As the end of the year draws closer, I find myself reflecting on new experiences and making a list in my head of my favorite new places. Oregon has endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, delicious food, and unique experiences. Even if I spent every week looking for new things, I don’t think I would ever run out of options. If you and your family are looking for new ideas to try before the end of the year, or you want to start a list for the new year, here are five things I discovered in Oregon this year.

1. Bierly

I discovered Bierly by accident this summer when searching for gluten-free restaurants in McMinnville. Let me tell you, this is a must-try for anyone, even if you do not have dietary restrictions. My kids love the fries and would even pick one of their donuts over a gluten-containing one any day. 

Bierly began their commercial operations in 2016; they moved to McMinnville in 2018 and are now located in the heart of the Historic Downtown area. They are a full-service gluten-free brewery creating craft beers and delicious food. JP and Ames Bierly have created a brewery experience like no other, where they provide gluten-free beer and treats. 

Check out their rotating donut schedule, and do not miss out on the maple bars.

2.   Dispersed Camping

My family and I accidentally ended up dispersed camping this summer. Like many Oregonians, we left town on a Thursday afternoon, thinking we would find a nice walk-in camping site and spend the weekend in nature. After a few wrong turns, we showed up just as the sun was setting to find all three campgrounds in the vicinity were full. The gracious camp host suggested we could disperse camp up on an old logging road instead of making the drive back home after dark. 

As an Oregonian for most of my life, I was surprised to know that dispersed camping or camping in an area away from a designated fee site is allowed in Oregon. You need to pay attention to some rules and regulations:

  • You can camp in Oregon State Forests, United States Forest Service land, and areas owned by the Bureau of Land Management unless you see signs posted stating otherwise
  • You must follow all ODF regulations about where you can camp, campfire guidelines, sanitation, and how long you can stay. You can find more detailed information here. 
  • Here are also some additional camping safety guidelines provided by the US Forest Service.

While we had a great experience camping on a mountain top with a spectacular sunset and view of the coast range, dispersed camping does lack any modern amenities and can feel very remote. Make sure to do some research and pack the necessary supplies if you partake in this rugged adventure. 

3. Stewart Stub State Park

If you want a designated campground or somewhere you can have electricity close to Portland, Stewart Stub State Park is a great option. They have year-round camping available along with cabins, equestrian facilities, and an 18-hole disc golf course. You can make reservations online, which I would recommend, as there is limited walk-up availability. 

We took a quick overnight trip to Stewart Stub on a Thursday in September and enjoyed a quiet and relaxing trip. We had no problem getting a reservation the day before, but this is not a luxury you will have in the summer months. Summer camping can fill up quickly and requires some pre-planning to grab a spot.

Reservations and more information can be found on their website. 

4. Our Local Library

I am guilty of underutilizing this amazing resource available to everyone. In the past year, I have spent more time at the library than I ever imagined. My kids cannot believe they can pick out books and movies and just take them home. Not to mention they offer free classes, storytime, take-home craft kits, and so much more. If you need a way to spend your time during these cold and rainy winter months or bridge the gap before school starts back up, check out a library near you. 

If you want some more information about free resources at your library, check out this guide, or you can always visit each library’s website. 

5. The Tide Pools in Pacific City

I had previously experienced the tide pools at Cannon Beach but did not consider what I was missing at other Oregon beaches. It was my dad, who sent me a picture of the tide pools in Pacific City, who inspired this discovery. Tide pools, in general, are best viewed during minus tides, and the tide pools located at the base of Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City are no exception. You can check the local tide tables here to plan your visit accordingly.

There is something magical about experiencing nature through the eyes of children, so even if you have seen a tide pool before, you may discover something new. Look for sea stars, anemones, oysters, barnacles, and more. If you or your kids enjoy identifying and classifying sea life, you can print or view this species guide provided by Oregon State Parks.

If you want some more information or are looking for tide pools closer to where you live, here is a list of the other popular ones you can find in Oregon. 

As the new year quickly approaches, it is a great time to reflect on what new things you discovered in Oregon this year. Are they worth sharing with others or repeating next year? Oregon abounds with new adventures, creative food, and wonderful communities, so make sure you explore new things around you and revisit ones you may have forgotten about.