From its rugged coast and gorgeous rivers to its stunning mountains and deep forests, Oregon is an outdoor wonderland. So, why not celebrate all that the state has to offer at an awesome outdoor festival? Need suggestions? Good. We got ‘em. These are our favorite outdoor festivals in Oregon.
Each autumn, for more than a quarter century, folks have been drawn to the slopes of Mount Hood for Cascade Geographic Societies Salmon, Mushroom and Bigfoot Festival. The festival includes a traditional Native American salmon bake, mushroom identification workshops, guided hikes live music, Sasquatch hunting, live music and native dancing.
The Eugene River Festival and Salmon Paddle Race is an annual event that celebrates the Willamette River. In addition to paddling and racing on the river, the event includes canoe, kayak and SUP demos, kid’s activities and flat-water races on a pond, interpretive activities and educational booths. Festival partners include the American Canoe Association, the University of Oregon Outdoor Program and Nearby Nature.
Named one of the nation’s best Mountain Bike Festivals by Outside magazine, Mountain Bike Oregon is a three-day, all-inclusive MTB party. In addition to some luscious single track, you’ll find a food truck festival and adult beverages from the likes of River City Bicycles, Skratch Labs , Base Camp Brewing and Plank Town Brewing.
Pacific Crest Trail Days is a three-day celebration of one of the United States’ great hiking trails. Camping, walking, hiking and daily sponsored activities will occur throughout the festival. A gear expo with booths and demos, as well as food and beverage vendors on hand. Backpacker magazine, Next Adventure, Granite Gear, and Osprey are just a few of the festival’s many sponsors.
The Xwest Huck Fest is unlike most other board sport festivals in the country: It’s all about the sandboarding. The competition has both pro and amateur categories and the competitions consisting of only jumps. The one who gets the biggest air gets the biggest accolades. Oregon Pacific Bank, Sea Lion Caves, and Blue Heron Galleries are the main sponsors.
Trail runners and ultra runners can’t do much better than the Mt. Hood Challenge—three half marathons in three days across the gorgeous trails and through the spectacular mountain woods of Mt. Hood National Forest. Apart from the running, you’ll enjoy speakers, organized activities, a mountain safety seminar, yoga and beer. Gnarly and On Running, and Lux Tan & Cryotherapy are some of the brands that make the challenge possible.
Two days of cycling, camping and live entertainment make up Cycle Oregon’s annual Weekender. There are several routes to choose from, including 17-mile, 41-mile, 52-mile and 76-mile loops, depending on how you feel and how much you want to ride. Kids who aren’t up to this kind of length can hang out with the Bike Camp for Kids. Meals, as well as a beer and wine garden are available on-site. Windmer Brothers Brewing , Bike Gallery, and Portland Airstream Adventures Northwest will all be on site.
Families who love the outdoors will find kindred spirits are the Family Forest in Alsea. The festival offers a weekend of camping and family-family adventure like guided and DIY hiking, workshops, family yoga, farm tours, live music and a nature play zone. Leaping Lamb Farm hosts the event, while Deuter, CLIF Kid and Easy Camp are key festival partners.
Not all of the great paddling in Oregon requires a kayak, canoe, SUP or raft. Sometimes all you need is a gourd. A really big one. Hence the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin. In addition to on-the-water events, festival-goers can participate in the 5K Regatta Run, as well as a number of other festival activities.
The number one goal of the Big Float? To encourage people to “get into their river” as well as “support its preservation and healthy development as a recreational resource.” This Portland-based fundraising event raises money for the Human Access Project, a project with a mission to “transform Portland’s relationship with the Willamette River,” and kicks off with a parade on July 14. Floaters then meet at the Tom McCall Bowl Beach. Then, floaters paddle down the river and end up at the west bank of the Tom McCall Bowl. Expect a big downtown beach party with live music, food carts, and plenty of activities for children. This event wouldn’t be possible without the help from Next Adventure, Portland Pedal Power, QuickFish Poke Bar, and many more!
