Region
From mountain to ocean and deserts to valleys, the region surrounding Portland offers endless adventure.
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
Mount Hood
Located 90 minutes from Portland, Oregon's tallest peak offers four seasons of fun.
24 Hours on Mount Hood
Plan a perfect getaway to Mount Hood, including skiing and snowboarding, with this itinerary.
Winter Sports on Mount Hood
Just a 90-minute drive from downtown, Mount Hood sits right in the city’s backyard and makes for a heck of a winter playground.
Where to Eat on Mount Hood
Don’t hit the slopes on an empty stomach! This guide dishes on where to fuel up for the day, lunch mid-mountain and relax with pizza and pints après-ski.
Uncork Wine Country
A short drive from the city, the Willamette Valley wows with lush scenery and delectable wines.
Explore the Gorge
Enjoy superb outdoor recreation, craft beer and dozens of waterfalls in the gorge.
Car-Free Trips to the Columbia River Gorge
With convenient shuttle buses, tour services and bike trails, visitors don't need a car to explore the gorge.
The Dalles
Sweeping dry grasslands and jagged rocky outcroppings dominate a golden horizon on your way to explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.
Biking in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a recreational biker’s paradise, with options including car-free blacktop, smooth single-track flows and canyon trails with tricky switchbacks.
Near the City
From zip lines to whitewater rafting and horseback riding to pioneer history, these attractions are worth the (short) trips.
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