20 Awesome Day Trips from Portland
One of the best things about living in Portland is how easy it is to have a day in nature. In as little as 30 minutes from downtown, you can leave behind any traces of the city and enter another world. Whether you’re seeking the ocean or the desert, the vineyards or the mountains, here are the best day trips near Portland, Oregon. I’ve kept the drive time within about 2 hours each way to make sure the day isn’t spent in the car. If you’re visiting Portland for the first time, go to the Waterfall Corridor (#1) or Cannon Beach (#7). If you live here, I added variety to help with your weekend brainstorming. Enjoy!
The Gorge
1. Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor
Multnomah Falls
The highlights: A temperate rainforest full of moss-covered Douglas firs, lush sword ferns, and waterfalls galore. The western Columbia Gorge is one of the closest and most incredible day trips from Portland.
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes
When to go: All year, barring winter storms. Arrive early on summer weekends.
What to bring: You’ll need a Timed Reservation Permit to park in the larger Multnomah Falls parking lot from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Most other parking lots near Multnomah Falls don’t require parking passes, but if you head east, you may need a NW Forest Pass. Check trailhead requirements before heading out.
Where to eat:
The Lodge at Multnomah Falls has a restaurant with a rustic-chic ski lodge vibe. If you head east in the Gorge to Cascade Locks, Thunder Island Brewing has delicious rice bowls, creative burgers, craft beer, and a stunning view of Bridge of the Gods. Personally, I’d stop at McMenamins Edgefield on your way back to Portland. This former poorhouse turned whimsical resort has gardens, restaurants, bars, an ice cream shop, and a winery on its grounds.
What to do:
The centerpiece of the Columbia Gorge’s Waterfall Corridor is magnificent Multnomah Falls. This famous and much-photographed 620-foot waterfall makes a slightly offset two-tiered plunge over a basalt cliff formed by ancient lava flows. Stand at the viewpoint at its base to admire the full height of the falls. If you’re up for a little uphill walking, you can cross Benson Bridge in front of the falls in about a half mile or reach the top of the falls in about a mile. For a challenging 5-mile hike that will take you past six waterfalls, continue on the Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail.
Drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway to see waterfalls from roadside viewpoints. Within a few miles, you can visit Latourell Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls without hiking.
Try out one of the incredible waterfall hikes near Multnomah Falls. With distances ranging from 0.5 miles to over 14 miles, there is a trail here for everyone.
Try hiking to Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls or Wahclella Falls for destinations off the beaten path.
Drive up to Vista House at Crown Point to see what may be the nation’s most scenic rest stop, an octagonal German Art Nouveau observatory with panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge.
From June until mid-November, drive to the top of Larch Mountain, where a 0.6-mile trail will take you to a viewpoint overlooking five Cascade Peaks: Mt Hood, Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Rainier.
2. Hood River and the Fruit Loop
Hollyhocks and sunflowers bloom in front of Mt Hood at Draper Girls
The highlights: A charming town on the Columbia River, then a scenic drive lined with orchards and wineries.
Drive time from Portland: 1 hour to Hood River, another 30 minutes or so to drive down the Fruit Loop.
When to go: June - October for fruit picking.
What to bring: Your appetite.
Where to eat:
In Hood River, go to Solstice Wood Fire Pizza. Their cocktails are at least as good as the pizzas, which is saying something. For the best views in town and anything fermented your heart could desire, head to Ferment Brewing Company. To start the day trip with coffee and pastries, go to Pine Street Bakery.
In the Fruit Loop, eat anywhere and everywhere. Visit in summer or early fall to pick your fruit from the orchards. Farm stands also have prepicked fruit if you’re not feeling like carrying the bucket around. You can’t go wrong with a stop, but I like Draper Girls, Mt View Orchards, and Kiyokawa Orchards to get you started.
What to do:
Walk along the Hood River Waterfront and admire the Columbia River. There are benches, grassy picnic spots, play equipment, and a small beach along the walking trail.
Try out paddleboarding, kayaking, or windsurfing on the river. You can rent equipment when you get there.
Visit the shops in downtown Hood River, one of Oregon’s cutest towns.
Head south from Hood River on Highway 35 to explore the Fruit Loop, a scenic drive through orchards, farms, and vineyards. Stock up on U-pick peaches, see baby goats, and buy local honey from a farm stand.
Visit a lavender farm. In the summer, fields of blooming lavender are some of the most picturesque and fragrant places in Oregon.
Go wine tasting. Watch alpacas graze from the patio at Wy’East Vineyards. Sit next to the sunflower field at Grateful Vineyards. Admire Mt Hood from the Mt Hood Winery’s patio or Mt Adams from Stave and Stone’s. For a fun splurge with food pairings, try Hiyu Wine Farm.
3. Falls Creek Falls and Panther Creek Falls
Panther Creek Falls
The highlights: Scenic hiking trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that lead to two of Washington’s lesser-known and most incredible waterfalls.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
When to go: The Falls Creek Falls trailhead is open from April 1st - Nov 30th. You might want to wait until May to avoid running into snow on the way to Panther Creek Falls.
What to bring: A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass ($5/day). Buy a pass ahead of time. There isn’t a way to buy one at the trailhead.
Where to eat:
End your day trip with a stop in Stevenson, WA, on your way back to town. Clarke and Lewie’s Travelers Rest has a back patio overlooking the Columbia River. Walking Man Brewing is a laidback spot with great beer.
What to do:
Try the unforgettable hike to Falls Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can see the falls by making a 3.4-mile out-and-back trek or a 6.3-mile loop.
On your way back, make a detour to Panther Creek Falls, arguably the most interesting and complex waterfall in Washington. There isn’t much of a hike here. It’s less than a mile to see both the upper and lower viewpoints, but the waterfall is stunning.
4. Columbia Hills State Park
Horsethief Butte
The highlights: Expansive Columbia Gorge vistas, petroglyphs, spring wildflowers, and rugged basalt bluffs. Oh, plus some great wineries just down the road.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
When to go: All year, barring inclement weather. For wildflowers, visit in April and May. Spring through early fall are the best times to visit for the weather.
What to bring: Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). You can buy a pass on-site.
Where to eat:
Columbia Hills State Park has a lovely picnic ground. Its shaded tables are perfect for lunch on a nice day. After turning off Highway 14 toward the petroglyphs, make a left to find it.
After exploring the park, I highly recommend finishing your day trip by stopping at one of the wineries nearby, like my favorite Columbia Gorge winery, Jacob Williams. Besides the incredible wine, you get a greeting from the winery cat, Rosé, and views of the Columbia Gorge and Mt Hood from the patio. On a visit during cherry season, I got a sample of cherries straight from the trees next to the winery. Just down the road, Cascade Cliffs uses its unique microclimate to make wines from Italian varietals. If you forget your picnic, stop by Maryhill Winery for snacks, charcuterie, and shareable food.
What to do:
See the Columbia Hills petroglyphs.
Sign up for a tour ahead of time to visit the most famous petroglyph, She Who Watches. Tours happen at 9 AM on Fridays and Saturdays from April - Oct.
Hike up Horsethief Butte and do some rock climbing.
Hike through fields of lupines and balsamroot on your way to the Dalles Mountain Ranch.
Take a kayak or paddleboard onto Horsethief Lake. You can rent one in the park during the summer.
Grab a picnic table in the shade by the water under tall oak trees.
5. Rowena Crest Viewpoint and The Dalles
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
The highlights: Starting your day trip from Portland at one of Oregon’s most scenic viewpoints, then exploring wildflower-lined hiking trails and a town full of hidden gems.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
When to go: All year, barring inclement weather. For wildflowers, visit from late April until early summer.
What to bring: Sunscreen and your camera.
Where to eat:
Head to the Dalles for food. Have brunch at The Riv Cafe. For lunch or dinner, try the delicious pizza and beer at Freebridge Brewing. To taste some lovely local wines with a river view, head to Tierra de Lobos.
What to do:
Stop by the Rowena Crest Viewpoint to admire one of the most famous and photogenic overlooks in Oregon.
Hike one or both of the trails that begin from the Rowena Crest Viewpoint: the Tom McCall Point Trail and the Rowena Plateau Trail.
Head east to The Dalles to find museums, parks, breweries, murals, and Oregon’s oldest bookstore.
Read more about the best things to do in The Dalles.
6. Stonehenge
Washington’s Stonehenge Memorial
The highlights: A full-scale Stonehenge replica on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River.
Drive time from Portland: 1 hour 45 minutes
When to go: All year, barring winter storms.
What to bring: Druid robes. Or maybe just your camera.
Where to eat:
Have lunch on a patio overlooking the Columbia Gorge at Loie’s, the cafe at the Maryhill Museum of Art.
What to do:
See the Stonehenge replica and its surrounding views of the Columbia Gorge. It’s free to visit and arguably the quirkiest day trip you can find within 2 hours of Portland.
Drive through the sleepy town of Maryhill and stop at the farm stand for fresh produce and local goods like salsas and jams.
Browse the exhibits and explore the grounds at the Maryhill Museum of Art.
Go wine tasting at Jacob Williams or Cascade Cliffs.
The Coast
7. Cannon Beach
Views from Ecola State Park
The highlights: A charming coastal town next to a dramatic coastline decorated with sea stacks and the 235-foot monolith, Haystack Rock.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
When to go: All year
What to bring: A raincoat, binoculars, and a camera.
Where to eat:
Start your day trip by having coffee at Sleepy Monk Roasters. It’s so good you’ll want to bring home a bag of beans as a souvenir. For lunch, Public Coast Brewing. For a special occasion, go to Wayfarer and admire Haystack Rock while you eat. For heavenly wines by the bottle, glass, or flight, The Wine Shack.
What to do:
See the views and try the hikes at Ecola State Park. Look for rugged headlands, towering sea stacks, and an offshore lighthouse perched on a tiny basalt island.
Walk along Cannon Beach and visit Haystack Rock. Watch for seabirds in the sky and nesting on the monolith.
Browse the shops and art galleries on Hemlock Street.
Head south on Highway 101 to see spectacular Oregon Coast beaches like Arcadia Beach, Hug Point, and Short Sand Beach.
Hike up to incredible views on Neahkahnie Mountain.
Go whale watching and tide pooling.
Read more about the best things to do in Cannon Beach.
8. Seaside
Seaside Promenade
The highlights: A laidback day trip from Portland with cheerful beach town vibes and a 1.5-mile seaside promenade.
Drive time from Portland: 1 hour 40 minutes
When to go: All year
What to bring: Your kids or your inner children.
Where to eat:
In Seaside, head to Seaside Brewing for great beer, Stoller wine, and pub food. In Gearhart, go to The Pacific Way.
What to do:
Walk along the Seaside Promenade.
Fly a kite and try out the swingsets on Seaside Beach.
Find a quiet spot on the beach at The Cove. This (relatively) secluded stretch of the coast is at the southern end of town near Tillamook Head.
Enjoy the festive beach town streets of Seaside. Think souvenir shops, salt water taffy, arcade games, and ice cream cones. Oh, and a carousel.
Paddle around the Necanicum River. You can bring a boat or rent one there. Some are paddleboats shaped like swans, just saying.
Hike up Tillamook Head to reach Ecola State Park.
Visit Fort Clatsop for scenic hiking trails that include a history lesson.
Head to Gearhart Beach for a quieter and less developed beach. You’ll have a good chance of spotting elk in town while you’re there.
9. Three Capes Loop
Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock
The highlights: A day trip from Portland that is also an incredible road trip. This scenic byway along the Oregon Coast connects three unforgettable capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: All year
What to bring: Oregon State Park Pass to park at Cape Lookout. You can buy a day pass on-site for $5. Cape Kiwanda has a local $10 day-use fee. The parking lot has pay stations.
Where to eat:
In Pacific City, you can’t beat the views at Pelican Brewing. You’re right on the beach, marveling at Cape Kiwanda while you eat fish and chips and sip IPA. For dinner, try the Riverhouse Nestucca.
In Netarts, the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge has a cozy semi-enclosed deck with views of Netarts Bay.
What to do:
Start at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Stroll around the short hiking trails to see the Cape Meares Lighthouse, the Octopus Tree, and far-reaching views of the Pacific Ocean. From April through July, look for nesting seabirds on the cliffs around the viewpoint. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is a perfect place to watch for whales.
Stop in the town of Oceanside and take the intriguing tunnel under the headland that connects Oceanside Beach and Tunnel Beach.
Take the trail down to secluded and often-missed Short Beach, where a waterfall tumbles onto the sand.
Walk along the beach at Cape Lookout State Park. A 5-mile hike will bring you to the end of the cape and panoramic ocean views.
Make a short detour to reach the 0.5-mile out-and-back trail to Munsen Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range.
Follow the scenic and seldom-visited trails at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area that lead through an estuary to an uncrowded beach. Look for many types of shorebirds and seabirds on the way.
Explore the dunes and headland of Cape Kiwanda, where you can watch for whales, go tide pooling, admire Pacific City’s Haystack Rock, and marvel at the large and growing sinkhole.
10. Neskowin Ghost Forest and Pacific City
Neskowin Beach and its ghost forest
The highlights: Haunting ancient stumps, towering headlands, and a short jaunt to magnificent Cape Kiwanda. This day trip from Portland starts where the Three Capes Loop left off.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: Low tide.
What to bring: Beach blanket and ghost stories. Parking is free in Neskowin, but Cape Kiwanda has a $10 day-use fee. Pay on-site with a credit card.
Where to eat:
In Neskowin, the Neskowin Trading Company is a convenience store, bakery, and deli with surprisingly good takeaway food. Hawk Creek Cafe has sit-down dining with wood-fired pizzas on the menu.
Or, head to Pelican Brewing or Riverhouse Nestucca in Pacific City.
What to do:
Walk along Neskowin Beach around low tide to see 2,000-year-old barnacle-encrusted Sitka spruce stumps emerge from the waves. These stumps were once part of a ghost forest that died off due to changing sea levels and sand encroachment.
See Proposal Rock, a large, blobby sea stack on Neskowin Beach with an intriguing keyhole-shaped tunnel.
Head about 15 minutes north of Neskowin to Cape Kiwanda, a gorgeous sandstone headland with panoramic views and a giant sinkhole. Look for tidepool critters at its base at low tide.
Head to the north side of Cape Kiwanda to explore the extraordinary rocks of McPhillips Beach.
11. Lincoln City
Seals near Siletz Beach
The highlights: Beaches, art galleries, hiking, and wildlife. Especially seals. So. Many. Seals.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: All year
What to bring: Binoculars and a camera.
Where to eat:
As you enter Lincoln City, you can’t miss the Wildflower Grill in its charming garden setting. It’s a relaxing place to enjoy coffee and eggs benedict after your drive from Portland. On the south end of town, Pelican Brewing has a new location in Lincoln City that overlooks Siletz Bay.
What to do:
Stretch your legs on the scenic shores of Roads End Beach or D Beach.
Walk along Siletz Beach to see driftwood forts, a long sandy shore, and a whole lot of seals.
Admire the flowers in the Connie Hansen Garden.
See the D River, the world’s shortest river.
Look for glass floats on the beach. Artisans donate hundreds of floats for visitors to find throughout the year.
Hike to the incredible views on God’s Thumb. Be careful to stay on public land while you hike. The trail is not an official hike and people often make mistakes here.
Hike to Drift Creek Falls. Just before the falls, you’ll cross an impressive 100-foot-tall suspension bridge.
Continue your day trip from Portland by driving 20 minutes south to Depoe Bay. Walk along the seawall and watch the crashing waves. Then, stop by Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center, where you can borrow a pair of binoculars if you forgot yours. Across the road, you’ll find shops and restaurants.
12. Astoria
Views of Astoria from Coxcomb Hill
The highlights: History and nature shape Oregon’s oldest town, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: All year
What to bring: A good coat. The wind off the river can get intense.
Where to eat:
Have coffee and a bagel while you watch the ships go by at Coffee Girl. Head to Fort George Brewery for excellent pizza and beer. On a sunny afternoon, their rooftop space is a treat. For dinner, have handmade pasta with a river view at Fedé Trattoria Astoria. Try wine by the glass on the riverwalk at WineKraft.
What to do:
Drive or hike up to Coxcomb Hill and climb the Astoria Column, where you’ll find views for days.
Admire the Columbia River and watch for sea lions as you walk or ride the trolley along the Riverwalk Trail.
Browse the shops on Commercial Street.
Visit the museums like the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House, and the Oregon Film Museum.
Drive to Fort Stevens State Park in the northwest corner of Oregon. This park is so large that it could easily be a day trip by itself. Among its attractions are the ghostly remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck and the dramatic jetties where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean.
13. Long Beach
Long Beach Boardwalk
The highlights: Beautiful parks, long sandy beaches, and excellent birdwatching surround this classic beach town.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours 10 minutes
When to go: All year
What to bring: Most parks near Long Beach require the Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). You can buy a pass at Cape Disappointment State Park.
Where to eat:
In the town of Long Beach, you can’t beat the views or the ambiance at Pickled Fish, where the windows look onto the waves of the Pacific from the fourth floor. The food is pretty good, but I found the portions small after a day of hiking. For brunch, go to the 42nd Street Cafe.
Just outside of Long Beach near Cape Disappointment, the Salt Pub in the Port of Ilwaco has top-notch pub food with ingredients made from scratch, a drink list that includes wine from Walla Walla, and a patio that overlooks the marina. Visit Fridays in the summer to catch the weekly Art Walk or Saturdays for the farmer’s market.
Get a milkshake from Colleen’s Coffee House & Tapestry Yarn Shop in Ocean Park just north of Long Beach. Trust me. You’ll remember it for years to come.
What to do:
Visit Cape Disappointment. Despite its unpromising name, this state park has stunning beaches, a lighthouse surrounded by panoramic ocean views, and a weird decommissioned military battery.
Walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk. This 0.5-mile boardwalk trail runs between the shops in town and the beach.
Walk through town and browse the shops. Quirky is the vibe in Long Beach’s downtown, where you’ll find art ranging from leaping orcas to a giant skillet to an obelisk. Stop in Marsh’s Free Museum to shop for souvenirs and see the oddities, including Jake the Alligator Man.
Drive to Ledbetter Point at the end of the Long Beach Peninsula for some birdwatching.
For more day trip brainstorming, read about the best things to do in Long Beach.
The Mountains
14. Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge
Mt Hood
The highlights: Winter sports and summer hikes on the slopes of Oregon’s highest peak.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
When to go: Potentially all year. Expect snow at Timberline Lodge from around November through April. Wildflowers are best in late July and August.
What to bring:
Hiking boots in summer.
Skis, snowboards, or snowshoes in the winter.
You’ll need a Sno-Park Pass to park at Timberline and the Sno-Parks from Nov 1st - April 30th. You can buy a pass at Timberline or many retailers on the drive to Mt Hood. In summer, you don’t need a pass to park at Timberline, but many nearby trailheads require the NW Forest Pass.
If you’re driving, carry tire chains or use snow tires in the winter.
Where to eat:
Timberline Lodge has a restaurant with tasty, if pricey, food. The ambiance is fantastic, and the wines by the glass are pleasing. You will, however, get more for your money in Government Camp. My favorites there are Mt Hood Brewing and The Ratskeller.
What to do:
Visit the historic Timberline Lodge. Expect roaring fireplaces, comfy armchairs, cold beer, hot chocolate, and fantastic mountain views.
In summer, try the hiking trails. Since Timberline Lodge is at 6,000 feet of elevation, you can see stunning alpine views without trudging up the mountain. White River Canyon, Silcox Hut, and Zigzag Canyon are all rewarding hikes that don’t require mountaineering experience.
In winter, a day trip to Timberline is all about winter sports. Come here for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Try snow tubing at Mt Hood Ski Bowl.
Hike in the Mt Hood National Forest. Trillium Lake, Ramona Falls, Tamanawas Falls, the Salmon River Trail, and Lookout Mountain are a few of my favorites.
15. Mount St Helens
Goat Marsh Lake
The highlights: Witnessing the recovering landscape around this recently active volcano.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: June through October to avoid high-elevation snow.
What to bring: Recreation passes. When the Johnson Ridge Observatory reopens, it costs $8 to visit unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass. Many trailheads require either the NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. To visit the Ape Cave, you’ll need a timed reservation in addition to the NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass (or $5 day-use fee).
Where to eat:
I’d bring extra trail snacks on this day trip. There’s not a whole lot out there.
What to do:
Visit the Trail of Two Forests Interpretative Site to see the casts of trees destroyed by pyroclastic flows from Mt St Helens.
Explore the Ape Cave, a giant underground lava tube, from mid-May through October. Make a reservation before visiting.
See ecological diversity and a perfect reflection of Mt St Helens on the hike to Goat Marsh Lake.
The Johnson Ridge Observatory is closed for the foreseeable future. When it reopens, you’ll be able to look down into the crater of Mt St Helens.
16. Mount Adams and White Salmon
Mt Adams from the summit of Sleeping Beauty
The highlights: Breathtaking alpine scenery and tranquil lakes without the crowds.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: White Salmon is a great day trip from Portland all year. Summer is the best time for rafting the White Salmon River. Visit Mt Adams from June - October to avoid snow at higher elevations.
What to bring: Hiking boots, trail snacks, and more water than you think you’ll need.
Where to eat:
Eat in White Salmon. It has one of the best, if not the best, food scenes in Washington’s small towns. I’ve been there many times and haven’t found a disappointing restaurant yet. For delicious tacos and margaritas, go to Pixan Taqueria. For great beer and satisfying pub food, try Everybody’s Brewing. Stop by Feast Market and Delicatessen for a quick slice of freshly made quiche on your way to the hiking trails. The back patio looks onto Mt Hood. On your way back to Portland, enjoy a glass of wine from Le Doubble Troubble or Soca Wine Shop and Bar.
What to do:
Hike the short but steep Sleeping Beauty Trail for spectacular views of Mt Adams.
Cool off next to Langfeld Falls.
Relax by a peaceful mountain lake. Trout Lake is on the way to Mt Adams and reflects a mirror image of the mountain on a clear day.
See the White Salmon River and its waterfalls. For a day of adventure, try white water rafting.
Find details about the best things to do near Mt Adams.
And more
17. Silver Falls State Park
Upper North Falls
The highlights: This day trip from Portland is all about the waterfalls. A world-class hiking trail connects ten waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park, several of which you can walk behind.
Drive time from Portland: 75 minutes
When to go: All year, barring winter storms. The waterfalls will be most impressive from late fall through spring. A few dry up in summer. Fall color peaks in October. Crowds peak in the summer.
What to bring: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day or $30/year). You can buy a pass in the park.
Where to eat:
Within the park, the South Falls Lodge and Cafe is a fun stop for drinks and sandwiches. The Lodge has a patio and an indoor seating area with a fireplace.
On your way to or from Silver Falls State Park, the cute-as-a-button town of Silvertown is a great place to have lunch. Some of its restaurants, like the patio at Mac’s Place, are right next to Silver Creek.
What to do:
See the waterfalls. The easiest to reach and, I’d say, the most impressive is South Falls. You can see it from above without hiking, or take the short loop trail to walk along the eroded basalt cliff behind the falls.
Hike the trails. The 7.5-mile Trail of Ten Falls connects ten waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park.
Many shorter hikes let you see the waterfalls without the distance. The new North Rim Trail is a flat, 1-mile trail that leads to a viewpoint for North Falls. Continue past the viewpoint to make a 2.8-mile loop that will take you behind North Falls, out to Upper North Falls, and past Twin Falls.
For a waterfall your dog can visit, take the 0.3-mile trail to Upper North Falls. Look for an off-leash dog park in the South Falls Day-Use Area.
18. Willamette Valley Wine Country
Tasting room at Furioso Vineyards
The highlights: World-class wines, rolling hills covered with vineyards, beautiful tasting rooms, and the charcuterie boards of your dreams.
Drive time from Portland: About 60 minutes
When to go: All year
What to bring: Your friends. I’d suggest making reservations in advance for tastings on the weekends.
Where to eat:
You’d be hard-pressed to find a tasting room in the Willamette Valley without charcuterie boards that belong in an art gallery. For heartier fare with local seasonal ingredients, I like Red Hills Market.
What to do:
This one speaks for itself. My favorite way to drink wine is on a patio near the vines. You get a few pours of lovely Willamette Valley varietals like Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, and maybe something less expected like Gamay while you and your friends talk about love, life, dreams, and memories. Tasting notes and oak aging might come up, too, depending on your group. To prepare for the day trip, here is my quick guide to wine tasting in Oregon.
19. Sauvie Island
The highlights: Farms, orchards, wildlife, waterways, and hiking trails just outside of Portland. It’s a great day trip if you want to feel like you’re out of town without much driving.
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes
When to go: Summer and early fall for fruit picking. October for pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Late fall and early winter for Sandhill cranes. Winter for Christmas trees.
What to bring: Beach towel, binoculars, and baskets to carry home the fruit you pick.
Where to eat:
Sauvie Island doesn’t have much in the way of restaurants. The farms sell snacks and drinks during popular times, as do the Island Cove Cafe and the Reeder Beach RV Park and Country Store. You can get all the fruit you want here during the summer. I’d head back to the city for dinner, though.
What to do:
Go fruit picking in the orchards. Depending on when you go, you can find peaches, apples, pears, and berries among the offerings.
In the fall, check out the pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides.
Try the hiking trails. The Wapato Greenway Access Trail, Oaks Island Trail, and Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail are all scenic and family-friendly hikes.
Go kayaking. The calm waterways around Sauvie Island are great beginner kayaking or paddleboarding destinations.
Head to beaches. Clothing-optional Collins Beach has a UFO boat on it.
For more details and day trip suggestions, check out the best things to do on Sauvie Island.
20. Olympia and the Mima Mounds
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
The highlights: A geologic mystery.
Drive time from Portland: 1 hour 45 minutes
When to go: All year
What to bring: Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). You can buy one online at the trailhead if you have reception. I did, which was lucky since my pass had expired. The process is not the smoothest. You need to fish out a piece of paper from somewhere in your car and find a marker to write the confirmation number on it. It’s much easier to get the pass ahead of time.
Where to eat:
Start the day trip with coffee and pastries and Bread Peddler, then stop at Three Magnets Brewing after your hike.
What to do:
Visit Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and wander through a prairie covered with a bunch of weird mounds. They are natural, not manmade, but beyond that geologists have only speculations about how they formed.
Visit Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls in Olympia to follow a 0.5-mile trail along the Deschutes River that includes Tumwater Falls on its course. Look for a playground near the free parking lot. I should warn you, though, that there is no brewery.
Visit the state capitol building and stroll along the Capitol Lake waterfront.
If you don’t mind a little extra driving, head 20 minutes north on I-5 to Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The boardwalk trails here are excellent birdwatching spots.
Tumwater Falls
Enjoy your day trip!
With love,
Emma
In summary, the best day trips from Portland are:
Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor
Hood River and the Fruit Loop
Falls Creek Falls and Panther Creek Falls
Columbia Hills State Park
Rowena Crest Viewpoint and The Dalles
Stonehenge and Maryhill
Cannon Beach
Seaside
Three Capes Loop
Neskowin Ghost Forest and Cape Kiwanda
Lincoln City
Astoria
Long Beach
Mt Hood
Mt St Helens
Mt Adams
Silver Falls State Park
Willamette Valley Wine Country
Sauvie Island
Mima Mounds and Olympia
Explore nearby
Find more things to do in Portland.
