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.

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 outside Portland. Choose from multiple cities to explore, each with their own unique landscapes and history; grab a tent and experience some of the best camping in the country; or settle in to a pint of Oregon-made craft beer at a nearby brewery. Read on for our top picks for things to do and places to explore near the city.

Region

aerial view of deep blue river water at falls on the edge of a verdant cityscape

Oregon City

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

aerial view of a small downtown with about a dozen midrise buildings and a tree-filled park

Vancouver, Washington

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

floating homes and house boats on the water

St. Helens

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

Lake Oswego

Whether you’re hitting the links, shopping designer consignment or sipping drinks on a shore-side patio, you’ll enjoy the tranquility Lake Oswego affords.

Willamette Valley

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

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

Head to the beach

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 Native American woman greeting a farm goat

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.

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.

a wooden dock in a river with swimmers standing, sitting, or climbing out of the water, looks toward a city center in the fading light

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.

a life-size replica of bigfoot along side a foot print casting in front of a display with information about sightings at the North American Bigfoot Center

Searching for Sasquatch at the North American Bigfoot Center

Compare Bigfoot casts, listen to Sasquatch howls and read harrowing tales about the Pacific Northwest’s favorite hairy hominid at this eccentric museum near Portland.

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.

a man walking a bike across the street with a trailer with a dog attached, followed by a child on a bike, at a crosswalk with cars waiting

Exploring Gresham by Bike

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

Cyclists riding towards trees beside a field on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail

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.

a person kayaking on glassy water with puffy clouds reflected in it

Outdoor Adventure in Columbia County

With an emerald backdrop and riverside paths, outdoor adventure awaits from bird-watching on Scappoose Bay, or exploring the historic community of St. Helens, Columbia County offers countless family-friendly activities.