Oregon boasts many breathtaking sights all over the state. I’ve lived here for over 20 years and taking a weekend trip from Portland is an excellent way to get out into nature, which is what the Pacific Northwest is all about. 

Portland day trips can be a fantastic way of experience the diversity of Oregon. Your getaway from Portland can take many forms, so whatever suits your personal style, whether it is hiking, boating, fishing, or epic sightseeing, there is something here for everyone.

Personally, I am an independent traveler, so striking out on my own or with a travel buddy is my preference. However, I have included some wonderful guided tour suggestions at the bottom of this post for each destination for those of you who like to kick back and let someone else guide you on these day trips from Portland. Each of these tours are hand-picked by me!

1. The Columbia River Gorge

Drive Time from Portland: 30 minutes

From majestic mountains to cascading waterfalls, Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is one of the most stunningly beautiful destinations. Offering something for every adventure seeker and perfect day trips from Portland.

The Gorge offers more than its natural beauty; it also offers many exciting cultural activities and attractions, such as amazing hikes, an exact replica of Stonehenge and public telescopes that allow people to view space!

Even though summer is a popular time to visit, fall can also be an excellent season because crowds have decreased while there remain many u-pick farms, vineyards, and apple orchards open for business.

Experience some of the Gorge’s stunning scenery on a cruise down the river! Take an excursion that highlights stunning viewpoints, cascading falls, and historic lodges for an unforgettable tour experience. Rowena Crest is a great viewpoint not to be missed.

There is also an abundance of hiking trails to choose from, some leading to multiple waterfalls. If you want a closer view of some of the more dramatic cliffs and cascades, visit Latourell Falls or Wakheena Falls by trekking.

Both waterfalls are within walking distance from each other, offering easy access via the Historic Columbia River Highway. You can connect both trails for added ease in exploring more of the Gorge. Here’s a great way to navigate between the waterfalls.

The Columbia Gorge offers many beautiful hiking trails, so make sure you visit the USFS website to ensure they’re open before setting out on your trek. In springtime you may also spot wildflowers which make for spectacular sights!

2. Astoria, Oregon

Drive Time from Portland: 110 minutes

Astoria is an idyllic port town that looks straight out of a fairy tale, boasting a fishing village charm combined with a Victorian flair. You’ll find forts, museums, and excellent local breweries. Astoria dates back over 400 years; it is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies and sits along three rivers. All while being nestled into the forests near the Pacific coastline.

This is home to an eclectic downtown Astoria Oregon, bustling with shops, restaurants and galleries. This vibrant hub also features food trucks and neighborhood cafes for eating options while live music often fills the air on sidewalks – making this Oregon Coast town one of the best small towns!

Astoria offers numerous worthwhile attractions for both children and adults alike, including the Oregon Film Museum – which showcases movies made in Oregon – in particular, Astoria’s former County Jail is home to this charming museum which provides educational films about Oregon-made movies.

 

While you’re here, make time for a visit to Painted Lady Lavender Farm, just over the Astoria Oregon bridge into Washington, where you can stroll among vast fields devoted to this charming flower. The owner is an energetic free spirit who takes great pride in tending to everything by hand and offering free tours for visitors.

If you’re in Astoria looking for more activities and sights, be sure to stop by the Columbia River Maritime Museum as well as exploring Astoria Oregon Riverwalk; its six mile paved trail boasts shops, breweries and cafes and is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon with family.

Astoria is a perfect day trip destination and just two-hours from Portland Oregon. If you’re searching for an accommodating place to stay during your visit, the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa could be just what you’re searching for – located beneath Astoria Megler Bridge with clean rooms and an excellent spa.

3. Hood River

Drive Time from Portland: 60 minutes

Portland to Hood River is easy – a sunny gem on the Columbia River Gorge, is an absolute must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. Hood River features both desert air from Eastern Oregon and fresh breezes from the Columbia River combining together in this area to form ideal growing conditions for varietal grapes.

Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to mountain meadows and sweet-scented blossoms to cherry, apple, and pear trees along the Fruit Loop. Summers offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking and biking along the riverbanks.

The town itself is a charming place to stay, offering many adorable boutiques and outdoor gear stores as well as cabin rentals that will serve as home bases while exploring.

Hiking is another popular activity in the area, and there are numerous short trails throughout town to suit every level of hiker. Dog Mountain provides one such scenic option that travels through meadows of wildflowers while offering stunning views of Columbia River Gorge.

Laurance Lake offers an exceptional hiking experience in the foothills of Mt. Hood with its picturesque lake, campground, picnic areas and numerous trails originating from its shores.

If the weather permits, Hood River offers one of its most thrilling adventures: windsurfing and kiteboarding. These activities take place all along its length – from protected coves and beaches to more laidback spots known as “The Hook”, perfect for beginners.

Craft breweries in the area provide a fun boozy diversion, offering innovative dry ciders and core and seasonal beers with distinct flavors. Double Mountain Brewery in Portland and Hood River should not be missed by beer lovers!

4. Best Wineries in Willamette Valley

Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes

Oregon’s Willamette Valley may be best known for its wines, but this beautiful region boasts much more to offer visitors seeking adventure in the Pacific Northwest. From stunning vistas to rustic farm-to-table cuisine and magical experiences created with care by dedicated hands, Oregon’s Willamette Valley makes an excellent stopover when travelling through its borders.

Willamette Valley is Oregon wine country’s epicenter and home to over 500 wineries. While Pinot noir reigns supreme here in cool-climate vineyards, Willamette vineyards also produce chardonnay, pinot gris and Riesling grape varieties.

This region offers the ideal conditions for grapevine growth, making its vineyards more challenging to tend. Therefore, these vineyards tend to be found on steep hills that are often less fertile and better equipped to withstand frost damage – these steeper vineyards produce more intense and complex wines making the Willamette Valley one of the world’s premier wine regions.

Many wineries offer self-guided tours, and it is easy to visit several in a day. Since some vineyards may be far apart from each other, make sure your trip is planned well in advance and do your research beforehand so you find vineyards best suited to you and your group. Here is my article on the different wineries available.

Willamette Valley offers more than wineries; it’s also an incredible place for hiking. Home to some of Oregon’s most stunning and sought-after trails and one of my favorites – Silver Falls State Park.

5. Smith Rock State Park

Drive Time from Portland: About 3 hours

Smith Rock State Park is one of the best hiking experiences I’ve had in Oregon. This iconic rock formation, the birthplace of American sport climbing, draws rock climbers from around the world. The scenic spot is home to golden eagles, prairie falcons, river otters, beavers, and even golden eagles!

Smith Rock State Park provides an unforgettable adventure. Situated on 650 acres, this world-class wonder features towering rock formations, deep canyons and scenic rivers – providing the ideal setting for activities like hiking, climbing and horseback riding.

There is an array of trails available at Central Park that make it easy for hikers of any skill and interest level to find something they enjoy doing. Take the Misery Ridge Trail for a challenging trek that winds past some of its most famous rock formations or follow Summit Trail Loop to see more of this historic park’s best sights – like Monkey Face!

Take a stroll along the Crooked River to admire its natural beauty, take pictures, or observe wildlife such as golden eagles, mule deer, river otters or beavers.

For something a little more adventurous, Smith Rock State Park provides excellent mountain biking terrain that will test even experienced riders. But no matter what you choose to do here, keep in mind that the park’s high desert environment is fragile, and make sure to wear comfortable clothing, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and any necessary supplies with you.

Spring (April to June) is the ideal season to visit, with mild temperatures and beautiful blooming wildflowers. Rock climbers also tend to find this period ideal, although summer can become hot and crowded in the park; fall also offers pleasant temperatures and stunning autumn colors; clear nights provide ideal stargazing conditions!

6. Nehalem Bay

Are You Exploring North Oregon Coast and Want Something New? Looking for something different on your trip to Nehalem Bay? Not as popular or well-known than some other destinations, Nehalem Bay offers stunning natural beauty that deserves to be discovered!

There’s much to enjoy during a visit, including Nehalem Bay crabbing, clamming, fishing and kayaking – but for an immersive experience take some time at Nehalem Bay State Park – it stretches over four miles long of sandy spit beachfront with two day use areas at its beachside corners as well as a forested 1.8-mile bike path that gives visitors plenty of room for exploration!

Near Nehalem Bay State Park there are plenty of camping options for RVers – tents and yurts are just two options available to campers; additionally there are fly-in campsites at the nearby airport if you prefer less crowded settings.

While visiting town, don’t miss the beautiful hiking trails that lead up to mountaintops, along cliff edges, through old-growth forests and across coastal beaches where miles of sand is perfect for building castles or simply strolling.

No shortage of eateries exists here in town – from rustic cafes to top-of-the-line dining and cocktails spots like The Roost in Old Wheeler Hotel’s ground-floor space – offering something delicious at any mealtime! For breakfast, lunch, and dinner we highly recommend The Roost.

Map of Day Trips from Portland