Choose from 38 Fun Things to Do in Portland
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 38 listings.
Forest Park
Portland is often lauded as one of the best cities in America for green spaces, due in no small part to 5,100-acre Forest Park, the largest urban forested area in America. Based on the landscaping advice of the legendary Olmstead Brothers (the design firm behind New York's Central Park), Forest Park was originally proposed as an expansive city park in the late 1800s; however, potential preservation costs and oil speculation kept it from becoming public land until the late 1940s.
Situated in Northwest Portland on the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, the park's towering conifer canopy, basalt rock formations, rushing streams and plentiful wildlife make it a magnet for birdwatchers and nature photographers. 62 species of Coast Range-native mammals can be found here, as well as over 100 different species of birds, including the rare pygmy owl.
With 80 miles of fire roads, trails and paths, Forest Park is also enormously popular with hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians. The longest loop in the park, the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, is linked to various routes along the Columbia River, the Willamette Greenway and both Southeast and Southwest Portland.
Situated in Northwest Portland on the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, the park's towering conifer canopy, basalt rock formations, rushing streams and plentiful wildlife make it a magnet for birdwatchers and nature photographers. 62 species of Coast Range-native mammals can be found here, as well as over 100 different species of birds, including the rare pygmy owl.
With 80 miles of fire roads, trails and paths, Forest Park is also enormously popular with hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians. The longest loop in the park, the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, is linked to various routes along the Columbia River, the Willamette Greenway and both Southeast and Southwest Portland.
Practical Info
Photo courtesy of user EncMstr via Wikimedia Commons
Address: Portland, Oregon, USA
From $ 79
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Located in Astoria, near the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is well-known for its excellent collection of maritime artifacts.
The museum opened in 1963, and was moved into its current home in 1982 as the collection expanded. The purpose-built structure sits – appropriately – right on the waterfront, which means the collection can include ships that are still in the water. A renovation in 2001-2002 expanded the space further, and the museum now includes interactive exhibits.
The collection includes a 1950s lightship (essentially a floating lighthouse), two U.S. Coast Guard motor lifeboats, and the bridge of a World War II warship. There are exhibits about maritime weaponry, clothing, figureheads, and gear. Interactive exhibits give visitors a chance to try their hand at piloting a tugboat and joining a Coast Guard rescue on the Columbia River.
Practical Info
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is on Marine Drive in Astoria and is open daily from 9:30am-5:00pm. Adult tickets are $12, seniors are $10, and children ages 6-17 are $5. There's a 3D film you can see at the museum, for which admission is an extra $5 per person.
Address: 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon, USA
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5pm
Admission: $12
From $ 100
Bonneville Dam
Forty miles east of Portland, the Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia River, providing electricity, a navigation lock, fish passage, and recreation areas.
The dam's first powerhouse, spillway, and original navigation lock were completed in 1938 to improve navigation on the Columbia River and provide hydropower to the Pacific Northwest. A second powerhouse was completed in 1981, and a larger navigation lock in 1993.
Lake Bonneville was created behind the dam, and is a popular spot for summer activities like boating and fishing. Fish ladders, part of the original construction, provide pathways for salmon, steelhead, and other native fish navigate past the dam to spawn upstream. Large underwater windows can be found at both the Bradford Island Visitor Center (on the Oregon side) and the Washington Shore Visitor Complex for viewings between April and October.
Practical Info
Both the Bradford Island Visitor Center (Oregon side) and the Washington Shore Visitor Complex are open daily from 9am to 5pm. Guided tours are available year-round, with tour times and availability changing seasonally.
Address: Cascade Locks, Oregon, USA
From $ 59
Portland Art Museum
Situated in the tree-lined Park Blocks neighborhood of downtown Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum is known for its large archives of Native American and First Nations artifacts as well as its exemplary collections of art from around the world. Here you’ll find everything from Van Gogh and Monet paintings to calligraphy from pre–Han Dynasty China.
The Basics
The Portland Art Museum has nine permanent collections along with a regular rotation of visiting works and exhibits. Permanent collections can be divided into American, European, and Asian art, as well as contemporary and modern art, Native American art, and Northwest art. The museum also has photography, graphic arts, and silver collections. Due to its central location in downtown Portland, it’s a popular stop on Portland city tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are required to check backpacks and umbrellas.
- Photography is allowed in the permanent-collection galleries but prohibited in special exhibitions.
- The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can use either entrance.
- The Portland Art Museum is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
The Portland Art Museum's red brick main building is located on SW Park Avenue, between Madison and Jefferson Streets in downtown Portland, nine blocks west of the Willamette River. The nearest MAX light-rail stop is the Library/SW 9th stop, five blocks away, and many Tri-Met buses stop nearby. Note that downtown street parking is limited; skip the hassle of driving by taking public transit or booking a tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Although Portland is best visited in the summer, this indoor attraction is popular throughout the year and offers a selection of visiting exhibits, special programs, and family-friendly programs year-round. Admission is free from 5pm to 8pm on the first Thursday of every month.
Object Stories
Since 2010, the Portland Art Museum has been running a project called Object Stories, a changing collection of storytelling-driven exhibits that highlight issues relevant to the local community. Past topics have ranged from social justice and activism to living with disabilities. Exhibits are rotated every three to four months.
Address: 1219 Southwest Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
New England Distilling
Whether its whiskey, rum or gin you’re after, New England Distilling produces some of the finest in the region. Each is created using raw materials by a family who has been distilling for many generations – New England Distilling’s roots go as far back as the 1850s. Today the facilities include a combination of traditional and modern equipment.
Local ingredients are used in recipes from around the world to create premium small-batch spirits by hand. At the distillery, you can see the traditional copper pot still, which lends a bit of history to the process. The whiskey and gin are produced with grains from New England and the Midwest, while the rum is made from Caribbean molasses. The spirits are fermented with yeast from Maine Beer Company. Tastings on site allow visitors to experience all three.
Local ingredients are used in recipes from around the world to create premium small-batch spirits by hand. At the distillery, you can see the traditional copper pot still, which lends a bit of history to the process. The whiskey and gin are produced with grains from New England and the Midwest, while the rum is made from Caribbean molasses. The spirits are fermented with yeast from Maine Beer Company. Tastings on site allow visitors to experience all three.
Practical Info
New England Distilling is located just five minutes outside of downtown Portland. Tours include tastings and take place Monday through Friday between 12 and 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 26 Evergreen Drive, Portland, Maine 04103, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 12-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 70
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge, one of the great natural treasures of the Pacific Northwest with its many dramatic waterfalls, channels the mighty Columbia River through the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, marking much of the border between Oregon and Washington. The gorge figures in early United States history, as it was here that the Lewis and Clark expedition completed its final stretch in 1805. Today the area is popular with hikers, windsurfers, and wine lovers.
The Basics
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is an accessible day trip from Portland. Join a hiking or biking tour and you'll be guided to the best trails. Other tours visit wineries or include a cruise on the river. Of the many waterfalls to see, Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Wahkeena Falls top the list.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sturdy shoes for any hiking or biking tours, as trails may be steep or slippery.
- Bring layers even in summer, as it can be windy year–round, and trail temperatures are often lower than those in the city.
- During the busy summer season, cars heading to the parking area at Multnomah Falls can back up onto the Columbia River Highway. Tour vans have reserved parking, avoiding the traffic hassle.
- Trails are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but there is some wheelchair accessibility at Multnomah Falls.
How to Get to the Columbia River Gorge
The Gorge runs from Troutdale to Biggs on the Oregon side of the Oregon–Washington border and from Vancouver to Maryhill on the Washington side, starting about 16 miles (25.7 km) from downtown Portland. The easiest way to visit the gorge is by car or on a tour. There are several points of interest not far from I–84, the main highway running along the Oregon side of the gorge, but the older and meandering Columbia River Highway boasts more scenic views.
When to Get There
The summer months, especially July and August, offer the best visibility. The gorge can be foggy and gray in winter, as well as some of fall and spring. Winery tasting rooms are open year–round, but the fall harvest season is a popular time to visit the orchards, vineyards, and wineries. With the right clothing and gear, hikers and windsurfers can get out in almost any weather.
Where to Find the Best Views in the Columbia River Gorge
Vista House, which overlooks the gorge at Crown Point near Portland, provides brilliant views in both directions on clear days, and the nearby Bonneville Dam showcases the power of the river, with a fish-viewing window to see spawning in autumn. On the Washington side, the Maryhill Stonehenge monument, a replica of the landmark in England, makes for an interesting stop.
Address: Hood River, Oregon 97031, USA
From $ 59
Pearl District
Portland’s Pearl District lives up to its evocative title. The small neighborhood in the heart of downtown is packed with local finds, from avant-garde art galleries to craft breweries to fine dining, with many establishments housed in renovated warehouse spaces. Plus, a bike- and pedestrian-friendly trail along the Willamette River accents the Pearl’s waterfront location.
The Basics
The best way to explore the Pearl District—Portland’s most popular commercial area and arguably one of the most influential cultural centers in the Pacific Northwest—is on foot, letting you easily pop into shops, bars, and restaurants that catch your eye. Look for guided walking tours of downtown Portland that include a stroll through the Pearl to learn about its history and culture, or join a niche brewery tour, food tour, or small-group sightseeing tour by bike or Segway for a specialized experience. Sights may include the fountains, tide pool, and statues of the Pearl’s three popular parks—Jamison Square, Tanner Springs Park, and North Park Blocks—as well as the flagship Powell’s City of Books, which bills itself as the world’s largest independent bookstore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pearl is a must for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts.
- You can see the Pearl’s major attractions in a few hours, or spend a few days thoroughly exploring the district.
- Explore with a tour guide to discover the Pearl’s off-the-beaten-path attractions.
- The neighborhood’s theaters, escape games, and entertainment venues provide family-friendly fun.
How to Get There
One of the most connected Portland neighborhoods, the Pearl District is easily accessible by bike, bus, light rail, and streetcar. The area is open to cars, but parking can be difficult.
When to Get There
The Pearl is fun year-round, but Portland boasts the best weather during summer; book tours and accommodations in advance during this time. Aim for the first Thursday of the month, when Pearl galleries and other businesses are open late and the streets are packed with pedestrians and special vendors.
Discovering the Pearl
Once a lonely industrial district of decaying warehouses and rail yards, the Pearl saw a boom in urban renewal in the late 1990s and early 2000s that prompted an allusion to the area’s scruffy architecture as crusty oysters containing pearls. These “pearls” were initially artists’ lofts and galleries, but the neighborhood now teems with upscale eateries, small performance venues, and independent boutiques as well.
Address: 404 NW 10th Ave LL1, Portland, Oregon 97209, USA
From $ 34
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Rising Tide Brewing Company serves up one of Portland, Maine's most beloved beers alongside live music and food trucks. The lively tasting room features artisan craft beers produced by the small-scale, family-owned brewing company, which has since grown to be one of the area's top brewers. There's a local feel to the taproom, and a long bar for tastings that looks into the production area.
Try four different beers on a tour of the brewery, or make an outing out of your visit on a craft drink tour through the city.
Practical Info
Rising Tide is located in the busy East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, Maine. It's open daily from noon to 7pm, but closes at 5pm on Sunday. Tours are given 1-3 times daily (after 3 pm) and last approximately one hour (closed toed shoes required). They do not take reservations in advance, but you can sign up to ensure your spot on a tour.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating; weather permitting it’s a lovely spot to sit outside. Free parking is available.
Address: 103 Fox St, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat: 12–7pm; Sun: 12–5pm
From $ 70
Oregon Zoo
Formerly the Washington Park Zoo, Portland’s Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo in the western United States. In total there are more than 2,200 animals with 260 species represented, though the stars of the zoo are more often than not the herd of Asian elephants. The youngest elephant was born at the park in 2012, so she’s still toddler size, while the rest impress with their spotted ears and unique personalities. There’s also a very unique California Condors exhibit which showcases the local and endangered birds.
The animal exhibits are easily explored and grouped geographically, ranging from the Great Northwest and Pacific Shoes to the wildlife of Asia and Africa. With specialized gardens and an extensive plant collection, there is a variety of plant life as well. The zoo’s narrow gauge railway connects to the International Rose Test Garden inside Washington Park. The park often holds special events, including the seasonal zoo summer concert series and holiday Zoolights show.
Practical Info
The Oregon Zoo is located just outside of downtown Portland. You can get there in minutes via the MAX light rail. Both the Blue and Red lines run to the Washington Park station, and parking is also available. Open every day from 9 am to 4 pm, admission costs $11.50 for adults and $8.50 for children. The Portland Children’s Museum and World Forestry Center Discovery Museum are both close by.
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, Oregon 97221, USA
Hours: Daily from 9am - 4pm
Admission: $11.50 for adults, $8.50 for children
From $ 34
Powell's Books
Encompassing an entire city block in downtown Portland, Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest independent new and used bookstore and a top attraction for book lovers visiting the city. Here you’ll find upwards of a million books, including rare finds, first editions, and autographed copies of bestsellers and little-known titles alike, all under one roof.
The Basics
Launched by Michael Powell in 1971, Powell’s has long been a Portland institution. Although there are multiple outlets, the flagship location in downtown Portland offers by far the best selection. Here you’ll also find a rare-book room and a coffee shop where customers are welcome to read books before buying. Many tours of downtown Portland stop here, though bibliophiles could easily dedicate an entire afternoon just to wandering the shop’s seemingly endless aisles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Powell’s City of Books is a must for bibliophiles.
- The bookstore is divided into color-coded rooms (blue room, rose room, etc.).
- If you have used books to get rid of, you can sell them for cash or store credit at any Powell’s location.
- Powell’s City of Books is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Powell’s doesn’t just sell books: All locations also sell gifts, souvenirs, journals, and even chocolate.
How to Get There
Powell’s City of Books, the shop’s flagship location, is located on West Burnside Street, at the edge of the Pearl District in downtown Portland. The Portland Streetcar stops just outside, but it’s easy walking distance from most city center hotels. There’s also a small parking lot for shoppers and plenty of street parking in the neighborhood, though it can be hard to find a spot during the dinner hour.
When to Get There
Powell’s is a year-round destination, and it’s open late most nights, making it a good option for those looking for some late-night book browsing. It can get crowded on weekends and during the pre-Christmas rush. Regular readings and author events are held at the store throughout the year, usually in the early evening.
Other Powell’s
Although most people head to the flagship location on West Burnside, Powell’s also operates a few smaller outlets. There’s a small one at the Portland International Airport as well as a larger branch at Cedar Hills Crossing in the neighboring suburb of Beaverton. Powell’s also has a quirky scaled-down version of its main store on trendy Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and an adjacent specialty store, also on Hawthorne, focusing on cookbooks and gardening.
Address: 1005 W Burnside St., Portland, Oregon 97209, USA
From $ 34
Oregon Coast
Stretching for more than 350 miles along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast winds down from the Columbia River to the border of California — offering some of the United States’s most beautiful coastal scenery. Multiple state parks along the way grant even closer encounters with local wildlife and natural landscapes. There are also plenty of small towns and villages located throughout, including lighthouses, ports, beaches, and communities ripe for exploration.
Much of the coast can be driven alongside the ocean, making it one of the most scenic driving routes in America. Seasonally, whale watching is a popular draw, as is golf, art, dining, wine, horseback riding, hiking, antique shopping, and visiting the sand dunes year-round. Many available activities allow for the area’s hidden beaches to be discovered, and a variety of unique plant and animal species can be spotted throughout.
Practical Info
The Oregon Coast is divided into three sub-regions: North, Central, and South Coast. Each has its own distinct history and culture. The largest city along the coast is Coos Bay. Beach access is free throughout.
Address: Oregon, USA
From $ 89
Casco Bay
An inlet on Maine’s southern coast, Casco Bay is a rich maritime area spotted with lighthouses, historic forts, and seven small islands. Calm conditions make Casco Bay an ideal spot for boating, sailing, and kayaking, while the islands each have their own unique communities to explore.
The Basics
Keep an eye out for birds, seals, and the occasional whale while you hike along the coast, sail through the harbor, or hop on the ferry to visit Casco Bay’s seven accessible islands.
Most bay tours leave from nearby Portland, Maine’s capital city, and sometimes include a city tour along with a coastal sightseeing excursion. You can also opt for a private charter vessel in order to see Casco Bay’s lighthouses and historic forts at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casco Bay is a must-see for nature and history lovers.
- With relatively calm water conditions and multiple islands to explore, Casco Bay is a great destination for families with kids.
- Remember to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- It’s a good idea to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in this coastal region.
- Ferries from Portland to the islands in Casco Bay are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Casco Bay is located just north of Portland, Maine. Ferries operate daily between Portland and the islands of Casco Bay, and private charter vessels travel through the harbor as well.
When to Get There
You can visit Casco Bay year-round, but summer is a lovely time, when the days are usually sunny and warm. Head out onto the water at dusk to see colorful sunsets over the bay.
The Casco Bay Islands
Don’t miss Peaks Island, which is home to beaches, restaurants, and an art community, while Long Island is known for its hiking trails and conservation areas. Bailey Island is also a good hiking spot, while Diamond Cove (located on Great Diamond Island) is home to Fort McKinley—a structure designed to defend Portland Harbor during the Spanish-American War.
Address: Portland, Maine, USA
From $ 24
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Designed for science fans of all ages, OMSI features five separate halls, eight hands-on science labs, a real submarine, an OmniMax giant-screen theater, and a planetarium. The museum is a science playground, with 200-plus interactive exhibits covering subjects such as climate change, chemistry, the human body, and technology.
The Basics
Watch the stars come alive at Kendall Planetarium, see a blockbuster or nature documentary in the IMAX theater, or tour the USS Blueback submarine—the US Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack sub. Older children enjoy Turbine Hall’s interactive building, engineering, and problem-solving exhibits, while the colorful Science Playground provides art materials, a cave to explore, and a giant sandbox for kids 6 and under.
Visit on a Portland hop-on hop-off trolley tour to explore the museum at your own pace. To experience the Pacific Northwest outdoors, you can combine hop-on hop-off trolley tickets with a Columbia River Gorge tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a must-see for science lovers and families with kids.
- Visitor facilities include two on-site restaurants and a gift shop.
- OMSI is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the USS Blueback submarine. Free wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals are available on a first come, first served basis.
How to Get There
OMSI is located on SE Water Avenue on the eastern bank of the Willamette River, roughly 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) by road from downtown. The museum is accessible by TriMet, Portland’s public transportation system, via the MAX Light Rail, bus, and Portland Streetcar lines.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round and is most crowded on weekends and school holidays. To avoid crowds, opt for an early morning or weekday visit. OMSI After Dark events typically occur every month and are geared specifically toward adults aged 21 and over.
The USS Blueback
The USS Blueback submarine spent 31 years prowling the Pacific before retiring at the OMSI. Today, you can see the inside of the Blueback on a submarine tour, and get a glimpse of how a crew of 85 lived on the vessel for months at a time.
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Portland Chinatown
Dating back to the 1880s, downtown Portland's compact Chinatown isn't as big as what you might find in San Francisco or New York. However, it's still worth a visit for its restaurants, bars, photogenic entry gate, and its star attraction, the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
The Basics
Situated in Old Town on the edge of downtown Portland, Chinatown was once packed with Chinese businesses but today is home to more clubs and bars than anything else. Some traditional features remain, however, including an elaborate entry gate flanked by lion statues, on the corner of NW 4th Avenue and Burnside. The highlight of the neighborhood is the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which features beautiful traditional gardens and a tea room.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring an umbrella or a raincoat, as the weather can change quickly.
- Parking is limited in Chinatown, though there is a large parking garage on the corner of NW 1st and Davis.
- The entire neighborhood is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located in the Old Town part of Portland, Chinatown is easily accessed by public transit; take the MAX light rail to Old Town Chinatown. It's also within easy walking distance of a number of Portland attractions, including Powell's bookstore and the Portland Saturday Market.
When to Get There
Chinatown is accessible around the clock and can get raucous on weekend evenings, particularly during the summer months, when bars and clubs bring young revelers out in droves. Most visitors come during the day, when the Lan Su Chinese Garden is open; visit on a weekday to avoid local crowds.
Shanghai Tunnels
Deep beneath the streets of Chinatown are a number of subterranean passageways known as the Shanghai Tunnels. While the official take is that these tunnels were used to transport goods from the docks of the nearby Willamette River to local Old Town shops, local legend has it that drunk young men were kidnapped from local saloons, secreted through the tunnels, and smuggled onto ships where they'd be forced to work as sailors. The practice is known as Shanghaiing.
Address: Chinatown, Portland, Oregon, USA
From $ 25
Columbia River Highway
Oregon’s Columbia River Highway was the first scenic road in America to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is particularly noted for its colorful displays of fall foliage and its many waterfalls year-round.
The route allows for access to the Columbia River Gorge, which cuts more than 4,000 feet deep into the Cascade Mountain Range. Rich in both animal and plant life, the area along the road is home to more than 100 rare species, some that only exist in the gorge. Various hiking trails dotted throughout offer access to otherwise hidden waterfalls and views.
The highway was modeled after the scenic roads of Europe and has been long recognized for its excellence in engineering and design. Most of all the road is a path leading into some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. Outside of its wide vistas and expansive overlooks, hiking, biking, fishing, and sailing are all popular activities to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
Practical Info
The Columbia River Highway is located on I-84, about an hour’s drive from downtown Portland. Fall colors are brightest in mid-October and waterfalls most scenic during Spring. The route begins at exit 17, from the historic town of Troutdale, and runs for 75 miles. It takes 3-5 hours to drive in full.
Address: Columbia River Highway, Oregon, USA, USA
From $ 100
Camp 18 Museum
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Camp 18 Logging Museum is just a themed restaurant, but all of that logging memorabilia on display is serious business.
The sprawling log cabin-style building that is the Camp 18 Restaurant & Museum is on Highway 26 between Portland and Cannon Beach in the town of Elsie. It was built slowly, starting in the 1970s, as one man's personal dream. He is a former logger and mill owner who personally logged all of the timber used in the building. Don't miss the huge log beam that runs the length of the building – it's 85 feet long, the biggest ridgepole in the United States.
Around the restaurant building as well as inside, you'll see antique logging equipment, tools, other artifacts, and art on display. Near the restaurant is the Camp 18 Loggers' Memorial, honoring loggers who have died and featuring more exhibits of logging memorabilia.
Practical Info
Camp 18 got its name because it's located at Mile Post 18 along Highway 26, 56 miles from Portland. The restaurant and museum are open Sunday through Thursday from 7am-8pm and on Friday and Saturday until 9pm. The memorial is typically open Thursday through Sunday from 10am-4pm, but if it looks closed during open hours at the restaurant, ask at the shop and they can let you in.
Address: 42362 U.S. 26, Elsie, Oregon, USA
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-9pm
From $ 100
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a small town on the Oregon coast, but it's got a big reputation. And yes, there's an actual cannon.
Part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited what became Cannon Beach in 1805-1806, and a settlement called Elk Creek grew there in the mid-1800s. In 1922, the community was renamed Cannon Beach after a U.S. Navy ship's cannon that had washed up on the shore in 1846. The actual cannon is on display in a city museum, with a replica perched near the coastal highway.
Today, Cannon Beach is known for its art galleries, fine restaurants, boutique hotels, and beautiful beaches. The iconic Haystack Rock – a National Wildlife Refuge – juts out of the ocean very close to shore, and at low tide the tide pools around its base are otherworldly. Nearby, Ecola State Park offers spectacular hiking and views overlooking the Pacific.
Practical Info
From Portland to Cannon Beach is almost a straight shot to the west and only a 90-minute drive – so it's easy to understand why so many Portlanders head for Cannon Beach when they want a coastal escape. Lots of city dwellers have vacation homes in Cannon Beach, too, so if you're planning to stay at the coast for a few days you can look into renting a house or apartment instead of a hotel.
Address: Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
From $ 100
Pittock Mansion
Once home to Henry and Georgiana Pittock, Portland’s original power couple, the Pittock Mansion sits on 46 acres (18.6 hectares) of land and contains exhibits featuring artwork and artifacts from the early 1900s. The house is perched on a hill 1,000 feet (305 meters) above downtown and offers sweeping views of Portland and the Cascade Range.
The Basics
Inside the French Renaissance–style mansion you can peruse the rooms and admire artworks such as glass sculptures, paintings, and handcrafted tiles. Outside, stroll through the grounds (known as Pittock Acres Park) and explore a large network of hiking trails.
Many full-day and half-day Portland city tours include a visit to Pittock Mansion along with other local attractions such as Nob Hill, the Pearl District, and Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Small-group tours offer a personalized experience, while some excursions also include round-trip transportation from downtown hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pittock Mansion is a must-see for art, culture, and history lovers, and for keen hikers.
- Snacks, drinks, and period-inspired souvenirs are available for purchase in the museum store. Remember to enjoy your food before entering the museum.
- The house has a designated wheelchair-accessible entrance and elevator, although the Gate Lodge is not accessible.
- Parking is available on-site.
How to Get There
Pittock Mansion is located near Arlington Heights on NW Pittock Drive, roughly 15 minutes by road from downtown Portland. From downtown, take the Trimet 20-Burnside/Stark bus to Beaverton TC and walk half a mile (0.8 kilometers) to the mansion. You can also get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The mansion is open from February through December and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer is a lovely time to enjoy the grounds, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. During the Christmas season, the mansion’s festive holiday decorations are a must-see.
The Pittock Family Legacy
Henry Pittock’s business empire included the Oregonian newspaper, while Georgiana championed women’s rights and helped foster the city’s annual Rose Festival. In 1974, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now attracts over 800,000 annual visitors.
Address: 3229 Northwest Pittock Drive, Portland, Oregon 97210, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
Astoria
The city of Astoria sits near both the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia River, and is the oldest permanent Pacific Coast settlement in the United States.
Astoria takes its name from John Jacob Astor, who established Fort Astoria in 1810 for his Pacific Fur Company. Of course, Astor was following in some pretty famous footsteps – the Lewis and Clark Expedition had spent a brutal winter in 1805-1806 nearby at a spot they dubbed Fort Clatsop. They had reached the Pacific Ocean and then headed back east in 1806 to report on their findings. Reconstructions of both Fort Clatsop and Fort Astoria are popular attractions in and around Astoria today.
While Astoria is still an important port for the area, it's growing as a cultural destination, too. There is an annual Fisher Poets Gathering, the culinary scene is growing, and the former cannery has been turned into a boutique riverfront hotel. Movie buffs may also recognize the town as the setting for such films as “The Goonies,” “Free Willy,” and “Kindergarten Cop.” Don't miss a visit to the Astoria Column, built in 1926 by the Astor family, and offering excellent river views from its 125-foot-tall viewing platform.
Practical Info
Astoria is roughly 95 miles from Portland, and much of it is a lovely drive on historic (and scenic) highways. If you don't have a rental car, you can get to Astoria by NorthWest POINT bus from Portland in just over two hours one way.
Address: Astoria, Oregon, USA
From $ 100
Crown Point State Park
Driving around the bend from Portland, the first view many see of the Columbia River Gorge is from the corner of land called Crown Point. The outlook provides an overview of the dramatic scenery and surrounding canyon. On a clear day there is a panoramic view of the heavily forested area, the mountains, and the Columbia River.
The point itself is an enormous rock formation that was caused by multiple lava flows, which once altered the course of the river. Looking to the west, you can see Rooster Rock, another well-loved rock formation that slopes down into the canyon.
With the Vista House constructed on Crown Point at the same time the highway was being formed, it remains one of the best loved visitor stops on the historic Columbia River Gorge Highway and is considered the gateway to the area. Crown Point was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. It remains a popular stop for both views and refreshments.
Practical Info
Crown Point State Park is located in eastern Multnomah County, about 20 minutes from downtown Portland. Get there by driving on Highway 30, the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. The park is free to access and contains some picnic table facilities.
Address: Crown Point State Park, Corbett, Oregon 97019, USA
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