9 Amazing Portland Day Trips for Any Type of Traveler

Portland is one of the best travel destinations in the world (our totally unbiased opinion, of course! 🤣🤣). But with this city’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history, we think you’ll agree. Portland’s many attractions and activities will easily keep you busy for days. However, you can also venture out of downtown into the surrounding area to see more of what Oregon has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a change of scenery, we have put together the ten best day trips from Portland!

Columbia River Gorge

This one is so good it’s almost a no-brainer! Just a half hour outside Portland will take you to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Columbia River Gorge spans over 80 miles and is home to stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and historic landmarks. Multnomah Falls is the most popular attraction, but you can take your pick of any of the waterfalls here and this will be a wonderful day for you.

Distance from Portland: 40 miles
How to get there: The Gorge is located just about 30 minutes away from downtown Portland. The quickest route is to simply hop on I-84E. All along the highway, there will be exits to small towns and scenic locations (such as Multnomah Falls.) You can also reach the Gorge by public transportation. For only $10, you can take the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway Transit Center in eastern Portland to various parts of the Gorge.
Tours Available: Wildwood Adventures is the highest rated company on Tripadvisor, and they offer amazing half-day and full-day tours to the Columbia River Gorge.

Willamette Valley Wine Country

When we talk about Portland day trips, this is always a favorite of travelers. Heading south from Portland into the Willamette Valley, you will discover some of Oregon’s best wineries and vineyards. With over 700 wineries in the area, I guarantee you’ll find a place you love! Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or rosé, there’s something for everyone here. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping wine and taking in the beautiful countryside.

Distance from Portland: About 30 miles
How to get there: I-5 runs right through downtown Portland. Get on that highway and head south for 30-45 minutes. Head west towards Tualatin, and you’ll find plenty of local vineyards.
Tours Available: A Great Oregon Wine Tour takes you to some of the best wineries in the region!

Mt. Hood

Just an hour from Portland, Oregon’s tallest mountain is a must-see destination for any Oregon traveller. In the summer, you can enjoy the hiking, biking, fishing, or just have a picnic while getting some of the best views in the state! In winter, hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts. And while you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, for a meal or a drink at the bar. It’s also a great place to stay if you want to spend more than just a day!

Distance from Portland: 70 miles
How to get there: To get to Mt. Hood, you’ll generally take the US-26 E (Mount Hood Highway), which takes you directly to the mountain in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Obviously this depends on traffic, so try to avoid rush hour if you’re going through the city. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is usually the most convenient way to reach the mountain.
Tours Available: Endless Oregon Tours is a great way to visit Mt. Hood from Portland.

Cannon Beach

You may have never heard of Cannon Beach, but you have almost certainly seen photos of the iconic Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach is a lovely little coastal town set against a picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. From Cannon Beach’s neighborhood, you can take a stroll on the beach or explore the town’s art galleries, restaurants, and shops. If you’re into shopping, nature walks, bird watching, tide-pooling, or just enjoying a quiet oceanfront town, Cannon Beach is for you!

Distance from Portland: 80 miles
How to get there: Highway 26 runs directly through downtown Portland. Jump on that highway, head west, and keep going until just before you drive into the ocean. Turn onto 101 South and you’ll arrive into Cannon Beach in just a few minutes.
Tours Available: Infinite Oregon Tours takes you on a great day trip from Portland to Cannon Beach.

Silver Falls State Park

As you may have guessed, Silver Falls is known for its breathtaking views of waterfalls! This state park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering all kinds of activities. You can go hiking on the amazing trails, mountain biking in the back country, or just sit in the wilderness and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine. The crown jewel of Silver Falls is called the Trail of Ten Falls, a scenic loop that offers close-up views of 10 stunning waterfalls. It’s quite a hike, but let me tell you, it’s 100% worth it. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Silver Falls State Park provides an unforgettable Oregon wilderness experience.

Distance from Portland: 50 miles
How to get there: Highway 84 crosses through Portland. Heading east on 84 will take you to I-205. Head south on 205 for 10 miles until you can turn onto Highway 213. This will take you the next 30 miles. You’ll then take Highway 214 the last part of the way to Silver Falls. This will be about a 90 minute drive.
Tours Available: Terran Travels leads small-group tours to Silver Falls and the Willamette Valley.

Astoria

Heading northwest from Portland will bring you to Astoria, another wonderful coastal town that is steeped in natural beauty. Astoria offers blend of Oregon’s heritage with modern Pacific Northwest culture. You can get a glimpse into Oregon’s past as you visit the historic locations in town, such as the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Or you can get some exercise walking along the Columbia River or climbing the 164 steps of the Astoria Column! And of course you can just enjoy a quiet day as you explore the downtown area’s shops and eateries.

Distance from Portland: 100 miles
How to get there: You’ll take the same Highway 26 that you took to visit Cannon Beach. But when you run into Highway 101, you’ll turn to the north instead of the south. Head on 101 about 20 miles, and you’ll run right into downtown Astoria.
Tours Available: None that I know of! But if you can take the drive, you’ll see it’s worth a trip even by yourself.

Bend

Bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering activities for every season. In the winter, Mt. Bachelor beckons skiers and snowboarders. The summer offers incredible hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on the Deschutes River. Bend is also known for its burgeoning craft beer scene. The Bend Ale Trail takes you to numerous breweries offering everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. The downtown area is charming, filled with unique shops, galleries, and dining options. Do you want a gourmet restaurant or a food truck? Bend has plenty of both! With its mix of natural beauty and modern urban living, Bend has some of the best Oregon experiences.

Distance from Portland: 160 miles
How to get there: From downtown, you’ll take I-84 out to Highway 26 to go east. You’ll take that highway for about 100 miles, until you merge onto Highway 97 South. Stay on 97 for another 30 miles and you’ll run smack into downtown Bend. It’s a long ride compared to the rest of our Portland day trips, but still a great one. If you prefer public transportation, the Central Oregon Breeze offers a shuttle service from Portland to Bend.
Tours Available: None that I have seen. However, for nature lovers, beer aficionados, or foodies, this will give you a fun experience on your own!

Hood River

The Hood River area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore the natural beauty of Oregon. It’s especially known for its wind and water sports; the winds that whip down the Columbia River Gorge make for some of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions in the world. But the area also offers exceptional hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities.

Hood River also has the iconic and delicious Fruit Loop that this part of Oregon is famous for. You can take a self-guided tour through local orchards, vineyards, and farm stands as you eat and rink your way through the region.

Hood River has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies can catch some air on the river. While someone who simply wants to enjoy Oregon’s bountiful nature can relax in a lounge chair.

Distance from Portland: 60 miles
How to get there: This is one of the easier Portland day trips. You can get on Highway 84 in downtown Portland, start driving east, and and hour or so later you’ll arrive right into Hood River!
Tours Available: Wildwood Adventures has a full-day itinerary that will take you to Hood River, as well as Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. It’ll be a full day but a very rewarding one!

Mount Saint Helens

Visiting Mount St. Helens offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the transformative power of nature. The volcano famously erupted in 1980, causing widespread destruction and dramatically altering the surrounding landscape. Nowadays, it serves as an open-air classroom for understanding volcanic activity, ecosystem recovery, and geology. There are various viewpoints, including the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which provides panoramic vistas of the crater and blast zone. You can also visit hiking trails all over the park. These trails offer a variety of lengths and difficulty levels. Here you can get a closer look at the regenerating forests, wildflower meadows, and lava formations. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Mount St. Helens offers an extraordinary experience that is both educational and awe-inspiring.

Distance from Portland: 100 miles
How to get there: Hey, we never said all of our Portland day trips have to be in Oregon! 😀 The quickest route typically involves taking I-5 N into Washington State. After about an hour, turn onto Highway 504 East, also known as the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. This highway offers several viewpoints and visitor centers where you can stop, learn about the area, and take some photos. A great stopping point is the Johnson Ridge Observatory.
Tours Available: None currently running, but it’s worth a road trip if you can get a car!

A Final Wrap-up

One of the reasons I love Portland so much is because there are so many fantastic locations within a couple of hours of the city. If you love nature, or food, or beer, or skiing, or any number of other activities, Portland is the city for you. From volcanoes to vineyards and beaches to breweries, day trips from Portland can offer a little bit of everything. So grab your camera, pack a picnic, and hit the road to experience the best that Oregon has to offer.