wanderwhenyoucanPortland is full of amazing things to do (and eat and see!). But if you have at least a week in Portland, it is worth it to get out and explore, especially since one of the best parts of the Pacific Northwest is the ability to get out into nature.
To me, a daytrip is a location that is 2 hours or less away. Driving 4 hours round trip is about as much as I want to do in a single day. While there are many, many more good daytrips from Portland, these five are some of the most popular, most iconic, and best for first-time visitors.
Columbia River Gorge
An easy drive with gorgeous views (see what I did there?), this is a great daytrip to get out and see some of the best and most accessible trails near Portland. Visit the iconic Multnomah Falls which is only a quick 30 minute drive from the city. Enjoy a bite at the historic lodge or if you’re feeling more adventurous, take the 4.9 mile Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike and see over half a dozen waterfalls. There are so many more hikes to enjoy for all levels in the Gorge. From the brief but beautiful Bridal Veil Falls (1.4 miles out and back), to the popular Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike, recently restored after a devastating fire in 2017 (4.2 miles out and back), to the grueling Larch Mountain trail (14.4 miles out and back). Make sure to go early (preferably on a weekday) because the parking lots often fill up by mid-morning. Eat lunch in the town of Hood River, where you can browse art galleries and boutiques in the historic shopping district, visit orchards and lavender fields along the Fruit Loop, or cool down on the river by renting a kayak or stand up waterboard (SUP). On the way back to Portland, take the slow route along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop by Vista House at Crown Point, an octagonal stone building with an Instagram-worthy view.
Mt. Hood
An outdoor playground, Mt. Hood boasts thick forests, stunning views and the best spot for snow activities within an easy drive from Portland. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing. The rest of the year, enjoy Mt. Hood’s trails, including the popular Trillium Lake Loop Trail and Tamanawas Falls Trails. Fuel up with huckleberry pancakes at the Huckleberry Inn, and replenish your energy with a draft beer at Mt. Hood Brewing Company or a bowl of ramen at Koya Kitchen before heading back to Portland.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular spots on the Oregon Coast for a quick daytrip from Portland and it is easy to see why. Wander the streets of the artsy town (and don’t forget to stop for some saltwater taffy, a Coast trip staple). Walk along the nearly four miles of beach and take in the landmark Haystack Rock. If the tide is in your favor, explore the tidepools. And it’s not an Oregon daytrip without hike options! Ecola State park right outside Cannon Beach has stunning cliffside views and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the stark beauty of the ocean and the lush beauty of the forest.
Astoria
With its Victorian-era mansions and lovely harbor, Astoria is a different version of the Coast than Cannon Beach. Don’t come expecting to get on the sand – Astoria has no beach. What it does have is bottomless charm, sea lions (seasonally) and the Astoria Column where you can launch balsawood airplanes from the top. Astoria has also been the setting of several movies, most notably Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.
Willamette Valley
Stretching from Portland to Eugene, the Willamette Valley may be most well-known for the part known as Oregon Wine Country. With nearly 500 wineries and flattering comparison’s to Napa Valley, the Oregon wine scene has exploded over the past few decades. But even those who are not interested in wine will find something to excite them. Want an unforgettable hiking experience? Trek along the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, considered by some to be the “crown jewel” of the Oregon Park system. Want to bike on a picturesque trail? Ride some or all of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway around Cottage Grove. More of a foodie? Enjoy farm-to-table fare at restaurants throughout the region.
