Looking to explore the best day trips from Portland, OR? This is the guide for you!
Portland is a diamond in the Pacific Northwest region located in Oregon, United States. Outside of the fun, hip city is a world of beautiful nature. Think of dramatic waterfalls, mountains, gorgeous valley drives, and coastal paradise. Just 3 hours north is bustling Seattle to shake things up!
These top 10 Portland road trips can easily be extended into Portland weekend getaways.
Some of the best day trips from Portland are Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Fruit Loop in Hood River, Eugene, Salem, Willamette Valley, Mount St. Helens, Silver Falls State Park, Seattle, Cannon Beach, and Lincoln City.
Let’s get planning!
10 Portland Day Trips
1. Columbia River Gorge
Distance from Portland: 25 minutes
A Columbia River Gorge day trip is a great way to escape the city for a quick getaway. Really, you could explore it over several days depending on your travel focus.
Mountain bikers, hikers, and photographers meet along various points of the gorge for adventurous activities or lowkey relaxation.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway roundtrip with no stops.
The national scenic drive is open to the public and no permits are required for entrance or parking.
Stay: Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort
2. Multnomah Falls
Distance from Portland: 40 minutes
Some visitors make a trek out to the Columbia River Gorge specifically to check out the Multnomah Falls.
There’s a reason it’s one of Oregon’s most photographed attractions, with an average of 2 million visitors annually. The plunging 620 feet waterfalls provide access for all visitors.
If you are looking to chase a few more waterfalls before heading back into Portland, consider LaTourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, or Bridal Veil Falls.
If you are not visiting other attractions along the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is an easy morning or half day trip if you are short on time.
I recommend turning it into a full day trip by combining with other Columbia River Gorge stops, or with Hood River if you have the time!
Consider a Multnomah Falls tour from Portland if you do not have a car rental. Certain times of year, timed entry tickets or parking passes are required for Multnomah Falls. Neither was required during my March visit.
Check the website online to confirm your details before you go!
If you are staying overnight, choose a hotel directly on the gorge, in Hood River, or drive back to Portland.
As Multnomah Falls is so close to both Portland and Hood River, I truly recommend choosing whichever accommodation is most affordable for you!
Stay: Skamania Lodge
Book at Booking.com3. Fruit Loop Hood River
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
Fruit Loop Hood River is one of the BEST things you can do in Oregon (in my totally not biased opinion)!
The Fruit Loop refers to the trail of beautiful farm stands located in the town of Hood River, beneath Mount Hood.
Oregon’s largest fruit-growing region features 28 farm stands ranging from fruit, vegetables, flowers, wineries, and more.
One of the most popular Fruit Loop Hood River farm stands is the Hood River lavender farm, for its delicate purple lavender beds beneath the mountains.
The farm offers seasonal lavender picking and sells several lavender products in their shop.
Several farm stands are seasonal, so confirm availability online before your trip. At least 3 of the Fruit Loop’s businesses operate year-round, so your trip may be worthwhile in any season. However, I do recommend planning your visit in spring-fall.
Summer is the high season for the farm stands. Fall is when apple orchard season begins!
Stay: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
4. Apple Orchards
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
Some visitors venture to the Fruit Loop at Hood River to prioritize an exceptional apple-picking experience unlike what you may find in other parts of the USA.
During fall, visitors have bestowed orchards upon orchards beneath mountainous landscapes.
The following apple orchards on Fruit Loop in Hood River provide U-Pick experiences for visitors to hand pick their own apples: Pearl’s Place, the Gorge White House, Packer Orchards and Bakery, Draper Girls Country Farm, Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Mt. View Orchards, and Hood River U-Pick Organic.
August – October is the high season for apple picking at Oregon Orchards along Hood River but be sure to check the Hood River website, and individual websites for each of the orchards ahead of time.
Each Fruit Loop Hood River farm stand is run independently and sets individual hours.
Stay: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
5. Eugene
Distance from Portland: 2 Hours
One of my favorite day trips from Portland is to the vibrant city of Eugene, located about 110 miles south of Portland.
Known as the “Emerald City,” Eugene offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it one of the best places to live in Oregon.
I highly recommend visiting Eugene because it provides a delightful blend of outdoor activities and urban amenities.
One unique thing to do is explore the beautiful trails and gardens at the University of Oregon. The campus is adorned with lush greenery, including the stunning Hendricks Park, which boasts an impressive rhododendron garden.
Another highlight is the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, showcasing an extensive collection of contemporary and historic artworks.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a must.
This 209-acre living museum features a variety of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and wetlands, providing ample opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking.
To get to Eugene from Portland, the most convenient option is to travel by car. It takes approximately two hours via Interstate 5.
Alternatively, you can also take the Amtrak Cascades train or the Greyhound bus, both of which provide comfortable and scenic journeys.
An extra tip for visitors is to explore the vibrant food scene in Eugene. The city is renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine and numerous craft breweries, so make sure to indulge in the local culinary delights.
Stay: Valley Inn
Contributed by Trijit from Budget Buff Travel
6. Salem
Distance from Portland: 1 hour
Nestled in the Willamette Valley one hour by car south of Portland is the state capital, Salem.
From a charming downtown, miles of bike trails, and plenty of wine-tasting rooms, Salem brings visitors lots to explore.
Start your day at the Sassy Onion for breakfast. Try the infamous Apple Cinnamon French Toast, made from their enormous cinnamon rolls!
After breakfast, take a bike ride through RideSalem. There are six rental stations near the heart of Salem.
Enjoy your ride through Riverfront Park, which has picnic tables, playgrounds, a splash pad, and the iconic Riverfront Carousel. Head across the pedestrian bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park, with miles of trails to enjoy plus a dog park, so your doggo can stretch his legs.
Wind down with some wine at one of the region’s wineries or breweries. The Barrel & Keg is dog-friendly and has more than twenty wines, beers, and ciders on tap, plus small bites and charcuterie.
I recommend traveling from Portland to Salem via Amtrak, Coast Starlight train, to fully enjoy a scenic ride from windowed observation cars.
Stay: Hawthorne Hotel
Contributed by Laura fro Hi Friends It’s Laura
7. Willamette Valley, OR
Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
Want to get away from the busy city and enjoy serene moments amidst picturesque farmlands, rolling hills, and lush green vineyards?
Willamette Valley occupies a special place as the perfect Portland OR day trip. Known for its wine, breathtaking scenery, and charming small towns, Willamette Valley is an excellent place to visit with friends or on your own.
Start your day by visiting Downtown Carlton. This charming, quaint downtown is a popular spot for visitors, featuring art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores.
The downtown is also known for its wine-tasting rooms, artisanal food shops, and restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines.
Besides savoring the wine and culinary delights, you can walk around and explore the town’s history. Visit the historic train depot on Main Street, which has acollection of old railcars, or walk down to Ladd Park to enjoy a picnic or a playground with your kids.
Then, take a scenic drive through Newberg and Gaston. The region surrounding Willamette Valley is famous not only for its wine but also for its scenic beauty. There are many scenic drives that you can take from Carlton, but I recommend exploring Newberg and Gaston.
The drive offers you a breathtaking view of the lush vineyards, rolling hills, and farmlands. One of the popular spots to visit on this drive is the Chehalem Cultural Center, which houses art exhibitions, music performances, and other cultural events.
The easiest way to reach Willamette Valley is by car driving from Portland. It takes around 35 min to drive from Portland to Newberg.
Stay: Valley View
Contributed by Karen from Earth Jubilee
8 Mount St. Helens
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 45 minutes
Did you know there’s an active volcano less than 2 hours from Portland OR?
Washington’s Mount St. Helens makes for a fascinating day trip from Portland, filled with stunning, natural beauty and impressive geological wonders.
The journey from Portland to Mount St. Helens takes approximately two hours by car, and what a drive this is! The gradual transition from urban landscape to scenic mountain terrain surrounded by lush, leafy forests is breathtaking.
Once you arrive at the National Volcanic Monument, you’ll find tons to explore. The Johnston Ridge Observatory, located at the end of State Route 504, offers a panoramic view of the volcano and the incredible surrounding landscape.
The observatory has interactive exhibits on the 1980s eruption, the geological processes that shaped Mount St. Helen, and the ongoing efforts to monitor volcanic activity.
For a more in-depth look at the area, guided tours are available, led by knowledgeable experts who can offer detailed information about the volcano’s history, geology, and ecosystem.
If you’d rather explore on your own, there are a variety of Mount St. Helens hiking trails. Opt for an easy route like the .5-mile Eruption Trail or the more challenging 8-mile Lake Trail where you’ll see wildflowers as vivid and striking as those dotting the coast of Laguna Beach.
For a real thrill, head to Ape Cave and venture underground inside the country’s longest lava tube!
From unique volcanic formations to clear alpine lakes, Mount St Helens National Monument is one of the best day trips from Portland, OR.
Stay: Lone Fir Resort
Contributed by Sydney of Sydney to Anywhere
9. Silver Falls State Park
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
Silver Falls State Park, near the small town of Silverton, is one of the best day trips from Portland OR if you’re looking for a dose of the great outdoors.
It offers a stunning landscape, with a towering cathedral of pine trees, dripping with moss; low-hanging fog; and massive primeval ferns. The park is actually so dreamy-looking, that it was used as a filming location for the Twilight movies!
The aptly named state park’s most famous feature, however, is its waterfalls. Home to the Trail of Ten Falls, the park has a dizzying variety of falls that you can hike past—and actually four that you can hike behind!
The best time to enjoy this trail is in the spring when the waterfalls are at their very fullest—just be prepared to get a little wet!
Alternatively, if you happen to be visiting in the summertime, the park has a shallow swimming area that’s perfect for cooling off after a long hike.
Silver Falls State Park is located just over one hour south of Portland.
Stay: The Hotel Salem
Contributed by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
10. Seattle
Distance from Portland: 2 hours 50 minutes
Seattle is the closest major city in the Pacific Northwest to Portland. But why would you leave Portland to explore a different city? Seattle has culture and charm, all of its own.
Washington’s largest city is home to Seattle’s infamous Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Museum, and Pike Place Market. Want to try something different?
Snap a few photos at Seattle’s bubble gum wall! Or explore its random architecture, like red popsicle statues or a troll under a bridge. Visitors truly have their pick at which activities they will explore on a trip to Seattle in one day.
Whimsical Seattle provides strolls along beautiful piers, green parks with skyline views, and the TALLEST Ferris Wheel on the continent!
If you have even more time, consider extending your trip to Olympic National Park.
Stay: Warwick Seattle
11. Cannon Beach
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 25 minutes
A Portland to Cannon Beach road trip is the perfect way to spend your day away from the city.
Cannon Beach, Oregon transports visitors into a sandy experience like no other. It’s no wonder it sees over 750,000 visitors per year!
Come for the famous views from the Goonies, and stay for breathtaking sunsets above Haystack Rock, local shops, and ultimately, a relaxing beach vacation.
There are so many fun things to do in Cannon Beach that make it a relaxing Portland road trip.
Some visitors prefer to drive 10 minutes from Cannon Beach to Seaside for accommodation as the costs tend to be significantly lower.
Consider combining your Cannon Beach trip with another beautiful coastal Oregon town.
Stay: Tolovana Inn
12. Lincoln City
Distance from Portland: 2 hours
The Oregon Coast has many unimaginably beautiful areas – many of which are overrun with tourists yearly. While Lincoln City sees its fair share of visitors, it’s nowhere like its sister cities to the north.
Yet, the beauty of Lincoln City is present as soon as you reach its city limits. With long beaches, a small-town vibe, and plenty of hiking and sightseeing to do, it’s truly a gem on the Oregon Coast.
The list of activities is long, but my favorite things to do in the area are hike to Cascade Head, visit Drift Creek Falls (with a suspension bridge over the top), and watch the local herd of Roosevelt Elk.
For where to stay, that’s easy! Nearly every resort is literally on the beach. Ihad a great stay at the Starfish Manor Hotel with oceanfront views.
Stay: Starfish Manor Hotel
Contributed by Alec from Explore with Alec
Portland Day Trip Packing List
Here are a couple of can’t-miss items to toss in your suitcase when taking a Portland day trip.
Supportive Shoes– Many of these Portland OR day trips involve a lot of walking. In my book, comfort is ALWAYS key when exploring.
Water bottle– I always recommend a water bottle for long days of exploring. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Packable backpack– if this is what you fancy! Love it because it collapses/folds so easily into your travel suitcase or backpack. It’s an ideal size for day exploring.
Conclusion
Portland is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. This naturally means that there are amazing day trips around every corner.
From farm stands at Fruit Loop Hood River to the gorgeous Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, there are activities for day.
Start planning your day trip from Portland today!
