5 Best Day Trips from Portland

Porland, Oregon is a beautiful and vibrant city full of outdoor activities, unique art, coffee shops, breweries, and quirky food options. But even those living in Portland need to get out of town to check out what the surrounding cities and the state of Oregon has to offer. Luckily enough, there are a plethora of easy and unique day trip options that allow you to do just that. Whether you like indoor or outdoor activities, such as watersports, hiking, wine drinking, berry picking, shopping, relaxing, fishing or scenic views, Oregon offers it all. Below are just five of the best day trips you can take from Portland, Oregon.

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia Gorge is a popular day trip destination for many Portlander’s. The Gorge offers astonishing views of the Columbia River, nearby mountains and waterfalls. One of the most famous and visited locations within the Gorge is Multnomah Falls. This 611 foot waterfall drives individuals from every corner of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. If you love hiking or want a hike that has a well-worth-it view, this is a no brainer. Or you can ditch the crowds and go one one the many other hiking trails in the area that offer stunning waterfalls and scenic views. If you’re planning a full day out in the Gorge consider checking out the viewpoint at Vista House and grabbing a beer or cider in Hood River or Cascade Locks. Even just driving the historic highway, you’ll likely get the chance to see some of the Pacific Northwest’s most incredible views.

Willamette Valley

Wine lovers should not miss the chance to take a day trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The Valley offers more than 700 wineries within 150 miles of valley. Wine tasting in The Valley provides a more relaxed atmosphere, offering quality wine, unique vineyards and almost too many tasting rooms to choose from. Some great vineyard options include Willamette Valley Vineyards, Archery Summit Winery, White Rose Estate, Dobbes Family Estate, and Domaine Serene. A typical day trip to Willamette valley may mean visiting a handful of wineries, exploring the surprisingly vast range of Pinot Noirs in underground tasting rooms, and stopping by a farm-to-table restaurant for a bite to eat.

Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is known for it’s sandy beaches, petrified forests, tide pools and amazing views. From Portland, the closest beach towns are just under 2 hours away. One of the great things about the Oregon Coast is its plethora of cute beach towns peppered along Highway 101. Some of our favorites include Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, and Seaside. Not only do they offer gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, but they also offer a tons of dining options with fresh seafood, museums and abundant wildlife. A day at the Oregon Coast might include roaming around the charming beach town stores, taking a stroll on the beach, whale watch, hiking alongside the beach’s cliffs, trying your hand at kite flying, or even chartering a crabbing boat! But whatever you do don’t forget to grab a bite somewhere for some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat!

Mount Hood

Mt. Hood is an iconic and must see destination, this picture perfect mountain can be seen from all over Portland and it makes for a perfect day trip in any season! For those that prefer winter activities, Mt. Hood offers skiing, sledding, hiking and cozy lodging. In the summer, it provides fishing, hiking, swimming, boating and mountain side camping. For those looking for something a little more extreme, Mt. Hood has a peak named, Volcanic Mount Hood, this is Oregon’s highest peak and it draws many hikers from far and wide, year-round. No matter the conditions, take a day trip to Mt Hood and see for yourself just why so many people choose to visit.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, can be found just outside Portland, and offers a fantastic escape into nature. This picturesque island is a unique blend of beautiful views and outdoor recreational activities. Looking to hike? You can choose from a multitude of hikes such as Wapato Loop Hike, Oak Island Nature Trail, and Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail. Here you can hike to incredible views of the surrounding lake shores as well as views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. Visitors also have opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the island’s rivers and lakes. If you’re looking for some activities perfect for the whole family, you can visit multiple U-Pick Farms where visitors can pick and eat their own fresh fruits and vegetables. Go and experience the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of countryside life.

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Glaves

No matter what you choose for your day trip, Portland, Oregon is surrounded by some of the most beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Ranging from breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood, the exquisite wine selections of the Willamette Valley, and extraordinary beaches on the Oregon coast, there’s no shortage of options for an unforgettable day trip from Portland. Grab your bags and your cameras, and get ready to embark and explore the incredible sites Oregon has to offer.