5 Must-See Attractions in Oregon for Travel Nurses
Oregon is a state known for its wild, natural beauty. Its diverse landscape of rocky coastline, unspoiled forests, and mountainous terrain, Oregon is a favorite destination for travel nurses across the country. If you’re fortunate enough to find a travel nursing assignment in this beautiful state, Go Healthcare Staffing suggests these 5 must-see attractions in Oregon for travel nurses:
1. Crater Lake National Park: The Park is located in the Cascade Mountains in southwestern Oregon. Incredibly blue and very deep (1,935 feet), Crater Lake is almost exactly circular. The lake was formed as part of a water-filled top of an extinct volcano, Mount Mazama, and lava cliffs rise to heights of up to 2,000 feet around the lake. Just a short distance from the edge of the crater, Rim Drive circles the lake, but the roadway is only accessible in warm weather months. To explore the lake itself, head to Cleetwood Cove where cruises depart for Wizard Island.
2. Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach is located in northwest Oregon. The beach offers a wide stretch 
of coastline and tremendous views of jagged coastal rocks. The largest of these is known as Hay Stack Rock, thought to be one of the largest monoliths of its kind in the world. Nearby Seaside is another popular resort town, close to beaches and surf breaks. Astoria lies 20 miles north of Cannon Beach, at the mouth of the Columbia River. For the history lover, Astoria is the location of Lewis & Clark National Historic Park – a replica of the famed explorers’ Fort Clatsop.
3. Mount Hood: Mount Hood is probably the most unmistakable landmark in Oregon. The mountain’s peak rises 11,239 feet to make it the highest mountain in the state. Its slopes offer a mix of ski hills, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints accessible via Mount Hood Scenic Loop. The national forest fans out from the peak to encompass stunning waterfalls and unique hot springs.
4. Willamette National Forest: At nearly 1.7 million acres, Willamette National Forest is located 
along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. The forest includes spectacular scenery including a number of volcanoes, mountains, and rivers. Hikers can explore trails, or head to attractions such as the Dee Wright Observatory (a stone tower atop McKenzie Pass) for unspoiled views or to Salt Creek Falls, the second highest waterfall in the state.
5. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: Located south of Florence is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, stretching along the Pacific Coast for 40 miles before reaching Coos Bay. These wind-shaped sand dunes and pocket forests offer an unusual scenic area – along with the sandboarding destination of Sand Master Park.
Oregon is truly a special destination for travel nurses, offering an incredible array of natural beauty that’s not to be missed. If you’re interested in exploring travel nursing jobs in Oregon, please click here to take a look at what we at Go Healthcare Staffing have to offer for travel RN jobs in this wonderful state!
