flexible: Planning a spring break trip can be challenging. Even if you have put together an itinerary, give yourself some wiggle room in case things don’t go as planned!
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful! There are truly so many things to do in oregon during spring break.
In fact, the spring break Oregon activities like whale watching, spring skiing, and wildflowers are one of the main reasons why we love living in Oregon.
