Portland offers many of chances for adventure outside of the city as it is so near to the Pacific Coast and some grand mountains. From jaw-breaking, breathtaking landscape and waterfalls abounding to heart-pounding extreme sports and varied food and drink scenes, this selection of day excursions from Portland has something in store for everyone!

Portland itself is a fantastic city full of activities and much to offer. Still, there are plenty of fantastic choices for day excursions from Portland given the wonderful surroundings in every direction.

Surrounded by energetic coastal towns, top-notch state parks and leisure regions with many mountain bike paths, the biggest city in Oregon Rich cultural legacy originating in the 19th century also exists. Not to mention the apparently limitless array of neighborhood microbreweries, coffee shops, food trucks, and hole-in-- the wall seafood restaurants.

Arranging A Rental Car In Portland

Having your own car will provide you far more flexibility to investigate the top day excursions from Portland.

When we hire cars all throughout the globe, we personally enjoy utilizing Discover Cars as they compile choices from all kinds of rental firms in one location. It makes pricing and car comparison rather simple so you may decide which best fit you.

Want To Test Oregon's Vanlife?

Rent a Van or RV to Test Drive the VanLife

We clearly became fixated on #vanlife. We have choices for you, though, if you still want to test vanlife but lack the time or inclination to create your own conversion.

View our list of top USA Campervan Rentals providers from affordable to bougie, with exclusive savings for our readers. We also offer a list with the top campervan rentals in Portland particularly.

Escape Campervans is one firm we would advise investigating. Including Portland, they have twelve different sites all throughout North America, which makes an Oregon road trip ideal. They are a wonderful budget choice and come completely stocked with all the tools you will need for an exciting road trip.

1. Hood River

  • At first look, Hood River—seriously, the windsurfing center of the world—has some of the greatest water activities available along with a great wine culture.

  • Distance from Portland: 62 miles; rather more than an hour

A little hamlet in northern Oregon, Hood River packs a great punch. Hood River Valley, tucked away at the foot of snow-capped Mount Hood and between the picturesque Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range, presents a wealth of day trip activities from Portland.

Unlike many other Oregon locations, the Gorge's strong, gusty winds usually accompany sunny weather, which makes it perfect for watersports such jet-skiing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing—actually Hood River's thing.

Things To Do In Hood River

  • Try Columbia River windsurfing or kiteboarding.

  • Travel the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and stop many times for a few walks. We really suggest the simple 2-mile Wahclella Falls path.

  • Go skiing or snowboarding down Mount Hood's slopes.

  • Guide the 35-mile picturesque loop over neighborhood farms, vineyards, cideries, fruit markets, and orchards known as the Hood River Fruit Loop

  • Stop for a sample and/or tour at one of the many dozen Hood River wineries (or breweries!).

2. Gorge Over The Columbia River

Courtyard Fountains: Visit the Columbia River Gorge Without Your Car

  • At a Glance: There are many additional outdoor recreation possibilities, family-friendly hiking paths, and some of the greatest waterfalls in Oregon right in the magnificent Columbia River Gorge.

  • Depending on the precise location, distance from Portland ranges from 15 to 100-ish miles; 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (Multnomah Falls is 30 miles from downtown Portland).

One of our most beloved Oregonian activities is chasing waterfalls. From Portland, the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge is conveniently located for one of the greatest day excursions when you want a respite from the rush of city life.

Though it scarcely covers all there is to see and do in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon's highest waterfall, the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, is the most often visited destination. You may also read this: Interesting Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park

Top Activities Near The Columbia River Gorge

  • Traveling the 70-mile Historic Columbia River Highway, stop at wayside waterfalls among other picturesque sites.

  • Stop at the Crown Point Vista House observatory, 100-year-old for amazing views.

  • See the highest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls, where you might just stare and snap pictures or go on a little climb.

  • To Lower Oneonta Falls, hike the Oneonta Gorge Trail between slot canyons and waist-deep water.

  • See the seasonal salmon spawn swimming from the ocean and upward.

  • Sample local artisan beer and great pizza in Cascade Locks on a river tour.

3. Mount Hood

  • In general, iconic Mount Hood has countless chances for outdoor leisure.

  • One hour, twenty minutes; 76 miles from Portland

The 11,249-foot-tall Mount Hood is the tallest peak in Oregon and easily seen from almost any point in Portland. The Oregon Tourism board names Mount Hood among the 7 marvels of Oregon.

World-class ski resorts, summer hiking and camping, and the majestic Mount Hood National Forest—home to some of the greatest waterfalls near Portland—all find a beautiful background from this inactive stratovolcano.

Mount Hood is among the top day excursions from Portland whether your preferred activity is scenic driving, hiking, historical attractions, waterfalls, wild rivers, hot springs, or camping.

Activities Most Suited For Mount Hood

  • Travel picturesquely on the 100-mile Mount Hood Scenic Byway.

  • One of the nicest walks around Portland, the renowned Trillium Lake Loop Trail

  • From Lost Lake, deep within Mount Hood National Forest, you will have the finest perspective of Mount Hood.

  • Stop the lovely Lavender Valley (seen in our cover picture!) just outside of Parkdale, Oregon on your route to Lost Lake.

  • Wintertime visits to one of the two Mount Hood Ski Resorts will find you on the slopes.

  • Book a night at the Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark (and filming spot in The Shining!), if you choose to spend your day excursion overnight.