Monument OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Monument, Oregon.
1. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
SUBTERRANEAN MARBLE WONDER
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is a subterranean attraction centered on a marble cave, accessible only during guided tours. The National Park Service offers a variety of tours exploring the cave, ranging from guided treks for families to wild cave expeditions. Above the surface, the protected area offers hiking trails through old-growth coniferous forests at 4,000 feet in the Siskiyou Mountains.
2. Pittock Mansion
HISTORIC PORTLAND ESTATE
Pittock Mansion stands as one of Oregon's most significant landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into Portland's past. The mansion was acquired by the city of Portland in 1964 and opened as a museum, later being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, it offers guided tours, educational programs, and spectacular views of the city and mountains.
3. Flavel House Museum
QUEEN ANNE VICTORIAN LANDMARK
Flavel House Museum is a well-preserved Queen Anne Victorian mansion recognized from the 1985 film The Goonies. Originally built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel, a Columbia River bar pilot and one of the area's first millionaires, the impressive 11,600-square-foot home occupies an entire city block. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991 and is now maintained as a restored Victorian mansion open for tours.
4. Mount Hood
OREGON'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Hood stands as Oregon's highest point, a dormant stratovolcano and one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The mountain offers year-round recreation opportunities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountaineering. Its majestic presence dominates the landscape and serves as an iconic symbol of Oregon's natural beauty.
5. Astoria Column
HISTORICAL LANDMARK WITH VIEWS
The Astoria Column is a towering historical monument offering panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding landscape. Standing 125 feet tall, this column features a spiral frieze depicting significant events in Oregon's early history. Visitors can climb the 164 steps to the observation deck for breathtaking views of Astoria, the Columbia River, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean.
6. The Grotto
PEACEFUL CATHOLIC SANCTUARY
The Grotto, officially known as The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is a Catholic outdoor shrine and sanctuary set in a 62-acre forest. The sanctuary features beautiful gardens, religious artwork, and a recessed cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff. Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds, attend services at the chapel, or take an elevator to the upper level for expansive views of the Columbia River Valley.
7. Table Rock
CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT FORMATION
Table Rock is a culturally significant geological formation near Medford that offers spectacular hiking opportunities and panoramic views. The formation consists of Upper and Lower Table Rock, both flat-topped buttes that rise approximately 800 feet above the surrounding Rogue Valley. These landmarks hold important cultural significance to the indigenous Takelma people and provide habitat for over 200 species of plants and animals.
8. Rogue River Jet Boat Tours
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURE
Rogue River Jet Boat Tours offer exhilarating adventures through the scenic Rogue River Valley near Medford. These guided excursions combine the thrill of high-speed jet boats with opportunities to view wildlife and learn about the region's natural history. Visitors can choose from various tour lengths, from short scenic trips to longer wilderness experiences that showcase the river's most spectacular sections.
9. Newberry Volcanic Monument
VOLCANIC WONDERS EXPLORED
Newberry Volcanic Monument provides a plethora of unique volcanic scenery to explore within the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon. The monument encompasses the massive Newberry Volcano, including its caldera lakes, lava flows, and numerous volcanic features. Visitors can hike to the top of Paulina Peak for panoramic views, explore lava tube caves, or enjoy fishing and boating on the twin lakes within the caldera.
10. John Day Fossil Beds
COLORFUL PREHISTORIC TREASURES
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserves a remarkable record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems spanning over 40 million years. The monument consists of three separate units—Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno—each with distinctive colorful landscapes and significant paleontological resources. Visitors can explore hiking trails through the vibrant landscapes, visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, and view fossils that have helped scientists understand ancient ecosystems.
11. Blue Mountain Trading Post
LOCAL GOODS AND HISTORY
Blue Mountain Trading Post serves as a vital community hub in the small town of Monument, offering a variety of local goods, supplies, and regional crafts. The trading post provides visitors with information about the area's history, including its connection to the Oregon Trail and early settler life. It functions as both a mercantile and an informal gathering spot where travelers can connect with locals to learn about hidden gems in the surrounding Blue Mountains.
12. Monument River Park
TRANQUIL RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Monument River Park offers a peaceful setting along the North Fork John Day River, perfect for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park provides access to some of the region's best steelhead and trout fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from across the state. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil riverside ambiance while observing native birds and occasional wildlife that come to the water's edge.
13. Timber Tiger Lodge
RUSTIC MOUNTAIN DINING
Timber Tiger Lodge serves as Monument's premier dining establishment, offering hearty meals in a rustic atmosphere adorned with local hunting trophies and historical artifacts. The lodge specializes in comfort food with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, including game meats and produce from nearby farms. Visitors appreciate the authentic rural Oregon experience, complete with friendly service and stories from locals about the area's hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures.
14. Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
BIODIVERSITY ECOLOGICAL TREASURE
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is an ecological wonder where the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges converge, creating one of the most biodiverse regions in North America. The monument protects a remarkable variety of plant and animal species that thrive in this unique crossroads of ecosystems. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, observe rare wildlife, and take in spectacular views of landscapes that hold special significance to Native American tribes.
15. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
WORLD-CLASS THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland stands as one of the oldest and largest regional theaters in the United States, presenting a rotating repertoire of Shakespearean plays alongside contemporary and classic works. The festival operates multiple venues, including the iconic outdoor Elizabethan Theatre, where performances take place under the stars from late spring through early fall. Beyond the performances, visitors can participate in backstage tours, pre-show talks, and numerous educational programs that celebrate theatrical arts.