21 Adventurous Day Trips From Portland, Oregon You Won’t Want To Miss [2024]

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM PORTLAND?

You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring Oregon. Portland, Oregon, is a great city to live in, but it can also be a great city to visit!

There are many amazing things to see and do in this Pacific Northwest gem. You can enjoy the great outdoors, visit some fantastic museums, enjoy day trips from Portland, or just enjoy the food and drink scene.

So, if you’re looking for the best day trips from Portland, Oregon, then keep reading! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite outdoor adventures that are just a short drive away from Portland. We will also educate you on the best ways to take day trips, the best tours, the best rental cars, and more.

So grab your sunscreen and water bottles, and get ready for some fun!

Best Ways to Take Day Trips From Portland, Oregon

There are plenty of ways to spend a day adventuring from Portland, Oregon. Whether you’re looking for something close by or willing to drive a bit further, there’s definitely an option for you. Here are some of the best ways to take day trips from Portland:

Portland Rental Cars

There’s no need to worry about public transportation when you have a rental car at your disposal. You can easily explore all the day trip options from Portland without having to rely on anyone else. Just hop in your car and go!

If you’re looking for the best Portland rental car service, we recommend renting a car from the Portland International Airport. With the high volume of rental cars, you can easily find a car that fits your budget and needs. Plus, they have a great selection of cars to choose from.

▶ Reserve A Rental Car Here

Thor's Well is a popular stop for photographers on the Oregon Coast in Cape Perpetua

Best Portland Tours

There are plenty of ways to spend a day adventuring from Portland, Oregon. But, going with a tour service is your best bet. They will provide you with an intimate and knowledgeable experience that cannot be found elsewhere.

Viator is a tour company that offers a wide range of tours in the Portland area, including wine country tours, city sightseeing tours, and even culinary tours. You can see our favorite tours below.

▶ Browse Portland Day Trip Tours Here

There are pretty beaches near the RV parks near Florence, Oregon

Rideshare In Portland

If you don’t want to worry about renting a car or taking a tour, another great option is to use a ride-share service. With rideshare, you can easily get around Portland and the surrounding area without worrying about driving.

It can be cheaper than renting a car or taking a tour. However, if your day trip from Portland is an hour or so away, it may not be as cost-effective. You may also run into trouble finding a ride share to get back into Portland after your day trip.

There are approximately 6500 ride-sharing services available in Portland, Oregon – including Uber, Lyft, and taxis.

Best Day Trips From Portland

1. Cannon Beach: Most Popular Day Trip from Portland

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular day trips from Portland, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a small town located about 80 miles west of Portland on the Pacific Ocean. This beach town is best known for its large Haystack Rock, which stands 235 feet tall and is the third-largest coastal monolith in the world.

Cannon Beach is also home to several other smaller rocks and cliffs, making it a popular spot for swimming and rock climbing. Visitors can also enjoy a number of shops and restaurants in the town center, as well as scenic hiking trails in Ecola State Park.

If you have some flexibility in the time you visit, we highly recommend visiting at low tide so you can see the tide pools at Haystack Rock. It is one of our favorite things to do in Cannon Beach. And if you decide to extend your visit, there are many great places to stay in Cannon Beach.

Best Portland to Cannon Beach Tour: Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Portland To Cannon Beach Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Cannon Beach: 79.2 mi (127 km)
Drive time from Portland to Cannon Beach: 1 hour 25 minutes

2. Columbia River Gorge: Runner-Up

Another one of the great day trips from Portland, Oregon is the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a large canyon located east of Portland. The gorge is home to a number of waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls, which plunges 626 feet (191 meters) over two tiers.

The Columbia River Gorge is also popular for its hiking and biking trails and windsurfing and kiteboarding opportunities. There are so many great things to see along the historic Columbia River Highway.

Best Columbia River Gorge Tour: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland
Portland To Columbia River Gorge Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Columbia River Gorge: 16.3 mi (26 km)
Drive time from Portland to Columbia River Gorge: 18 minutes

3. Mount Hood

Mount Hood is one of the most popular day trips from Portland for hiking

Mount Hood is a large, dormant volcano located about 50 miles southeast of Portland. It stands at 11,249 feet (3429 meters) tall and is the tallest mountain in Oregon.

Mount Hood is popular for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, hiking trails, and many ski resorts, including the Timberline Lodge, which was used as a filming location for the 1980 horror film The Shining.

In addition, some scenic drive routes lead to viewpoints of the mountain, making it one of the best things to do in the area.

Best Mount Hood Tour: Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River
Portland To Mount Hood Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Mount Hood: 76.5 mi (123 km)
Drive time from Portland to Mount Hood: 1 hour and 18 minutes

4. Jet Boat Tour of the Columbia River Gorge

One of the best ways to see the Columbia River Gorge is on a jet boat tour. These tours depart from Portland and take visitors up the river to see a number of sights, including waterfalls, cliffs, bridges, and wildlife.

The tours typically last about three to four hours and include a stop at one of the Gorge’s many wineries.

Best Jet Boat Tour: Half Day Portland And Columbia Gorge Jetboat Adventure
Portland To Columbia River Gorge Jet Boat Tours Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Columbia River Gorge Jet Boat Tours: 16.3 mi (26 km)
Drive time from Portland to Columbia River Gorge Jet Boat Tours: 18 minutes

5. Mount St Helens

Mt St Helens is a large volcano located in southwestern Washington state, about 52 miles northeast of Portland. The volcano last erupted between 2004-2008, and today the area around the mountain is popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Visitors can also drive to the summit of the mountain (weather permitting) to see the crater left by the eruption.

Best Mt St Helens Tour: The Mt St Helens Adventure Tour from Portland
Portland to Mt St Helens Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Mt St Helens: 74.7 mi (120 km)
Drive time from Portland to Mt St Helens: about 1 hour and 44 minutes

6. Willamette Valley Wine Tour

Another one of the popular day trips from Portland is the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s wine country and is located just south of Portland. The valley is home to over 500 wineries, making it the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Visitors can tour the wineries, enjoy the wine tasting, and learn about the viticulture process. There are also several bed and breakfasts and restaurants located in the valley.

Best Willamette Valley Wine Tour: Willamette Valley Wine Tour from Portland with Lunch
Portland to Willamette Valley Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Willamette Valley: 48.5 mi (78 km)
Drive time from Portland to Willamette Valley: 51 minutes

7. Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island is a large island located in the Columbia River, about 10 miles northwest of Portland. The island is home to farms, forests, and wetlands, as well as a number of beaches and hiking trails.

It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and picnicking. Visitors can reach the island by car or bike, and there is a seasonal ferry that runs from Portland.

Portland to Sauvie Island Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Sauvie Island: 18.4 mi (30 km)
Drive time from Portland to Sauvie Island: 32 minutes

8. Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is a large state park located in the Cascade Mountains, about an hour southeast of Portland. The park is home to a number of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. Visitors can also camp overnight in the park or stay in one of the nearby lodges.

The park’s highlight is the Trail of Ten Falls, a seven-mile loop hike that takes visitors past ten waterfalls, including the 177-foot South Falls.

Portland to Silver Falls State Park Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Silver Falls State Park: 54.6 mi (88 km)
Drive time from Portland to Silver Falls State Park: 1 hour and 7 minutes

9. Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is a large state park located in central Oregon, about three hours from Portland. Camping overnight in the park or staying in one of the nearby lodges is what visitors can do.

The park’s highlight is the Monkey Face, a rock formation resembling a monkey’s head. Visitors can also hike to the top of the Monkey Face for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Portland to Smith Rock State Park Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Smith Rock State Park: 142.4 mi (229 km)
Drive time from Portland to Smith Rock State Park: About two hours and 46 minutes

10. Hood River County Fruit Loop

Lavender plants in the Hood River near Portland, Oregon

The Hood River County Fruit Loop is a scenic drive through the Hood River Valley, located in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. The loop is about 35 miles long and takes visitors past many farms, wineries, and fruit stands.

Visitors can stop to pick their own fruit, taste local wines, and purchase farm-fresh produce. We also visited a really cute lavender farm here where we got to harvest our own flowers. My kids loved having a lavender bouquet to take home.

Portland to Hood River County Fruit Loop Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Hood River County Fruit Loop: 76.5 mi (123 km)
Drive time from Portland to Hood River County Fruit Loop: About one hour and 18 minutes

11. Eugene

One of the popular city day trips from Portland is to Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is a large city located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, about two hours south of Portland. The city is home to the University of Oregon and is a popular destination for arts and culture.

Visitors can explore the many museums and art galleries or attend a performance at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. There are also a number of parks and trails located in the city.

Portland to Eugene Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Eugene: 110.0 mi (177 km)
Drive time from Portland to Eugene: About 1 hour and 47 minutes

12. Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is a large national park located in Washington state. The park is home to Mount Rainier, an active volcano, and many hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. Visitors can also camp overnight in the park or stay in one of the nearby lodges.

You’ll also love the drive from Portland to Mount Rainier National Park. The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic lakes and forests.

Portland to Mount Rainier National Park Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Mount Rainier: 138.0 mi (222 km)
Drive time from Portland to Mount Rainier National Park: About 2 hours 23 minutes

13. Bend

Bend is a large city located in Oregon’s Deschutes County, about three hours from Portland. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. There are also a number of art galleries, museums, and restaurants located in the city.

Some of the most famous art galleries and museums include the High Desert Museum and the Deschutes Historical Museum.

Portland to Bend Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Bend: 163 mi (262 km)
Drive time from Portland to Bend: 3 hours and 6 minutes

14. Bagby Hot Springs

Bagby Hot Springs is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The hot springs are located in the Mount Hood National Forest, about one hour from Portland. There are many things to do at Bagby hot springs, such as hiking, picnicking, and soaking in the hot springs.

Portland to Bagby Hot Springs Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Bagby Hot Springs: 89.3 mi (144 km)
Drive time from Portland to Bagby Hot Springs: About 2 hours and 43 minutes

15. Seattle

Seattle is a great day trip from Portland

Seattle is one of the best spots for a Portland day trip because it is a big city with many different attractions. From the iconic Space Needle and the Underground Tour to the world-famous Pike Place Market, there are so many fun things to do in Seattle.

Visitors can also enjoy the city’s many parks and gardens or take a ferry ride to one of the nearby islands. We absolutely love the ferry ride out to Bainbridge Island. Another fun thing to do out on the water in Seattle is to go on a whale-watching tour.

Seattle is one of our favorite coastal towns. You’ll enjoy the drive from Portland to Seattle, which takes you through the scenic Cascade Mountains.

Portland to Seattle Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Seattle: 174 mi (280 km)
Drive time from Portland to Seattle: About 2 hours and 44 minutes

16. Trillium Lake

Our list of adventurous day trips in Oregon doesn’t complete without the inclusion of Trillium Lake. The best thing about this lake is that it is just an hour away from the city and offers a great camping experience with jaw-dropping views.

In addition, you can hike to the top of nearby Mt. Hood for even better vistas or enjoy a day of fishing on the lake.

Portland to Trillium Lake Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Trillium Lake: 60.0 mi (97 km)
Drive time from Portland to Trillium Lake: About 1 hour and 14 minutes

17. Rowena Crest

Rowena Crest is a scenic viewpoint located in the Columbia River Gorge, about an hour and a few minutes from Portland. The crest offers stunning views of the gorge, as well as several hiking trails.

The highlight of the Rowena Crest viewpoint is the Rowena Loops, a series of switchbacks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Portland to Rowena Crest Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Rowena Crest: 75 mi (120 km)
Drive time from Portland to Rowena Crest: About 1 hour and 18 minutes

18. Yachats

Lighthouse in Yachats, a popular day trip from Portland, Oregon

Yachats is a small coastal town located in Oregon’s Lincoln County. The town is popular for its scenic views, sandy beaches, and hiking trails.

Some of the most popular attractions in Yachats include the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, including Thor’s Well. This is a great place for nature lovers to visit.

Portland to Yachats Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Yachats: 137 mi (220 km)
Drive time from Portland to Yachats: About 2 hours and 47 minutes

19. Florence

If you like art galleries and museums, then what better place than Florence for your Portland day trip? The town is also rich in history and offers an outstanding shopping experience.

Florence’s most popular attractions include Old Town Florence, sandy beaches, the Florence sand dunes, and the Sea Lion Caves. We just love this area of the Oregon Coast and would highly recommend it if you’re interested in the sand dunes or Cape Perpetua. This is also a great place to go camping on the Oregon Coast.

Portland to Florence Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Florence: 157 mi (252 km)
Drive time from Portland to Florence: About 3 hours

20. Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver, Washington is a short day trip from Portland

Vancouver is the largest city in southwest Washington and is an excellent destination for a day trip from Portland. The city offers a variety of attractions, including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the Pearson Air Museum, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Vancouver is also a great place for shopping, with a variety of malls and boutiques.

Portland to Vancouver Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Vancouver: 9.4 mi (15 km)
Drive time from Portland to Vancouver: About 13 minutes

21. Astoria

Another popular coastal day trip from Portland, Oregon is Astoria

Astoria is a historic city located in northwest Oregon, on the banks of the Columbia River. The city is known for its Victorian architecture, as well as its role in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

We love spending time in this area. From Astoria to Cannon Beach, there are so many fun things to do. Some of our favorite things to do there are climbing the Astoria Column, visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and fishing salmon.

Portland to Astoria Directions: Google Maps
Distance from Portland to Astoria: 97.6 mi (157 km)
Drive time from Portland to Astoria: About 01 hour and 47 minutes

Map of Day Trips From Portland

Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, along the Willamette River, near its confluence with the Columbia River in Oregon. Portland is Oregon’s largest city, with an estimated population of 650,380 as of 2020. It is also the 26th-largest city in the United States by population.

The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over two million people, the 25th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Portland is one of the most populous cities on the West Coast and has been described as “one of the most livable cities in the world.”

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Portland, Oregon. The city is situated between mountains and the ocean, providing ample opportunity for hiking, biking, and water sports. And with its mild climate and abundance of green space, Portland is an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

FAQ: Day Trips From Portland

How Far Is Portland From The Ocean?

The drive from Portland to the Oregon Coast is just over an hour. The most popular beaches to visit from Portland are Cannon Beach and Seaside.

What Are Some Other Popular Day Trips From Portland?

Some other popular day trips from Portland include wine country, Mount Hood, and Columbia River Gorge.

What Are Some Good Hiking Trails Near Portland?

There are many great hiking trails near Portland, but some of the most popular include Dog Mountain, Table Mountain, and Angels Rest.

What Are Some Other Outdoor Activities To Do Near Portland?

Other popular outdoor activities near Portland include mountain biking, camping, and kayaking.

What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Portland, Oregon?

The closest ocean beach to Portland, Oregon, is Cannon Beach. Seaside is another popular option that is a little over an hour away. Lincoln City is another fun option if you’re willing to drive further down the coast.

Each of these beaches is great for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring tide pools. And they are all amazing stops on an Oregon Coast road trip!

How Far Is Cannon Beach From Portland?

It is about an hour and a half hour’s drive from Portland to Cannon Beach. The drive is mostly on highways and is very scenic.

Should You Go On Day Trips From Portland With A Car Or Day Trips From Portland Without A Car?

It depends on what you are looking for on a day trip. If you want the freedom to explore and go at your own pace, then renting a car would be the best option.