Want to visit the Islands in Oregon? Oregon is a state in the United States Pacific Northwest region.
It features extensive, beautiful coastlines, rich history, varying landscapes, and climates, including plenty of trees.
There are many things to like about this place. There are numerous attractions to explore and see inside its 98,381 square miles of land, so it might be tough to decide where to visit.
Oregon is quite famous due to its many outdoor recreational activities, Oregon’s Islands are among the major boosters of the state’s tourist industry.
These islands offer varieties of outdoor activities that you can be a part of when you visit.
Here are the best Islands in Oregon.
Islands in Oregon
1. Wizard Island
Wizard Island
Wizard Island is part of the most magnificent locations at Crater Lake. It is one of the most beautiful Islands in Oregon.
Wizard Island is a volcanic cylinder cone with a height of more than 760 feet above the lake’s clear waters of the lake. The Island is at the West corner of Crater Lake, which is in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.
You might be wondering how the name of the lake came about. Interestingly, the Island resembles a sorcerer’s hat.
The Island was formed after the volcanic eruption by Mount Mazama that led to the formation of its caldera, which currently constitutes Crater Lake.
In summer, boat cruises are always available for people who want to check out this beautiful Island. You can go on a challenging 800-foot hike to the Island that offers panoramic views of the natural lake and nearby mountains.
Another popular activity on the Island is fishing; no license is needed. The lake’s waters contain fish such as rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Various conifers cover this beautiful Island, including whitebark pine, hemlock, and Shasta red fir.
Address: Oregon
2. Elk Rock Island
Elk Rock Island Shutterstock
Elk Rock Island is a beautiful island on the Willamette River in Oregon, United States. It is among the best Islands in Oregon. The Island encompasses about 12 to 13 acres of land created 40 years back via a volcanic eruption.
In 1940 the Island was presented to Portland by Peter Kerr. In April 2016, the ownership of the Island changed hands to the city of Milwaukie.
Tourists can access Elk Rock Island through Spring Park. It comprises perennial graminoid forests, mixed evergreen, deciduous vegetation, and deciduous forest.
This Island has some designated areas for swimming, including an entrance point to access the narrow space of the mainstem Willamette. The Island is disconnected from Spring Park via a channel whenever the water level is high.
Address: Near Southeast 19th Avenue and Sparrow Street, Portland, OR 97222, United States
3. Bolon Island Tideways State Scenic Corridor
This beautiful state park in Oregon, United States, was established by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It is a perfect location to visit to have a great time outdoors.
The state park occupies a land area of 11.4 acres. It is nestled on Bolon Island, about 16 km from the Umpqua River mouth and next to the North of Reedsport.
Bolon Island Tideways State Scenic Corridor is beside Highway 101 and next to where many of Jedediah Smith’s party were murdered in 1828. In 1934, William C. and Jennie D. Chamberlain presented the land to the States.
The state park is usually quiet. It features a hiking trail stretching nearly halfway through the Island. Since 1988 the shoreline beside the Umpqua River Edge has been an abode for many Double-Crested Cormorants.
These flying creatures build their nest near each other. The trail on the Island offers scenic views of the Umpqua River. You can bring your camera to take beautiful pictures.
Address: Trail Entrance Between American Bridge Way and Reedsport Historic Bridge, Reedsport, OR 97467, United States
4. Proposal Rock
Proposal Rock
Proposal Rock is an island formerly called “Schlock” by the original settlers, who were Native Americans.
This Island is located off the coast of Oregon, within Tillamook County. It is next to the coastal village of Neskowin.
Proposal Rock has quite a beautiful romantic story attached to it. The Island is dubbed for a local folk tale of a man named Charley Gage, who possibly was a 19th-century sailor of the open sea.
Charley Gage took his lady love, Della Page, to propose to her on the Island. This event is said to have occurred as far as 1900. Della’s mother was filled with so much excitement about the proposal. She went on to name this popular destination the “Proposal Rock.”
As stated by the Tillamook Historical Society, whether or not this folk tale is accurate is always open for debate. But the beauty of this place is not.
It is a lovely place to visit, and if you are intrigued by the story and intend to propose to your beloved, you might want to see it for yourself.
Address: Neskowin, Oregon, United States
5. Spruce Island Viewpoint
Spruce Island Viewpoint is large enough to accommodate spruce trees. The Island features a big sea stack, large enough to support a small copse of Sitka spruce trees on top of it.
Views of this area can be seen from the Spruce Island viewpoint parking space close to milepost 345 on U.S. 101 within Boardman State Park.
The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge preserves the Offshore islands in Oregon. However, the Rock that accommodates the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is not inclusive.
The remaining 1,853 rocks, islands, and sea stacks are homes to different species of birds and other animals. People are restricted from venturing into these areas since they are life-threatening due to the rough seas.
An ideal hike from Spruce Island Viewpoint is its south side which is 0.9 miles on the Oregon Coast Trail and along a side trail that leads to Secret Beach.
Address: Old US Hwy 101, Brookings, OR 97415, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Islands does Oregon have?
Oregon Islands Refuge comprises more than 1,400 coastal islands, reefs, and rocks dotted everywhere along the Oregon Coast, which measures around 320 miles.
Does Oregon have any Islands?
The Oregon Islands Refuge was established as a breeding site and sanctuary for marine mammals and seabirds. The beautiful and rough Refuge comprises over 1,500 rocks, islands, and reefs that extend from Tillamook Head to the California border.
What is the largest Island in Oregon?
The largest Island in Oregon, United States, is Sauvie Island initially known as the Wappatoo Island or Wapato Island. Sauvie Island is part of the country’s largest river Islands, occupying 26,000 acres of land area.
Are there any inhabited islands in Oregon?
The only Island in the state that is inhabitable is Hayden Island, a beautiful small town with history galore and fantastic geography. This small island town is indeed part of the many unique destinations in Oregon that you might want to add to your itinerary.
Also, check out our guide to things to do in Depoe Bay, things to do in Yatchats, and things to do in Coos Bay.
Plan Your Trip to Oregon
With the many islands in Oregon, United States, you will have a fun-filled time, as there are endless opportunities for things to do.
Oregon has a rich history that can be explored via its museums. It also has beautiful scenery, a charming natural environment, and many others. Ensure to explore the Islands in Oregon that are listed in this article.