5 ways people can enjoy Oregon in Winter 2026

Oregon winters look different depending on where you go, but each corner of the state offers its own reason to get outside and explore.

While gray skies and colder temperatures may slow some travelers down, many see winter as an invitation to experience Oregon in a new way, and after a notably dry start to the 2026 season, parts of Oregon are finally seeing snow return to higher elevations,

From snowy adventures, cozy coastal outings and simple day trips, here are five things people can do in Oregon that do not require complicated planning and create memorable experiences rooted in nature, creativity and connection.

#1 – Attend a winter farmer’s market

Many small towns in Oregon hold their own farmers markets and community craft fairs during winter. Here are a few:

Florence Farmers Market

The Florence Farmers Market runs every Tuesday beginning in late spring. The market offers local organic produce, specialty mushrooms, eggs, meats (including rabbit), breads, honey and more.

• Dates: Every Tuesday from Feb. 10 – April 28
• Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Location: Cross Road Assembly Portico at 1380 10th St. in Florence

Beaverton Winter Market

The Beaverton Winter Market runs every Saturday during the winter season and features fresh produce from local farms, dumplings, baked goods, seafood, pasta, honey, mushrooms, meats, coffee and more.

• Location: 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton
• Dates: Every Saturday from February to March
• Time: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Silverton Farmers Market

The Silverton Farmers Market is an annual market that runs from late winter through mid-spring. It focuses on food and local goods, offering visitors a variety of freshly baked goods, local produce, hand-crafted desserts and artisan gifts.

• Dates: Every Saturday from Feb. 14 – May 2
• Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Location: 303 N. Church St. in Silverton

For more Oregon winter markets to visit in 2026, check out our article here.

#2 – Go for a weekend away

Winter can be an ideal time to travel for those searching for deals. Hotels and lodges are often more affordable during the colder months while still offering memorable experiences.

Here are some Oregon hotels and lodges that cost less in the winter:

Timberline Lodge near Mt. Hood: For travelers hoping to explore the Mt. Hood National Forest while staying at one of Oregon’s most iconic hotels, Timberline Lodge offers a seasonal winter value. Nightly rates start at $250 per night, making it a memorable base for snowy adventures on the mountain.

The Suttle Lodge: The Suttle Lodge, located off Santiam Pass near Sisters and Suttle Lake, offers a quieter, snowier escape with a rustic atmosphere that feels especially fitting in winter. Seasonal rates start at $85 per night.

FivePine Lodge & Cabins: Anyone who loves the cozy feel of a cabin without the high price tag may want to consider Central Oregon’s FivePine Lodge in Sisters. Winter rates start at $149 per night, offering comfort and charm close to outdoor recreation.

Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge in Southern Oregon: A stay along the Rogue River is a bucket-list experience for many travelers, and winter adds a peaceful charm to the setting. Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge lies just a few miles away from Gold Beach and combines riverfront relaxation with nearby coastal access. Winter rates start at $395 per night.

Eagle Rock Lodge: For those planning a fishing trip or a romantic getaway along the McKenzie River, Eagle Rock Lodge is a bed and breakfast that can serve as the perfect destination for scenic views and a relaxing escape. Winter rates start at $260 per night.

#3 – See a play

Portland Playhouse brightens the winter season with a new lineup of live performances inside its intimate, neighborhood theater in Northeast Portland. Known for its immersive, community-focused productions staged in a converted historic church, the company’s winter offerings blend powerful storytelling with humor and bold contemporary themes.

Hult Center in Eugene presents a number of winter programming including dance performances, live music and family-friendly shows, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to experience world-class entertainment in one of Oregon’s premier performing arts venues.

The Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts adds excitement to Southern Oregon’s winter season with a diverse lineup of live entertainment in downtown Medford. The historic performing arts venue, known for its beautifully restored interior and welcoming community atmosphere, hosts touring concerts, theater productions, comedy shows, and family performances throughout the colder months.

#4 – Take the family sledding

Mt. Hood Skibowl is the only part of Mt. Hood that offers a conveyer belt that will take visitors back to the top after tubing down the hill. 1 1/2 hour day sessions can be purchased for $36 a ticket and cosmic tubing night sessions for $39 ticket. Children must be taller that 36 inches to tube and must be able to go down alone.

Snow Bunny Sno-Park on Mt. Hood is perfect for families because it offers beginner friendly sledding. Sledding here requires a State of Oregon Sno-Park permit and visitors will need to bring their own sleds.

#5 – Head to the hot springs

Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, off highway 126 near Blue River, features four soaking pools varying in heat with the hottest near the top approximately 112 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest near the bottom approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Each pool sits at a lower level from the one before, separated by rock walling and sandy gravel. The cost of this clothing-optional hot spring is $10 per person, and it is about 1/4-mile hike from the pay station. Visitors must be 12 years and older.

The hot springs are strictly day use only and are closed Thursdays from 8-12 p.m. for cleaning. 

Bagby Hot Springs is 40 miles southeast of Estacada and features two bathhouses with a total of six log soaking tubs. To get to the tubs, visitors must follow a 1.4-mile trail and are asked to drain and refill their tubs halfway once finished to prepare for the next guests.

There is a $5 soaking fee and no set hours of operation.

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs in Warm Springs offers many options for both adults and children including a kiddy pool & spray park, kid’s hot springs mineral hot tub, adult wellness hot springs leisure pool, adult wellness hot springs poop with therapeutic jets, among others, all between 85-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kah-Nee-Ta is open 11-7pm and resort passes can be purchased online for $31. Children 2 and under are free.