As Oregon’s largest city and well-known hipster mecca, Portland serves as a gateway to an incredible amount of natural wonders. The sprawling metropolis sits in the perfect location that grants you a short journey to the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge, and the mighty Cascades. For nature enthusiasts, living or visiting Portland means frequent jaunts outside the city.

Although you’ll need a car to reach the beautiful sights on Portland’s backdoor, many of them are only a short drive away. Most of the Portland day trips I’ve listed are within two hours driving distance. Whether you wish to gaze at waterfalls or lounge on the beach, you’re sure to find a trip that’s right for you.

Read below to find out the best Portland day trips to include in your itinerary.

21 Best Day Trips from Portland

Sauvie Island | Multnomah Falls | Willamette Valley | Hood River | Silver Falls State Park | Historic Columbia River Hwy | Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Trail | Mount Hood National Forest | Trillium Lake | Mt. St. Helens | Cannon Beach | Ecola State Park | Tillamook Bay | Astoria | Pacific City | Neskowin | Lincoln City | Eugene | Smith Rock State Park | Sea Lion Caves | Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area |

 

1. Sauvie Island

Driving Time from Portland: 20 – 30 minutes

One of the quickest day trips from Portland, Sauvie Island is the largest island within the Columbia River. Locals visit the island for its delicious produce and nature lovers have lots of outdoor activities on the edge of downtown Portland. The hikes coursing the landscape are suitable for trekkers of all levels, and bird watchers will find all sorts of beautiful species.

For a quick stroll, the 2.5-mile Wapato Access Greenway State Park Trail helps you spot lots of wildlife. The Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail follows the Columbia River and ambles to a quaint lighthouse.

Columbia Farms U-Pick lets you pick strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes, and beautiful flowers to take with you. Head to Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch & Winery to taste scrumptious fruits and vegetables, refreshing wines, and hard ciders.

2. Multnomah Falls

Driving Time from Portland: 30mins

The two-tiered, 620-foot Multnomah Falls is possibly the most iconic image of Oregon. Not only the state’s tallest waterfall, but it also creates an enchanting backdrop flowing behind Benson Bridge.

The cascade sits right off I-84, but its convenient location makes it one of the most crowded day trips from Portland. Around 2 million people visit each year to snap pictures of the falls tumbling down basalt cliffs. Try to avoid visiting during the busy summer and start your day at the crack dawn to ensure you get a parking spot.

After admiring Multnomah Falls in all her majesty, lace up your hiking shoes to find more stunning falls within the gorge. Hike the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop to pass Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Ecola Falls, and Wiesendanger Falls.

3. Willamette Valley

Driving Time from Portland: 45mins – 1hr

How about a trip to Oregon Wine Country? For wine aficionados, the Willamette Valley is a gateway to hundreds of wineries and vineyards just outside of Portland. Famous for its Pinot noir, the valley is Oregon’s most renowned wine region that accounts for nearly 70% of the state’s wine production.

The region’s location between the Pacific coast and the Cascade Range provides the ideal climate that allows grapes to flourish. Stretching for 150 miles, the valley offers an eclectic mix of wine routes tailored to different taste preferences.

Although wine dominates the region, the Willamette Valley adorns visitors with its rustic charm, lavish restaurants, top-notch breweries, and outdoor activities. Wander into small towns such as the artsy Cottage Grove or food-savvy Dayton for a delightful trip into the Oregon countryside.

4. Hood River

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr – 1hr 30 mins

Sporting views of Mount Hood that rival Portland, Hood River entices thrill-seekers, foodies, and animal lovers to visit. The town’s namesake is a tributary of the mighty Columbia River and is a recreational hub for the town’s 8,000 residents.

As the windsurfing capital of the world, the water is the place to be for a day of high-flying action. Kayakers, sailors, paddlers, and sunbathers flock to Hood River during balmy summer days, and you’ll find lots of space for a picnic.

Stroll down the delightful streets of downtown Hood River to find boutique shops, art galleries, breweries, and dozens of eateries. Venture down the Hood River Fruit Loop to smell radiant orchards, tour wineries, and visit local farms. For a peaceful voyage offering sensational mountain vistas, go horseback riding through the Hood River Valley.

5. Silver Falls State Park

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr – 1hr 30 mins

Silver Falls State Park is Oregon’s largest state park and possibly its most enchanting spot to chase waterfalls. The park boasts over two dozen miles of hiking trails, but the star attraction is the Trail of Ten Falls. Meandering through mossy canyons and lush forests, the 7.6-mile loop leads you to 10 mesmerizing waterfalls.

Five of the cascades measure over 100 feet, and it’s possible to walk behind several of them. The 177-ft South Falls earns the highest praise for its sharp plunge over a basalt cliff and numerous angles to snap pictures. Outside of hiking, the park offers equestrian trails, mountain biking, and picnic areas to enjoy the splendour Oregon State Parks system’s “crown jewel.”

6. Historic Columbia River Hwy

Driving Time from Portland: 1 – 2hrs

Coursing about 75 miles along the Columbia River Gorge, the Historic Columbia River Hwy is the original “All-American Road.” The roadway stretches from Troutdale to The Dalles and presents the grandest viewpoints of the gorge. Although not every section of the original route is driveable, it serves as a gateway to adventurous hikes, cascading waterfalls, and incredible vistas of the 4,000-ft canyon.

From Portland, start your road trip from I-84 and make sure you take every detour possible for the Columbia River Hwy. Temperate rainforests, basalt cliffs, and scenic overlooks hug the road, and many of the gorge’s best sights can be seen from the car. While you’re driving, appreciate the brilliant craftsmanship of the safety rails and bridges that complement the beautiful landscape.

7. Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Trail

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins

The 9-mile Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Trail offers striking views of the Cascade Range for day trekkers. Well-maintained and steady elevation gain, the trail boasts heart-racing vistas of Mount Hood and other peaks on a sunny day. Walking along the ridge gives you a stellar vantage of the forest and courses past Mirror Lake.

Keep your eyes peeled for lots of wildlife, but don’t forget the bug spray to ward off mosquitos. Beautiful wildflowers bloom during the spring, and the rocky summit is a delightful spot to recharge with a packed lunch.

8. Mount Hood National Forest

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins

Mount Hood looms over Portland, and a day trip to its surrounding wilderness gives you a closer look at Oregon’s tallest peak. With around 1,000 miles of hiking trails just beneath the snowy peak, there are treks for all skill levels. Many trails wind through the dense forest, meander to cascading waterfalls, and provide the perfect vistas of the Cascade Range.

The Timberline Trail and Pacific Crest Trail are two of Oregon’s famous hiking expeditions, and you’ll often encounter trekkers on incredible journeys. Trails are also open to mountain bikers and horseback riders searching for serenity within the forest.

For a winter getaway, the Timberline Lodge and Ski Area is an alpine wonderland that’s renowned as one of North America’s top ski destinations. Movie buffs will notice the famous lodge for its iconic appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Mt. Hood Skibowl offers the unique thrill of night skiing that let you enjoy the ski lifts longer than most places in the country.

9. Trillium Lake

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins

Nestled within Mount Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake deserves a day trip by itself for its numerous recreational activities. The crystal-clear alpine lake sits directly beneath Mount Hood to give you endless photo opportunities of the famous volcano. Trillium Lake campground attracts Portlanders looking for a lakeside getaway, but there are plenty of amenities for a scenic day trip.

Hiking trails encircle the shoreline, a boat ramp serves a launching pad for kayakers, and a sandy beach lets sunbathers work on their tan. A nearby pier attracts anglers hoping to catch trout, and there are several picnic areas to enjoy a meal.

10. Mt. St. Helens

Driving Time from Portland: 1.5 hours

Drive across the Washington state line to admire the volcano that captured the world’s attention with its ferocious 1980 eruption. Pyroclastic flow rushed into the sky and devastated the landscape surrounding the mountain. Scientists preserved the area since it provided a rare opportunity to study the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in the continental United States.

A day trip to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument helps you understand the fragile ecosystem. Interactive exhibits reveal the incredible power of the volcano, and the park’s trails and viewpoints give you a closer glimpse of the recovering environment.

Windy Ridge has become one of Washington’s beloved scenic drives thanks to its incredible views into the volcanic crater. For mountaineers in good condition, it’s possible to reach the crater rim as long as you acquire a hiking permit.

11. Cannon Beach

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins

Cannon Beach features one of the defining features of the rocky Oregon Coast. Standing at 235 feet tall, Haystack Rock is an enormous sea stack that hugs the shoreline. The geologic marvel comes alive at low tide and attracts all sorts of marine life and bird species.

Hiking trails just offshore showcase the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean and a sturdy climb gives you a bird’s eye view of headlands jutting from the surface. The nearby Hug Point State Recreation Site reveals hidden sea caves and elegant cascades spilling onto the beach.

12. Ecola State Park

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins

Although Ecola State Park sits just beyond Cannon Beach, it deserves a day trip by itself for its jaw-dropping coastal vistas. The park extends for 9 miles between Cannon Beach and Seaside, and its hiking trails wind through Sitka spruce forests before reaching the cliffside.

Before hitting the trails, venture to Indian Beach for a scenic picnic or test your surfing skills. The Clatsop Loop Trail starts just beyond the beach and ventures into the forest before turning into a steep climb peeking over the ocean. Tillamook Head sits 1,000 feet above the jagged rocks and sandy shores, and the promontory served as the final place reached by the Lewis & Clark expedition.

13. Tillamook Bay

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 30 mins – 2hrs

Tillamook Bay draws nature lovers with its scenic views of the Oregon Coast, beautiful hiking trails, and kayaking excursions. The 40-mile Three Capes Scenic Loop gives you sensational views high above the Three Arch Rocks and Haystack Rock. Cape Lookout State Park lets hikers wander through coastal forests, and the promontory is a popular location to search for migrating whales.

Kayakers could spend a lifetime coasting on the waterways coursing along Oregon’s North Coast. The Tillamook Water Trail crosses five bodies of water and lets you wander through old-growth forests, marshlands, and fishing towns.

Before you venture back to Portland, make sure to dine on fresh seafood that’s some of the tastiest you’ll find anywhere in Oregon. A trip to the famous Tillamook Creamery is also a must for their delicious varieties of cheese and ice cream.

14. Astoria

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 45mins – 2hrs

Decorated with military history, Astoria sits on the northern end of the Oregon Coast near the Columbia River. The settlement traces its roots back to 1805 when the Lewis & Clark expedition reached the Pacific Ocean. Fort Stevens State Park is a picturesque section of coastline that gives you a closer glimpse of former forts and shipwrecks.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum delves into the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and recounts the harrowing tales of navigating the Columbia River Bar. To learn more about Lewis & Clark, visit the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to hear stories about their legendary adventures.

Give your feet a break by hopping on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and gazing at the Columbia River out your window. Head over to downtown Astoria to wander its quaint streets filled with local cafés, boutique shops, and fabulous eateries.

15. Pacific City

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 45mins – 2hrs

Pacific City presents breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast and a bevvy of recreational activities. Before stepping out of the car, take the Cape Kiwanda Drive to admire rugged cliffs and rocky headlands dotting the shoreline. Once you reach the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, don’t miss the heart-racing vistas from Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

Head to the sandy shores of Bob Straub State Park to watch the crashing waves of the ocean or seaside horseback riders. Nestucca Bay provides a sanctuary for wildlife, and you’ll find birds, elk, and amphibians around the estuary. About 10 miles north of Pacific City, the Sand Lake Recreation Area is your ticket to an exciting day of ATV riding.

16. Neskowin

Driving Time from Portland: 2hrs

The seaside community of Neskowin gets overlooked by many travelers visiting Oregon, but it intrigues those searching for unusual sights. Protruding from the shores of Neskowin Beach, the Neskowin Ghost Forest is the weirdest phenomenon lining the beach. The eerie stumps became exposed after a horrific winter storm, and scientists claim they once stood over 150 feet tall.

Proposal Rock is another remarkable sight that speaks volumes of the ruggedness of the Oregon Coast. The enormous rock sits offshore like an island that you’re only able to reach during low tide. Climb to the rock’s summit to peruse through the tranquil forest overlooking the beach.

Hikers can build a sweat trekking to Cascade Head, but the exhilarating views of the coastline are worth the effort. If you’re up for a round of golf, head to the Neskowin Beach Golf Course for a relaxing day on the green with incredible coastal scenery.

17. Lincoln City

Driving Time from Portland: 2hrs

Lincoln City offers a unique combo of cultural attractions and natural wonders along the Oregon Coast. The coastal town is comprised of several districts that each have a unique personality.

Stroll through the Taft District to watch talented glass artisans or learn about the region’s history at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. The Nelscott District oozes seaside charm with its adorable beach cottages, craft breweries, and live music. If you’re a high roller, waltz into the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in the Wecoma District for a chance at big winnings.

For a nature escape, hang out at Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area for kayaking, boating, swimming, and wildlife sightings. A sanctuary for native animals, Siletz Bay lets you kayak or paddle in a serene setting away from the urban noise.

18. Eugene

Driving Time from Portland: 1hr 45 mins – 2 hours

Resting along the banks of the Willamette River, Eugene is one of Oregon’s liveliest cities. One of the state’s cultural hubs, the city offers museums, art galleries, and beautiful urban parks.

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History features some of the most intriguing archaeological exhibits in the Pacific Northwest. Located on the University of Oregon campus, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is noted for its collection of Asian artwork. Alton Baker Park hosts open-air concerts at the Cuthbert Amphitheater and allows cyclists to ride along the river.

Eugene is also a nature lover’s playground with several outdoor spaces on its doorstep. Mount Pisgah Arboretum gives you panoramic views of Eugene and houses radiant gardens. Armitage Park campground is a popular day-use area that locals use for Oregon Duck football games and recreational activities such as hiking, boating, and biking.

19. Smith Rock State Park

Driving Time from Portland: 3 – 3hrs 30 mins

For rock climbers and intrepid explorers, the long drive to Smith Rock State Park is worth it. Get an early start to the day and see where American sport climbing gained its foothold. The park includes thousands of routes, many of them bolted, and seasoned rock climbers could spend an eternity here.

Monkey Face is the icon of the park, and this bizarrely-shaped rock column rises 350 feet above the high desert. The craggy spires of the Monument Area offer sweeping panoramas of the landscape when you reach the top. Far off the beaten path, the West Side Crags feature dozens of three-star climbs to bag on your day trip.

For trekkers, the Misery Ridge Trail soars to a 3,360-ft summit that rewards you with astonishing vistas and views of expert climbers conquering Monkey Face. Whether you’re here for thrilling mountain biking trails or relaxed horseback rides, Smith Rock is a nature lover’s playground.

20. Sea Lion Caves

Driving Time from Portland: 3 – 3.5 hours

Located near the coastal city of Florence, the Sea Lion Caves introduce you to sea lions living inside America’s largest sea cave. The wildlife preserve is a sanctuary to lots of marine animals and provides year-round refuge from the sea. In addition to sea lions, you might find grey whales, orcas, seagulls, pigeon guillemots, and other bird species inside the enchanting cave.

To reach the depths of the grotto, visitors ride an elevator to the rocky walls, and a stepped pathway leads to a lighthouse viewpoint. Keep in mind that the animals move freely and aren’t always inside the cave. Winter provides the best opportunity to view sea lions as they seek shelter from storms.

21. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Driving Time from Portland: 3hrs 30 mins – 4hrs

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a hub of activity along the Oregon Coast made for nature lovers. Featuring some of the most extensive coastal sand dunes on the planet, the area attracts adrenaline junkies looking for an off-road adventure. There are several designated riding areas and driving the rolling dunes offers mesmerizing ocean views.

For a slower-paced journey, hikers can trudge through the sculpted dunes and wander into temperate forests. There is abundant wildlife and inland marshes are home to a wide array of bird species. Boating on the rare coastal dune lakes offers a serene trip on the water to spot ospreys, bald eagles, elk, and other gorgeous creatures that live here.

 

What’s the best Portland day trip you’ve been on? Let me know in the comments and if it’s not on the list I might add it.