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When they’re in season, picking your own fruits and vegetable on Sauvie Island, located minutes from Northwest Portland, is a favorite local activity.
Credit: Clayton Cotterell for Travel Oregon

Near the City

Get out of the city to explore these offerings around the Portland region.

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When they’re in season, picking your own fruits and vegetable on Sauvie Island, located minutes from Northwest Portland, is a favorite local activity.
Credit: Clayton Cotterell for Travel Oregon

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

Region

Nearby Cities

These nearby towns offer their own unique food, drink, culture and communities.

Historic Oregon City is located near the iconic Willamette Falls.

Oregon City

The final wagon stop on the Oregon trail, Oregon City welcomes visitors with food, drink, museums and outdoor activities.

The Columbia River is a popular vantage point for the Fort Vancouver fireworks.

Vancouver

Though similar to Portland in many ways, Vancouver, Wash., a suburb located just across the Columbia River, can also feel like it's a world away.

The St. Helens Marina is a tree-lined, quiet harbor on the Columbia River.

St. Helens

St. Helens pairs outdoor experiences with antique shops and Twilight souvenirs.

Breweries Near Portland

The City of Roses doesn’t have a monopoly on amazing ales! Several nearby towns are home to their own fabulous brewpubs and breweries.

Take a sip

Regional Activities

Get out of the city to explore these offerings around the Portland region.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Hood while camping at Trillium Lake.

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites located within an easy drive from the city.

Yurt Camping Near Portland

Yurt camping near Portland offers a midway point between primitive camping and glamping with electricity, heating, windows and wooden floors.
Valenzuela greets one of the farm’s resident goats. Photo by Ashley Anderson.

Farm Loops Near Portland

Only 15–45 minutes from Portland, three self-guided tours let you choose your own farm-to-table adventure amid bucolic gardens, ranches and vineyards.
Visitors to Oregon's Fruit Loop can pick apples straight from the branch.

Apple Picking Near Portland

Freshly-picked Pacific Northwest apples are a local favorite, and many Portland-area orchards allow visitors to pluck the fruit right off the branch.
Spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool, clear waters of Punchbowl Falls.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

Waterfalls Near Portland

Get your fill of natural wonders by visiting these waterfalls close to Portland.
Bike paths lead from downtown Portland all the way to Gresham's Main City Park.

Exploring Gresham by Bike

Gresham, an east Portland suburb, offers a bevy of bike-friendly businesses and stellar views of Mount Hood.
Spring brings wildflowers to Portland.

Wildflower Viewing in Greater Portland

Feast your eyes on the many wildflower patches around the region for natural beauties you won't find anyplace else.

Bicycling the Banks-Vernonia State Trail

The small logging town of Vernonia has become a central hub for bike routes through the surrounding state forest.
Kayaking on Scappoose Bay

Outdoor Adventure in Columbia County

Bird-watch on Scappoose Bay, cruise around on a path or exploring the historic community of St. Helens – Columbia County offers countless family-friendly activities.
West of Portland, Tree to Tree Adventure Park offers an aerial obstacle course and zip line.

High-Flying Fun West of Portland

This aerial obstacle course combines the childhood thrill of tree climbing with zip lines, rope and tire swings, trapezes, ladders and tightropes.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

Learn more

More Regional Attractions

Discover more interesting landmarks and institutions near Portland.

A historical interpreter at the End of the Oregon Trail

End of the Oregon Trail

At the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Historic Site visitors can discover what it was like to be a pioneer.

The World of Speed racing museum displays one-of-a-kind vehicles.

World of Speed

Through interactive exhibits and displays featuring 100 historic race cars and motorcycles, the World of Speed car museum tells a vivid tale of America’s love affair with life in the fast lane.

The bastion at Fort Vancouver

Fort Vancouver

The Portland area's only national historic site is centered around a complete replica of Fort Vancouver, a fur-trading camp founded in 1825.

Sauvie Island

Families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures on this island just northwest of Portland.

Head to the beach

Annual Events

Not far from Portland's city limits, these annual events draw locals and visitors alike.

Paddlers navigate the lake at Tualatin Commons during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course.

The Corn Maize at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors five acres of physical and mental challenges in a corn field.

Take in the views and the blooms at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.