Where to Start: Taking Up New Outdoor Pursuits in Oregon
There are several ways to enjoy Oregon's natural beauty but knowing where to start can be challenging for many. Whether you are looking to take up a new hobby or just put yourself before nature, the good news is you won't need to travel far to enjoy all Oregon has to offer. The key to enjoying the outdoors is finding what makes you happy and what inspires you. Getting outside does not need to be a huge time commitment. Even thirty minutes a day can do wonders for your mental health or get you closer to your nature goals and dreams.
Picture: Unsplash: Nathan Maduta
Low commitment outdoor pursuits.
If your goal is to just get outside, these options are a great place to start.
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Go for a walk.
Take some time out of your day to go for a stroll. All you have to do is open your door, and head outside. Walk around your neighborhood, your nearest park, your downtown, or even outside your place of work if that interest you. The options are limitless! I suggest switching it up if you can. The best way to enjoy your outdoor stroll is to unplug and just observe the nature you encounter.
Frisbee golf (frolf?)/disc golf.
Frolfing is trending. All you need is a frisbee or disc and you can head out to your nearest frolfing location. Nowhere to frolf near you? Make your own target and practice frofling in a safe location, one where you won't be throwing disc near anyone. This activity is fun and an easy option for groups to get outside together.
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Bird watching and cloud watching.
By far the least commitment activities that will appear on this list, all you need to do to bird watch or cloud watch is observe. Sometimes taking a moment to just observe and relax is the reset you need to clear your mind from all the stimulus you encounter daily.
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Have a picnic.
I am a big fan of moving indoor activities outdoors. When the weather permits, why not enjoy your lunch with some fresh air? Picnics can be as casual or classy as you like, spent alone painting or with friends enjoying some fine dinning with a view.
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Paint. Read. Write.
Another great example of taking indoor activities outdoors is doing your favorite things but outside. Or better yet, take up a new hobby, and bring it outside. Painting, reading, writing, listening to music... watching a movie... are all things you can do outside. Often times, being outside makes people feel more creative, as they are not confined to their indoor space.
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Hammock.
If you don't own a hammock already, I recommend investing in one. They are just too fun not to own. Hammocking is also trending, and I can imagine why. Hammocks are comfy, portable, and can be used when camping outdoors. You can even paint, read, and write while hanging in your hammock. They also come in fun colors! What's not to love.
Stargazing.
Just as easy as bird watching and cloud watching, stargazing is a great way to observe, relax, and maybe wonder about what else is out there. However, because of light pollution, not every night is made for optimal star gazing. If you really want to be amazed, go a little out of your way to be separated from the city lights and enjoy the night sky.
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Outdoor yoga.
Yoga, but outside. One of the appeals to yoga is focussing on relaxing and resetting your mind and body. Going outside can help limit distractions and the feeling of confinement, increasing your ability to fully take advantage of partaking in yoga.
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Go to local farmers markets.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to spend all your money when you visit a farmers market. Aside from supporting local farmers and businesses, being out in your community and enjoying all there is to see at the farmers market is worth just being there.
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Photography.
Take some photos out in nature! If you need some motivation, start a photography challenge. You can take one photo of something out in nature everyday for 30 days or you can take a picture of all the colors in nature.
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Picture: Unsplash: Denis Degioanni
Taking it a step further.
These are some simple outdoor hobbies that you can enjoy solo or with others but require some level of interest in trying something new or can be more physically demanding.
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Hiking.
Hiking is a classic way to engage in nature that allows you to be more immersed than you typically would be. There is a lot to keep in mind when you set out for your next hiking endeavor in order to keep yourself safe and to protect the natural environment. Always be aware of the weather and the conditions of the site you are going to. Stay hydrated and fueled but don't forget to keep the trails clean by abiding by the "leave no trace" principle. Check out the article, "Trail Etiquette," to best be prepared for your hike.
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Skateboarding.
The best way to get into skateboarding is to just go for it. Buy a board, get a feel for skating, and do not push mongo (you'll get this once you start skating). Learn some tricks and have some fun. Above all, do it for yourself!
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Biking.
There are several ways to enjoy biking, from street biking to the adrenaline rush of dirt biking. If street biking becomes your jam, consider biking to work too! Keep in mind, there are different bikes for different uses (road, hybrid, and mountain bikes) and different sizes as well. Consider getting fitted in store before purchasing your next bike.
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Backpacking.
If you want to get completely immersed in nature, backpacking is the way to go! Start off small so you can set expectations for larger trips. For your first trip, go somewhere you are familiar with and make sure someone you trust knows where you are going and how long you will be gone for. Have a GPS on you, dress in layers and travel light while making sure you pack enough food and water for the time you are away.
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Running/trail running.
Running is a great and versatile activity to get into for both your physical and mental health. Just like biking, there are different shoes to get you around different terrain (road and trail) and finding the proper fit will change your running game. Getting fitted for the proper shoe before purchasing your next pair of running shoes will ensure maximum comfort and performance.
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Camping.
Camping can take many forms from casual car camping to backpacking to a camping location. It can be a social event or a solo adventure. Just like backpacking, no matter the size of group you are camping with, let a family or friend know where you will be and how long you will be gone for. Before heading to a camping spot, check the regulations; whether or not campfires are permitted, if the camp is first come first serve or based on reservations, if a parking pass is need, etc.
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Rock climbing.
As one of the more adventure seeking activities on this list, you want to start off within your comfort level, like anything else. Even if you are petrified of heights, don't let that alone deter you from trying out this adrenaline packed activity. It is certainly a rewarding and challenging sport that can offer some incredible views. Smith Rock in Central, OR is a popular location for even out-of-state climbers to visit. Smith Rock Climbing Guides, Inc. offers climbing instruction, guides and rentals, perfect for first timers.
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Gardening.
You don't need to get out of town to enjoy this hobby. Gardening is a fun and less strenuous way to enjoy being outside. The benefits include adding more greenery to your home and even growing your own food can drastically decrease the distance your food travels to your table, which is great for the environment as well.
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Golfing.
Get outside by getting on the green. You do not have to be good at golfing to enjoy it. I will probably never be good at golfing. Often times, golf courses offer great views of nature, especially here in Oregon. You may even see a deer or two trotting along the course.
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Picture: Unsplash: Venti Views. Smith Rock, Terrebonne, OR.
Ways to enjoy Oregon's bodies of water.​
Feeling like dipping your toes into water sports? Perhaps you need to find a cool way too cool off on hot summer days. Oregon has plenty of rivers and lakes to enjoy, not to mention an amazing coastline!
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River rafting.
There are plenty of places around Oregon that offer whitewater rafting. While this is not something you'll likely be doing often or take up as a hobby, it is must on any Oregonian's bucket list.
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Tubing.
Like river rafting, tubing is less of a hobby and more of a treat. However, if you live along a river like myself, you may find yourself tubing during the summer as if it was your hobby. And there is no shame in that. Just don't drop your phone in the water like someone I know has done (me).
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Kayaking.
Want to workout your upper body while enjoying some amazing views? Go kayaking. The best part about kayaking is that you can stay dry while being in the middle of a lake, looking at the mountains. You can even take your dog with you!
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Paddle boarding.
Similar to kayaking, paddle boarding is a great way to soak in all the beauty surrounding a river or lake. You can even do yoga on your paddle board. In the middle of a lake. How cool is that? How Oregonian is that?
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Surfing.
The Oregon coast is cold. Do be prepared with proper protective wear as the water is typically 50 degrees but can drop down to 40. A great place for beginners is "Indian Beach" in Ecola State Park. Plenty of cities along the Oregon coast have shops that offer surfing lessons year round but it is said the best time to go is Fall, when the weather is still warm but the summer fog has cleared up.
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Fishing.
Fishing is a family friendly activity that is also rather relaxing. Ideally, catching a fish would make your fishing trip worth while, however, I promise you can still have a good outing even if you don't get any bites. Sometimes, all I catch is sticks. Before you head out on your next fishing exertion, check the location's regulations as far as what bait is allowed, catch and release policies, etc. Do plan ahead and get your Oregon fishing license prior to your trip.
Picture: Unsplash: Chris Henry.
Ways to enjoy the snow.
Snow in Oregon is most abundant along the Cascade Range, offering plenty of powder days to enjoy the colder weather. The Blue and Wallowa Mountains near La Grande and Pendleton also experience a fair amount of snowfall if you wish to take your adventures to Northeastern Oregon.
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Sledding.
Sledding is a classic winter activity for families and friends alike. To best enjoy your winter outing, bring some hot cocoa with you or even build a fire if your local sno-park permits it. Do not forget to pick up a sno-park pass before heading out on your adventure.
Snowboarding.
First time snowboarding? Before you commit to buying all the gear needed to snowboard, rent some gear at a local ski shop or resort when trying out this new sport. Mount Bachelor is a great place to start your skiing or snowboarding journey, with or without lessons. There are plenty of runs that differ in length and challenge to allow for progression at all levels.
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Skiing.
To snowboard or to ski, that is the question at hand. Skiing is typically regarded as easier to pick up than snowboarding but it is worth trying both if you are unsure which you prefer. Or don't chose just one and master both. The same idea remains for both sports; try before you buy. Though, I am convinced once you get into winter sports, you'll be locked in for life.
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Snowmobiling.
Feel the need for speed? Try out snowmobiling. It is an adrenaline packed way to enjoy the snow and all the beauty that comes with the season. There are even snowmobile tours you can take part in! Two popular spots for snowmobiling are Paulina Lake and Waldo Lake Sno-Park.
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Snowshoeing.
If you don't want to give up hiking when the snow covers your trails, strap on some snowshoes. Whether you partake in snow tours or tred alone, be prepared for the wild winter conditions. Billy Bob Sno-Park is a popular location for snowshoeing with a wide range of easy to challenging trails.
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Picture: Unsplash: Ben Kitching
Bakall, S. (2021, December 2). Top oregon snowshoe adventures. Travel Oregon. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/top-winter-wonderlands-snowshoe-adventures/
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Galvan, G. (2022, March 12). 9 epic beaches for surfing in Oregon-beginner to experienced! Oregon is for Adventure. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://oregonisforadventure.com/surfing-in-oregon/
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Services overview. Solid Rock Climbing Guides, Inc. - Climbing Instruction Guide Service. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.smithrockclimbingguides.com/services-overview/