1. Multnomah Falls - Just 30 minutes from Portland
The first time I saw Multnomah Falls, I was on a day trip from Portland. I've always loved that mossy, humid feeling around waterfalls and I visit as many as I can.
The majestic Multnomah Falls are a must-visit attraction for those who find themselves in the Mount Hood/Columbia Gorge region of Oregon.
You can reach the falls in just 30 minutes on the I-84 from Portland.
Legend has it that the falls once provided a very private place for a princess to bathe, but today everyone can enjoy the sight of this impressive natural masterpiece.
You can see part of the 611-foot falls from the highway, but to get the full picture you will need to take a five-minute walk to the mist-shrouded base of the falls.
From there, a short climb will bring you to the Benson Bridge, which offers an excellent viewpoint.
Location:
Columbia River Gorge, OregonDistance from Portland:
Just 30 minutes via I-84 East.How to Get to Multnomah Falls:
Take I-84 East from Portland and exit at Multnomah Falls (Exit 31). There’s a large parking area in the median with a pedestrian tunnel to the falls.2. Astoria - 2 hours by car from Portland
As the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria is packed with history and small-town charm as well as a variety of cultural and outdoor activities for weekenders.
If your interests lie with the arts, you can visit the many galleries, studios and unique shops in the town or listen to a concert in the historic Liberty Theater.
You can explore Astoria’s historic working waterfront on the Astoria Trolley, visit the Bumble Bee Cannery Museum and the Maritime Museum.
You can make the most of Astoria’s idyllic waterfront location by trying your hand at fishing or clam-digging.
Location:
Astoria, ORDistance from Portland:
About 2 hours by car via US-26 W and US-101 N.How to Get to Astoria:
From Portland, head west on US-26 W. Merge onto US-101 N toward Seaside/Astoria and follow it along the stunning coast right into town.3. Hood River, Oregon - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland
Hood River is a delightful small town which provides a perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge.
Besides offering easy access to a wide variety of adventure activities such as hiking, windsurfing, kite-boarding and river rafting, Hood River will give you access to a host of other great activities for the more sedentary visitor.
You can admire some art and culture as you stroll through the beautifully restored historic downtown, visit some galleries, or watch a show at the Columbia Center for the Arts.
Foodies can titillate their taste buds on tours to wineries, breweries, coffee roasters, and farm-to-fork restaurants or drive the scenic Hood River County Fruit Loop for some fresh farm produce.
I stayed at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn which had great water views.
Distance from Portland:
Around 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-84 East.How to Get to Hood River:
From Portland, take I-84 East along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a beautiful drive right into the heart of Hood River.4. Cannon Beach - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland
Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most popular seaside villages, offering you an amazing stretch of beach to explore, iconic landmarks to uncover, and easy access to miles of hiking and biking trails.
In addition to all the outdoor attractions, the town is packed with wonderful galleries and studios, as well as fascinating museums such as the Garibaldi Museum of Maritime History and the Lost Art of Nursing Museum.
You can try a zip-line tour with High Life Adventures, hike through a rainforest at Ecola State Park, or uncover amazing marine life around Haystack Rock, where you can spot Tufted Puffins in early summer.
Location:
Cannon Beach, ORDistance from Portland:
About 1 hour and 30 minutes via US-26 W and US-101 S.How to Get to Cannon Beach:
Take US-26 W from Portland until it intersects with US-101 S. Follow the scenic coast down to Cannon Beach, just minutes after passing through Seaside.5. Eugene - 2 hours and 15 from Portland
Eugene hosts a diverse collection of historical, outdoor and cultural attractions for visitors.
If you love art and history, you can visit the historic Shelton McMurphy Johnson House (1888), the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Those wanting to combine fun with education should not miss the Oregon Air and Space Museum and The Science Factory children’s museum and planetarium.
Nature lovers can cycle just about anywhere in town along a network of paved trails, go hiking along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail or climb the basalt columns at Skinner Butte Park.
Foodies can enjoy a craft brewery tour, several farm-to-fork restaurants, and a farmers’ market in Eugene.
Location:
Eugene, ORDistance from Portland:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes via I-5 South.How to Get to Eugene:
From Portland, take I-5 South straight into the heart of Eugene. It’s a smooth and scenic drive, perfect for a weekend getaway.6. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland
The Mount Hood National Forest stretches across 60 miles of lushly forested mountains, lakes, and streams just south of the spectacular Columbia Gorge, about 20 miles east of Portland.
The entire forest offers outdoor enthusiasts an idyllic destination for a wide variety of activities which include camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and even soaking in Bagby Hot Springs.
In winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiles, dog sledding and more.
You can take advantage of several ranger-led educational programs and tours, including free fishing lessons for young visitors. There are dozens of campsites where you can pitch your tent or park your RV to spend a few nights communing with nature.
Location:
Mount Hood National Forest, ORDistance from Portland:
Roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your entry point and activity area.How to Get to Mount Hood National Forest:
Take US-26 E or I-84 E from Portland depending on your chosen trailhead or campground. Follow signs to designated recreation areas or visitor centers for the best start to your adventure.7. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - just 45 minutes from Portland
The beautiful and diverse landscape of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a magnet for outdoor adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
You can bring your tent or RV and spend a few nights under the stars in one of three campsites, take a scenic drive through the extensive area, go on day hikes, or choose longer backpacking adventures along some of the dozens of scenic trails that offer wildlife viewing en route.
Other popular activities include biking, fishing, boating, swimming, tubing and windsurfing and there are several accessible areas for those with mobility restrictions. There are a number of museums dotted around the area and you can even combine great views with great beer on a Gorge Beer Trail.
Location:
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, ORDistance from Portland:
About 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your trailhead or destination along the Gorge.How to Get to Columbia River Gorge:
From Portland, take I-84 East along the Columbia River. There are multiple exits for viewpoints, trailheads, and recreation areas, so it’s easy to customize your route.8. Jacksonville - 4 hours from Portland
Visiting Jacksonville is like stepping back in time to the gold rush and the entire downtown has been declared a National Historic Area.
You can learn all about the history of the town on a guided or self-guided tour or by hopping aboard the vintage Jacksonville Trolley.
Today many visitors come to Jacksonville for wine tasting at some of the 60 wineries in the area along the famous Applegate Wine Trail.
In addition, you can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding along a variety of trails and daredevils can try a Rogue Jet Boat Adventure or go river rafting with Indigo Creek Outfitters.
Foodies can enjoy exploring all the culinary offerings, which range from coffee shops to fine-dining restaurants.
Location:
Jacksonville, ORDistance from Portland:
Around 4 hours by car via I-5 South (approx. 275 miles).How to Get to Jacksonville:
Drive I-5 South from Portland to Medford, then take Highway 238 west to Jacksonville—just 15 minutes from downtown Medford.9. Salem - 1 hour from Portland
Nestled in the heart of the wine growing Willamette Valley, Salem is surrounded by vineyards and filled with historical and cultural attractions for all ages.
A good place to start your visit is at the gracious Oregon State Capitol building, before setting off to learn about the early days in Salem at the Deepwood Museum and Gardens, Bush House Museum, and the Oregon State Hospital Museum.
Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, biking, boating, and fishing in the Willamette Mission State Park or treat themselves to a thrilling hot air balloon ride.
The Gilbert House Children’s Museum and the Enchanted Forest Theme Park are great for families, while foodies can enjoy visiting some wineries and the farmers’ market.
Location:
Salem, ORDistance from Portland:
About 1 hour via I-5 South (approximately 47 miles).How to Get to Salem:
Drive I-5 South directly from Portland. It’s a smooth trip into Oregon’s capital, with great stops along the way in the Willamette Valley.Plan Your Trip