Things To See And Do
Destinations
Head in almost any direction from Portland, and you’ll find fantastic scenery, recreational opportunities and delicious food and drink.
On This Page
Surrounding Areas
Columbia River Gorge
Mount Hood
Oregon Coast
Willamette Valley
Surrounding Areas
Columbia County
Leave the city behind. Just north of Portland on Highway 30 lay wetlands, wildlife preserves and farms. Get out into the country and enjoy some of the best migratory bird viewing in the region. Columbia County is Portland's nearest escape.
From kayaking at Scappoose Bay to mountain biking at the Vernonia skills park, this haven for outdoor enthusiasts offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing and small-town appeal. Luxury B&Bs are nestled among quirky boutiques and antique stores in Olde Towne St. Helens and Vernonia. You can get here from PDX without a car: bike the Banks-Vernonia Trail or scenic routes off Highway 30; or catch a ride from downtown Portland on the Columbia County Rider bus, which takes you past the Scappoose Creek Inn into St. Helens.
Friday is pub night at the historic Columbia Theatre and you can shop local merchants for unique gifts.
Visit the official site of Columbia County.
Mt. Hood Territory
From majestic Mount Hood recreation to our Willamette Valley nurseries and farms, our scenic byways wind through historic towns filled with shops, museums and outdoor 
art. Winter and summer snow sports, golf, hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and fishing abound. Dozens of farmers' markets and wine, arts and harvest festivals dot our yearly calendar. Historic Oregon City celebrates the end of the Oregon Trail. Shopping is plentiful at Clackamas Town Center, one of Oregon's largest malls, or in the many boutique shops in Lake Oswego's Lake View Village. Enjoy unique and affordable lodging, whether it's a mountain vacation home or cozy cabin, full-service resort, B&B, or urban hotel/motel accommodations.
As a traveler, have you ever longed for the inside scoop on locals’ favorite locations? The “Secret Sweet Spots” of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory gives you the map to those less-trafficked treasures. View a video clip, enter to win a three-night vacation, and book a Sweet Lodging Deal to discover your own Secret Sweet Spot!
Visit the official site of Mt. Hood Territory.
Washington County
Oregon’s Washington County is one of the Pacific Northwest's hidden gems. Scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast, this burgeoning region mixes suburban amenities with serene rural, natural and agricultural settings. As the gateway to Oregon's wine country, Washington County boasts a diverse array of attractions, including celebrated dining, wineries, breweries and a saké brewery; outdoor adventure activities, pristine nature parks, biking and walking trails and wildlife preserves; championship golf courses; and 
abundant shopping opportunities from antiques to high-end design. Best of all, this destination offers affordable room rates, convenient and free parking, and the county's larger cities – Beaverton and Hillsboro – are easily accessible with light-rail access from Portland International Airport.
Visit the official site of Washington County.
Columbia River Gorge
When you visit the Columbia River Gorge, you can drive the historic highway, hike past dramatic Multnomah Falls, then go windsurfing — or just shop and sip craft beer — in the town of Hood River. Northeast of Portland on Interstate 84; 30 miles to Multnomah Falls, 65 miles to Hood River.
Mount Hood
Less than two hours from Portland, Mount Hood (Oregon's tallest peak) boasts five ski areas, a one-million-acre national forest full of lakes and trails, and historic Timberline Lodge. 60 miles southeast of Portland on Highway 26.
Oregon Coast
The rugged Oregon coast is also less than two hours from Portland. Stroll Seaside's promenade, see Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, or head south for a tour and samples at the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory. 80 miles from Portland on Highway 26 and/or Highway 6.
Willamette Valley
This is the heart of Oregon's wine country, with more than 200 wineries, in addition to farms and scenic covered bridges. 30 miles southwest of Portland on Highway 99W.
