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Stacy
Trip Date 07/12/2018 Posted On 08/10/2018 17:24:12 |
Destinations | Oregon | Scenic Drives near Portland Oregon | Day Trips from Portland | Cannon Beach | Oregon Coast | Historic Columbia River Highway | Mount Hood Scenic Byway
There are so many things to do and places to explore right in the city of Portland that, even if you spent all day every day trying to do them all you probably couldn't make it everywhere in a month! Sometimes, however, you deserve a break from the city and need to see some of the surrounding beauty. Try one or more of these day trips where you can experience either the ocean, the waterfalls and gorge or the tallest peak. If you leave Portland early in the morning, you can complete each of these drives in one day ... but there is so much beautiful scenery that you may not want to!
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1. Northern Oregon Coast
Located about 1 1/2 hours away from Portland, a visit to the Pacific Coast is a great way to spend a day - especially if you luck out with nice weather. In addition to some memorable views, you'll have the opportunity to do some shopping, hike, explore ... and maybe even wade in the ocean. But beware, no matter what time of year you visit, the water will be cold!The longest part of your drive is the distance from Portland and back. The actual coastal drive of the Round Trip Portland to Oregon Coast Drive described below is less than 10 miles long, however you'll want to park, get out of your car and explore as you make your way south.
Cannon Beach
Head west on US-26 through the moss covered trees in Clatsop State Forest. When you reach US-101, travel south along the Oregon coastline until you reach the city of Cannon Beach. Named one of "The World's 100 Most Beautiful Places" by National Geographic in June 2013, the city is surrounded by ocean beaches, rivers, forests and mountains plus you'll find some unforgettable viewpoints.Filled with specialty retail and food shopping, art galleries and restaurants, Cannon Beach is a perfect small artsy town to explore on foot.
Haystack Rock and The Needles
Just south of downtown Cannon Beach, you'll catch your first glimpse of Haystack Rock, one of the most popular and recognizable landmarks on the Oregon coast, which will be quickly followed by The Needles. If you are lucky enough to have nice weather and are up for a little exercise, a walk on the stretch of beach from "the city" to Haystack Rock would be very enjoyable.Arcadia State Recreation Site
About a mile south of Cannon Beach, consider stopping at Arcadia State Recreation Site. Just off the highway, you'll find a shady grove where you will be just steps away from the ocean.
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Hug Point State Recreation Area
Continue south down the Oregon coast until you approach Hug Point. Both Hug Point and Hug Point State Recreation Area were named after the trail along the beach. In years gone by, pioneers had to "hug the point" as they travelled via stagecoach. If you are visiting at low tide (and have nice weather), consider taking a walk along the original road north of the parking area where you can apparently still see wheel ruts carved into the rock from the stagecoaches that once travelled the route.Klootchy Creek County Park
If you have some time on your return drive to Portland, make one final stop just over 2 miles from the intersection with US-101 on US-26 at Klootchy Creek County Park. The concrete and steel one-lane bridge over the Necanicum River might catch your attention, but you should also look for the giant Sitka Spruce tree, one of the oldest living things in Oregon. At an estimated 750 years, it doesn't rise as high as it once did due to a lightning strike, windstorms and being cut back in an effort to ensure visitor safety. The good news, however, is that you are still supposed to be able to tell how massive it once was!2. Historic Columbia River Highway
From Troutdale, Oregon to The Dalles, Oregon (the end point of The Oregon Trail), the 75 mile scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway is a must do. With a full day to devote to your combination car and foot journey, you'll have enough time to enjoy the absolutely stunning scenery along the first ever scenic roadway planned for the United States.
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At the official end of the famous highway, the Round Trip Historic Columbia River Highway from Portland route described below takes you across a bridge into Washington state. While your journey will be along the same Columbia River, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some views that you didn't see on your outbound drive.
Chanticleer Point
From the city center, head east toward the Historic Columbia River Highway (Historic Route US-30) where you are sure to marvel at the engineering required to begin building this road over 100 years ago. A stop at Chanticleer Point, home of the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Overlook, provides your first view of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Gorge. You'll also have a view of Vista House in the distance, the next stop on your journey.Vista House
Continue down Historic Route US-30 towards Vista House at Crown Point. Before entering the octagonally shaped building, enjoy the unforgettable views from the parking area.With its light gray sandstone exterior, green tiled roof and amber-green tinted windows, Vista House has an interior rotunda supported by 8 columns. The interior stairways lead either up to a balcony (with views from all around the building) or down to restrooms, a gift shop and small museum.
Cascading Waterfalls along the Columbia River Highway
Continuing down the winding "figure-eight loops" of Historic Route US-30, you will be surrounded by moss covered trees, and along the next few miles, a number of amazing waterfalls - each slightly different from the last. Based on your available time, below are some optional stops and / or hikes.
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Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls, located on Latourell Creek is just under 3 1/2 miles west of I-84 and is the closest to Portland. Depending on your hiking preferences, there is a viewpoint which allows you to see the lower falls which requires just a short walk. A view of the two-tiered upper falls requires a hike along the creek on a loop trail. After viewing the upper falls, the trail heads down to a picnic area and then to the base of the lower falls.Bridal Veil Falls
Although the lower hike to the viewing platform is not too terribly long (1/3 mile), the partially paved trail is quite steep and has several switchbacks. The hike also requires climbing on some staircases, and depending on recent weather conditions, the trail leading to the platform built to see Bridal Veil Falls may be muddy.There is also a 1/2 mile interpretive loop upper trail which was designed to take advantage of numerous viewpoints of the Columbia River Gorge.
Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls
Connected by a short path to the more popular Multnomah Falls, you will first come to Wahkeena Falls. Because of the popularity of Multnomah Falls (which really should be a must see for everyone), the parking area tends to fill up quickly. If you see an available parking space and are able to walk a short distance, consider grabbing it just in case the next lot is full.Stand in the viewing area carved out of the rock cliffs (along with everyone else) and gaze in awe at both tiers of Multnomah Falls. If you are up for it, hike the 1/4 mile mostly paved trail up to Benson Bridge where you'll be able to enjoy another perspective of both tiers of the waterfall. Don't miss out on a visit inside Multnomah Falls Lodge, home to a gift shop, restaurant and information center - in addition to a kiosk selling hot chocolate!
From this point, the drive along IH-84 on the Oregon side of the Columbia River to The Dalles (the endpoint of both the scenic highway and the Oregon Trail) will take about one hour. There is lots of parkland with plenty of hiking opportunities and more waterfalls, so your available time will dictate how many additional stops you make.
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Washington State
Rather than retracing your steps along IH-84, cross over the Columbia River on US-197 into the state of Washington. On your return, you'll have the opportunity to take in the scenery from the opposite side as you drive alongside the river on WA-14.Beacon Rock State Park
After passing the half way point between The Dalles and Portland, you'll come across Beacon Rock State Park. If you have time, Beacon Rock appears to have something for everyone. In addition to camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing, you'll find views that will take your breath away. Entrance to the park requires a Discover Pass which can be purchased at an automated pay station in the park ($10.00 for day or $30.00 for year - both valid for all persons in vehicle at recreational areas in Washington).3. Mount Hood Scenic Byway
From Troutdale, Oregon to Hood River, Oregon, a drive along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway will take you in a semi-circle around the highest point in the state. Throughout your journey, you'll be able to stop, stretch your legs and soak in your beautiful surroundings. If you are up for more of a work-out, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy whatever form of exercise makes you happy - hiking, biking, mountain climbing, horse back riding, year round skiing and a variety of water sports.
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The Round Trip Mount Hood Scenic Byway from Portland route described below takes you to the western start of the byway in Troutdale. From there, you'll travel along the 105 mile scenic byway ending in Hood River. Your return drive to Portland will be along the Historic Columbia River Highway (described in # 2 above) however this route has you traveling in the opposite direction.
Wildwood Recreation Site
From Troutdale, you'll pass through the cute town of Sandy, Oregon, the Gateway to Mount Hood before beginning your uphill ascent. Wildwood Recreation Site, your first optional stop along your journey, can be found on your right ($5.00 per vehicle entrance fee paid in automated pay station; fee waived with America the Beautiful Annual Pass).Situated on 550 acres of land in a bend of the Salmon River, this day-use area is a destination in itself with a variety of trails, a playground, family and large group picnic areas and even a ball field. The interpretive Cascade Streamwatch Trail, a 3/4 mile long easy to walk accessible trail (part paved, part boardwalk), will take you on a leisurely walk through the trees. With optional stops at the River Overlook, Watershed Watch and Underwater Viewing Window, this trail is just one of many to choose from.
Mount Hood National Forest
Before entering the Mount Hood National Forest you'll come to the Zig Zag Ranger Station and accompanying Wy'East Rhododendron Gardens (on the right just two miles up the road) where you might want to enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds. For a view of Mount Hood peeking around a bend about 8 miles past the ranger station, make a brief stop at the scenic overlook on the right side of the road.Mirror Lake
You'll soon come across parking on the shoulder of the road, with a narrow bridge leading to a trailhead. If you are interested in some backcountry hiking, consider the popular one mile uphill hike on the Mirror Lake Trail for some reportedly awesome views. With an increased level of difficulty, the trail continues for 2 more miles up to Tom Dick and Harry Ridge.Timberline Lodge
You'll pass through the town of Government Camp before reaching a turn-off for Timberline Lodge on the left. A six mile uphill scenic drive will take you to the 1930's era lodge and National Historic Landmark. A stop at Timberline can provide unforgettable views from one of the hiking trails or even from riding a chairlift.Hood River Valley
Return to US-26 and drive 2 more miles until you reach Highway 35 where you'll head north toward the town of Hood River. As you begin your descent toward the Hood River Valley, you'll continue to see Mt. Hood through the large forest of trees. As you enter the valley, the large trees will be replaced with farms, orchards, vineyards and, depending on the time of day and year, maybe even some fruit stands manned by locals.
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Panorama Point Park
When you come upon signs for Panorama Point, take the short uphill drive to the small park at the top where you'll be greeted with spectacular panoramic views of the Hood River Valley. With both restrooms and picnic tables, this is a great place for a picnic if the timing coincides with your hunger!Tips for Enjoying Day Trips from Portland
Here's a few tips to help you prepare for your drives so that make the most out of each day:- Plan ahead. Review the route for your planned drive, look at the pictures and take a look at some of the websites referenced above. Talk to those with whom you'll be traveling and agree on the top stops that you want to include in your drive. If you plan to hike, you'll need to budget your time so that you can make it to all of your desired stops in one day.
- Prepare a lunch and pack some snacks and drinks. You'll find that several of the recommended stops along each of the routes have picnic tables, and you'll be able to save some time (and money) if you avoid stopping at a restaurant for a meal.
- Make sure that you have your valid annual Discover Pass and/or America the Beautiful Pass (if you have one or both) in the vehicle that you'll be using for your drive.
- Check the weather - it may be cooler than you would expect, so it's best to have a jacket along with you.
- If you plan to hike, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- Get an early start (as early as you can) so that you have more options for hiking, sightseeing, photographing ... or just enjoying the views.
Fun Things to Do in Portland
If you are in search of things to do while you are in Portland, check out our post titled 23 Fun Things to Do in Portland, Oregon. You will find free things to do, low cost activities as well as some fun food experiences.Scenic Drives
Of the three scenic drives described in this post, which sounds most appealing to you?- Northern Oregon Coast
- Historic Columbia River Highway
- Mount Hood Scenic Byway
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