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Best Day Trips From Portland, Oregon

Did you know there are dozens of dreamy destinations that are within reach of a short day trip from Portland? We’re talking rugged coastlines, secret coves, stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and wildflower-filled meadows that are under two hours drive away!

Whether you are a Portland local looking for a change of scenery, or a visitor wanting to explore beyond the city limits, these destinations are guaranteed to not only impress, but leave a lasting memory.

The city of Portland sits less than 100 miles away from some of the most stunning and popular Oregon destinations. This includes the Oregon coast, Columbia River Gorge, Willamette Valley, and even top attractions in Washington state.

So if you are planning a trip to Portland, try to arrange for at least one or two days to explore other parts of Oregon. That is, after you’re done ticking off your Portland Bucket List.

For residents of Portland, these day trips will keep your weekends filled with entertaining outings for at least a few months. Take advantage of the proximity of Portland to all of the wonderful places below because many people from around the world envy the incredible location you get to live in.

The day trips listed below are all within 100 miles of Portland and between thirty minutes to two hours drive away.

Some of the places are three hours away and these trips are for the more ambitious road tripper. However, for the longer distances, you might want to consider turning them into an overnight trip or weekend getaway.

These destinations are meant to be fully enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and for you to be able to spend time getting to know each place properly rather than a quick pit stop on a long and exhausting drive.

Anyway, go and fill your gas tank up and get ready to hit the road. Here are the best destinations we recommend visiting on a day trip from Portland!

Best Day Trips From Portland


Astoria

Best Day Trips From Portland
  • Miles From Portland: 97 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in the state of Oregon and was the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This charming town which has sometimes been called a mini San Francisco, is filled with handsome Victorian buildings, cafes, and coffee shops.

There are plenty of interesting things to do here, with enough to fill up your entire day.

Start your morning at the Columbia River Maritime Museum where you can learn about Astoria’s maritime past and present. There is an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and informative exhibits that explore aspects of Astoria’s commercial, geographical, and military connection to the river and the coast.

Next, head up to the Astoria Column, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Astoria, the Columbia River, and the Astoria-Meghler Bridge. The Column which was built in 1926 features fascinating artwork that celebrates moments in northwest history between 1792 to 1818.

After visiting the Astoria Column, head back into town and enjoy a seafood lunch. Good options include fish and chips from Bowpicker, clam chowder or fish tacos from Mo’s, and Willapa Bay oysters at Buoy Beer Co. Afterwards, take a stroll along the Riverwalk and take in that salty air, watch cargo ships sail in, and see sea lions play in the river.

Other things you can do here on your day trip include strolling the downtown area, stopping by the Flavel House, and taking a drive out to the Iredale Shipwreck. Get more ideas on how to spend your day in Astoria.

While Astoria is a perfect day trip destination from Portland, this place also makes a great romantic weekend getaway for couples. So if you have more than one day, think about spending one or two nights here.

Cannon Beach

Best Day Trips From Oregon - Cannon Beach
  • Miles From Portland: 80 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Cannon Beach would have to be the most popular destination on the entire Oregon coast. This pacific northwest coastal town has been attracting travelers from all over the globe with its landmark Haystack Rock.

The best way to spend your time in Cannon Beach is at the beach. Take a stroll on the shore, watch the crashing surf, explore the tidepools, and of course don’t miss the opportunity to get up close with the iconic Haystack Rock.

In town, check out the boutique stores, art galleries, and dining scene. You might also want to check out nearby Ecola State Park which sits at the north end of Cannon Beach. Here, you’ll find several miles of hiking trails with incredible overlooks, secret shorelines, and dramatic cliff edges. 


Neskowin

Fun Day Trip Ideas From Portland, Oregon
  • Miles From Portland: 88 miles
  • Drive Time: 2 hours

Neskowin is a charming coastal village with a friendly neighborhood feel. Obviously the beach is the star attraction here which is three miles long and features a magnificent forested headland on the southern end of the beach.

Just offshore is a tree-lined basalt sea stack known as Proposal Rock which is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Legend has it that Proposal Rock got its name when a 19th century sea captain rowed his fiancée out to the rock and asked for her hand in marriage.

One of the most intriguing things about Neskowin is its eerie ‘ghost forest‘. Here you will find over one hundred ancient decaying stumps that stand prominently out of the ocean. These eerie remnants are towering Sitka spruce trees that stood here once upon a time. The ghost forest is a can’t miss in Neskowin!

Kiwanda Beach

Best Day Trips From Portland
  • Miles From Portland: 92 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a magnet for hang gliders, hikers, craft beer lovers, and beach goers. It is the perfect place to visit on a day trip from Portland if you’re looking for a laid back way to spend your day.

For nature lovers, you can hike to the headlands to view the dramatic coastline, walk up and run down the sand dunes, or enjoy a peaceful sunset.

You can also try your hand at surfing, go tide-pooling, and soak up the sunshine on the sand. Don’t forget to stop by Pelican Brewing Co. for a pint before you head back to Portland.

Columbia River Gorge

Best Day Trips From Portland, Oregon
  • Miles From Portland: 16 miles
  • Drive Time: 20 minutes

The Columbia River Gorge is only a short thirty minute drive from Portland and is loaded with natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This area is best known for its high concentration of waterfalls and is the home of Oregon’s tallest waterfall – Multnomah Falls.

There are lots of other sightseeing opportunities here such as the viewpoint from Vista Point, Bonneville Fish Hatchery, Bonneville Dam, the Bridge of the Gods, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

If you want to get active there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, watersports, and fishing. See more things to do in the Columbia River Gorge.

Begin your day trip in Troutdale where you’ll get on the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first ever scenic highway in the United States.

Your first stop will be Vista House where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Columbia Gorge before descending down to see numerous waterfalls. Then continue on to Cascade Locks, Hood River and finally the Dalles.

This area is beautiful to visit at any time of the year; summer for hiking and lush forests, spring for gushing waterfalls, autumn for the fall foliage, and winter for frozen waterfall viewing.

Mt Hood National Forest

Day Trip Ideas From Portland, Oregon
  • Miles From Portland: 61 miles
  • Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Mt Hood National Forest extends south from the scenic Columbia River Gorge across more than a million acres of forested mountains, lakes, and streams. Towering above it all is Mt Hood at 11,240 feet.

If you are looking for a leisurely way to explore the area, consider driving the Mount Hood Scenic Loop which connects Portland with quiet villages and waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge before entering the Hood National Forest passing a number of historical sites and attractions before finishing back up in Portland.

There are miles of hiking trails to discover and spectacular lakes that you must see such as Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. Also, make time to visit the Timberline Lodge.


Mt St Helens

Best Day Trips From Portland
  • Miles From Portland: 110 miles
  • Drive Time: 2 hours

Mount St. Helens is a volcano that is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, a segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is best known for its major eruption in 1980 which was one of the most deadliest volcanic events in U.S. history.

This volcano is considered to be the most active in the Cascades and geologists predict that future eruptions will be more destructive.

Seeing Mount St. Helens is a Washington state bucket list item for many travelers around the world so if you do get the chance to visit don’t miss it!

Start your day at the Johnston Ridge Observatory where there are various interpretive displays that explain the geology of this region, local history, and impacts of the catastrophic eruption. There is also an incredible view of the western slope of the mountain that can be enjoyed from inside.

Afterwards, explore the landscape and witness first hand how the land has recovered via several short and long hiking trails that are suitable for beginners and experienced hikers.

The most popular trail is Harry’s Ridge Trail which begins at the Visitor Center. The 8.5 mile out and back trail follows a ridge line which offers stunning scenic views of Mount St. Helens and the altered landscape below the mountain. At the end of the trail you’ll see outstanding views of Spirit Lake with Mt Adams in the background.

Mount St. Helens is a popular day trip destination for travelers visiting Portland and only a two hour drive away. Be sure to allow extra time though as the route along the I-5 can have a lot of traffic at certain times of the day.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest In Washington
  • Miles From Portland: 157 miles
  • Drive Time: 3 hours

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is located in Washington state between Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens. The park protects 1.32 million acres of lush temperate forest along the western slopes of the Cascade Range.

This day trip is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike. One of the best hikes is along the Lewis River Falls Trail which is an 8.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail that begins near Cougar.

Another good option is the Lower Falls Creek Trail which is 3.2 miles out and back located near Carson, Washington. This trail also features a pretty waterfall and is rated as moderate.

Visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest from Portland involves a long three hour drive so be sure to get an early start to your road trip.

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