Sometimes you just need a quick little city escape to recenter. Thankfully, one of the best things about living in Portland is the city’s proximity to natural wonders.
I’ve called this lively city home for the past 30+ years and have definitely learned a thing or two about the best day trips from Portland.
A city made for outdoor enthusiasts, at any given moment, you’re a short drive from award winning wineries, breathtaking waterfalls, jaw-dropping vistas and striking mountain peaks.
Honestly, the hardest thing about planning a day trip from Portland is agreeing on the destination. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from.
The Best Day Trips from Portland, Oregon (2 hours or less)
(Click here for the table of contents)
Portland Day Trips
#1. McMenamins Edgefield
Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive.
McMenamins Edgefield is a 74-acre property near the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland. The property was originally built in 1911 and used as the county poor farm until such practice was deemed inappropriate.
The property was abandoned and neglected until the McMenamin brothers (famous for rehabilitating historical properties in Oregon and Washington) bought the estate in the 1990s and began the arduous task of transforming it into a whimsical place full of beer and good times.
The history alone is what makes this one of the best day trips from Portland. If you’re visiting during the summer months try to catch a concert in the great lawn, they’ve had some big names perform in the past, here’s the current line up.
When we first discovered McMenamins Edgefield, we liked it so much we came back three times within a month (seriously). We invited a bunch of friends to join and had a grand time eating burgers and exploring the estate with brews in hand.
#2. Hood River (Great Wineries)
Time & distance from Portland: 62 miles, 1.5 hour drive.
We can’t talk about the best day trips from Portland without mentioning the charming town of Hood River. The town is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and easy-going weekend vacations. Take a stroll downtown and get your fill at one of the many local restaurants, bars, and cafes.
I recommend Riverside Restaurant for a fancy meal on the water, or, for something more casual, I enjoy Solstice Woodfired Pizza (their 72-hour fermented dough is to-die for).
In many ways, taking a day trip to Hood River feels like escaping to the country. The greenery, calm valleys and the blushing fruit trees have a way of transporting you back to simpler times.
Things to Do in Hood River:
- Relax at a winery. This past summer, I spent most weekends trying new wineries in the area (read: 18 Best Wineries in the Columbia River Gorge).
- Try your hand at windsurfing. Hood River is the windsurfing capital of the world, reason alone to visit but heads up: your abs will be sore for days!
- Hood River is a beer town through-and-through, read: 12 Epic Breweries in the Columbia Gorge (Ranked)
- Here’s a helpful guide to Hood River: 12+ Fun Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon
I suggest reading: Portland to Hood River Road Trip (10 Can’t-Miss Stops).
Good to Know: Hood River Fruit Loop (Seasonal)
Located in the heart of Hood River Valley, you won’t find a more scenic day trip from Portland. My favorite season to enjoy the Fruit Loop is the fall when the weight of crisp apples and ripe pears serve as an invitation to pick too many and make pie for friends.
As any local will tell you, the Hood River Fruit Loop is one of the best things to do in Oregon in the summer and fall. Tons of local farms open their doors to eager u-pickers, with most farms offering already-picked fruits and veggies as well.
To embark on the fruit loop route, you’re encouraged to go on a self-guided 35-mile scenic drive while popping off at 29+ fruit stands and farms along the way. Produce is season-dependent, so not all the farms are open at the same time, check this helpful resource before heading out.
#3. The Columbia River Gorge
Time & distance from Portland: 30 miles, 40 minute drive.
Less than an hour drive from the city, the Columbia River Gorge makes for a great day trip from Portland even if you only have half a day to spare. The Gorge is chock-full of famous Oregon waterfalls bound to impress out-of-town guests.
The best way to explore the Columbia Gorge is by car and trail. Take the Historic Columbia River Highway, known as the “King of Roads,” which was the first scenic highway in America to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
I suggest popping off for a hike or two before continuing on to Hood River. Or, pack a picnic and spend the whole day going around from one hike to the next. There’s so many incredible waterfalls and hikes, the adventure is up to you!
Best Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
- 15 EPIC Hikes in the Columbia Gorge (For All Skill Levels)
- 12 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Multnomah Falls
- 15 Stunning Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
#4. Oregon Coast
Time & distance from Portland: 80 miles, 1.5 hour drive.
Oregon’s nearly 400-mile coastline is famous nation-wide for good reason. A mere 1.5-hour drive from Portland, the striking shoreline is lined with massive rock formations, the largest coastal sand dunes in the country and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
My childhood is freckled with memories of summer at the Oregon coast, so it holds a special place in my heart. It took my husband a few visits to fall under the coast’s spell, but as soon as he discovered crabbing and clamming, he was hooked.
All this to say, there’s definitely something for everyone, which is why a road trip to the Oregon Coast is one of the best day trips from Portland. If it’s your first visit to the coast, my suggestion is to visit Cannon Beach (here’s a roundup of the best things to do at Cannon Beach).
Things to Do at the Oregon Coast:
- 20 Epic Things to Do at the Oregon Coast (+2 to Avoid)
- 10+ JAW-DROPPING Hikes at the Oregon Coast
- 15 Charming Oregon Coast Towns (You Can’t Help But Love)
- 15 Irresistible Oregon Coast Beaches to Explore By Summer’s End
- All 15 Breweries at the Oregon Coast (Ranked)
#5. Willamette Valley
Time & distance from Portland: 48 miles, 50 minute drive.
Everyone knows that Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The drastic natural landscapes are ripe for exploration, with miles of hiking trails and sweeping vista views. But what’s the point in all that hiking without a proper reward afterwards?
Well, Oregon has you covered in that department as well. In fact, Oregon is the 4th most wine-producing state in the country. And of all the important wine regions in Oregon, perhaps none is more famous than Willamette (rhymes with dammit) Valley, which is home to 500+ wineries.
The Willamette Valley is known for producing award-winning Pinot Noirs that can hold their own in worldwide competitions. Sipping a chilled glass of Chardonnay in the summer while overlooking rolling vineyards? Name the time and place. If you’re up for an extra-fun time, stay overnight and allow the good times to linger longer.
You might enjoy reading: 10 Memorable Willamette Valley Wineries Worth Visiting (+Advice)
#6. Mount Hood National Forest
Time & distance from Portland: 63 miles, 1.5 hour drive.
Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge is a mere 1.5-hour drive from the city center, making it a great day trip from Portland any time of year. Reaching impressive heights of 11,250 feet, Mt. Hood is the tallest volcano in Oregon (the fourth tallest in the Cascade Range).
Every inch of Mt. Hood National Forest is bound to impress but make an effort to visit McNeil Point, Paradise Parks and Elk Meadows to see why Oregonians consider this one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. There’s a ton of hiking opportunities and chances to chase waterfalls as well.
Fun fact: Mt. Hood is the third most climbed mountain in the world.
#7. Mount Saint Helens National Monument
Time & distance from Portland: 70 miles, 1.5 hour drive.
Much less popular than Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens is often overlooked as a potential day trip from Portland, which is a pity. For starters, the area is gorgeous. In fact, it was recently ranked the best national monument in America!
Located in Washington, the mountain is a 1.5 hour drive from Portland. All this to say, this Portland day trip is a no-brainier, especially if you’re looking for spectacular hiking opportunities.
Mount St. Helens made national headlines when it erupted in 1980, releasing so much ash (520 million tons!) that it reached the stratosphere, can you imagine? The massive eruption created a horse-shoe shaped crater on the south face of the mountain that now welcomes adventurous hikers to try their hand (feet?) at the summit.
Things to Do at Mount Saint Helens:
- Hike the Norway Pass Trail (4.5 miles)
- Visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory
- Hike Harry’s Ridge Trail (8-miles)
- Explore Ape Cave (largest lava tube in the contiguous US)
Fun fact: Mount Saint Helens is still considered the most likely volcano in Cascade Range to erupt next.
Best Weekend Trips from Portland (3+ hours)
#8. Bend
Time & distance from Portland: 163 miles, 3 hour drive.
In many ways, Bend feels like the perfect small town. It’s charming, sunny year-round and the scenery is breathtaking. The best part? There’s so many incredible things to do in Bend, Oregon for those in desperate need of a relaxing weekend.
I spend a lot of time in Bend, so it should come as no surprise that I love the town. I’ve written extensively about the best hiking trails in Bend and the phenomenal breweries in Bend, some of the best in the state. My suggestion is to spend an entire weekend exploring the area, especially during the fall and spring seasons.
If interested, here’s a roundup of my Bend travel guides.
#9. Mt. Rainier National Park
Time & distance from Portland: 156 miles, 3 hour drive.
Depending on which side of the mountain you plan to visit, the quickest weekend trip from Portland to Mount Rainier takes 3 hours. I’m adding Mt. Rainier to the list because after more than 40 visits, it’s still spellbinding.
Fun fact: Mt. Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. Having visited the national park in all four seasons, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about the best hikes in the area. Make sure to read Best Hikes at Mt. Rainier National Park before visiting.
#10. Seattle, Washington
Time & distance from Portland: 170 miles, 2.5 hour drive.
Every year, without fail, I head north to Seattle to spend an evening in the lovely city because I consider it the perfect weekend trip from Portland. My favorite time of year to visit is autumn, the fall color is spectacular! Make sure you don’t miss a visit to Pike’s Place Market (worth the Hype) and grab dinner at Serious Pie. Oh, and Starbucks Reserve is worth a visit (and I don’t even like Starbucks!).
Best Portland Day Trips (Post Summary)
In short, the best day trips from Portland are:
- McMenamins Edgefield
- Columbia River Gorge
- Hood River, Oregon
- The Oregon Coast
- Willamette Valley
- Mt. Hood National Forest
- Mount Saint Helens
- Bend, Oregon
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Seattle, Washington
Map of Fun Day Trips from Portland
Love Portland? Here’s some articles you may find interesting
- 20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Portland
- 25+ EPIC Things to Do in Portland (+4 Tourist Traps to Avoid)
- 12 Stunning Parks in Portland, Oregon
- 20 Interesting Facts About Portland You Probably Don’t Know
- 10 Epic Portland Viewpoints to Check Off Your List
- 30 Weird, Free & Cheap Things to Do in Portland
- Let’s Talk: Portland, Oregon Vs. Portland, Maine
And that’s a wrap, pals. Hope you enjoyed this list of the best day trips to take from Portland. Always feel free to reach out with questions!
Until next time,
Antonina
Carolyn D Davis says
Love your adventures and several times you go on them. I keep saying I’m go explore Oregon but have only gone to Multnomah Falls, few beaches.
I want to do a short not hilly hike this summer. What do you suggest my first baby step should be.
Thanks Carolyn
Lisa Osterhoudt says
Silver Creek Falls