The False “Hidden Gems” of OR

Many places that get listed as “hidden gems” can be found along the Oregon coast and most of them are nowhere near hidden gems. They are both very well-known and highly visited. Honestly, if you are driving the 101 north to south you will go through pretty much every one so how can they be considered “hidden”? If you want my thoughts on the coast cities, go to that beginner’s guide. The coast is amazing. Driving up and down is absolutely worth your time. But almost none of the cities are “hidden”. Stop when you’re tired or hungry. There are amazing views everywhere.

Almost always listed and almost purely aesthetic. Sisters admittedly does have a fun old-western style that is mandatory on pretty much every building in town. But it is also very small and not a place I’d spend more than an afternoon in. Unless you go there for their Folk Festival. That is one of the best events in the state and definitely worth going to. But otherwise? Honestly, you’re probably stopping on either a drive to or from Bend, which is amazing and the place actually worth visiting. Enjoy a quick walk-around in Sisters. Get a nice pastry or go to the butcher shop. But don’t waste your time getting a hotel here.

This is included on lists exclusively because it has a big concert venue (the Britt) that hosts both symphonies and major bands. It has a “cute” downtown pretty much only because people grab snacks and wine to take to the venue. Nobody has ever gone here for a long weekend unless there is a show. Don’t get fooled. This is a place exclusively for a visit to the Britt.

Not so much a take-down as a warning because Baker City is actually worth it but also crazy far from everything. Are you spending a month in Oregon? Definitely go to Baker City (and Joseph, and the Wallowas, and Hells Canyon). Are you here for a week? If you don’t want to spend half your trip driving, I would skip it.