As residents of Portland, one of our absolute favorite aspects of living here is the incredible access we have to diverse landscapes. Within a short drive – typically around 90 minutes – you can swap the city streets for stunning natural beauty, from the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to the majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains. This proximity makes planning Portland Day Trips incredibly appealing, allowing for spontaneous adventures or well-planned explorations.
Whether you’re drawn to alpine vistas with breathtaking views of Mount Hood, dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking the endless Pacific, or the unique, stark beauty of a volcanic landscape reshaped by a historic eruption, the area surrounding Portland offers an abundance of experiences. We feel fortunate to call this region home and are excited to share some of our top destinations reachable within a two-hour radius. This guide is designed for both visitors looking for quick getaways and locals seeking new ideas for their next outing.
We’ve curated a list of our favorite day trip destinations from Portland, providing essential details like how to get there, transportation needs, and the best activities once you arrive. Our goal is to help you plan an unforgettable escape that showcases the incredible natural beauty and unique character of Oregon and Southwest Washington. So, pack your bags (or just your daypack!) and let’s explore the amazing possibilities for Portland Day Trips.
Our 10 Favorite Portland Day Trips
This guide focuses exclusively on our top day trip destinations located within approximately two hours of Downtown Portland. We’ve chosen this radius because anything further starts to feel more like a weekend getaway, making the drive time feel less like a day trip. For each location, we’ll share our personal insights and the key information you need to plan your visit effectively.
It’s important to note upfront that for the vast majority of these destinations, you will need a car. While public transportation exists for a couple of options, it’s generally not practical, especially if your goal involves hiking or visiting rural locations like wineries. Having your own vehicle offers the flexibility needed to truly explore these areas at your own pace and access trailheads or specific points of interest.
However, we do want to highlight a couple of exceptions where getting there without a car is more feasible, either through public transport options or guided tours. These can be excellent choices if you’re visiting Portland without access to a vehicle.
Here are the best options if you don’t have a car:
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The most accessible day trip via public transportation or tour is the Columbia River Gorge. You can reach the Gorge using a shuttle service (though getting to the initial shuttle stop may require a ride-share) or join a guided day trip. We recommend either this half-day tour focusing on Multnomah Falls and other waterfalls or this guided hiking tour.
Guided tours are also a viable way to experience Cannon Beach and the Northern Oregon Coast without driving yourself. This full-day Oregon Coast tour is one we’d consider if we didn’t have a car. While tours offer less flexibility, they provide the benefit of local guides who can enrich your understanding of the places you visit with context and stories.
Sauvie Island
Distance from Portland: 19 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 35 minutes
Sauvie Island stands out as the most easily accessible location on our list of Portland Day Trips. What consistently surprises us is how quickly the landscape transforms from urban Portland to a distinctly rural setting as you head north on Highway 30 and cross the bridge onto the island. The transition is almost immediate.
Our primary draw to Sauvie Island is its agricultural heart. It’s a fantastic place to connect with local farms, particularly in the late spring and summer when the fields burst with produce and offer delightful u-pick opportunities.
What to Do on Sauvie Island
Activities on Sauvie Island are significantly influenced by the seasons, as different times of year highlight different aspects of the island’s charm. For us, summer, especially early summer during berry season, is the absolute best time to visit, and we make it a point to go at least once.
U-Pick Farms (Summer and Fall)
Each summer, we embark on our pilgrimage to Sauvie Island for u-pick berry season. Strawberries and blueberries are typically our targets. We often spend a relaxing hour in the fields, leaving with an entire flat of berries that costs significantly less than buying them at a farmers market or grocery store. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, though sometimes it leads to slightly comical situations like Matt trying to consume a mountain of strawberries before they spoil!
The u-pick options shift with the seasons, moving to pumpkins and corn in the fall. There are several farms offering u-pick throughout the year.
The Warrior Rock Lighthouse (All Seasons)
Located at the northern tip of the island, the hike to Warrior Rock Point takes you to a pleasant sandy beach along the Columbia River. Here, you’ll find a small, unassuming lighthouse that overlooks the border between Oregon and Washington. The trail is largely flat, making it a relatively easy walk.
You’ll need to purchase a parking permit ($10 for the day) on your way to the trailhead to park legally. While accessible year-round, we particularly enjoy this hike in the winter. Even if a bit muddy, the bare trees offer excellent visibility for birdwatching, and we often spot bald eagles. More information on permits is available here.
The Columbia River Gorge
Distance from Portland: 30 Miles | Drive Time from Portland: 40 Minutes
The Columbia River Gorge barely qualifies as a day trip in terms of distance, as it’s only about a half-hour drive from the city center to its western edge. This incredible proximity is part of what makes it such a popular choice for Portland Day Trips.
Dare we say it? We’re not sure there’s another major city in the United States that has access to such breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation within such a short drive as Portland does with the Columbia River Gorge. It truly is a marvel of nature.
The Columbia River itself is historically significant, having been the route followed by Lewis and Clark on their westward journey to the Pacific. It forms the border between Oregon and Washington State. The segment most popular for day trips is the stretch between Hood River and Portland, known for its lush forests, numerous waterfalls, and incredible hiking opportunities. This region is home to some of the best hikes in Oregon and several of our favorite waterfalls in the state.
The sheer scale and beauty of the Gorge are astounding, making it our top recommendation if you’ve never ventured out of Portland before.
What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a day exploring the Columbia River Gorge.
See Some Waterfalls
This has to be the number one activity. The Gorge is home to an incredible concentration of stunning waterfalls. Many are easily accessible right off the scenic highway, while others require a short hike. The best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge often lead to spectacular water features.
Here are four of our favorites among the many options:
- Multnomah Falls
- Ponytail Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- Latourell Falls
Get Some Epic Views of the Gorge
The Gorge offers incredible viewpoints, ranging from those easily accessible from parking areas to those earned after a scenic hike. For effortless views, visit the Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint and the historic Vista House along the Historic Columbia River Highway on the western side.
If you’re up for a hike with a rewarding panorama, the trails to Angel’s Rest or Larch Mountain offer stunning vistas overlooking the river and surrounding landscapes.
Get Over to the Washington Side of the Gorge
While Oregon gets most of the spotlight, the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge also offers fantastic experiences, particularly for hikers and view-seekers. We appreciate the different perspectives and trails available across the river.
Views from the Cape Horn Trail are excellent. For spectacular wildflowers in late spring/early summer, check out Dog Mountain or Coyote Wall. If you’re willing to drive a bit further east, the waterfalls at Panther Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls are truly impressive.
The Willamette Valley
Distance from Portland: 50 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 10 minutes
We honestly didn’t fully grasp the international acclaim of Willamette Valley wines until we found ourselves in Burgundy, France, one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. It was a moment of profound realization about the quality produced right here in Oregon.
Travelling abroad, explaining Portland’s location can sometimes be a mixed bag – some people immediately recognize it (often thanks to the Trail Blazers!), while others have no clue. But in Burgundy, among wine aficionados, mentioning Portland, Oregon, repeatedly led to faces lighting up with recognition: “Ah yes, the Willamette Valley!” This was truly mind-blowing.
It turns out there are strong historical and climatic ties between Burgundy and the Willamette Valley. Both regions share similar climates, making them ideal for growing the same grape varietals, primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Recognizing this potential, several French winemakers actually immigrated to the Willamette Valley, playing a crucial role in establishing it as a premier wine-producing area in the United States.
Now, one of our favorite things to do in Portland with visiting friends and family is introducing them to Willamette Valley Chardonnay. We often describe it as “not your mom’s friend’s Chardonnay” because it’s typically miles away from the heavily oaked, buttery style. Instead, you’ll find refreshing, crisp, and bright Chardonnays, often made with minimal new oak.
The Willamette Valley is expansive, even encompassing Portland itself. For a day trip focused on wine tasting, we recommend concentrating on the northern part of the valley, roughly between the towns of McMinnville and Dundee. While there are excellent wineries further south (we particularly love Johan Vineyards), this northern area offers the best density of tasting rooms for a single-day visit.
The Willamette Valley is notable as one of the few Portland day trip options that can be done without a car. Since wine tasting is the main attraction, opting for a guided tour can be a smart choice, allowing everyone in your group to fully enjoy the experience without needing a designated driver. Matt has perfected the art of spitting after numerous tasting trips – a necessary skill for the appointed driver!
Numerous guided tours of the Willamette Valley are available. After reviewing the options, we would personally choose this tour, run by an Oregon-based company specializing exclusively in wine tours.
What to Do in the Willamette Valley
Here are our top recommendations for activities during a Willamette Valley day trip from Portland.
Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley
The most obvious highlight, and perhaps the main reason for your visit, is wine tasting. As mentioned, the area around McMinnville and Dundee is particularly rich in wineries, making it easy to visit several in a day.
There are countless wineries to explore, each with its own unique style and tasting experience. We recommend doing some research based on your preferred varietals (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars here) or the type of tasting room experience you’re seeking (casual, 예약 only, scenic views, etc.).
Explore Downtown McMinnville
The charming core of McMinnville revolves around NE 3rd Street, where you’ll find most of the shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. This several-block stretch is perfect for a leisurely stroll between wine tastings.
We always make time to browse at Third Street Books and stock up on jams at Alchemist Jam, which also has a lovely little bakery. For those with Celiac disease (like Matt), Bierly Brewing is a fantastic 100% gluten-free brewery and pub, offering excellent fresh fried doughnuts on weekends. Coffee lovers should head to Flag & Wire.
Head South from McMinnville
While the northern valley is dense with wineries, venturing a bit south from McMinnville opens up some other worthwhile stops. We particularly enjoy Art & Science Wine + Cider near Shipley for their unique offerings. And, as mentioned, Johan Vineyards is a favorite further south.
Left Coast Cellars, located along the same road as Johan, is another winery worth visiting for a tasting experience.
Silver Falls State Park
Distance from Portland: 55 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
If your ideal day trip from Portland involves chasing waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park should be at the very top of your list. Along with the Columbia River Gorge, it’s one of Oregon’s premier destinations for experiencing the beauty and power of waterfalls. Located about an hour south of Portland, near Salem, it’s easily accessible for a day of exploration.
Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park and is famously known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system. The undisputed highlight is the spectacular Trail of Ten Falls.
The sheer number and variety of waterfalls encountered along this single trail are truly astonishing. While you can easily see the impressive South Falls from the main parking area, we strongly recommend hiking the entire loop to fully appreciate all ten (and more!) of the cascades.
What to Do in Silver Falls State Park (& Around)
Within the park itself, there’s really one main attraction that will occupy the majority of your time: the incredible Trail of Ten Falls.
Hike the Trail of Ten Falls
This hike lives up to its name, taking you past, behind, and around ten distinct waterfalls. The trail isn’t particularly strenuous in terms of elevation gain, though its length makes it a good workout. It’s consistently ranked among the best hikes in Oregon.
We recommend starting at the South Falls trailhead. Hike the loop clockwise to see the most impressive waterfalls, including South Falls (which you can walk behind!), Winter Falls, and North Falls, early in your journey. Walking behind the curtain of several of these falls is a truly unique experience. The trail then loops back along the rim, offering a different perspective.
This park is incredibly popular, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and avoid crowds. Weekday visits offer a much more peaceful experience if your schedule allows. For a comprehensive guide, check out our detailed trail guide for the Trail of Ten Falls.
Other Worthwhile Stops Near Silver Falls
After a rewarding hike at Silver Falls, there are a few interesting places nearby worth considering adding to your day trip.
- Salem: Oregon’s capital city is about a half-hour drive west of the park. Explore the Willamette Heritage Museum to learn about the region’s history. For unique treats, try donut holes from Bigwig Donuts or enjoy tacos and craft beer at Xicha Brewing.
- Abiqua Falls: Another stunning Oregon waterfall that makes our list of favorites. While not directly on the way back from Silver Falls, requiring a detour to access it from the north, it’s a worthwhile addition if you have the time and inclination for another waterfall adventure.
- Eastern Willamette Valley Farms: In the agricultural lands east of Salem, you’ll find farms like E.Z. Orchards and Bauman’s, known for their excellent cider and seasonal produce. Fordyce Farms offers u-pick options, especially berries in the summer.
Mount Hood
Distance from Portland: 56 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 20 minutes
One of the standout perks of living in Portland is being just 90 minutes away from both the coast and the mountains. Given the choice, we’ll almost always pick the mountains. The proximity to Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon and a prominent stratovolcano, is easily one of our favorite things about our location. It offers fantastic opportunities for Portland Day Trips throughout the year.
In the summer months (roughly July through mid-October), Mount Hood transforms into a hiker’s paradise. Numerous hiking trails around Mount Hood offer unbeatable views of the snow-capped summit, vibrant wildflower meadows, and beautiful waterfalls. It’s an alpine enthusiast’s dream destination.
If you’re drawn to hikes culminating in stunning mountain vistas or enjoy the thrill of skiing down slopes with unobstructed views, Mount Hood will not disappoint.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Mount Hood from Portland, especially in the summer when public transportation doesn’t typically serve the popular trailheads. The Mount Hood Express bus runs from Sandy (on Highway 26 towards Hood) to areas near Government Camp, but you’d need to get to Sandy first, making it a potentially long and expensive trip without a car.
However, if you’re visiting in the winter specifically for skiing or snowboarding, Mount Hood Meadows offers a shuttle service from Portland directly to the resort, providing a convenient car-free option for hitting the slopes.
What to Do at Mount Hood
Summer on Mount Hood is synonymous with hiking. The trails are the main draw, offering access to spectacular scenery.
Hiking at Mount Hood
There’s a wealth of amazing hikes near Mount Hood, making it tough to choose just one for a day trip – a good problem to have! Here are a few of our top recommendations for different skill levels and interests:
- Mirror Lake: A classic, relatively easy hike leading to a lake that often offers postcard-perfect reflections of Mount Hood.
- Tamanawas Falls: A moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind.
- McNeil Point: A more challenging hike with incredible views as you gain elevation on the mountain’s flank, leading to a historic stone shelter.
Other Things to Do Near Mount Hood
Beyond hiking, there are other worthwhile stops and activities centered around Government Camp, the small community that serves as the hub of Mount Hood’s recreational activities.
- Post-Hike Refreshments: Head to Mount Hood Brewing or Ratskeller in Government Camp for a well-deserved craft beer and food after your hike.
- Trillium Lake: For one of the most iconic views of Mount Hood reflected in still water, visit Trillium Lake. A short walk along the south shore offers the best perspective. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the sunset paint the mountain in alpenglow colors.
- Winter Sports: In the winter, Mount Hood is a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding, conveniently located for Portland residents. We frequent Mount Hood Meadows, which offers excellent terrain and facilities. Other options include Timberline Lodge and Skibowl.
Hood River
Distance from Portland: 62 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hood River is another excellent option for a straightforward day trip from Portland. Situated right on the Columbia River, about 60 miles upstream from Portland, it marks a distinct transition point where the lush western Gorge begins to give way to the drier, high-desert landscape to the east. This geographical feature perfectly illustrates the incredible diversity of scenery found within a short drive of Portland.
Heading north from Hood River takes you towards the Washington Cascades, with views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. South lies the fertile Hood River Valley, a major fruit-growing region. To the west is the greener, waterfall-filled part of the Gorge, while the east is characterized by drier, more open landscapes.
A day trip to Hood River can be roughly split into two parts: exploring the vibrant town itself and venturing into the scenic Hood River Valley to the south. The valley is renowned for its orchards, particularly apples and pears, offering beautiful scenery and seasonal produce.
It’s worth noting that combining a trip to the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River makes a lot of sense, as you drive through the Gorge to reach Hood River. A popular itinerary is to spend the morning exploring some waterfalls and viewpoints in the western Gorge, then continue east to spend the afternoon in Hood River, enjoying the town’s atmosphere, food, drink, and the valley’s charm. As you approach Hood River on the river, you’ll likely see windsurfers and kiteboarders, as the strong winds funneled through the Gorge make this a world-class destination for these sports.
What to Do in Hood River
Here are some of our favorite things to do when visiting Hood River.
Hang out in Downtown Hood River
Downtown Hood River is a lively place with a great selection of shops, cafes, restaurants, breweries, and cideries. It’s very walkable and enjoyable to explore.
For craft beer, you can’t go wrong with classic Oregon breweries like Full Sail or pFriem Family Brewers, both located near the waterfront. Cider enthusiasts should visit Crush Cider Cafe.
When it comes to food, there are excellent options. Try Broder Ost for Scandinavian-inspired brunch or lunch, Grasslands Barbecue for outstanding Texas-style ‘cue (get there early!), or cross the bridge into White Salmon, Washington, for delicious tacos and tequila at Pixán Taqueria.
Drive the Fruit Loop in the Hood River Valley
South of Hood River lies the incredibly fertile Hood River Valley. The “Fruit Loop” is a scenic drive that winds through orchards, farms, wineries, and cideries. It’s particularly popular in the spring for blossoms and in the fall for harvest season. This is a fantastic way to experience the agricultural bounty of the region and enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood looming over the valley.
There are many stops along the Fruit Loop offering u-pick fruits (seasonal), farm stands, tasting rooms, and family-friendly activities. Visiting a cider producer or a winery is a great way to sample local beverages made from the valley’s produce.
Take a Hike
The Hood River area offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Besides the trails in the western Gorge mentioned earlier (many of which are on the way to Hood River), you can head south towards Mount Hood for hikes like the one to Tamanawas Falls on the mountain’s eastern flank.
Crossing the bridge into Washington opens up more options like Coyote Wall, known for its ridge-top views and beautiful wildflowers in early summer.
Get Out on the Water
Hood River’s reputation as a watersports hub is well-earned. The consistent strong winds make it ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Beginners can find rentals and lessons at places like Big Winds. If those activities aren’t your speed, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from outfitters like Hood River SUP and Kayak for a more relaxed experience on the Columbia River.
Tillamook & the Three Capes Scenic Route
Distance from Portland: 75 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 20 minutes
While Cannon Beach is arguably the most famous spot on the Oregon Coast and Astoria holds significant historical weight, Tillamook is best known for its dairy industry, particularly cheese and ice cream. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Tillamook ice cream is a quintessential summer treat. However, there’s much more to explore in and around Tillamook, especially along the stunning Three Capes Scenic Route, making it an excellent choice for Portland Day Trips.
A visit to the Tillamook Creamery is practically a requirement when you’re in the area – the ice cream scoop shop alone is worth the trip, and they sell cheese curds only available on-site! But we encourage you to spend more time discovering the beautiful coastal scenery just minutes away.
This day trip can also be combined with a visit to Cannon Beach, creating a loop where you explore Cannon Beach in the morning and head south to the Tillamook area for the afternoon before returning to Portland.
What to Do Around Tillamook
Here are our top recommended activities and sights near Tillamook.
The Tillamook Creamery
You simply have to visit the Tillamook Creamery if you’re nearby. It’s a major attraction, especially if you have kids. Beyond the amazing ice cream and unique cheese curds, the creamery offers a self-guided tour to see the cheese-making process, a large gift shop, and an on-site restaurant (the tomato soup and grilled cheese with curds is a perfect comfort meal on a misty coastal day).
Blue Heron French Cheese
Just a short drive from the Tillamook Creamery, you’ll find Blue Heron French Cheese, a smaller, less crowded option specializing in French cheeses, particularly brie. They have a charming shop filled with local products like charcuterie and jams, and a deli perfect for grabbing lunch.
Drive the Three Capes Scenic Route
This is one of the most spectacular drives on the Oregon Coast, a definite highlight of any coastal Portland Day Trip. It heads south from Tillamook, showcasing three distinct capes and connecting lovely coastal towns. This stretch is known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning viewpoints, and wide, sandy beaches.
- Cape Meares: The northernmost cape. Visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse, the shortest on the Oregon Coast but with an impressive antique lens. Don’t miss the Octopus Tree, a uniquely shaped Sitka Spruce, and the viewpoint just past it offering views south towards Short Beach. A short walk from the main parking lot accesses these features.
- Cape Lookout: Our personal favorite of the three. The main attraction here is the hike out to the tip of Cape Lookout. This trail hugs the narrow cape, ending at its westernmost point with breathtaking views and the sounds of seals playing on the rocks below. It’s also an excellent spot for whale watching during migration season in spring.
- Cape Kiwanda: The southernmost cape, known for its unique sandstone formations and popularity with surfers. You can drive onto the wide beach here. The main point of interest is hiking up the large sand dune onto the cape for panoramic views north and south. Be prepared for a workout hiking in deep sand! It’s also a fantastic place to watch hang gliders take off from the northern edge of the cape.
Hiking in Tillamook State Forest
On your drive between Portland and Tillamook via Highway 6, you pass through the Tillamook State Forest. There are several hiking opportunities easily accessible from the road. University Falls is an easier option, leading to a scenic waterfall. For more strenuous climbs offering rewarding views (and a serious leg workout!), consider tackling King’s Mountain or Elk Mountain.
Cannon Beach
Distance from Portland: 80 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cannon Beach is arguably the most iconic destination on the Oregon Coast and a classic option for Portland Day Trips. While not our personal absolute favorite spot on the coast itself, its location between two exceptional state parks – Ecola State Park to the north and Oswald West State Park to the south – makes it an undeniable highlight and a worthy day trip destination.
There’s more than enough to see and do in and around Cannon Beach to fill an entire day. However, its proximity to Astoria also makes it feasible to combine the two into a longer day trip or a fantastic loop that covers the major attractions of the northern Oregon Coast.
What to Do in Cannon Beach
We recommend focusing on four key areas when planning your visit to Cannon Beach. To maximize your time and potentially avoid crowds, especially on busy weekends, we suggest starting at Ecola State Park to the north and working your way south.
Explore the Beaches at Ecola State Park
Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers dramatic clifftop views and access to beautiful beaches. The park recently reopened after being closed due to storm damage, and driving the winding, forested road into the park immediately shows why stability is crucial here.
Stop at the first viewpoint for stunning vistas looking south towards Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, and north towards Tillamook Head and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore. From the second parking lot, you can access Indian Beach below and hike the Clatsop Loop Trail through the lush coastal forest.
Wander Around Cannon Beach
The next stop is the town of Cannon Beach itself. It’s best to find a parking spot and explore the downtown area on foot. Parking can be challenging, particularly around midday on weekends, so patience might be required.
Cannon Beach’s downtown is relatively compact and easily walkable. While some shops cater heavily to tourists, there are also charming local businesses worth visiting. For coffee, check out Insomnia Coffee Co.. Public Coast Brewing is a great spot for local craft beer and fish and chips, including excellent Celiac-safe gluten-free options. Browse for your next read at Cannon Beach Book Co., the local independent bookstore, and grab a sweet treat from Suzy’s Scoops.
Admire Towering Haystack Rock
Undoubtedly the most famous landmark in the area, Haystack Rock is a massive sea stack rising 235 feet directly from the Pacific Ocean off Cannon Beach. It’s an impressive sight at any time of day, but particularly magical at sunset when the light illuminates the rock.
Time your visit around low tide for the best experience, as the tide pools around the base of Haystack Rock are exposed, revealing fascinating marine life. Look for the colony of Tufted Puffins nesting on the rock during late spring and summer – observing these unique birds is a highlight. We once saw bald eagles attempting to raid the puffin colony, a dramatic natural spectacle!
Hiking in Oswald West State Park
Continuing south from Cannon Beach, your next stop should be Oswald West State Park. Take a moment at the Silver Point Interpretive Overlook for a final sweeping view of the coastline.
Oswald West State Park offers excellent hiking. For a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek with stunning views of the coast and surrounding mountains, hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain. Alternatively, take the short, easy walk through a beautiful old-growth forest to reach Short Sand Beach, a picturesque cove popular with surfers.
Astoria
Distance from Portland: 97 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 30 minutes
Astoria is a charming town located at the very northwestern corner of Oregon, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers a surprising array of things to do, see, eat, and drink, making it a great option for Portland Day Trips, especially for those interested in history and coastal culture.
Astoria holds significant historical importance as the final destination of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They famously camped near here for three miserable, rainy months during the winter before beginning their journey back east. We find it amusing to imagine their perspective, spending a soggy winter here before returning to Missouri, perhaps thinking Oregon was perpetually wet and dreary – little did they know!
As mentioned with Cannon Beach, it’s feasible to combine a visit to both locations into a single, albeit full, day trip. You could head west to Cannon Beach first, then continue north to Astoria before completing the loop back to Portland. This allows you to experience the highlights of the northern Oregon Coast in one go, which is perfect if you have limited time in the area.
What to Do in Astoria
We have a detailed guide covering our favorite things to do in Astoria, but here are the key highlights for a day trip.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Visit the reconstructed Fort Clatsop at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This is near the site where the expedition hunkered down during the winter of 1805-1806. The park offers excellent exhibits and living history demonstrations that provide insight into their experience and interactions with the local Native American tribes.
Learning about their struggles during the relentless coastal rain makes you appreciate their resilience – and wonder what they’d think of modern Astoria!
The Fort-to-Sea Trail
The full Fort-to-Sea Trail is a long, one-way hike tracing the path the expedition took between the fort and the coast. For a day trip, we recommend hiking just the first 1.5 miles. This section follows the historic route through a beautiful forest and leads to a nice viewpoint. It’s a great way to get a feel for the landscape Lewis and Clark traversed without committing to a full 13-mile round trip.
Fort Stevens State Park
Located just west of Astoria, Fort Stevens State Park sits at the mouth of the Columbia River. Two highlights here are the iconic shipwreck of the Peter Iredale, whose rusting skeleton lies on the beach, and exploring the historic batteries and fortifications built to defend the river mouth. It’s a fascinating blend of natural beauty and military history.
Enjoy Some of Oregon’s Best Craft Beer
Astoria has a surprisingly vibrant craft beer scene. For its size, the number of breweries per capita must be among the highest in the country! The two most prominent breweries are Fort George Brewery, with a large complex downtown, and Buoy Beer Company, uniquely built on pilings over the Columbia River (you can often see seals below!).
Other breweries like Astoria Brewing Company (the oldest in town) also offer great local brews. If you’re not the designated driver, sampling a couple is a must!
Learn a Thing or Three at Astoria’s Museums
Astoria boasts some excellent museums that provide deep dives into the area’s history. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is top-notch, focusing on the region’s history as a major port and the challenges of navigating the Columbia Bar (the “Graveyard of the Pacific”). The Heritage Museum offers a broader history of Astoria and the surrounding area, from pre-colonial times through its industrial development. It’s fascinating to learn about the city’s changing fortunes, including its surprising role in the fur trade. Reading the book “Astoria” by Peter Stark beforehand (or afterward) can greatly enhance your understanding of its early history and John Jacob Astor’s ambitious, ultimately failed, vision for the city.
Climb the Astoria Column for a Great View
For panoramic views of Astoria, the Columbia River, the Astoria-Megler Bridge connecting to Washington, and the distant Pacific Ocean, climb the Astoria Column. Located on a hill overlooking the city, you can drive up ($5 parking fee) or hike the challenging Cathedral Tree Trail from town. The climb to the top of the column itself is free and well worth the effort for the vistas.
Mount St. Helens
Distance from Portland: 109 miles | Drive Time from Portland: 1 hour 40 minutes
While technically located in Washington State, the main attractions around Mount St. Helens are actually closer to Portland than to Seattle, making it an excellent choice for a Portland Day Trip. It’s a fascinating destination that uniquely blends natural history (the 1980 eruption is a pivotal event in Pacific Northwest history) with starkly beautiful, post-volcanic landscapes.
Growing up, I was captivated by stories and books about Mount St. Helens, especially those tied to local legends like Bigfoot supposedly inhabiting lava tubes beneath the volcano. This fascination has stayed with me.
Visiting the west side of Mount St. Helens is a truly striking experience. Driving for miles through lush evergreen forests, you suddenly encounter the barren, grey landscape around Johnston Ridge Observatory – a dramatic reminder of the volcano’s power. This starkness is incredibly compelling.
It’s worth noting that while there are multiple areas around Mount St. Helens worth exploring, they are geographically separated, making it difficult to visit more than one on a single day trip without spending excessive time driving around the mountain (which takes 8-9 hours!).
We generally recommend focusing on one specific area for a day trip. The two most accessible areas from Portland are the west side, home to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the most direct views of the eruption’s impact, and the south side, which features unique lava tubes you can hike through. The northeastern side is spectacular but requires a longer trip.
Given the choice for a first-time day trip from Portland, we usually suggest the west side (Johnston Ridge). It provides the most impactful view of the eruption’s aftermath and offers access to fantastic hikes like Harry’s Ridge.
Here are two distinct ideas for spending a day trip at Mount St. Helens.
What to Do at Mount St. Helens
Choose either the West Side or the South Side for your day’s exploration.
The West Side (Johnston Ridge)
Start your day by driving to the Johnston Ridge Observatory on the west side. The observatory provides essential historical and geological context about the 1980 eruption through exhibits and ranger programs, helping you understand the incredible landscape you’re witnessing.
The highlight here is hiking the trail out to Harry’s Ridge. This trail traverses the eerie, barren terrain within the blast zone, leading to a bluff with unparalleled views directly into the volcano’s crater and across Spirit Lake, eerily dotted with thousands of downed trees (known as the “log mat”). It’s one of our favorite hikes in Washington State. Even if you don’t hike the entire trail, walking part of the way offers incredible, ever-changing views of the volcano’s fractured summit.
End your day with a stop at Coldwater Lake, located just below the observatory on the access road. It’s a beautiful lake created by the eruption’s debris, perfect for a picnic lunch or a refreshing dip on a warm day. A trail runs along the northern shore, offering a pleasant walk.
The South Side of St. Helens
On the south side of Mount St. Helens, the main attraction is the unique Ape Cave. This is a lava tube formed by an ancient eruption, offering a fascinating underground hiking experience – it’s the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. Exploring the cave requires a headlamp and appropriate footwear as it’s dark and uneven inside.
Ape Cave is typically open from mid-May through October and requires advance reservations, which can be made here.
Besides Ape Cave, the south side offers other hiking options. The short trail to June Lake leads to a scenic lake with views of the mountain. The Ape Canyon Trail provides excellent views of various peaks in Southern Washington and Northern Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Day Trips
Do I need a car for Portland Day Trips?
For most of the best day trips from Portland, having a car is highly recommended. It provides the flexibility needed to reach trailheads, visit multiple wineries or farms, and explore scenic routes like the Three Capes Scenic Route or the Hood River Fruit Loop. Public transportation options are limited, though guided tours are available for destinations like the Columbia River Gorge and Cannon Beach if you prefer not to drive.
What is the best Portland day trip for waterfalls?
The Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park are the top two destinations for waterfalls. The Gorge offers iconic falls like Multnomah Falls right off the highway and numerous others accessible via short hikes. Silver Falls State Park features the spectacular Trail of Ten Falls, allowing you to see and walk behind many cascades on a single loop hike.
Which day trip from Portland is best for wine tasting?
The Willamette Valley, particularly the area between McMinnville and Dundee, is the premier destination for wine tasting day trips from Portland. This region is internationally recognized for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided wine tours are available, which are a great option if your group wants to fully indulge without designating a driver.