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Oregon and the whole of the Pacific Northwest are known for their outstanding landscapes and natural beauty. Often road trips are a great way to explore the PNW at your own pace and to see a lot more of these off-the-beaten-path landscapes and hard-to-reach places. But what if you’re only in the area for a day or two? Perhaps you’re based in Portland for a short time but looking for some great day trips from Portland that still capture the beauty of the PNW?
Well look no further because here are five beautiful day trips you can take from Portland, Oregon and discover why so many people love this beautiful part of the United States.
If you’re wondering what qualifies me to pick these five day trips, my partner has lived in Portland for eight years and in the two years we spent doing long distance (US-UK), I visited Portland many times and because of his work schedule, we often took day trips on his days off work so we could see lots but be able to get back to Portland easily.
Portland is ideally located in that you can get to the coast, the mountains, the desert, waterfalls and the forest, all within an hour from the city. So this guide incorporates some of all those things, so there is a day trip here for everyone!
You might also be interested in my Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide.
Columbia River Gorge and Hood River day trip itinerary
The Columbia River runs right through the city of Portland so it’s a simple case of hopping on the Columbia River Scenic Highway which runs straight out of the city and then onto the Historic Columbia River Highway which runs along the south side of the Columbia River Gorge. This day trip takes you from Portland, along the Columbia River with several waterfall stops and panoramic views, until you reach Hood River. Here you can cross the river over the Hood River Bridge and drive back along the Gorge on the Washington state side of the river to get back to Portland.
Distance and time
The drive is approximately 70 miles each way and while this distance only takes 1.5hrs to cover when driving non-stop, with the stops below, this is a full day trip from Portland.
Why this day trip?
I’ve taken this day trip from Portland many times and it’s still one of my favourites because it’s so close to the city, it’s a great place to take family and friends who are new to the area and don’t have too long to explore further afield. Plus the dramatic scenery of the gorge, the iconic waterfalls and views along this drive really make it a must-see for anyone visiting Portland.
If you don’t have a car though, have no fear! Book a day tour to see all the top sights in the Columbia River Gorge here!
Itinerary of places to stop on this day trip (in order)
Vista House
Just 30 minutes from Portland is the first stop on your day trip. Vista House sits high above the Columbia River, you’ll need to take exit 22 and follow the Historic Columbia River highway to get here. This observation point gives incredible panoramic views over the gorge and mountains.
Latourell Falls
Continue east along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Latourell Falls. This is one of my favourites along the gorge. It’s a beautiful 249ft plunge waterfall which you can easily view from the road or walk right up to the base on a short path from the carpark. Just wear a waterproof or be prepared for spray on a windy day!
Bridal Veil Falls
Only a 5 minute drive further along the highway from Latourell Falls is Bridal Veil Falls. You do need to walk down to these falls but the path is paved and with steps.There are also picnic areas and the falls are not a far walk from the road.
Multnomah Falls
You can’t visit the Columbia River without stopping at these iconic falls. Multnomah is famous for its 600ft double cascade falls with an arched bridge over them. Photos from any angle are stunning but this spot is very popular with tourists. You’ll need to part in the visitor car park located in the middle of the main highway then walk under the pedestrian tunnel to get to the viewing platform.
Oneonta Falls and Gorge
Another one of my favourite spots although it has sadly been closed for a long time since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. You can take a short walk to see the lower falls but if you want to walk through the slot canyon to reach the falls at the end, be prepared to get wet as the water can get deep! This is definitely not a hike for young children or those with mobility issues.
Hood River
This is the turning point for your day and a great place to stop for a late lunch. Check out one of the great breweries in the city like pFriem or Full Sail Brewing Company or Ferment Brewing Company. I visited pFriem and also Double Mountain Brewery for lunch where they have some great pizzas.
Cross the Hood River Bridge
This is the turning back point for your day trip but there is a toll to pay on the bridge which is $2 per passenger vehicle. If you would prefer to avoid the toll then I suggest driving back the way you came and crossing at the Bridge of the Gods by Cascade Locks.
The reason I like to drive along the other side is because the sun shines through the gorge from the west and you have amazing views in the late afternoon.
This side of the river is so different and it’s amazing to see the changes in landscape and see Oregon from the Washington side. Look out for all the pull-ins along the road if you want to take some photos!
Bridge of the Gods
This striking industrial bridge is really fun to stop and photograph and has some great view points across the gorge. There are plenty of places to pull over and snap a photo or two.
You’ll arrive back into Portland via Vancouver, Washington and cross the Glenn L Jackson Memorial Bridge to get back into the city.
Oregon Coast and Ecola State Park itinerary with a drive through Tillamook Forest
The Oregon coast is absolutely beautiful, whether you visit in scorching sunshine or on a stormy day, the coast is so dramatic that it’s beautiful whatever the weather!
I also have a full road trip guide from Astoria, Oregon down to California, click here to read my Oregon Coast Guide.
Don't have a car? See similar sights by booking on this tour.
Distance and time
The total loop is just under 200 miles, with 3 sections as follows:
Portland to Ecola State Park - 1 hour 30 / 80 miles
Ecola State Park to Tillamook - 1 hour / 40 miles
Tillamook back to Portland - 1 hour 25 / 73 miles
Why this day trip?
This drive is great because you can take a completely different route on the way there and the way back, plus you get to experience the famous sights of Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach, as well as drive down part of the beautiful Oregon Coast Highway. The route home takes you through Tillamook Forest, which is great if you ever fancy trying some offroading, but just as beautiful and eerie to drive back to Portland through the forest.
Itinerary of places to stop on this day trip (in order)
Ecola State Park
Take the US Highway 26 out west towards Ecola State Park. If you’re using Google Maps, set your destination as Ecola Point Day Use Area. This spot has gorgeous views down the coast and there are some beautiful rock formations to watch the waves crashing over and snap a few photos.
The cost to enter Ecola State Park is a $5 day permit. This will allow you to move around the park freely for 24 hours. Also check out Indian Beach and the day use area there.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a coastal city in Oregon, famous for its long sandy beach and Haystack Rock.
But the town itself is really worth exploring, with quaint coastal cafes and local stores.
Haystack Rock
Be sure to head out onto Cannon Beach and see the famous Haystack Rock. The beach is huge and the rock can be seen at high or low tide. This is also a great spot for dog owners and walkers.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
This is one of my favourite spots along the coast because the beach is pretty but there’s also some cool caves there to explore and a rocky walkway to climb up the cliffs a short way on the right hand side of the beach.
There is a carpark off the main road and also some restrooms there too. Parking is free.
Rockaway Beach
Keep driving down the coastal road and enjoying the views until you reach Rockaway Beach. The beach here is also very big.
Tillamook
Tillamook is the turning point for your day trip. I like to stop here for a late lunch/early dinner with plenty of breweries and food options to choose from.
Check out Pelican Brewing, the Old Oregon Smokehouse or de Garde Brewing.
Or it’s your chance to try out the famous Tillamook cheeses at Blue Heron French Cheese Company, which has an amazing farm shop full of local produce. There is also the Tillamook Creamery which has tours and tastings as well as a restaurant.
Take the Wilson River Highway back to Portland through the Tillamook Forest. The forest is beautiful to drive through.
Silver Falls State Park day trip itinerary
The trip to Silver Falls State Park is the first day trip I ever took from Portland and I try to go back everytime I visit. It is a beautiful park and the waterfalls are breathtaking!
Don't have a car? Book on this tour from Portland to Silver Falls which includes a hike and wine tasting!
Distance and time
Silver Falls State Park is 53 miles from Portland and just over an hours drive.
The walk itself is a 7.6 mile loop, allow 3-4 hours depending on pace.
Why this day trip?
Silver Falls State Park is the perfect Oregon combination of amazing waterfalls, beautiful forest and walking trails which are suitable for all levels of hikers, as the trail is very well maintained. The Trail of Ten Falls is the trail I recommend, so you can see as much of the park as possible and a variety of different waterfalls ranging from 27ft to 178ft, 4 of them you can walk behind.
The power of the falls and beautiful landscape is incredible to see and a really quick and easy journey to see some of the sights Oregon is famous for, without having to go too far from Portland.
Itinerary of places to stop on this day trip (in order)
Park at the Trail of Ten Falls car park, there is also a visitors centre and shop here.
The 10 Falls loop is 7.6 miles and will bring you back to the same place. The Park does get busy in summer, I went in the winter and found it to be very quiet and met very few people on the way around.
South Falls is the first waterfall and closest to the car park. You can also walk behind these falls.
The trial is well marked and easy to follow, even with children.
Willamette National Forest hot springs and Willamette Waterfalls day trip itinerary
If you want some real Oregon wilderness with the benefit of just a short hike then these hot springs are for you. Often Called Terwilliger Hot Springs or Cougar Hot Springs, they are located in the Willamette National Forest with other nearby waterfalls definitely worth a visit too.
Note that these hot springs are clothing optional. They have only recently been reopened due landslides and forest fires in recent years so please check their status before travelling.
Distance and time
Portland to hot springs = 2hr 44 minute drive from Portland / 159 miles.
Terwilliger Hot Springs to Proxy Falls - 1 hour
Terwilliger Hot Springs to Koosah Falls = 45 minutes / 32 miles
Koosah Falls to Portland = 2.5 hours / 135 miles
The hike to the hot springs is arouna quarter of a mile from the trailhead.
Why this day trip?
Willamette National Forest is a great trip a little further afield from Portland to really experience the beauty of the state and the unique Oregon hot spring experience with an easy hike.
The forest is also home to several other waterfalls which are well worth a visit if you have time.
I love the Willamette Forest because you can warm up in the hot springs then cool off in the waterfalls!
Itinerary of places to stop on this day trip (in order)
Terwilliger Hot Springs
These beautiful natural hot springs are located in the Willamette Forest and are a short ¼ mile hike from the trail head.
There are six pools, surrounded by rocks and their temperatures range from 80F (29C) to 112F (44C).
Clothing is optional so please bear this in mind and respect other people too. Also this area relies on its visitors leaving the site how it was found, so please be respectful of the natural environment and take your rubbish with you.
These springs can get busy in peak season or during weekends so consider what time you arrive if you want a quieter, more relaxing experience.
Proxy Falls
After you’ve finished soaking in the pools, head to the beautiful Proxy Falls. Note that this trail is only accessible in summer, it is closed off by snow during the winter and the McKenzie Highway is closed.
The whole trail loop is 1.5 miles and is an easy, family friendly hike, although not wheelchair accessible. I would recommend going on a week day if you’re visiting during the summer.
You can get right up to the waterfall, just be careful of slippery stones and logs.
Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls
Koosah Falls are a great option if you can squeeze it into your day, or as an alternative if you visit in the cooler months when the road to Proxy Falls is closed.
This is a great accessible option for everyone, with Sahalie Falls viewable from an accessible viewing platform around 30 metres from the car park.
There is an easy, family-friendly, although not wheelchair friendly, trail from Sahalie Falls to Koosah Falls.
The whole trail is a 2.5 mile loop and there is decent car parking at both falls sites.
Remember to take water and energy snacks!
The drive back from Koosah Falls to Portland is 2.5 hours.
Mt Hood/Timberline Lodge and Lakes day trip itinerary
My favourite way to see snow on a day trip from Oregon, often even if you’re travelling there in the spring like I was. Even in April I saw snow up at the Timberline Lodge and was wading in ankle deep snow out to the lakes, under a clear, sunny day!
Don't have a car? Book on this Portland to Mount Hood day tour.
Distance and time
Portland to Timberline Lodge = 1hr 24 minutes / 62 miles
Timberline Lodge to Trillium Lake = 27 minutes / 9 miles
Trillium Lake to Mt Hood = 45 minutes / 28 miles
Mt Hood back to Portland = 1hr 21 minutes / 77 miles
Why this day trip?
Mount Hood is an icon of Portland and Oregon itself and you can see it on a clear day from all over Portland, so of course this is a great trip to be able to take easily in a day from the city.
If you’re a keen skier or snowboarder then it’s a perfect day trip for you to get out and hit the slopes for a day from the city!
Even if you’re not a snowsports fan, no one can deny the beauty and awe of Mount Hood and the surrounding areas. I’m not a skier or snowboarder but I love to get up to the lodge or hike some of the surrounding trails in the summer or the winter!
Itinerary of places to stop on this day trip (in order)
Timberline Lodge
Primarily used as a ski resort and lodge for accommodation, you can also head up here to visit and check out this beautiful 1930s rustic lodge, complete with a large wooden hall with a huge stone fireplace and beautiful traditional chalet decor.
Parking here is free and it’s free to go inside and check out. If you’d like to eat here too, that’s also an option.
Trillium Lake
This huge lake offers picture perfect views and reflections of Mt Hood and the surrounding tree line.
The hike down to the lake and the loop around is it around 4.5 miles from the trailhead if the road down to the lake is not yet accessible. Or the loop around the lake on its own is 3.5 miles.
There is a campground, day use area and various activities around the lake, making it a perfect trip to go hiking, boating, snowshoeing, camping or just relaxing on one of the docks.
Mt Hood Community and farms
On your drive up to the gorge to get back to Portland, along the OR-35 route, be sure to stop at My Hood town community. Here you will find beautiful fruit farms and also incredible driving views of Mt Hood.
Draper Girls Country Farm is a great family-friendly farm with fruit picking and a farm shop in a picturesque setting.
If you’re visiting in summer, also make sure to stop at Lavender Valley with incredible rows of lavender with a backdrop of snowy Mt Hood.
Drive back to Portland via Hood River and along the Columbia River Gorge.
Let me know if you take one of these day trips!
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