Portland is amazing and has so much to do, but my favorite part is escaping the city and exploring the amazing nature. In under two hours, you can be under a waterfall, sipping Pinot Noir, or standing on a coastal sand dune. Check out my favorite spots to visit that are super close to Portland.
1. Willamette Valley: Wine, Wine, Wine
Drive time from PDX: ~45 mins southwest
Portland’s backyard wine playground features rolling vineyard hills, local boutiques, and incredible farm-to-table food.
My fave spots: Grab a glass on the lawn at Stoller Family Estate, taste Pinot Noir at Domaine Drouhin, or enjoy the Italian vibes at Alloro Vineyards. If you’re interested in non-wine events, you can stroll down 3rd street in Downtown McMinnville.
Where to Eat: Red Hills Market is a super cute cafe and market, I love their pizza!!! Trellis and Tina’s are also great options right on Dundee’s main street. If you’re in McMinnville, I’d recommend the McMenamins rooftop for the vibes and beer, but La Rambla or Grounded Table are the move for food. 3rd Street has tons of incredible spots!
2. Silver Falls State Park & Silverton: Walking Behind Waterfalls
Drive time from PDX: ~1 hour 20 mins south
Must-visit: Hike the famous Trail of Ten Falls (do the 7.2-mile loop or the short trip to 177-foot South Falls).
Afterward, wander downtown Silverton and grab a beer at Silver Falls Brewery or tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gordon House.
3. Northern Oregon Coast: Haystack Rock & Quiet Beaches
Drive time from PDX: ~1.5 hours west
Must-visit: You have to check out the classic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, it’s necessary for an Oregon trip. Head to nearby Ecola State Park for even better views. My other favorite spots in the Northern Oregon Coast are Manzanita and Gearhart as they are super quiet and ultra picturesque.
Where to Eat: Beer at Public Coast Brewing Co. and pizza at Pizza a Fetta in Cannon Beach. If you’re in Manzanita, you have to go to Manzano’s Pizza Pie, so good!
4. Central Oregon Coast: Sand Dunes & Sea Lions
Drive time from PDX: ~2 hours southwest
My faves: Pacific City is my favorite Oregon Coast town. Marvel at another Haystack Rock while attempting to walk up the uber large dune. Depoe Bay is a perfect roadside stop to whale watch. Newport has great beaches, a bayfront with sea lions and views and yummy seafood.
Where to Eat: Grab a beachfront beer at Pelican Brewing or sustainably caught fish at Local Ocean Seafoods.
5. Columbia River Gorge & Hood River: Waterfalls & Orchards
Drive time from PDX: ~45 mins to 1.5 hours east
My faves: If you’ve never been, you have to go to the state’s tallest waterfall. It’s gorgeous and easily accessible but gets very busy. Make sure to grab a permit during the busy season. They are a bunch of waterfalls in the gorge, make sure to hike a less busy trail. Hood River is a super cute town that sits on the Columbia River. It’s known for windsurfing, has amazing breweries and a fruit loop to explore. You have to go to the Fruit Loop during summer and check out local fruit stands, wineries and cideries with amazing views of the mountains.
Where to Eat & Drink: Waterfront beers at pFriem Family Brewers or Ferment Brewing, plus wood-fired pizzas at Double Mountain.
6. Central Oregon: High Desert Sunshine
Drive time from PDX: ~3 to 3.5 hours southeast (Great long day trip or quick overnight)
Top Stops: Float the Deschutes River or hike Smith Rock State Park outside of Bend. My favorite town, Sisters, is a super cute western themed town that houses the best coffee shop in Oregon, Sisters Coffee Company. Enjoy the cascades and go on a hike!
Where to Eat & Drink: Asian/Latin fusion at Spork in Bend, Northern Thai at Wild Rose, and sunset brews on the lawn at Crux Fermentation Project (they have the best lawn!).
7. Mt. Hood & Timberline: Mountain Lakes & Alpine Lodges
Drive time from PDX: ~1.5 hours east
Top Stops: You have to go to Timberline Lodge. It’s spectacular and sits on the treeline of Mount Hood. Trillium, Lost and Timothy lake all have amazing views of Mount Hood. Go early as the parking lots fill up in the summer!