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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a multi-use route in Columbia County, northwest of Portland.

Region

From mountain to ocean and deserts to valleys, the region surrounding Portland offers endless adventure.

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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a multi-use route in Columbia County, northwest of Portland.

Portland is the perfect launchpad for adventure, with the rugged Oregon Coast, snow-capped Mount Hood, lush wine country and waterfall-filled Columbia River Gorge all within easy driving distance of the city.

Whether your interests are surfing, skiing, sipping or just trying something new, the region around Portland is ripe for exploration.

Read on to learn more about the best places to explore outside of Portland.

Illustration by Subin Yang

Wine Country

A short drive from the Portland, the Willamette Valley wows with lush scenery and delectable wines.

Willamette Valley
Brooks Winery garden and vineyard landscape

Sip and Savor Willamette Wine Country

Just south of Portland lies the Willamette Wine Valley, a rich wine country known for premium pinot noir, rolling hills and stellar bucolic views.

A bearded man smiles as he checks on a grape vine

Wine Tours Near Portland

Let someone else do the driving while you enjoy wine tasting and vineyard views.

people tasting wine surrounded by wine barrels

Wine Country Thanksgiving

During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, many local wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite selections.

Explore The Gorge

30 miles (48 km) east of Portland and discover historic landmarks, epic waterfalls, and small towns.

Columbia River Gorge
sunset hits the top of the mountain where a large waterfall bursts through the trees and cascades down the hillside, with a small bridge overlook

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities for stunning year-round sights of cascading water with complimentary flora and fauna.

the vista house is in the distance, framed by brush and tree branches on three sides in the foreground

Crown Point Vista House

Called the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop and museum. Enjoy a 360-degree of the gorge and a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River.

fish ladder with utilitarian building off to the side in front of a hillside with waterfalls and a winter forest

Bonneville Dam

Admire wonders of engineering and migrating salmon at this historic landmark on the Columbia River.

view from the sky of the vista house and columbia river gorge

Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge

Savor the views and flavor of Hood River and the scenic gorge with this 48-hour itinerary.

The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river

Columbia River Gorge Tours

Columbia River Gorge tours are an ideal way for visitors to experience the famous Columbia River Gorge National without worrying about traffic or parking. Explore the waterfalls just east of Portland with a guide and driver.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

What to Do on Mount Hood

Explore Mt. Hood — the tallest peak in Oregon — with this in-depth guide that covers weather, what to pack, where to stay, outdoor recreation and how to have an unforgettable experience.

Explore

Four Seasons of Fun

Enjoy the great outdoors on and around Mount Hood.

More Outdoors
four people illuminated by campfire at a dimly lit campsite, backed by a serene lake and a large mountain obscured by mist

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

a fisherman flyfishing in a river

Fishing Near Portland

These four waterways — all less than an hour away from Portland — provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.

a couple walks their dog in Forest Park

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

Near the City

From zip lines to whitewater rafting and horseback riding to pioneer history, these attractions are worth the (short) trips outside Portland.

Explore Nearby

Oregon Coast

Where tide pools and hiking trails share sunsets with beach towns and lighthouses.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon’s coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

an aerial view of the Oregon Coast with the coast mountain range in the background, a sea of green

Adventures in Seaside and Cannon Beach

Just 80 miles from Portland, the Oregon Coast communities of Cannon Beach and Seaside host attractions like Ecola State Park, dish fresh-caught seafood, offer sweeping views and welcome visitors with small-town charm.

rugged coastline and a sandy beach on a sunny day

Oregon Coast

From the historic city of Astoria to the majesty of Haystock Rock in Cannon Beach and the tide pools of Yachats, the Oregon Coast is a rugged, unspoiled treasure that begins 90 minutes from Portland.