When you need to take a break from the city, away from the great coffee shops, the incredible food scene or just the bustle of downtown Portland, there is a myriad of places you can get away to for a day.
Portland is smack dab in the middle of what seems like everything. You could think of it as the center of the universe (or at least of the Pacific Northwest.) To the south is wine country. To the north is Washington State and Seattle. To the east is the pristine Cascade Mountain range. And to the west is the Pacific Ocean – literally the edge of the Earth.
The Willamette Valley itself does not see the full range of seasons, but you can be sure that some of the surrounding areas do. And so there are certain places that are better to hit at certain times of the year than others.
Here are some great day trips to take for the time of year you are taking them. Of course, none of these are off limits at any time of year, they just tend to shine a little more during the particular season.
Spring – Mount St. Helens
A 1 ½ hour’s drive northeast of Portland is Mount St. Helens. As the snow of the upper elevation starts to melt, the prairie flowers start to bloom and the trails around the volcano start to open again for visitors. There are 200 miles of trails to explore, with access to wildflowers, young sprouting forests (after the devastating earthquake in 1980), lakes, and mounds of ash and rock that still exits almost forty years after the blast that killed 57 people and thousands of animals.
Whether you are a casual hiker or a backcountry enthusiast, yeah, there’s a trail for you. The Mount St. Helens visitor’s center gives you a stunning look right into the mouth of the crater, where a baby cone is forming in the center, building up the mountain again and filling up the crater made by the blast.
Tips for Visiting Mount St. Helens
- Many trails require a pass to park your car. Passes may be obtained at the site. Check here for details.
- Johnston Ridge Visitor Center costs $8/person and affords a view right into the crater of St. Helens.
- The hikes are mostly exposed to the elements, with little to no tree cover, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, etc.
- No pets allowed. Because the delicate ecosystem of this area is still in recovery after the blast so many years ago, pets must be kept at home.
Summer – the Columbia Gorge
In the winter, this phenomenal stretch of Interstate 84 is often closed due to snow storms, but come in the height of summer, and you get to experience all this special place has to offer.
Unfortunately, due to the Eagle Creek fire that claimed a lot of this area in 2017, some trails are still closed for reconstruction. Here is the latest Gorge trail information.
Multnomah Falls is the number one draw in the Gorge, but there’s so much more. Larch Mountain, the Vista House, Bridal Veil, and Horsetail Falls, just to name a few. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has epic hikes, water activities and fishing on the Columbia River, camping, picnicking and most of all, scenic driving.
Bonneville Dam is a popular stop. The visitor center contains exhibits and an observation area. Take a powerhouse tour, and watch a film in the centers’ theater. There is even a fish ladder and an underwater viewing room where you can catch a glimpse of the salmon making their way upstream. As salmon numbers have significantly dwindled in recent years, officials are working hard to get the numbers back up.
Keep driving east on I-84 until you hit Hood River. With its great craft brewery scene, this is also the place to hop on a paddlewheel boat and cruise the mighty Columbia. The Hood River Valley is also known for wine, fruit growing, and lavender farms. Stop by the Apple Valley Country Store for tasty treats to bring back home, or just back to your room.
Fall – The Oregon Coast
During early to mid Fall, the water is still grasping onto the last remnants of summer warmth. Because, believe me, you do not want to dip your toe in the Oregon Pacific Ocean during winter time. Brrrrr.
As the clouds and rain begin to make their appearance again after summer, you will still find some great mild-weather days full of sunshine on the coast, with fewer crowds. Begin north in Astoria, and make your way down to Seaside, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, and Tillamook. Or vice versa! Each place has its own vibe and their own unique, coastal charm, so it’s definitely worth exploring them all. But that would definitely take much longer than a day trip. More like a week for that itinerary.
As you drive down Highway 101, the winding roads will give way to breathtaking views of the Pacific. If you are driving, not to worry. There are plenty of spots to stop the car and take in the grandeur. If you are doing this on a clear day, or even a partly cloudy day during sunset….well, there are no words to describe the unimaginable beauty of a sunset on the Oregon coast.
Along the way, you will not only get to explore charming seaside towns, but also all manner of unique beaches. Some rocky, some sandy, some with a rugged coastline with no beach access at all. And magnificent rock anomalies such as Devils Punchbowl.
Here you can sample all of the seafood your belly can possibly handle, and you can even catch your own meal and have it cooked for you in certain spots along the coast. Wash down your catch with a craft beer, or a nice side of clam chowder and garlic mashed potatoes. Heaven!
Heck, even drive down to Newport and stroll the promenade. The sea lions lounging along the pier will greet you with their hearty growls.
Winter – Mount Hood
Whether you are a ski bunny or not (I am most certainly NOT), Mt. Hood is the place to be in winter. But you will need the proper set of wheels to get there. And yes, that means chains on your tires in most cases. The area has two major ski resorts: Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge (where parts of ‘The Shining’ were filmed.)
Timberline Lodge is historic and worth touring around, whether you are staying overnight or not. Have a hot toddy at the bar (or a hot chocolate) and watch the ski bunnies come and go from your comfy place next to the fire.
Nearby Trillium Lake is a very Instagram-worthy shot, as you’ve no doubt seen a photo or two of the lake at sunset or sunrise, with the dramatic backdrop of Hood. All of the hiking, camping, and water activities are here, and it’s a popular place to spend a few hours of peace and tranquility.
No matter what time of year you find yourself in Portland, Oregon, there is the perfect day trip to get away from the city for a while.
