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

Oregon City

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

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.

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

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.

Double-tiered Latourell Falls is the waterfall closest to Portland.

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.

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.

Cyclists go for an autumn ride along 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.

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.