12 Top Weekend Getaways from Portland
A major appeal of Portland is its proximity to other iconic Pacific Northwest places to visit. Popular destinations within easy driving distance include the rugged coastline, world-renowned national parks, and other inviting Oregon cities with their own unique blend of fun things to do. These destinations circle the city, ranging from day trips to weekend getaways.
Memorable weekend trips to areas like Mount Hood or Cannon Beach offer new landscapes to explore each season. Other areas like the Columbia River Gorge also offer easy day trips throughout the year, but are even more enjoyable as a weekend getaway. For longer weekends with more time to explore, farther-flung destinations like Smith Rock and Mount Rainier are less than three hours away.
If planning or looking for something new to do this upcoming weekend, find the best places to visit with our list of the top day trips and weekend getaways from Portland.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is the sea-level dividing line between Oregon and Washington, located directly north of Portland and accessible via car, bicycle, and public transportation. The cities and scenery of the Gorge attract visitors from all over the world. The gorge is also home to many of the best waterfalls in Oregon among many scenic landscapes, including the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls.
Interstate 84 and the adjacent Historic Columbia River Highway are the main arteries through the Oregon side of the gorge. These roadways connect trailheads, cities, and roadside stopping points like the Vista House. One not-too-miss area of the Gorge is the ethereal Eagle Creek Trail, off exit #41. Several other elevated hiking routes in the area offer expansive views of the river corridor.
Personal vehicles, public transportation, and bicycles are some of the ways to get from Portland to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. It's a remarkably short drive from Portland to reach the Gorge's eastern terminus in Troutdale, requiring less than a 20-mile drive from the city center. This short distance also enables Portland bicyclists to cover the route. And the city's Columbia Gorge Express offers public transportation to different Gorge destinations every day.
Upon arrival, the area's inviting towns entice visitors to stay the weekend. Cities to visit within the gorge include The Dalles, Hood River, and Cascade Locks – where visitors can drive into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. Each of these destinations also represents the different stops along the Columbia Gorge Express public bus line.
If looking for a place to stay, the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River offers an award-winning restaurant and a taste of the scenery. The property is surrounded by lush gardens, ponds, and walking trails. For a weekend camping adventure, consider looking into one of the many campgrounds around Hood River.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is Oregon's tallest peak and provides arguably some of the state's best alpine environments. The mountain is a dominating presence often seen from high vantage points in Portland. Not surprisingly, the majestic mountain terrain offers some of the best weekend getaways from the city.
Wildflower meadows, cascading waterfalls, and some of the best hiking trails in Oregon surround Mount Hood and its encompassing national forest of the same name. Popular destinations within Mount Hood National Forest include Trillium Lake, Ramona Falls, and the historic Timberline Lodge near the community of Government Camp.
The Timberline Trail circumnavigates the entire mountain, presenting challenging river crossings along the way. The cross-country Pacific Crest Trail also winds its way through the area before hitting the Columbia River Gorge. These two trails offer excellent outlets for weekend backpacking adventures.
The Mount Hood Scenic Byway is the main thoroughfare for exploring the mountain from Portland. This 105-mile byway navigates the south and east side of the mountain, including the fertile Hood River Valley. The byway is accessible from Troutdale, less than a twenty-mile drive from the city center. It's best explored by vehicle, though public transportation can deliver hikes to the historic town of Sandy and the Timberline Lodge.
Cannon Beach
The rugged Oregon coast is on full display in Cannon Beach, less than two hours northwest of Portland. Wide sandy beaches, forested headlands, and an easy view of an impressive sea stack are front-row center at Cannon Beach. Also at the ready is an artistic community, family-friendly eateries, and first-class places to stay the night.
The defining geological feature of any visit to Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that stands tall in the surf. This monolithic ocean rock offers a postcard backdrop to the wide and sprawling beach. Vast tide pools surround the rock when the tide is extremely low.
Another natural attraction that makes Cannon Beach enchanting is the looming Tillamook Head to the north, complete with coastal forest hiking trails and a free backpackers camp. Ecola State Park encompasses this massive headland, with several other hiking trails around. A few routes, like the Clatsop Loop Trail, share a legacy with Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery.
It's approximately a 90-mile drive to Cannon Beach from Portland, following Highway 26. It's a scenic drive that crosses Oregon's Coast Range, making part of the route hilly and curvy. Public transportation is also available, helping navigate the congestion Cannon Beach sometimes incurs during the summer.
Visitors hoping to hop on a bus should look into the routes offered by Oregon POINT, including its five other stops north on the coast up to Astoria.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock is a recreation mecca of central Oregon, and arguably one of the best sport climbing destinations in America. Rock climbers in Portland often flock to this outdoor destination throughout the year, though summer temperatures are a bit stifling in the high-dessert terrain. But thanks to its high-desert location, winter rock climbers still rock t-shirts much of the season.
Over 1,000 bolted and named routes dot the impressive tuff monoliths and basalt columns that define Smith Rock. Routes range from finger-crimping technical climbs to easier ascents for beginners. Proper experience and technical ability are required for any vertical endeavors. Several guides in the region are happy to show first-time climbers the way.
Hikers also find much to explore at Smith Rock. The River Trail that follows the twists and turns of the Crooked River is a popular, accessible path. However, the Misery Ridge Trail is perhaps the most iconic, offering breathtaking elevation gains and panoramic views of the entire valley – and easily earning its spot as one of the top hikes around Bend. A popular walk-in bivouac camping area at Smith Rock is a fun and potentially crowded place to spend the night.
Smith Rock is best suited for a weekend trip, located just under three hours from Portland, following Highway 26 and Highway 97. Public transport to the state park is limited.
- Read More: Top Things to Do in Bend
Sauvie Island
Sauvie is the largest island on the Columbia River and one of the country's largest river islands. It's inhabited by a predominantly agricultural community and is less than a 20-mile drive from Portland. Common recreational outlets on Sauvie Island include hiking trails, beach access, and berry picking.
Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts enjoy exploring the 11,500-acre Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, where hundreds of bird species call home. History buffs find interest at sites like the Warrior Rock Lighthouse. Other popular attractions include U-Pick berry farms, fishing at Sturgeon Lake, and the many beaches in the island's northeast region.
Sauvie Island is a popular day-use destination thanks to its proximity to the city. But for those looking to spend the night for a "staycation", a few cabin rentals are available on the island's southside and hotel options are available across the river on its northern end.
Astoria
The enchanting seaside city of Astoria is one of the best small towns on the Oregon coast and for good reason. The city is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River in northwest Oregon. And perhaps inspired by the iconic 80s movie, The Goonies, which took place in this storybook city, Astoria embodies an adventurous spirit and treasure-filled community.
Some of the things to do in Astoria include maritime museums, a scenic Riverwalk, and a bustling downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. History is also alive in Astoria via historic mansions and film museums, many of which relate to the storied history of this logging, fishing, and now tourism-driven city.
It's just under a two-hour drive from Portland to Astoria, following Highway 26. This route passes through other Oregon coast destinations like Seaside, Gearhart, and Sunset Beach. Public transportation is available seven days a week on the coastal route offered by Oregon POINT. It takes approximately three hours to travel by bus from Portland to Astoria.
On the other side of Young's Bay from Astoria, accessible through the charming town of Warrenton, Fort Stevens is a retired military installation, now a sprawling state park with shipwrecks, military history, and a massive campground. Fort Stevens is an excellent place to spend the entire weekend at the beach.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Best defined in landscape and history by its dramatic 1980 eruption, Mount St. Helens makes for an excellent weekend trip. Many of Mount St. Helen's explorable areas are accessible from Portland with less than a 90-mile drive, including iconic spots like the Johnston Ridge Observatory and Ape Caves. These park destinations are accessible via Interstate 5 heading north from the city.
Every accessible area of Mount St. Helens, including the best hiking trails in the park, provides interpretive and visual information about the 1980 blast that rocked the region. This includes the impressive views of the horseshoe crater atop the mountain.
Hiking to the top of Mount St. Helens is also a bucket-list weekend adventure for mountain athletes in Portland. No technical climbing experience is needed (i.e. no ropes or harnesses), but it is an incredibly steep hike to the top. Most summer visitors begin this journey at the Climber's Bivouac Trailhead on the mountain's southern flank. Permits are required.
Lincoln City
Lincoln City offers a fantastic beach vacation approximately two hours from Portland. Lincoln City has a bit of everything, including over seven miles of beach. And thanks to the city's unique Finders Keepers program, anyone who visits has the chance to stumble upon (and take home) hidden treasure in the shape of beautiful glass orbs.
Outside of the sprawling and abundant beach, Lincoln City also has several in-town attractions, including local shops and restaurants. Lincoln City itself comprises several different districts, all once their own municipalities, so the town has several storefront flavors. A few visitor favorites include Prehistoric Fossils, My Petite Sweet Bakery, and the Harry Potter-inspired Cheeky Cauldron magic café.
For the best beach indulgence in Lincoln City, head to Roads End State Recreation Site. This coastal getaway is on the north end of the city limits and offers a deep immersion into the coastal atmosphere.
State Route 18 is the primary thoroughfare to Lincoln City, although a few different routes are available. Expect the drive to take at least two hours with good traffic conditions.
Public transportation is available, although requires making a connection onto Tillamook County Transportation District's Route 60. Visitors can reach this bus line via Oregon POINT or Amtrak, making the transfer in Salem. Expect public transportation to take at least three hours.
Seaside
The city of Seaside has a long history of attracting visitors. The century-old and iconic Promenade that separates the city from the sand is a testament to the long-standing tourist industry, and the Lewis and Clark Salt Works speaks to an even more rugged past.
All the top attractions in Seaside are accessible from Portland with less than a 90-minute drive. These attractions include the Seaside Aquarium and historic Seaside Turnaround. But the biggest reason to make the drive is often the sprawling beach.
As one of the best beaches along the Oregon Coast, the beach at Seaside is wide, welcoming, and can simultaneously accommodate solo kite-flyers and huge sand volleyball tournaments. And the sunsets at Seas
The city of Seaside has a long history of attracting visitors. The century-old and iconic Promenade that separates the city from the sand is a testament to the long-standing tourist industry, and the Lewis and Clark Salt Works speaks to an even more rugged past.
All the top attractions in Seaside are accessible from Portland with less than a 90-minute drive on Highway 26. Seaside is also one of five stops on Oregon's coast offered by the Oregon POINT public transportation service. These attractions include the Seaside Aquarium and historic Seaside Turnaround. But the biggest reason to make the drive is often the sprawling beach.
As one of the best beaches along the Oregon Coast, the beach at Seaside is wide, welcoming, and can simultaneously accommodate solo kite-flyers and huge sand volleyball tournaments. And the sunsets at Seaside are some of the best on the coast. Tillamook Head backdrops the Seaside Beach to the south, and the Seaside Streetcar offers free shuttles to the corresponding trailhead.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is one of the most impressive peaks of the Pacific Northwest. It stands proudly as the tallest peak in Washington and is within a 2.5-hour-drive from Portland. It's best for a weekend trip, or much longer if possible, with over 260 miles of inclined hiking trails to explore. The park also has a variety of campgrounds spread throughout its alpine and old-growth surroundings.
Four designated areas define the park, including the Sunrise region, at an elevation of 6,400 feet. From this elevated position, Sunrise offers up-close perspectives of Rainier's northeast glaciers. Popular hiking trails from this area of the park include the easy Tipsoo Lake Trail and the more challenging Burrough Mountain Trail.
The Paradise area of Mount Rainier is also aptly named, and this stunning area contains mountain meadows, streaming waterfalls, and increasingly dramatic views of the mountain. The Skyline Trail, which traverses the Paradise area of the park, is an absolute must-do as one of Washington's best hiking trails.
Longmire, on the southwest side of the park, offers historical information and hiking trails. This area of the park also lends proximity to neighboring towns that cater to weekend visits. In nearby Ashford, the Nisqually Lodge provides a rustic appeal in modern accommodations and easy access to the park's Nisqually Entrance.
The "quiet corner of the park," Mowich Lake, is accessible via a dirt road on the park's west side. The lake lends access to stunning areas like Spray Park and Tolmie Peak. Wherever you visit in the national park, one of the most defining aspects of any visit is the awe invoked every time Mountain Rainier comes into view.
Interstate 5 provides the most direct route from Portland to the national park. The length of drive varies significantly depending on what part of the park and entrance you're aiming for, with the popular southwest Nisqually Entrance providing the closest access.
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Salem
The state capital of Oregon, Salem, is less than an hour's drive south of Portland on Interstate 5. This proximity enables easy day trips to visit Salem's top attractions, like the Oregon State Capitol or Enchanted Forest. But with additional adventures nearby, including the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park, Salem also makes a great extended weekend getaway.
Riverfront Park is an excellent spot to explore the community and nature of Salem. Sculptures, sitting space, and wonderful views of the Willamette River dot this 26-acre signature space near downtown. The park is also home to Salem's Riverfront Carousel, offering $2 rides since the year 2000.
Salem has several other in-town attractions to round out a day visit, and other nearby adventures to fill a full weekend. Less than 30 minutes east is Silver Falls State Park, one of Oregon's best state parks, and home to the Trail of Ten Falls. This neck-craning National Recreation Trail attracts visitors from across the world.
A few different public transportation options are available between Salem and Portland. Visitors can hop on Amtrak for a quick and easy ride, and Greyhound and Flixbus offer a similar fast service that doesn't take much longer than driving. A few private shuttle companies, including Groome Transportation, also offer private rides with advance reservations.
Crater Lake National Park
When a complex volcano in Southern Oregon erupted over 7,000 years ago, it left behind a massive caldera and one of North America's most unique natural attractions. Today, Crater Lake is in the footprint of what used to be Mount Mazama and is the only national park in Oregon.
As the deepest lake in the country, fed only by rainfall and snowmelt, the water of Crater Lake is an incredible blue. Contained within the crater, the sparkling water changes color as it catches the sun throughout the day. Stunning viewpoints are afforded at the rim from two different entrances of the park.
Getting from Portland to Crater Lake takes about four hours by car, primarily following Interstate 5, making it a great weekend escape, particularly in summer. The Mazama Campground within the national park is one of the best campgrounds in Oregon and is open seasonally throughout the summer.
Crater Lake's appeal goes well beyond the summer season, though, and the winter is a particularly scenic time to visit. The Rim Drive is left unplowed and opened for cross-country and snowshoe traverses.
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
Map of Weekend Getaways from Portland
More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com
More to Explore in Portland: Our Top Tourist Attractions in Portland article outlines some of the best cultural and natural attractions of Portland, and our Best Hiking Trails near Portland article illustrates other ways to explore the natural areas around the city.
