20 Worst Tourist Traps in Oregon

It’s that tingling sensation when admission prices seem suspiciously high for what appears to be three fiberglass dinosaurs and a gift shop.

Oregon has perfected this dark art, creating attractions that exist in a bizarre economic bubble where normal pricing rules don’t apply.

These places thrive on the intersection of vacation brain and FOMO.

Your wallet will thank you for reading this first.

1. Voodoo Doughnuts, Portland

Once the quirky symbol of Portland’s weird culture, Voodoo Doughnuts has become a tourist magnet for all the wrong reasons.

The famous pink boxes and cereal-topped donuts drew crowds in the early 2000s. But here’s the catch – locals now avoid this place like the plague.

You’ll spend 30 minutes in line for overpriced, mediocre donuts that taste like sugar bombs. The novelty wore off years ago.

2. Shanghai Tunnels Tour, Portland

For $15 per person, you get a 90-minute walk through three staged rooms under a downtown bar.

The tour promises mysterious underground tunnels where sailors were supposedly kidnapped. But here’s the deal – most of the “history” is made up folklore.

You’re better off spending that money on a good meal instead. The educational value is practically zero.

3. Lloyd Center Ice Skating Rink, Portland

This mall ice rink gained fame as Tonya Harding’s training ground back in the 1990s.

The mall itself feels tired and outdated, even after recent renovations. The ice rink is small and often crowded with birthday parties.

That’s why most visitors leave feeling disappointed. The nostalgia factor only goes so far.

4. Portland Spirit Dinner Cruise, Portland

Founded in the early 1990s, this dinner cruise promises romantic views of the Willamette River.

But here’s the catch – the food is mediocre at best, and drinks cost twice what you’d pay on land. The boats look worn and tired.

Most people only ride once because it’s too expensive for what you get. You’re better off dining at a riverside restaurant.

5. Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill

This roadside attraction claims to be a place where the laws of physics don’t apply.

You’ll pay admission to see water supposedly flow uphill and balls roll up slopes. But here’s the deal – it’s all optical illusions and clever marketing.

The “mystery” gets old after 20 minutes. Most visitors feel like they’ve been had.

6. Sea Lion Caves, Florence

This natural cave system charges admission to see sea lions in their habitat.

But here’s the catch – the sea lions are often not there, especially during certain seasons. You’ll pay full price to see an empty cave.

The smell is overwhelming when the animals are present. Either way, you’re likely to leave disappointed.

7. Mo’s Restaurant, Florence

This coastal chain restaurant has been serving clam chowder since 1946.

Tourists line up for what they think is authentic Oregon coast dining. But here’s the deal – locals wouldn’t be caught dead eating here.

The food is mediocre at best, and you’ll pay tourist prices for cafeteria-quality meals. You’re better off finding a local seafood spot.

8. Prehistoric Gardens, Port Orford

This dinosaur park features life-sized replicas scattered through a coastal forest.

The fiberglass dinosaurs look cheap and dated, like something from a 1970s miniature golf course. Many are faded and cracking from weather exposure.

That’s why the $12 admission feels like highway robbery. Kids might enjoy it for 30 minutes, but adults will feel ripped off.

9. Enchanted Forest, Salem

This fairy tale theme park opened in 1971 and feels like it hasn’t been updated since.

The rides are outdated, the attractions feel cheap, and everything has a musty, forgotten quality. But here’s the catch – they still charge modern theme park prices.

You’re better off visiting a real amusement park or spending the day at a state park instead.

10. Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour, Tillamook

This self-guided tour promises a behind-the-scenes look at cheese making.

But here’s the deal – you mostly stare through windows at machinery while walking on elevated walkways. The “tour” takes about 15 minutes and feels more like a marketing ploy.

The gift shop is overpriced, and the ice cream costs twice what you’d pay at a grocery store. That’s why locals just buy their cheese elsewhere.

11. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Florence

This 40-square-mile stretch of coastal sand dunes attracts thousands of ATV riders each year.

But here’s the catch – the noise pollution is overwhelming, and the area feels more like a dirt bike track than nature. The sand gets into everything you own.

Most visitors leave covered in grit and wondering why they paid park fees for what feels like an industrial zone. You’re better off enjoying Oregon’s quieter beaches.

12. Crater Lake Lodge Gift Shop, Crater Lake

The historic lodge itself is beautiful, but the gift shop has become a tourist trap within a national treasure.

Everything costs double what you’d pay elsewhere, from basic snacks to souvenirs. A simple t-shirt runs $35, and bottled water costs $4.

That’s why smart visitors bring their own supplies. The captive audience pricing feels predatory.

13. Oregon Coast Aquarium Touch Tanks, Newport

The aquarium itself is decent, but the touch tank experience has become overcrowded and overpriced.

You’ll pay extra fees to touch sea creatures that are often stressed from constant handling. The tanks are usually packed with screaming children.

But here’s the deal – the animals look tired, and the experience feels more like a petting zoo than education. Most adults find it disappointing.

14. Multnomah Falls Gift Shop, Columbia River Gorge

The waterfall is spectacular and free to view, but the gift shop at the base has become a tourist trap.

Everything is marked up 200-300% compared to Portland prices. A basic Oregon magnet costs $8, and parking can be a nightmare.

You’re better off enjoying the natural beauty and buying souvenirs elsewhere. The commercialization feels out of place in such a pristine setting.

15. Bandon Beach Golf Resort Pro Shop, Bandon

This world-famous golf destination attracts players from around the globe.

But here’s the catch – the pro shop prices are astronomical, even by golf standards. A basic polo shirt costs $150, and golf balls are $8 each.

That’s why many golfers drive to town for supplies instead. The resort takes advantage of its remote location and captive audience.

16. Rogue River Jet Boat Tours, Gold Beach

These high-speed boat rides promise wildlife viewing and scenic river tours.

The boats are loud, the rides are bumpy, and you’ll spend more time bouncing around than actually seeing wildlife. Most animals flee from the noise.

But here’s the deal – you’ll pay $75 per person for what amounts to an expensive amusement park ride. You’re better off taking a quiet kayak tour instead.

17. Oregon Shakespeare Festival Concessions, Ashland

The festival itself is world-class, but the concession prices have gotten out of hand.

A basic sandwich costs $18, and a glass of wine runs $15. The quality doesn’t match the premium pricing.

That’s why locals eat before shows or sneak snacks in their bags. The captive audience pricing feels exploitative.

18. Mount Hood Skibowl Alpine Slide, Government Camp

This summer attraction promises thrills on a concrete track down the mountain.

But here’s the catch – the track is often rough, the carts are uncomfortable, and injuries are common. The ride lasts about 90 seconds for $15.

Most visitors ride once and never return. You’re better off hiking the mountain trails for free.

19. Haystack Rock Tide Pool Tours, Cannon Beach

The rock formation is stunning and free to explore, but guided tours have become overpriced.

You’ll pay $25 per person to learn about tide pools you can explore on your own. The guides often have large groups that disturb the marine life.

That’s why independent exploration is more rewarding and costs nothing. The commercialization of a natural wonder feels unnecessary.

20. Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Gift Shop, Baker City

The museum itself tells an important historical story, but the gift shop has become a tourist trap.

Everything is overpriced, from basic books to replica wagon wheels. A simple Oregon Trail t-shirt costs $28.

But here’s the deal – most items are made overseas despite the “authentic” marketing. You’re better off supporting local artisans in town instead.