20 Unforgettable Weekend Trips from Portland
There’s nothing quite like a week of being stuck inside after snow and ice storms to make me long for a vacation. As I fantasize about leaving town for a long weekend trip, I can’t help but wonder if you’ve been feeling just as cooped up. With that in mind, here are the best weekend trips from Portland in no particular order. Let’s get out of the house.
1. Mount Rainier National Park
Alta Vista Trail
The highlights: Breathtaking alpine scenery, dramatic waterfalls, summer wildflowers, and hoary marmots.
Drive time from Portland: 2.5 hours
When to go: Mt Rainier National Park is open all year, but most areas close in the winter. Visit from July through September to access all the park’s roads, trailheads, campgrounds, and amenities. If you visit during peak times, you’ll need a timed reservation to enter the park beginning in 2024.
How to make it a long weekend: Mt Rainier National Park is so huge that there isn’t enough time to see everything in a quick weekend trip from Portland. If you are lucky enough to stay longer, use the extra time to explore a different area of the park from one of its four entrances: Nisqually (southwest), Stevens Canyon (southeast), White River/Sunrise (northeast), and Carbon River (northwest).
Where to eat:
Within Mt Rainier National Park, Longmire has a sit-down restaurant at the National Park Inn that is open year-round. You can also stock up on snacks at the General Store. The restaurants are open at the Sunrise Day Lodge and the Paradise Inn in summer and early fall.
Just outside the park in Ashford, I suggest the Tibetan stews at the Wildberry Restaurant, especially if you get rained on at some point during your weekend trip.
What to do:
See the waterfalls. Some, like Christine Falls, are easy roadside stops, but most take some work to reach, like the hike to Carter Falls and Madcap Falls.
Take in the panoramic alpine vistas at Paradise.
Visit the mountain lakes. Reflection Lakes are especially photogenic on clear days when they reflect a mirror image of Mt Rainier’s summit. For a rewarding lake hike, check on the trail to Bench Lake and Snow Lake.
Marvel at the glaciers from Sunrise.
Read more about the best fun and easy things to do in Mt Rainier National Park.
2. Sisters
Koosah Falls
The highlights: Exploring a quaint town that looks like the Old West, then a road trip on one of the most scenic byways in the Pacific Northwest.
Drive time from Portland: 2.5 hours
When to go: Sisters could be a great weekend trip from Portland all year, but the time to visit is when the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is open, usually July - October.
How to make it a long weekend: Head north to explore the Mt Jefferson Wilderness or south to spend a few days in Bend.
Where to eat:
For breakfast, have coffee and pastries at Sisters Coffee Co. Even in an area where good coffee is easy to come by, it’s a standout. For a hearty and upscale brunch or lunch, try The Cottonwood Cafe. To have delicious pasta and Pacific Northwest wines in a restaurant that doubles as an art gallery, head to The Open Door.
If you decide to take on the scenic drive, stop at the Suttle Lake Lodge to have drinks and lunch with a view of the water.
What to do:
Hike the easy 1-mile trail to the Whychus Overlook just south of town. The trail ends at an overlook with panoramic views of the Three Sisters mountains.
Stroll through cowboy-chic downtown Sisters. Despite its appearance, you’ll have trouble finding a saddle or moonshine there, but artisanal spirits, handmade chocolates, and quilting supplies will be no problem.
Admire the cerulean blue water of the Metolius River. An easy hiking trail follows the river for miles.
Take a boat onto the water at Suttle Lake.
Drive on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. This incredible 82-mile loop connects some of the most stunning sights in Oregon, including Sahalie and Koosah Falls, Clear Lake, the MacKenzie River, Proxy Falls, and viewpoints overlooking Cascade peaks.
For more details, check out my article about the best things to do in Sisters, Oregon.
3. Mt Hood National Forest
Lookout Mountain hike
The highlights: Old-growth forests, summer wildflowers, and winter sports on the slopes of Oregon’s tallest peak.
Drive time from Portland: 60 - 90 minutes
When to go: Lower elevation hikes are often snow-free all year. Winter sports are best from January through March. Take your weekend trip in July or August to see high-elevation wildflowers.
How to make it a long weekend: Mt Hood National Forest has plenty of hiking trails to keep you busy for a long weekend. For more variety, head up Highway 35 and drive through the Hood River Fruit Loop to visit the farms, orchards, and wineries. From there, you can return to Portland by taking I-84 through the Columbia Gorge.
Where to eat:
Government Camp has the most restaurant options near Mt Hood. The Ratskeller and Mt Hood Brewing are my favorites there. Charlie’s Mountain View deserves an honorable mention for its front patio, a perfect place to relax on a sunny day.
The Lodge at Timberline has the best ambiance but also the highest prices. When I go, I usually fill up on trail snacks beforehand and order something small just so I can sit there after a hike.
On your way to or from the mountain, the shaded patio at Koya Kitchen is a peaceful place to have a beer and satisfying casual Japanese food while surrounded by the forest.
What to do:
Visit Timberline Lodge and try one of the hikes that begin at 6,000 feet elevation, like White River Canyon, Zigzag Canyon, or Silcox Hut.
See high-elevation wildflowers in July and August.
Try one of the many hiking trails that surround Mt Hood. The views from Lookout Mountain are among the most memorable.
Look for accessible hiking trails and an underwater fish viewing window only an hour away from Portland at Wildwood Recreation Site.
Visit the waterfalls, especially Ramona Falls and Tamanwas Falls.
Go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snow tubing in the winter.
See Mt Hood’s reflection on Trillium Lake. In summer, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard there. In winter, it’s a popular snowshoeing destination.
4. Cannon Beach and the North Oregon Coast
Neahkahnie Mountain
The highlights: Towering headlands and jagged sea stacks add drama to the photogenic beaches of Oregon’s northern coast.
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes - 2 hours
When to go: All year
How to make it a long weekend: For a relaxed long weekend trip from Portland, stick to the north coast and explore it in a leisurely fashion. Or, take a road trip down to the central coast.
Where to eat:
Cannon Beach, Astoria, or a picnic on the beach.
What to do:
Explore the beaches, trails, and viewpoints at Ecola State Park.
Stroll down Cannon Beach and look for seabirds nesting on its most famous sea stack, Haystack Rock. On your way, return through town and browse the shops on Hemlock Street.
Whale watching and tidepooling.
Check out the hiking trails, like one of the best short hikes on the north Oregon Coast.
Find the hidden waterfall at Hug Point.
Try surfing at Short Sand Beach.
Wander down the promenade in the resort town of Seaside.
Learn about how miserable it was to spend the winter at Fort Clatsop.
5. Painted Hills
Painted Hills Overlook
The highlights: A bizarre landscape of colorful hills that look like the surface of Mars.
Drive time from Portland: 4 hours
When to go: Take your weekend trip from Portland in April - November to avoid the risk of snow. Temperatures in spring and fall will be milder than the sometimes scorching summer months.
How to make it a long weekend: Visit the other units of the John Day Fossil Beds: the Clarno Unit and the Sheep Rock Unit.
Where to eat:
Bring plenty of water and snacks to the Painted Hills. The park has few amenities. In the nearby town of Mitchell, look for burgers and beer at Tiger Town Brewing or burgers and shakes at the Bridge Creek Cafe.
What to do:
Take in the strange and Martian-looking scenery along the 0.5-mile Painted Hills Trail. It has, I would argue, the best views in the park.
Get your obligatory social media photo among the brick-red hills of the Painted Cove.
Look for fossils along the Leaf Hill Trail.
See the Painted Hills from above by hiking the 1.6-mile Carroll Rim Trail.
Read more in my guide to the Painted Hills.
6. Olympic Peninsula
Hurricane Ridge
The highlights: Far-reaching mountain vistas, fanciful sea creatures, and mossy temperate rainforests in Washington’s northwest corner.
Drive time from Portland: 4.5 hours
When to go: Year-round if you don’t mind the rain. If you do, go in May - September.
How to make it a long weekend: The Olympic Peninsula is an ambitious weekend trip from Portland and works better as a long weekend. If your time is limited, I’d focus on a part of the peninsula, like the area around Hurricane Ridge.
Where to eat:
Port Townsend. If it’s not raining, see if you can snag an outside table by the bay. You might spot sea otters bobbing nearby while you eat.
What to do:
See the mossy trees in the Hoh Rain Forest.
Drive to Hurricane Ridge and take in the sweeping views surrounding the hiking trails.
Go kayaking on Lake Crescent.
Visit one of the rocky beaches on Puget Sound and look for crabs, chitons, and sea cucumbers in the water near the shore.
Visit one of the sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean.
Stroll through Port Townsend and browse the shops. Port Angeles is also a decent-sized town, although less geared towards tourists.
7. Bend
Sparks Lake
The highlights: High desert scenery and hiking trails surround a bustling town full of parks, restaurants, and river walks.
Drive time from Portland: 3 hours
When to go: Potentially all year. Visit from spring to fall to avoid the snow. Traveling across the Cascades is sometimes treacherous in the winter. Be prepared for possible wildfire smoke in late summer and early fall.
How to make it a long weekend: If you can, it’s worth it to make your trip to Bend a long weekend. There are so many things to do nearby that I broke it up into multiple trips. See the activities around Sisters (#2), Smith Rock (#11), and Crater Lake (#10). For this one, I’m focusing on activities in town and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Where to eat:
Where to start? To avoid writing an article within an article, here’s a quick and dirty list of restaurant recommendations in Bend that will fill up more than a weekend trip.
Have brunch at The Victorian Cafe or McKay Cottage Restaurant if you are okay with a long wait. Chow makes a great alternative when you’re not. For a vegan brunch, stop by the Broken Angel food cart.
Head to the Pine Tavern, a classic Bend eatery, and check out their killer back patio.
Order scratch-made pasta at Trattoria Sbandati.
Try the eclectic street food menu at local favorite Spork.
To have an Indian food feast, go to the Taj Palace.
For cocktails, the Dogwood. When the wait is too long, Bar Rio. For a treasure hunt, find the secret bar in McMenamins Old St Francis School.
For beer and pub food, head to any brewery. You won’t find a bad one. I like Crux, 10 Barrel, and Boneyard.
For wine, check out the best wine bars and tasting rooms in Bend.
What to do:
Do some window shopping in downtown Bend, then walk along the river in Drake Park.
Drive or hike up Pilot Butte to see the town from above.
Visit the Old Mill District and stroll down the riverwalk. Look for both people in innertubes and geese floating on the Deschutes River in summer.
Head a little outside of town and visit majestic Tumalo Falls.
Drive south to see the geologic marvels at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. In the summer, make a timed reservation to explore the giant underground lava tube, the Lava River Cave.
Drive on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway to see beautiful high desert lakes. Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, and Diamond Lake are some of the most beautiful, if also the most crowded.
8. Mt Adams
Mt Adams from the Sleeping Beauty Trail
The highlights: An undeveloped and uncrowded wilderness on the slopes of a 12,000-foot Cascade peak.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: June - October
How to make it a long weekend: Add a day of rafting on the White Salmon River.
Where to eat:
Bring plenty of snacks and water on your weekend trip to Mt Adams Recreation Area. There aren’t many amenities once you get out there. The town of Trout Lake isn’t too far away and has a coffee shop, a general store, and a pizza place.
If it’s not too far to drive, the town of White Salmon has the best food in the area. I’ve had great experiences at Pixan Taqueria, Everybody’s Brewing, and Feast Market. On your way back to Portland, try a glass of wine from Le Doubble Troubble or Soca Wine Shop and Bar.
What to do:
See a whizbang view of Mt Adams, plus glimpses of Mt Hood, Mt Rainier, and Mt St Helens, from the summit of Sleeping Beauty.
Head down the road to cool off next to Langfeld Falls.
Bring an innertube and float around Trout Lake.
Watch for birds at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Hunt for waterfalls on the White Salmon River.
Visit the Guler Ice Caves if your weekend trip is during the summer.
Read more about the best things to do near Mt Adams.
9. Yachats and the Central Oregon Coast
Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua
The highlights: A rocky coastline made of delightful geologic weirdness.
Drive time from Portland: 3 hours
When to go: All year, although be prepared for rain anytime, especially in the winter.
How to make it a long weekend: The bigger challenge will be keeping your weekend trip from becoming a weeklong one. My last visit to Yachats lasted five days, and I’m pretty sure you can still see the claw marks my fingernails made on the rocks there when I had to leave.
Where to eat:
Stop at Bread and Roses Bakery for coffee, pastries, and a loaf of bread for sandwiches on the beach later. Arrive early on weekends in the summer. Their treats are famous and sell out fast.
For lunch or dinner, Yachats Brewing is one of my favorite restaurants on the Oregon Coast. Besides their excellent beer, you can get meals with maitake mushrooms.
The Drift Inn is a cozy spot with a crowd-pleasing menu.
For fish and chips, try Luna Sea Fish House.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, Yachats Underground Bar & Grill is a rare spot that has a patio with ocean views.
What to do:
See geologic oddities like Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn, and the Devil’s Churn at Cape Perpetua.
Try out the hiking trails. The 804 Trail runs through town and will take you along a stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Visit some tidepools. Just about anywhere on the Yachats coastline has excellent intertidal life. In town, check out Smelt Sands Beach and Yachats State Recreation Site. If you’re willing to travel farther, check out my article on the best beaches in Oregon to see tidepools.
Browse the shops in town. My favorite is Styx, Stones, and Bones, a gem shop with fossils and a skeleton or two.
Watch for whales.
Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s most picturesque lighthouse.
Drive down to Florence to see the dunes.
Read more about the best things to do near Yachats.
10. Crater Lake
Cleetwood Cove Trail
The highlights: Rain and snowmelt fill a volcanic caldera, creating the deepest lake in the United States. On a clear day, this lake is sapphire blue.
Drive time from Portland: 4 hours
When to go: Take your weekend trip from Portland in July through September to avoid the snow. Most of the park closes in the winter, but you can enter through the west and south entrances year-round.
How to make it a long weekend: Spend a few days at Crater Lake and a day at Diamond Lake. If you have more time, drive north and explore Sun River.
Where to eat:
Plan on being pretty independent while you’re in Crater Lake National Park. The Rim Village has water, snacks, and supplies, but it gets crowded and you can’t always park.
For a sit-down lunch or dinner in the park, go to the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room. Reservations are encouraged. To have a laidback meal after your explorations, head to Diamond Lake Resort for food and drinks on the patio by the lake.
What to do:
Make the loop around Rim Drive, a 33-mile scenic drive that circles the lake along the caldera’s rim.
Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail to reach the water of Crater Lake. You can swim there if you can stand the cold.
Take a boat tour.
Look for the conical Wizard Island and the jagged Phantom Ship in the lake.
Try the hiking trails, like these magnificent short hikes in Crater Lake National Park.
Take in the views from the Cloudcap Overlook, Oregon’s highest paved road.
11. Smith Rock and the Cove Palisades
Smith Rock State Park
The highlights: This weekend trip from Portland includes two different geologic wonders. Spend the first day on the trails at magnificent Smith Rock State Park. The next day, rent a kayak and paddle around Lake Billy Chinook at Cove Palisades State Park.
Drive time from Portland: 2.5 hours
When to go: Potentially all year, but spring and fall are the best times to avoid the crowds of summer and the icy trails of winter. Visit the Cove Palisades in the summer if you plan on renting a boat.
How to make it a long weekend: Drive down to Bend. You can stop at Peterson Rock Garden on the way to see intricate rock sculptures and a whole lot of peacocks.
Where to eat:
Picnic lunches are a must for this weekend trip. You’ll be in the high desert, so bring more water than you think you’ll need.
What to do:
Marvel at the geology of Smith Rock, which was formed by two different volcanic events. The first was an explosion millions of years ago that created jagged spires of tuff and a massive caldera. The second was a (relatively) more sedate lava flow around 400,000 years ago. This runny basaltic lava formed the plateau where you’ll park your car.
Try out the best hikes at Smith Rock State Park.
Go rock climbing. Smith Rock is one of the premier climbing destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
On day two, head to Cove Palisades State Park. It’s about 25 minutes away from Smith Rock. This unique canyon is at the confluence of the Deschutes River, Crooked River, and Metolius River. In the summer, you can rent a boat to explore the lake at this confluence, Lake Billy Chinook.
Find the petroglyphs at Cove Palisades State Park.
12. Samuel Boardman Corridor
Natural Bridges
The highlights: Incredible beaches, sea stacks, wildlife, and scenic ocean vistas on the least crowded stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Drive time from Portland: 5.5 hours
When to go: All year
How to make it a long weekend: Although there is plenty to do along the southern Oregon Coast to fill a long weekend, you can add variety to your trip by driving down to Redwoods National Forest.
Where to eat:
For my money, Bandon has the best restaurants on the southern Oregon Coast.
For breakfast, try the Bandon Coffee Cafe.
For a satisfying lunch, get mac & cheese from Face Rock Creamery.
For a cozy meal with an ocean view, go to Lord Bennett’s. I’d recommend getting a reservation during popular times.
For a special occasion, go to Alloro Wine Bar. I had a soup there made with porcinis that had been foraged in the Coastal Mountains. Even during the off-season, you’ll need a reservation.
For decadent souvenirs, browse the artisanal chocolates at Coastal Mist.
What to do:
Follow the 0.6-mile out-and-back trail to the famous viewpoint overlooking Natural Bridges, among the most photogenic sea stacks on the Pacific Coast.
Just down the road, look for the unmarked parking lot by the trailhead for spectacular and not-so-secret Secret Beach.
Take the mile-long Ferrelo Trail out to panoramic views at House Rock Viewpoint.
Have a picnic next to breathtaking Whaleshead Beach.
Head to Harris Beach and marvel at the distinctive curve of Arch Rock.
On your way to the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor, Bandon Beach and Cape Blanco Lighthouse are excellent stops.
13. Seattle
Views of Seattle from the ferry
The highlights: Visit museums, parks, and restaurants while never being far from the water on this urban weekend trip from Portland.
Drive time from Portland: 3 hours
When to go: All year
How to make it a long weekend: Explore more of the city or take a ferry ride to a different area of Puget Sound.
Where to eat:
I humbly refer you to this article by Eater Seattle.
Otherwise, some of my favorite spots are Thai Tom, Cafe Flora, Bakery Nouveau, Sea Wolf Bakers, and Mamnoon. In Pike’s Market, the best snacks are from Piroshky Piroshky. Tell me I’m wrong.
What to do:
Buy snacks and souvenirs at Pike Place Market.
See the surreal glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Stroll around Pioneer Square.
Explore the botanical garden and watch boats navigate through Ballard Locks.
Go kayaking on Lake Union.
Visit the Seattle Art Museum.
Spend some time in the funky Fremont neighborhood and find the Fremont Troll.
Admire views of the city from Kerry Park.
Walk along the beach at Discovery Park. Look for West Point Lighthouse, plus views of the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains.
Walk or kayak around Green Lake, then get coffee nearby.
Explore the tranquil paths in the Kubota Garden.
Bike on the trail next to the long sandy shores of Alki Beach.
14. Cape Arago
Cape Arago
The highlights: Dramatic sandstone headlands, seals, sea lions, tidepools, and a botanical garden. This ambitious weekend trip from Portland is one of my favorite places on the Oregon Coast.
Drive time from Portland: 4 hours
When to go: All year
How to make it a long weekend: Drive south and spend a day or two in Bandon.
Where to eat:
Along the Cape Arago Scenic Highway, Sunset Bay State Park is the best place for a picnic because of the protection it receives from the headlands on either side of the beach. Cape Arago State Park also has an excellent picnic area.
In nearby Coos Bay, the beer, mac & cheese, and bay views are excellent at Seven Devils Brewing on the waterfront. They also have a location in the center of town with a nice patio.
What to do:
Visit at low tide to explore the tidepools at Sunset Bay State Park.
See the Cape Arago Lighthouse by hiking the Lighthouse View Loop Trail.
Stroll through the elegant paths of Shores Acres Botanical Gardens.
Hike down to the secluded beach at Simpson Cove.
Admire the wild and strange sandstone cliffs from the Shore Acres Loop Trail.
Take in the views from the overlooks at Cape Arago State Park. Besides the rugged coastline, they are great places to see sea lions and harbor seals lounging on the rocks.
Bring a good pair of binoculars to the Simpson Reef Overlook. Sea lions enjoy the sea stacks visible here. Shell Island is the most likely spot to see elephant seals on the Oregon Coast.
Learn more about the Cape Arago Scenic Highway.
15. Long Beach
Cape Disappointment
The highlights: Long sandy beaches, cranberry bogs, and birdwatching.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours 10 minutes
When to go: All year
How to make it a long weekend: Cross the bridge into Oregon and visit Astoria.
Where to eat:
Within the town of Long Beach, the best views and ambiance are at Pickled Fish, where you can watch the waves of the Pacific from your table by the window. The food isn’t bad, but as a heads up I found the portions small after a day of hiking. For brunch, try the 42nd Street Cafe.
Between Long Beach and Cape Disappointment, the Salt Pub in the Port of Ilwaco has high-quality pub food, a drink list that includes wine from Walla Walla, and a patio next to the marina. If you visit on a Friday in the summer, you can see the weekly Art Walk just beyond the patio. On Saturdays, stop by the farmer’s market after your meal.
Try a milkshake from Colleen’s Coffee House & Tapestry Yarn Shop in Ocean Park just north of Long Beach. It was so good that it haunts me to this day.
What to do:
Explore the hiking trails of Cape Disappointment. Despite its unpromising name, this stunning state park has incredible beaches, a lighthouse surrounded by sweeping ocean views, and an intriguing decommissioned military battery.
Walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk, a 0.5-mile path between the town and the beach.
Browse the shops in town. Long Beach’s downtown is geared towards tourists, particularly families. Look for go-carting, horseback riding, and a kite museum among the offerings. As you stroll, you’ll find quirky public art ranging from a giant skillet to an obelisk. Visit Marsh’s Free Museum to shop for souvenirs and see the oddities, including Jake the Alligator Man.
Go birdwatching at Ledbetter Point.
For more weekend trip ideas, read about the best things to do in Long Beach.
16. Mt St Helens
Goat Marsh Lake
The highlights: Geologic intrigue and recovering forests cover the slopes of this recently active volcano.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
When to go: June - October to avoid snow at high elevations.
How to make it a long weekend: Many trailheads and attractions around Mt Saint Helens are temporarily closed. When they reopen, exploring different sides of the mountain would fill up a long weekend. It would also be an opportunity to compare the impact of the 1980 eruption on the volcano’s north and south faces.
Where to eat:
Bring a picnic lunch on your weekend trip from Portland to Mt St Helens. There aren’t many restaurants nearby.
What to do:
See the haunting casts of trees destroyed by pyroclastic flows at the Trail of Two Forests Interpretative Site.
Visit mid-May through October to explore the Ape Cave, a huge underground lava tube. You’ll need to make a reservation online before arriving.
Make the short hike to Goat Marsh Lake for world-class views of Mt Saint Helens and its reflection off the water.
Tour the Mt Saint Helens Visitor Center to learn about how this volcano has impacted the land around it.
When the Johnson Ridge Observatory reopens after an extended hiatus, head to the viewpoints to look down into the volcanic crater.
17. Newport
Sea lion docks in Newport
The highlights: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, where Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands above the crashing waves of the Pacific at the end of a mile-long basaltic headland.
Drive time from Portland: 2.5 hours
When to go: All year, but you’ll miss the sea lions if you visit in July. For one month of the year, male sea lions return to California to mate with the females who live there year-round.
How to make it a long weekend: Take a scenic drive north to Lincoln City or south to Yachats.
Where to eat:
Neither the food nor the views disappoint at the Clearwater Restaurant, where the windows overlook the sea lion docks. Around dinner time, watch for sea lions doing acrobatic flips out in the bay. For fish and chips, try Local Ocean. For breakfast, La Maison.
What to do:
Visit the sea lion docks. Just head to the waterfront and follow the sound of barking.
Stroll along the Historic Bayfront, where you can browse the shops and admire the boats in the harbor. Kids will likely enjoy Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
Walk along the beaches of Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site. You’ll see Oregon’s oldest lighthouse near the parking area.
Visit the Newport Aquarium and the free Hatfield Science Center to learn about marine life.
Explore Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area for ocean views, hiking trails, whale watching, and one of the best tidepooling spots on the Oregon Coast.
Drive north to see the Devil’s Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave where ocean waves enter and churn.
Check out the best stops from Depoe Bay to Newport.
18. Columbia Gorge
Rowena Plateau Trail
The highlights: Roaring waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and fields of wildflowers surround the majestic Columbia River.
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes - 2 hours
When to go: All year, barring winter storms.
How to make it a long weekend: Explore different areas of the Columbia Gorge in Oregon and Washington. See the rainy Doug fir and hemlock forests of the western Gorge and the arid grasslands of the east.
Where to eat:
In Cascade Locks: Thunder Island Brewing.
In Stevenson: Clarke and Lewie’s Travelers Rest and Walking Man Brewing.
In White Salmon: Pixan Taqueria, Everybody’s Brewing, and Feast Market.
In Hood River: Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Ferment Brewing Company, Riverside, Solara Brewery, Empanadas Maria Elba, and Pine Street Bakery.
In The Dalles: The Riv Cafe and Freebridge Brewing.
What to do:
Since I live in Portland, I visit the Columbia Gorge a lot. So much so that I have an entire section of my blog devoted to it. Here are the highlights:
Try one (or several) of the best hikes near Multnomah Falls.
Focus on variety with the best short hikes in the Columbia Gorge.
Explore Beacon Rock State Park.
Watch the salmon migrate at Bonneville Dam.
In late April through May, look for the best wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge.
Drive to the top of Larch Mountain to see five Cascade peaks.
Take in the panoramic Gorge views at Vista House.
Go fruit picking and wine tasting in the Hood River Fruit Loop.
See the petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park.
Find the best things to do in The Dalles.
19. Joseph and the Wallowas
Fall color in the Eagle Cap Wilderness
The highlights: Gorgeous mountain scenery looms over a secluded and rustic-chic small town.
Drive time from Portland: 5.5 hours
When to go: Late spring through early fall. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is open from late May - late September.
How to make it a long weekend: Joseph and the Wallowas make a better long weekend trip from Portland because of the distance from the city. If you have more time, head east to visit Hell’s Canyon.
Where to eat:
Joseph doesn’t have many restaurants, but the ones they have are surprisingly good. Have a delicious and hearty breakfast at The Blythe Cricket. For a treat, try the drinking chocolate at Arrowhead Chocolates. Their handmade truffles would make a perfect gift for your cat sitter. After hiking, refuel with a burrito from La Laguna. At the top of the Wallowa Tramway, you’ll find spectacular views from Summit Grill’s patio.
What to do:
Take the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the summit of Mt Howard for sweeping views of Wallowa Lake and the mountains. You can find short and easy hiking trails at the top. Tramway tickets are pricey ($40/person) but worth the expense if you can spare it.
Admire Wallowa Lake and the glacial moraine that forms it.
Stroll through the town of Joseph. Its main street looks like something straight out of a Western film, only with better chocolate.
Sample artisanal spirits at Stein Distillery.
Watch for elk. They are not shy. I saw one walking through a yard sale when I visited. As always, keep your distance from the wildlife even when they’re shopping for bargains.
Hike the trails in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Most are quite long. Be prepared to read trail guides with statements like, “If you don’t want to do all 24 miles, turn around early for a 16-mile hike.” Feel encouraged to start trails and turn around much earlier. The scenery will still be well worth the effort.
20. Silver Falls State Park and nearby
North Falls
The highlights: Waterfall quantity and quality, including several you can walk behind.
Drive time from Portland: 75 minutes
When to go: All year, barring winter storms.
How to make it a long weekend: Drive to the Mt Jefferson Wilderness for some hiking.
Where to eat:
Within Silver Falls State Park, the South Falls Lodge and Cafe has a relaxing patio for warm days and a cozy fireplace indoors for cold ones. The menu has convenient lunch options like burgers and sandwiches. You can also stock up on trail snacks there.
Near the park, the charming town of Silvertown has restaurants next to Silver Creek, like the patio at Mac’s Place.
A little down the road, Mt Angel is a Bavarian-themed town surrounded by hops. It’s harder to find an IPA here than in most other places near Portland, but you’ll have no trouble getting excellent Belgian ales and dark ales. Benedictine Brewery has a shaded patio that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.
What to do:
Hike the Trail of Ten Falls, an 8-mile trail connecting ten waterfalls.
Silver Falls State Park also has many shorter hikes, like the new North Rim Trail, a flat, 1-mile trail that leads to a viewpoint for North Falls. Continue past this viewpoint to make a 2.8-mile loop that includes walking behind North Falls.
Try the 0.3-mile trail to Upper North Falls for a dog-friendly waterfall hike. Look for an off-leash dog park in the South Falls Day-Use Area.
Outside Silver Falls State Park, you can find other gorgeous waterfall hikes with fewer crowds. Try the loop hike at McDowell Creek Falls County Park or, if your vehicle has good clearance, the short hike to stunning Abiqua Falls.
Majestic Falls at McDowell Creek Falls County Park
In summary, the best weekend trips from Portland are:
Mount Rainier National Park
Sisters
Mt Hood National Forest
Cannon Beach and the North Oregon Coast
Painted Hills
Olympic Peninsula
Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
Mt Adams
Yachats and the Central Oregon Coast
Crater Lake National Park
Smith Rock State Park and the Cove Palisades
Samuel Boardman Corridor
Seattle
Coos Bay and Cape Arago
Long Beach
Mt St Helens
Newport
Columbia Gorge
Joseph and the Wallowas
Silver Falls State Park
Enjoy your weekend trip from Portland!
With love,
Emma
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