I Road-Tripped Through Small-Town Oregon To Try 6 Donut Shops And Found 4 That Made It All Worthwhile

Last summer, I packed my car with a map, a playlist, and an empty stomach, ready to hunt down the best donuts Oregon had to offer.

My mission was simple: visit ten different donut shops scattered across small towns and Portland neighborhoods, then report back on which ones were worth the drive.

Spoiler alert—only four truly blew me away, but the journey itself was filled with sugar-coated surprises and a few disappointments.

Here’s what I discovered on my delicious adventure through the Beaver State.

1. Joe’s Donut Shop – Sandy

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Hood, Joe’s Donut Shop feels like stepping into a time machine set for 1975. The smell of fresh-baked dough hit me before I even opened the door, and I knew I was in for something special. Their maple bars are legendary around these parts, thick with frosting and soft enough to melt on your tongue.

I ordered three different varieties and devoured them in my car while staring at the mountain. The old-fashioned glazed had that perfect crispy exterior with a tender, cakey inside. Joe’s isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t need to be.

Sometimes the best things come in simple packages, and this place proves it. This was definitely one of my top four picks, worth every winding mile through the Cascade foothills.

2. Donut Country – Medford

Southern Oregon doesn’t always get the culinary love it deserves, but Donut Country in Medford is changing that narrative one fritter at a time. When I rolled into town around sunrise, the parking lot was already buzzing with locals clutching pink boxes. That’s always a good sign in my book.

Their apple fritters are the size of small dinner plates, packed with chunks of real fruit and cinnamon. I also tried their buttermilk bar, which had a tangy sweetness that balanced perfectly with my coffee. The staff was friendly and chatty, sharing recommendations like we were old friends.

While Donut Country didn’t crack my top four, it’s a solid stop if you’re passing through. Medford deserves credit for keeping this gem alive and thriving in the community.

3. Annie’s Donuts – Portland

Annie’s Donuts sits quietly in Northeast Portland, away from the hipster hype that dominates the city’s food scene. Walking in felt like visiting a beloved aunt’s kitchen—warm, unpretentious, and smelling absolutely divine. The donuts here are classic American style, no fancy toppings or gourmet nonsense, just pure comfort.

I grabbed a chocolate glazed and a raspberry jelly-filled, both of which transported me straight back to childhood Saturday mornings. The jelly was real fruit, not that weird gelatinous stuff, and the dough was pillowy soft. Annie’s proves you don’t need Instagram-worthy presentation to win hearts.

This spot didn’t make my final four, but it came close. Sometimes you want innovation, and sometimes you just want a really good donut that tastes like home.

4. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai – Portland

Pip’s serves tiny doughnuts that pack a massive flavor punch, and yes, this made my top four without question. These bite-sized beauties come fresh from the fryer, dusted with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with various glazes and toppings. I ordered a dozen because they’re so small, and I regret nothing.

The real genius here is pairing them with their house-made chai, which is spiced perfectly and not too sweet. Watching them make the doughnuts right in front of you adds to the experience—it’s theater and breakfast combined. The Nutella sea salt combo nearly made me weep with joy.

Pip’s understands that sometimes less is more, and their miniature approach lets you sample multiple flavors without feeling like you need a nap afterward. Absolutely worth the inevitable line you’ll encounter.

5. Coco Donuts – Portland

Coco Donuts brings Korean-inspired flavors to the Portland donut scene, and while I appreciated the creativity, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Their ube donut looked stunning with its purple hue, and the black sesame option intrigued my adventurous side. Both tasted interesting but felt more like novelty than necessity.

The texture was good—light and airy—but the flavor combinations seemed designed more for social media than actual enjoyment. I wanted to love the matcha glaze, but it tasted artificial and overly sweet. Perhaps I’m just a traditionalist at heart, or maybe I caught them on an off day.

Coco Donuts gets points for originality and pushing boundaries. However, innovation without execution doesn’t satisfy a hungry road-tripper, which is why this shop didn’t make my worthwhile list despite its Instagram appeal.

6. Blue Star Donuts – Portland

Blue Star Donuts earned its spot in my top four with brioche-based donuts that redefine what fried dough can be. These aren’t your grandma’s donuts—they’re rich, buttery, and almost cake-like in texture. The blueberry bourbon basil flavor sounds weird on paper but tastes like genius in your mouth.

I also tried their Mexican chocolate and passion fruit varieties, both of which delivered complex flavors that kept me analyzing each bite. Yes, they’re pricey compared to traditional donut shops, but you’re paying for quality ingredients and culinary creativity. The line moved slowly, but nobody seemed to mind.

Blue Star represents Portland’s food scene at its finest—inventive without being pretentious. If you’re willing to splurge a little, this place will reward your taste buds with something truly memorable and delicious.

7. Doe Donuts – Portland

Doe Donuts proves that vegan donuts can actually taste good, which honestly surprised me as a skeptical omnivore. Everything here is plant-based, from the dough to the toppings, yet I couldn’t tell the difference in most cases. Their vanilla lavender donut was delicate and floral without tasting like soap, which is harder to achieve than you’d think.

The chocolate peanut butter variety satisfied my craving for something rich and indulgent. I appreciated that Doe doesn’t sacrifice flavor for dietary restrictions—these donuts stand on their own merit. The shop itself is cute and welcoming, with friendly staff who clearly believe in their product.

While Doe didn’t crack my top four, it came respectably close. For vegans or anyone with dietary restrictions, this place is an absolute must-visit that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

8. Sesame Donuts – Portland Metro

Sesame Donuts represents the no-frills, old-school donut shop experience that’s becoming increasingly rare. Located in the Portland metro area, this place opens early and closes when they sell out, which happens more often than you’d expect. Their donuts are straightforward—no fancy flavors or artisanal ingredients, just solid execution of the basics.

I tried their glazed twist and a chocolate bar, both of which were fresh and satisfying. The prices are reasonable, especially compared to some of Portland’s trendier spots. Nothing here will blow your mind, but sometimes you don’t need your mind blown—you just need a reliable donut and cheap coffee.

Sesame didn’t make my worthwhile list, but it serves an important purpose in the community. Not every meal needs to be an adventure; sometimes consistency and affordability matter more than innovation.

9. Heavenly Donuts – Portland

Heavenly Donuts has been a Portland staple for decades, and walking through their doors feels like entering a neighborhood time capsule. The family that runs this place clearly takes pride in their work, arriving before dawn to prepare fresh batches. I visited on a rainy Tuesday morning and found the place packed with regulars who knew exactly what they wanted.

Their cake donuts have a dense, satisfying crumb that holds up well to coffee dunking. The glazed buttermilk was my favorite, with just the right amount of sweetness. Prices here are refreshingly low, making it easy to grab a half-dozen for the road without breaking the bank.

While Heavenly didn’t earn a spot in my top four, it’s a dependable neighborhood gem. Sometimes the best donuts aren’t the most innovative—they’re just consistently good and made with care.

10. Voodoo Doughnut – Portland

You knew Voodoo was coming, right? This Portland institution made my top four not because the donuts are technically the best, but because the entire experience is uniquely unforgettable. The bacon maple bar alone is worth the tourist trap accusations, combining sweet and savory in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

I also grabbed a Portland Cream and a Voodoo Doll donut filled with raspberry jelly. Are these the most refined donuts in the city? Definitely not. But they’re fun, weird, and capture Portland’s quirky spirit perfectly. The late-night hours mean you can satisfy donut cravings at 2 AM, which has saved many adventures.

Critics love to hate Voodoo for being touristy, but sometimes embracing the chaos is exactly what a road trip needs. This place earned its legendary status for good reason, even if purists refuse to admit it.