36 Oregon Counties, 36 Great Lunch Stops:

One of the best parts of the Oregon Treasures Quest is discovering places you might otherwise drive right past. Every county has a story, a landmark, a view worth pulling over for, and often a local restaurant that has been feeding neighbors and travelers for decades.

As you work your way across Oregon's 36 counties, consider making lunch part of the adventure. From fresh seafood on the coast to diners in the high desert and farm-to-table cafés in the valley, these local favorites offer a taste of what makes each county unique.

Baker County

Why Visit: Oregon Trail history, mountain scenery, and a beautifully preserved downtown.

Lunch Stop: Sweet Wife Baking, Baker City

Benton County

Why Visit: Home to Oregon State University and surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Lunch Stop: Block 15 Brewing, Corvallis

Clackamas County

Why Visit: Waterfalls, Mt. Hood adventures, and Oregon's first incorporated city.

Lunch Stop: Highland Stillhouse, Oregon City

Clatsop County

Why Visit: Historic Astoria, maritime heritage, and spectacular Pacific views.

Lunch Stop: Bowpicker Fish & Chips, Astoria

Columbia County

Why Visit: Riverfront communities, historic downtowns, and scenic drives along the Columbia River.

Lunch Stop: Sunshine Pizza, St. Helens

Coos County

Why Visit: Working waterfronts, coastal dunes, and some of Oregon's most dramatic shorelines.

Lunch Stop: SharkBites Seafood Café, Coos Bay

Crook County

Why Visit: Stunning rock formations and authentic Central Oregon character.

Lunch Stop: Club Pioneer, Prineville

Curry County

Why Visit: Oregon's wild southern coast, sea stacks, and unforgettable ocean vistas.

Lunch Stop: The Crazy Norwegian, Port Orford

Deschutes County

Why Visit: Outdoor recreation, craft beverages, and mountain views in every direction.

Lunch Stop: Okawa Steak House & Sushi, Bend

Douglas County

Why Visit: Umpqua Valley wine country, waterfalls, and scenic backroads.

Lunch Stop: Brix Grill, Roseburg

Gilliam County

Why Visit: Rolling wheat fields and classic Eastern Oregon landscapes.

Lunch Stop: Hotel Condon Restaurant, Condon

Grant County

Why Visit: Gold rush history, wilderness adventures, and dark night skies.

Lunch Stop: 1188 Brewing Company, John Day

Harney County

Why Visit: Wide-open spaces and the remarkable Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Lunch Stop: The Pine Room, Burns

Hood River County

Why Visit: Fruit orchards, wineries, and breathtaking Columbia Gorge scenery.

Lunch Stop: Broder Øst, Hood River

Jackson County

Why Visit: Southern Oregon wine country, theaters, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Lunch Stop: Jasper's Café, Medford

Jefferson County

Why Visit: Lake Billy Chinook, high desert beauty, and rich tribal heritage.

Lunch Stop: Rio Distinctive Mexican Cuisine, Madras

Josephine County

Why Visit: The Rogue River, historic downtowns, and access to the Oregon Caves.

Lunch Stop: Taprock Northwest Grill, Grants Pass

Klamath County

Why Visit: Crater Lake access, birdwatching, and expansive high-desert landscapes.

Lunch Stop: Nibbley's Café, Klamath Falls

Lake County

Why Visit: Oregon's Outback, hot springs, and some of the state's most remote beauty.

Lunch Stop: Burger Queen, Lakeview

Lane County

Why Visit: Vibrant arts, outdoor recreation, and the energy of Eugene.

Lunch Stop: Marché, Eugene

Lincoln County

Why Visit: Lighthouses, whale watching, and iconic Oregon Coast experiences.

Lunch Stop: Local Ocean Seafoods, Newport

Linn County

Why Visit: Covered bridges, rivers, and fertile Willamette Valley farmland.

Lunch Stop: Brick & Mortar Café, Albany

Malheur County

Why Visit: Oregon's eastern gateway and home to rich agricultural traditions.

Lunch Stop: Romio's Pizza & Pasta, Ontario

Marion County

Why Visit: Oregon's capital city, wineries, gardens, and historic attractions.

Lunch Stop: Word of Mouth Bistro, Salem

Morrow County

Why Visit: Columbia River recreation and wide-open Eastern Oregon landscapes.

Lunch Stop: Two Barrels Taps + Grill, Boardman

Multnomah County

Why Visit: Portland's renowned food scene, culture, and iconic bridges.

Lunch Stop: Mother's Bistro & Bar, Portland

Polk County

Why Visit: Rolling hills, wine country, and charming small-town communities.

Lunch Stop: Washington Street Steakhouse & Pub, Dallas

Sherman County

Why Visit: Vast wheat country and sweeping views of the Columbia Plateau.

Lunch Stop: Bob's Texas T-Bone & Home Cooking, Rufus

Tillamook County

Why Visit: Dairy country, coastal forests, and beautiful beaches.

Lunch Stop: Old Oregon Smokehouse, Tillamook

Umatilla County

Why Visit: Pendleton Round-Up history, western heritage, and Columbia River access.

Lunch Stop: Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon, Pendleton

Union County

Why Visit: Historic La Grande and easy access to the Blue Mountains.

Lunch Stop: Side A Brewing, La Grande

Wallowa County

Why Visit: Known as Oregon's Alps for its stunning mountain scenery.

Lunch Stop: Terminal Gravity Brewing, Enterprise

Wasco County

Why Visit: Columbia Gorge vistas and important Oregon Trail history.

Lunch Stop: Petite Provence, The Dalles

Washington County

Why Visit: Wine country, agriculture, and one of Oregon's most diverse communities.

Lunch Stop: Syun Izakaya, Hillsboro

Wheeler County

Why Visit: Home to the Painted Hills and Oregon's least-populated county.

Lunch Stop: Bridge Creek Café, Mitchell

Yamhill County

Why Visit: The heart of Oregon wine country and home to picturesque small towns.

Lunch Stop: Nick's Italian Café, McMinnville

The Journey Is the Prize

The Oregon Treasures Quest is about more than checking counties off a list. It is about slowing down, meeting people, supporting local businesses, and discovering what makes each corner of Oregon unique.

Some travelers will complete ten counties. Others will visit all thirty-six. Either way, you'll come home with stories, photographs, and a deeper appreciation for the people and places that make Oregon special.

So fuel up, hit the road, and don't forget to stop for lunch.