Day Trips
Multnomah Falls
Dropping a distance of over 620 feet, Multnomah falls is second only to Yosemite to largest year round falls in the United States. Follow paved walking trails up to the Benson Bridge to get a close up view at the spectacular sight. At the base of the falls is the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge built in 1924 which houses gift and snack shops and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Distance from Portland: 30 – 40 minutes from downtown traveling East on I-84.
Location: Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Timberline Lodge
As much a piece of art as a beautiful lodge nestled high up on Mt. Hood. Timberline lodge was commissioned by the Federal Works Progress Administration during the depression and built, by hand, by unemployed craftsman. Unless you plan to ski – the best time to visit Timberline is during a clear day. Enjoy lunch and a tour of this beautiful National Historical Landmark.
Distance from Portland: An hour plus ride east following Route 26. Turn left just after Government Camp onto the Timberline access road. My Tip: Check the road conditions before you leave and have the right tires for your trip.
Location: Timberline, Oregon
Seaside and Cannon Beaches
An easy and scenic drive west from Portland will give you two options to visit towns with gorgeous beaches, each offering something a bit different. Cannon Beach is famous for its amazing Haystack Rock which sit just off the shore line and is known for the Art Galleries and boutiques that line the main street in town. Seaside, a popular spring break destination, has a boardwalk that runs the length of the town’s beach front. Younger visitors are drawn to the arcades and many t-shirt shops and others can find a nice restaurant to quiet an appetite.
Cricket’s Tip: Oregon Beaches are not like the hot beaches and often privately owned beaches you find on the East Coast. The entire length of Oregon coastline is owned by the state. It is often windy and can be chilly – even of the hottest of summer day. It’s best to pack a sweatshirt along with your pale and shovel.
Distance from Portland: 1 ½ hours heading West on the Sunset Highway (Highway 26). At the intersection of 101 – head north to Seaside or South to Cannon Beach
Location: Seaside, Oregon and Cannon Beach, Oregon
Mount St. Helens national Volcanic Monument
On May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted blasting the top of the peak off the mountain at a speed of up 600 + miles per hour and temperatures reaching 800 degrees. Plan a day to travel and visit a few of the visitor’s centers that will educate and inform you about the devastation of the eruption and how nature has reacted since.
Distance from Portland: 1 to 2 hours depending on which visitor center you choose.
Location: check the website for visitor’s center locations.
Dundee - Oregon’s Wine Country
Distance from Portland: 30 minutes traveling SW on Route 99W.
Location: Dundee, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge
The gorge is an 80 mile stretch of river canyon on the Columbia River that begins just east of downtown Portland. A nature lover and sportsman’s paradise that includes numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, windsurfing, fishing areas just to name a few. Take the scenic route via the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop and visit several waterfalls on your way to Hood River where you might be able to see some amazing windsurfing.
Distance from Portland: Head east in Oregon on I-84 or in Washington on Highway 14.
Location: East and West Sides of the Columbia River.
Evergreen Aviation Museum
Home of the famous Spruce Goose as well as dozens of other military and personal aircrafts dating from the birth of aviation.
Distance from Portland: About 40 minutes traveling Southwest on route 99W through Dundee then on left onto Route 18.
Location: 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, Oregon 97128
