Day Trips from Portland, Oregon

1. Astoria

Astoria is a charming port city in Clatsop County, located along the banks of the majestic Columbia River. The city was America's oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains at its founding in 1811, named in honor of New York City investor John Jacob Astor of the American Fur Company.

Visitors can explore the beautiful Astoria Column hilltop monument, which showcases stunning panoramic views and unique murals depicting the region's pioneer history.

At the Columbia River Maritime Museum, families can learn about the region's shipping, fishing, and military history.

Excellent hiking experiences are offered at Saddle Mountain, the region's highest peak, which reaches heights of 3,283 feet. Unique attractions in the city's downtown district include the refurbished Liberty Theater, the Oregon Film Museum, which is set within the city's former county jail building, and the quirky Voodoo Room nightlife venue.

2. Bend, Oregon

Bend is a charming city located along Oregon's Deschutes River, located just west of the gorgeous peaks of the Cascade Mountains.

The city, which was incorporated in 1905, has been named as one of the United States' best places to live by Men's Journal, known for receiving over 300 days of spectacular sunshine each year.

Its recently-revitalized downtown district is home to quirky stores, arts venues, and cafes like Ranch Records, the Capitol live music venue, and favorite coffee shop Thump Coffee Roasters.

Over 300 miles of hiking and biking trails are easily accessible from the city's downtown district, located throughout 71 area parks, including skiing and snowboarding resorts on nearby Mount Bachelor.

Unique roadside attraction enthusiasts can also check out the last remaining Blockbuster Video store in the world, located within city limits.

3. Mount Hood

Mount Hood is an impressive 11,250-foot potentially-active stratovolcano located within the Cascade Volcanic Arc, located approximately an hour southeast of Portland.

The mountain is Oregon's highest mountain peak and is known as one of the most recognizable, lofty peaks in the contiguous United States. It is located within the 1,067,000-acre Mount Hood National Forest, which showcases over 1,200 miles of delightful hiking trails for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

Six winter resort skiing areas throughout the year include the Mount Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur, Timberline, and the Ski Bowl, totaling more than 4,600 acres of skiable terrain. Visitors can stay at the National Historic Landmark-designated 1938 Timberline Lodge, which offers some of the world's only year-round skiing opportunities.

4. The Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful natural regions, known as Oregon's premiere wine country region, home to over 500 wineries.

The 19,000-acre region extends along the route of the pristine Willamette River, surrounded by the Cascade, Oregon Coast, and Calapooya Mountain ranges on three sides.

Several American Viticultural areas have been designated over the past several decades, capitalizing on the region's cool climate and unique terroir.

Excellent wineries like Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, Willakenzie Estate, Archery Summit, and Sokol Blosser Winery are known for producing some of the world's best Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varietals.

After exploring the region's wine trails, visitors can dine at acclaimed fine dining restaurants such as Cuvée or peruse art galleries and boutiques in cities such as Eugene, Beaverton, and Hillsboro.

5. Bagby Hot Springs

Bagby Hot Springs are one of the Mount Hood National Forest's most unique attractions, located approximately an hour southeast of the city of Portland within the Cascade Mountain Range.

Bagby Hot Springs, which are purported to have natural healing abilities, are comprised of three major flows and several minor outlets, the largest of which flows 24 gallons per minute and reaches lovely warm temperatures of 138 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visitors can enjoy relaxing experiences at the springs' three onsite bathhouses, which are open to the public daily throughout the morning and evening hours.

Five luxurious cedar log tubs are offered at the main bathhouse, while two intimate Japanese-style yellow pine soaking tubs are housed at the smaller bathhouses.

6. Boardman, Oregon

Boardman, Oregon is a nature lover's paradise in Eastern Oregon, home to off-the-beaten path attractions like the SAGE Center, which showcases unique interactive exhibits on the region's sustainable agriculture and energy technologies.

The region is a popular destination for fishing, birding, hunting, and water sports throughout the year along its stunning Columbia River waterfront.

It is also known as a top producer of dairy products for the Tillamook County Creamery Association, known for its world-famous ice cream and cheeses.

Delicious brews and pizza are served up at Burnt Field Brewing, housed within the city's converted train depot.

Other renowned area restaurants include Ordnance Brewing, which crafts ales with locally-sourced fruits, and C&D Drive-In and Bakery, known for its signature Bozo burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes.

7. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a delightful coastal town in northwestern Oregon, known for its beautiful Pacific Coast shoreline, which has been named as one of the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic.

Stunning natural features like Haystack Rock adorn its four miles of sandy beachfront, creating a dramatic landscape for one-of-a-kind nature photography. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities and chances for picnics at areas like Ecola State Park and Arcadia Beach, known for its beautiful rock formations and tide pools.

At Hug Point, visitors can explore lovely hidden-away sea caves and waterfalls. Nearby, Oswald West State Park offers several miles of hiking trails throughout its 2,500 acres.

In town, charming art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants line the city's quaint main street.

8. Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout State Park is a charming Oregon state park that is located approximately an hour and a half west of Portland, originally developed on 975 acres of land once belonging to the United States Lighthouse Service.

Though the park was initially intended to be kept as a natural preserve, day-use picnic facilities were added throughout the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Today, the park is one of the most popular day-use areas on Netarts Bay, offering excellent opportunities for beachcombing and nature hiking. Three miles of lovely waterfront along a sand spit showcase beautiful views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean.

A nature trail meanders through native trees and plants, following the park's headland for more than two miles. Visitors can whale watch, hang glide, paraglide, or explore the park's interpretive center.

Tent and full hookup campsites are offered for overnight stay, along with 13 rental yurts and six deluxe cabins.

13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, Phone: 800-551-6949

9. The Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge showcases some of the Columbia River's most scenic vistas, stretching for more than 80 miles along the river's westward progression through the Cascade Mountain Range.

The 4,000-foot-deep canyon is home to gorgeous landmarks like the spectacular 620-foot Multnomah Falls or the famed Crown Point viewpoint, located at the gorge's western end.

Visitors can bike through the Post Canyon mountain bike trail network, windsurf and stand-up paddleboard at Hood River, or drive along the region's lovely Historic Columbia River Highway.

In town at Hood River, delicious restaurants await visitors after full days of outdoor activities, including excellent Pacific Northwest gourmet dinner spot Celilo and popular microbrewery Full Sail Brewing.

On the scenic 35-mile Fruit Loop, visitors can sample wines at the gorge's oldest winery, Hood River Vineyards and Winery.

10. Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is one of the most picturesque cities in Oregon, located along the banks of the beautiful Willamette River just two hours south of Portland's downtown district. The city is known for its arts and outdoor attractions, including the beautiful Mount Pisgah Arboretum, which stretches for 85 acres along the side of the peak of the same name.

The city's lovely University of Oregon is home to visitor attractions like the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, known for its collections of Asian art, and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

Delicious cafes, restaurants, and food trucks line Kesey Square and the halls of the hip Fifth Street Public Market, including regional favorites like Voodoo Doughnuts and Sizzle Pie.

Visitors can also attend theatrical and music performances at the Hult Center or explore the city's extensive parks system, which is home to sites like the lovely riverside Alton Baker Park and the beautifully-landscaped Hendricks Park.