Day trips from Portland, OR
From Portland, Oregon
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings. Just a short drive away, you'll find a variety of day trip opportunities that cater to different interests. From the dramatic landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge to the charming coastal towns and historic sites, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore nature, indulge in local cuisine, or immerse yourself in art and history, these day trips from Portland promise unforgettable experiences.
1. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning river canyon offers a plethora of activities, including hiking, waterfall viewing, and scenic drives. The area is home to over 90 waterfalls, with Multnomah Falls being the most famous. The scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway provides breathtaking views and easy access to numerous trailheads and viewpoints.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Multnomah Falls
- ✓Eagle Creek Trail
- ✓Historic Columbia River Highway
- ✓Oneonta Gorge
2. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a picturesque coastal town known for its wide sandy beaches and the iconic Haystack Rock. This charming town offers a variety of activities, including beachcombing, tide pooling, and exploring local art galleries. The town's historic district features quaint shops and delicious dining options, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Haystack Rock
- ✓Ecola State Park
- ✓Cannon Beach History Center
- ✓Local art galleries
3. Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland is a renowned theater festival that celebrates the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights. The festival offers a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and educational programs. Ashland is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore. The town's historic district features beautiful architecture and a lively atmosphere.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Shakespearean plays
- ✓Ashland Elizabethan Theatre
- ✓Lithia Park
- ✓Historic downtown Ashland
4. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a coastal park offering stunning cliffs, coves, and hiking trails. This scenic corridor is a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous viewpoints and picnic areas. The park's trails lead to hidden beaches, waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. The nearby town of Brookings offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Natural Bridges Viewpoint
- ✓Hug Point
- ✓Harris Beach State Park
- ✓Brookings-Harbor
Available Tours:
5. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene is a must-visit destination for art lovers. The museum houses an impressive collection of Asian, European, and American art. The museum's galleries feature a variety of exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Eugene is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Asian art collection
- ✓European art collection
- ✓American art collection
- ✓Eugene's arts district
6. Mount Hood National Forest
Mount Hood National Forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The forest is home to numerous trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. The nearby town of Hood River offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as a vibrant arts scene.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Timberline Lodge
- ✓Mount Hood Meadows
- ✓Trillium Lake
- ✓Hood River
7. Willamette Valley Wine Country
The Willamette Valley is known for its world-class wineries and stunning landscapes. This region offers a variety of wine tasting experiences, from small family-owned vineyards to large estate wineries. The valley is also home to numerous farms, orchards, and artisanal food producers, making it a perfect destination for food and wine lovers.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Wine tasting at local vineyards
- ✓Exploring farm stands and orchards
- ✓Visiting artisanal food producers
- ✓Scenic drives through the valley
8. Historic Astoria
Astoria is a historic town located at the mouth of the Columbia River. This charming town offers a variety of activities, including exploring historic sites, visiting museums, and enjoying local cuisine. Astoria is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Columbia River Maritime Museum
- ✓Fort Stevens State Park
- ✓Astoria Column
- ✓Historic downtown Astoria
Available Tours:
9. Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is a stunning park featuring ten waterfalls along the Trail of Ten Falls. This park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park's trails lead to breathtaking waterfalls, lush forests, and scenic viewpoints. The nearby town of Silverton offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Trail of Ten Falls
- ✓South Falls
- ✓North Falls
- ✓Silverton
10. Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is a must-visit destination for wildlife and nature lovers. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including marine life, birds, and mammals. The aquarium's highlights include the Sea Otter Habitat, the Seabird Aviary, and the Passages of the Deep exhibit. Newport is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Sea Otter Habitat
- ✓Seabird Aviary
- ✓Passages of the Deep
- ✓Newport's arts district
11. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is a stunning park featuring the deepest lake in the United States. This park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. The park's highlights include the Rim Drive, the Watchman Peak Trail, and the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The nearby town of Klamath Falls offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Rim Drive
- ✓Watchman Peak Trail
- ✓Cleetwood Cove Trail
- ✓Klamath Falls
12. McMinnville and the Yamhill Valley
McMinnville is a charming town located in the heart of the Yamhill Valley. This town offers a variety of activities, including exploring historic sites, visiting museums, and enjoying local cuisine. McMinnville is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore. The nearby Yamhill Valley is home to numerous wineries, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
- ✓Linfield College
- ✓McMinnville's historic district
- ✓Yamhill Valley wineries
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