10 Best Day Trips From Portland, Oregon: Complete Guide

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Portland, Oregon is known for its “weird” vibes, craft beer scene, and delicious food served in carts. But the city also offers plenty of day trips you can take, including the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, the Columbia River Gorge, and more. In this article, we will cover 10 of the best day trips from Portland, Oregon.

Pack whatever makes you go vroom let’s check out stunning waterfalls, sip fine wines and come face to face with a volcano! Whether you are renting a car or joining a day tour, well will explore some of the most amazing experiences you can have from Portland in 4 wheels.

Mt Hood

Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge

Mount Hood is not a moon, it’s a space station! Sorry, we’ll explain. Actually it’s a mountain that serves as one of the most iconic destinations in the state. You must head to the summit and there you can either embark on a hike to one of the viewing points or simply soak it all in from the Observation Deck. Just don't forget your camera because that would just be crazy and we could no longer be friends. When you're done frolicking on the mountain, make your way down to Timberline Lodge. This iconic lodge is where they filmed exteriors for The Shining, so you can bet it's got some spooky vibes.

If you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day, the lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range. You might even catch a glimpse of Puget Sound or, if you're really lucky, the moon. See what we mean about it being a space station? It is one of the best spots in Oregon to see the moon in all its glory. We immediately wanted to go home and watch Apollo 13, which ironically is about not getting to the moon, but it still did the trick.

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most visited spots in Oregon, and for good reason. This area is home to some of the most popular natural attractions, including the Multnomah Falls, Vista Point, and the Vista Tower. The best way to see all of these attractions is by taking the Gorge Waterfalls Hike and Bike, which is a guided tour along the Gorge. You’ll travel from Vista Point on the Columbia River, through the Vista Tower, and finally to Multnomah Falls. We did a day tour with Viator, but as long as you see these sites, you do you.

The Multnomah Falls is perhaps the most popular attraction in the Columbia River Gorge, and the only waterfall that drops into the Columbia River. You can hike to the base of the Multnomah Falls, which is a great experience, but the best way to see the Multnomah is from Vista Point. From Vista Point, you get a view of the waterfall and a close-up view of the river itself. Vista Point is also a great spot to watch the Gorge Waterfalls. We tried to get a photo without the tourists, but as you can see it was not a successful mission due to the popularity of this spot. We might have engaged in some light shoving, but never resorted to throwing them off the bridge. We promise. ;)

Multnomah Falls

Crater Lake

As the only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning blue waters and its unique geological features. Crater Lake is located in the southern part of Oregon and is home to the deepest lake in the United States. You can explore Crater Lake by taking a boat tour, or by hiking around the rim of the crater. Visitors can swim in designated areas of crater lake, but the water will be colder than a penguin's pajamas! Why penguins wear pajamas we do not yet know, but will be sure to investigate.

So, the best way to see Crater Lake is by taking a boat tour, which will take you to the various islands that are located in the lake. You’ll also get to see the different geological features that make up Crater Lake, including the caldera, which is a large crater that was formed when Mount Mazama erupted. The boat tour is a great way to learn about the history of Crater Lake and is a must-do for anyone visiting the park who is okay with learning while on vacation. We know, it’s the worst.

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is where gorgeous landscapes meet boozy mischief. The Willamette Valley is located in the western part of Oregon and is home to many different types of terrain, including forests, rivers, and mountains. You’ll also find plenty of wineries here. You can explore the Willamette Valley by taking a drive through it, just not while wine tasting. That would be a very bad life decision. Haven’t you made enough of those by now?

The Willamette Valley Scenic Railway is a great way to see the Willamette Valley, as it takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the valley. You’ll get to see the mountains, the rivers, and the forests, and you’ll also get to stop at some of the many wineries without needing to drive. #smartlifechoices

Scenic Valley in Oregon

The Oregon Coast By Amtrak

To our surprise during our research, Amtrak did not create the Oregon coastline itself. But it is a great way to get there from Portland via their Cascades route. The coastal region is one of the most stunning areas in Oregon known for its great beaches and small-town charms. Yes, you could drive, but you can also explore it by upping your track game and taking a ride on the rails.

The Amtrak Cascades is a great way to see the Oregon Coast, as it takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the state. The train departs from Portland and continues south, stopping at cities such as Salem, Albany, Eugene, and Springfield. Each stop offers its own unique attractions and local flavors, giving you the opportunity to discover more of Oregon's diverse offerings.

The total travel time from Portland to the Oregon Coast can vary depending on the specific destination but typically is about 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by picturesque beaches and vibrant coastal towns. You'll be rewarded with stunning natural beauty and a relaxed seaside atmosphere without needing to argue with Siri or your Android AI over the best route to avoid road work. We both say things we don’t mean, so it's best to be avoided on a trip to the coast.

Cannon Beach

Speaking of which, one of the most popular day trips to the coast is Cannon Beach, which is known for its stunning dunes, a wide array of seafood restaurants and cafes, and of course, a beach of the Cannon variety. You can easily do a day trip to Cannon from Portland by taking I-405, the main highway that runs through the Columbia River Gorge. The drive to Cannon Beach is only about 1.5 hours, and once you’re there, you can get beachy with it.

Cannon Beach is also home to Haystack Rock, which is a natural rock formation that kinda looks like a monolith from the movie 2001 or some movie where we make contact with aliens. If you don’t know 2001 then I am revoking our friendship credentials. Anyway, you can get a great view of the rock formation from the beach, or from one of the many hiking trails that lead up to it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of the rocks, which is a popular spot for rock climbers. Go meet some aliens people!

Tillamook

Tillamook is where cheese meets aviation! No, we are not talking about some 1930s Howard Hughes cheese-eating contest. We are talking about a town that is a cheese-filled wonderland between Portland and the coast! Tillamook is home to The Tillamook Cheese Factory, a mecca for cheese enthusiasts and lactose lovers alike. Take a guided tour and discover the secret behind Oregon's legendary dairy-making prowess. Resist the urge to push your fellow tourists out of the way so you can dive headfirst into a vat of deliciousness as the tour unfolds. If you do though, please take a selfie on the way down. (Just kidding, don’t do that! We don’t need Tillamook cheese agents knocking on our door!)

For all you aviation aficionados, the Tillamook Air Museum is ready to take you on a high-flying escapade. Dive into the captivating history of aviation in Oregon as you marvel at the magnificent aircraft that once soared the skies. From vintage planes to artifacts, you'll be transported to a world where gravity is just a suggestion. Just don’t go all Han Solo on us and try to hijack your own “Millennium Falcon” for an unscheduled joyride! Just because your dad was in the airfare and you enjoy Star Wars doesn’t mean you have a license to be a scoundrel.

Astoria

Astoria is a historic city nestled in the northwestern part of Oregon, where Victorian architecture and a legion of fishermen who could pass as Ernest Hemingway impersonators await your arrival. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where history intertwines with stunning scenery, and where even the fish have a fishing license. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Oregon's sea-loving past as you wander through the charming streets of downtown.

Hop aboard the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and embark on a delightful ride through the heart of this picturesque city. Astoria boasts breathtaking forests and rivers that will have you growing a beard and heading to REI as you get home. From the stunning riverfront to the coastal panoramas, Astoria will make you debate raiding your toddler’s college fund for a Trawler. Pro Tip: Do it! Let them grow up with a sense of reality.

Seattle, Wa 

About a 2.5-hour drive or train ride from Portland, Seattle makes for a great day trip. Seattle is a beautiful city, with a lot to offer tourists. Read our deep dive on the best of Seattle for a more in-depth review. Some of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Aquarium. The Space Needle is a great place to get a view of the city, but Kerry Park offers a better view of the city for free!

Pike Place Market, a massive display of Seattle culture and local wares, is a must-do for anyone who visits. The Seattle Aquarium is a great place to learn about the different types of fish that live in Puget Sound and is located on the Seattle boardwalk, a sea-lovers destination in itself. Hop in your car, crank up the Pearl Jam, and head north for some weekend hijinx.

Mount St. Helens and Johnson Ridge Observatory

Get ready for an explosive adventure at Mount St. Helens, a day trip for anyone with a burning curiosity about Earth's fiery side. Feel the rumble of excitement as you explore this active US volcano. Strap on your hiking boots and conquer the summit, or if you prefer a more relaxed approach, take a leisurely drive around the mountain and let the majestic views erase the worry of an eruption while taking your selfie. Join one of the ranger-led programs and witness the volcano's history and geology come to life.

Make your way to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Located a mere five miles from the crater, this observatory offers jaw-dropping views of the volcanic spectacle. Inside the observatory, prepare to be blown away by the museum's captivating tale of the 1980 eruption. It's a blast from the past (literally) that will leave you in awe of Mother Nature's mighty power. Your mom’s homemade chili might be spicy, but it won’t compare to what Mother Nature can create.

Portlandia Statue in Downtown Portland

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Conclusion

Now that you've got the inside scoop on these fantastic day trips from Portland, it's time to escape the quirky charm of the city and venture into the wild beauty of greater Oregon. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Pacific Northwest, where majestic landscapes and quirky characters await meet. And fear not, because you'll have plenty of time to make it back to your cozy Portland hotel and indulge in the sugary goodness of a voodoo doughnut (or two) before calling it a night.

Embark on an epic day trip adventure, and discover the hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest. Just remember to bring your camera, some outdoorsy gear (even just for show), and a passion for all things weird and wonderful. You can read our guest post deep dive on visiting Portland, Oregon over at Rachel’s Ruminations right here: Portland, Oregon 3-Day Itinerary

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