6 Unreal PNW Landscapes

The Pacific Northwest is known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty, but some spots are so surreal they’ll make you question whether you’re still on planet Earth.

From volcanic craters to underwater forests, these five landscapes will leave you in awe.

Table of Contents

1. The Painted Hills, Oregon
2. Thor’s Well, Oregon
3. Castle Lake to Heart Lake Hike, California
4. The Alvord Desert, Oregon
5. Smith Rock, Oregon
6. Succor Creek and Leslie Gulch, Oregon
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1. The Painted Hills, Oregon

The Painted Hills with their layered colors.

The Painted Hills look like something out of a sci-fi movie, with vibrant red, yellow, and black stripes rippling across the landscape.

This geological wonder in Eastern Oregon is a must-see for photographers and nature lovers alike.

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2. Thor’s Well, Oregon

This natural sinkhole near Cape Perpetua seems like it’s swallowing the ocean itself.

During high tide, water surges into the well and then shoots back out, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly spectacle.

3. Castle Lake to Heart Lake Hike, California

Heart Lake and Castle Lake with Garrett overlooking it.

This hike in Northern California is like stepping into a dream.

Starting at Castle Lake, the trail takes you to Heart Lake, which offers a stunning heart-shaped lake with views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a serene, otherworldly place that looks like it belongs on a postcard.

4. The Alvord Desert, Oregon

Nina sitting on the edge of Alvord Desert Hot Spring and a metal shed to the side and tan hills in the distance.

This dry lakebed in Southeastern Oregon is a stark contrast to the lush forests and mountains the PNW is famous for.

With cracked earth stretching for miles and the towering Steens Mountain in the background, the Alvord Desert feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet. There’s a hot spring here to soak in too!

5. Smith Rock, Oregon

Nina walking down the path at Smith Rock State Park's Misery Ridge with tall rocks and a creek to the left.

Smith Rock looks like something straight out of a Wild West movie, with towering rock formations rising out of the high desert.

It’s a favorite spot for climbers and hikers alike, but the real reward is the jaw-dropping view of the Crooked River snaking through the canyon.

6. Succor Creek and Leslie Gulch, Oregon

A sunburst in the sky as Nina walks along a trail with beautiful rocks and cliffs in the distance.

This area in Eastern Oregon is truly something else! Rusty red and oranges splashed on the hovering cliffs and rocks will surround you on the adventure out here!

It’s a bit of an offroad experience to get here, but it’s worth it.

READ MORE: Things to do in Eastern Oregon

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