You can experience captivating landscapes and landmarks all within a few hours’ drive of Portland, Oregon. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a camping trip, or you plan to see them all, these top 5 choices will surprise and amaze you.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a stunning 620-foot waterfall just a 30-minute drive east of Portland. As the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, Multnomah Falls is beautiful in every season. The base of the falls is just a 5-minute walk from the parking area, but a short hike up a paved path will take you to Benson Bridge, which allows you view the falls from midway up. Hiking trails will take you to the top of Multnomah Falls or to the little-known Wahkeena (“most beautiful”) Falls. Multnomah Falls has an Information Center with a gift shop and restaurant. For protection from the misty air, bring a sweater or a jacket with you for your visit. The Falls are an easy drive from Portland on 1-84 East, or for a real treat take the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway and enjoy views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Tillamook State Forest
Encompassing the entire Northeast corner of Oregon, Tillamook State Forest has everything you’re looking for: hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic views, campgrounds, boating, and trails for off-road vehicles. It’s about an hour drive from Portland to the Tillamook region. The weather varies greatly in the forest, so be prepared to bring clothing for keeping warm or keeping cool.
For a little bit longer drive, about 3-4 hours north of Portland, you can experience scenic views of an active volcano, over 14,000 feet in elevation, at Mount Rainier in Washington. A mecca for mountain climbers and backpackers, Mount Rainier is also a great day or weekend trip. There are many opportunities for day hikes and scenic drives. Although the park is open year-round, most roads are open from late May to early October. Visit the park’s website to plan around your specific interests.
This is a remarkable beach, the best spot for a day trip on Oregon’s Pacific coastline. Bring a picnic, try your hand at digging clams, fly a kite, and stay for a sunset walk. There are a variety of possible day hikes, both long and short, that are great for birdwatching along the dunes. The park connects with the six-mile Fort to Sea Trail that traces the route that Lewis and Clark may have taken on their famous expedition. If you’re in the area for a longer period of time, explore other parts of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which encompasses Sunset Beach and many other local recreational and historical sites. Sunset Beach is about an hour and 45 minutes east of Portland.
If you’re a history buff looking for a day trip, Fort Stevens State Park is the place to go. About two hours from Portland, just up the coast from Sunset Beach, Fort Stevens pairs scenic beach recreation with a military museum, historic Indian dwellings, and Civil War re-enactments. Enjoy trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and a campground for longer stays.
