Being in Portland has completely spoiled me for nature. Whatever I feel like—i.e., misty waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, good wine, or rock shores—I can just get into my car and find a stunning spot in under two hours.
After exploring for a decade or two, I’ve found some fantastic places—ones I return to again and again and always recommend my friends do when we have them come visit Oregon.
If you’re in for an adventure, here are my top day trip recommendations from Portland along with some of my insider know-how.
1. Columbia River Gorge – What an incredible waterfall wonderland!
You absolutely have to visit Columbia River Gorge when you’re in Oregon, and like, just half an hour from downtown Portland! The first time I went, I was completely blown away by Multnomah Falls—and I wasn’t alone, trust me!This incredible 620-foot waterfall is a major hit in the Pacific Northwest for a good reason. But for real, don’t just stand around at Multnomah—make a day out of it and check out Latourell, Wahkeena, and Bridal Veil Falls, too!
My favorite hike in the gorge is Eagle Creek Trail, which takes you along a bunch of awesome waterfalls and through this stunning forest canyon. The trail has some rough patches, but honestly, what you’ll see is well worth it. Plus, you may even discover a secret waterfall all your own!
Local tip
Leave early in the morning for your waterfall tour to avoid traffic and find parking. And just driving along the Historic Columbia River Highway is really beautiful on its own!
2. Mount Hood is Oregon’s playground all year round
It’s just an hour and a half from Portland, and Mount Hood actually has something for everyone—skiing and snowboarding when it’s cold, and hiking and wildflowers in the summer. I always pop into Timberline Lodge—it’s really historic, cozy, and has that iconic spot from The Shining. The lodge has this relaxed, rustic feel and these beautiful fireplaces that just invite you to curl up after a day skiing or walking the trails.
When it’s warmer, I like hiking the Paradise Park Loop or just driving over to Trillium Lake, where the water is so calm you get this incredible reflection off the snow-covered peak of Mount Hood. And if you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of easy, short nature walks and picnic areas that are just great for them.
Local tip
Don’t forget to bring some layers! It gets quite chilly up there, even during the summer, especially if you’re tackling the higher trails or hanging by the lake in the evenings.
3. Willamette Valley – A wine lover’s paradise
Just an hour or so southwest of Portland, you have the Willamette Valley, which is essentially Oregon’s wine country. I’ve been really fortunate to get to taste some of the state’s best Pinot Noir at spots like Domaine Serene, Soter, and Domaine Roy & Fils, for example.
The hills with all those vineyards and intimate tasting rooms are great for escaping city life for an evening. And if you want something else, stop by a nearby cidery or brewery—there’s a neat craft scene emerging around the vineyards, too.
Plus you’ve got these adorable towns like McMinnville and Newberg nearby, where you can stroll through shops, cafes, and farm-to-table spots. A day spent tasting and just poking around here feels like a little mini-getaway in and of itself.
Local tip
Did you know that a lot of wineries have picnic areas? Bring some snacks or a charcuterie board along for your tasting flight! Much less formal than having a meal!
4. Cannon Beach – Completely Classic Oregon Coast Vibes
Cannon Beach is absolutely the ideal place for a beach vacation. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Portland, but it feels like a completely different world when you’re there. I’ve spent some really relaxing afternoons simply walking around barefoot on the sand, exploring the tide pools near Haystack Rock, and watching those gorgeous sunsets that illuminate the entire beach.
Other than that famous rock, there are plenty of hiking trails and adorable little places just waiting to be discovered. If you’re lucky, you can even spot some seals or sea birds! The town itself has this great laid-back atmosphere with cozy coffee shops, local stores, and art galleries featuring local artists.
There’s just something really special about drinking coffee at Cannon Beach and listening to the waves.
Local Tip
Head north to Ecola State Park for a less crowded, forest-meets-ocean experience. Indian Beach is great for tide-pooling and photography.
5. Silver Falls State Park – The Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls is absolutely referred to as the “crown jewel” of state parks in Oregon—and honestly, I completely agree that it fully deserves that! The Trail of Ten Falls loop hike is seriously one of my favorite hikes in the state, and guess what? You actually get to walk behind several of these incredible falls!
Every time I go, I’m just reminded at how lush and green Oregon truly is. That almost 8-mile loop takes you through these incredible old-growth forests with trees all cloaked in moss and waterfalls as far as the eye can see! It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts who desire a moderately difficult hike without having to go out of state! I always take my camera because each waterfall has its own special beauty, particularly when sunlight shines just right!
Local tip
Don’t forget your rain jacket, even in summer! The spray from the falls can completely soak you in a matter of moments, particularly when you’re hiking behind South Falls or Lower South Falls.
6. Hood River – Beautiful fruit, stunning vistas, and all river sports!
Hood River is such a groovy little town, just about an hour outside of Portland, nestled between Mount Hood hills and the Columbia River. I’m absolutely enamored with the Hood River Fruit Loop—this incredible 35-mile drive along orchards, lavender farms, and roadside stands.
Every autumn, I go out of my way to pick up some freshly picked apples and a slice of pie from the town farms. The restaurants here are incredibly eclectic and always evolving, ranging from hip cafes to upscale restaurants that feature farm-to-table treats.
For a bit of fun, the Columbia River is where you go for kiteboarding and windsurfing, and I’ve sat for hours watching those bright-colored sails zip across the river. And if you’re feeling even a little bit adventuresome, there are plenty of rental stores and lessons available for you to try out.
Local tip
If you’re in town during the summer, be sure to hit the waterfront park to catch some amazing kiteboarders and windsurfers in action. It’s one of the top spots in the entire nation for wind sports!
7. Sauvie Island – A Relaxing Oasis Just Outside the City
Just a half an hour outside Portland proper, Sauvie Island is like a completely different world. I like to go there in the summer for foraging for berries, kayaking, and just relaxing in nature. Topaz Farm is absolutely my favorite, no doubt about it, where you can pick fresh fruit yourself, hear some live music, and get some delicious farm-fresh grub at their café.
The island is also great for birdwatching, with plenty of protected wildlife zones and wetlands. I’ve even rented a kayak and paddled about in the tranquil waters of Sturgeon Lake—it’s really serene and lovely, such a relief from the city.
Local tip
Check out those farm calendars before you go—u-pick season varies everywhere, and it’s much preferable to go early in the morning before all the good stuff gets picked over (and when it’s cooler!).
8. Astoria – Backstory, Breweries, and Amazing Coastline
If you head two hours northwest from Portland, you’ll come across Astoria, this absolutely adorable coastal town with a fantastic maritime feel. I always climb up into the Astoria Column—it’s 164 steps up, but believe me, the views of where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean are well worth it.
The town’s filled with groovy Victorian buildings, quirky boutiques, and plenty of awesome restaurants. A bit quirky if you’re a movie nut like me, the Oregon Film Museum is a delight, particularly if you’re a Goonies nut like me, too! And if you’re a craft beer aficionado, you’ve gotta see the Fort George Brewery’s rooftop patio—it’s such a great spot to just relax and watch the river traffic roll in and out.
Local tip
You have to go to Fort George Brewery for a pint. Their rooftop patio is like one of my favorite places to hang out and see the ships pass by on the Columbia River.
9. Mount St. Helens – Visiting the Fury of the Earth
Just across the border in Washington, I have one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited, which is Mount St. Helens. Going out to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and getting an upclose glimpse at what happened after the 1980 eruption completely blew my mind about just how incredible our world is. It’s somewhat surreal, really fascinating, and just really beautiful all at once.
The visitor center itself has some really sweet interactive displays, as well as trails from easy walks up through more difficult hikes along with stunning vistas of the mountain and crater. I really love how nature is slowly recovering with wildlife and wildflowers returning, completely illustrates just how resilient nature is.
Local Tip
The observatory is seasonal, so plan your trip between May and October. Bring binoculars for a better look at the crater and surrounding wildlife.
10. McMinnville – Quirky Charm and Wine Country Culture
McMinnville is one of those towns that will feel like home as soon as you arrive. It’s just a 75-minute drive from Portland, and downtown is incredibly walkable with plenty of adorable little boutiques, cafes, and tasting rooms. I always start my day there at Community Plate for brunch, then I head out to the Evergreen Aviation Museum (yes, that’s where you’ll find the Spruce Goose!).
The entire town has such a relaxed vibe for a low-key exploration day. You’ll spot local art studios and farmers’ markets all around town, and you can see just how artsy and inviting this community is.
Local Tip
Stop by in May when there’s the UFO Festival for a really fun, offbeat twist on wine country. And yes, there are costumes involved. Gonna definitely want in!
Final Thoughts: These day trips make Oregon living great
Exploring Oregon out from under Portland has been one of my all-time favorites. Each trip is like discovering another great aspect of the state’s relaxed feel—from beautiful waterfalls and untamed coastlines to relaxed vineyards and quirky volcanic vistas.
The best part? Those spots aren’t swarming with tourists at all; instead, they feel like local hot spots where you can just relax, catch your breath, and absorb all that great Pacific Northwest goodness.
The beautiful Oregon outdoors is just beyond the city—and when you’re there, you’ll completely know why people can’t get enough!