Amazing Day Trips From Portland, Oregon
Portland is not only an amazing destination to visit in Oregon well within its own right, it’s also an incredibly convenient jumping off point for a tour of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic sights! From towering mountain peaks and waterfalls to luxuriant golden valleys, all of the best day trips from Portland are less than two hours away!
To help plan an itinerary for your Portland trip, RVnGO has put together six destinations for you to visit. Each more fabulous than the last, you’ll sip on some of the finest wine in the US one day and surf one of the West Coast’s most iconic beaches the next.
Pack your hiking boots and make sure your RV rental is booked, because there’s an incredible adventure in store!
Best Spontaneous Day Trips From Portland
Multnomah Falls
Travel Time: 30 minutes
The most popular waterfall in the entire Pacific Northwest is only a half hour away from Portland. Multnomah Falls sees 2 million visitors each year and for good reason. In a state that’s filled with flowing water, Multnomah still towers above the rest at an astounding 620 feet tall. The massive scale, surrounded by lush greenery and viewable up close from an arched bridge, will make you believe you’ve been transported to Middle Earth.
The hike to reach the waterfall is approximately 2.6 miles long and generally considered easy to moderately challenging. Be prepared to hike alongside plenty of people during your trek due to the popularity of the sight. For your best chances of losing the crowd, we recommend arriving early in the morning for a more tranquil experience.
Because Multnomah is only a half hour away from Portland, it should be a breeze!
Hood River
Travel Time: 1 hour
Did you know that the windsurfing capital of the world is found in Oregon? Hood River, just an hour’s drive outside Portland, brings in thrill seekers from across the world to its choppy blue waters. Although you’ll find lots of experts cutting through the waves, the great thing about the hub of water activity at Hood River is that it’s an excellent place for people of all experience levels to get in on the action.
Beginners can check out newbie courses on windsurfing while you visit, or maybe opt for paddleboarding or kayaking instead. There’s all kinds of things to do at Hood River.
Because of the influx of people to the water, the town itself has a bustling community to enjoy. Craft breweries and great food surround the bay, so you’ll be able to catch a hearty meal once you’re all tuckered out for the day.
Trillium Lake
Travel Time: 1 hour
Just like there are many waterfalls in Oregon, there are also many lakes to take in. But one of our favorites has to be the peaceful surface of Trillium Lake. Fed by Mud Creek, tributary to Salmon River, Trillium Lake is known for the serene reflective properties of its water. When the time of day is just right, a perfect reflection of the looming snow capped Mount Hood appears on the lake.
Kayaking and canoeing are popular at Trillium, so be sure to bring waterproof shoes. Miles of trails surround the lake for hiking, and fishing is also permissible.
If you decide to extend your day trip overnight— and who could blame you— there are a number of RV campgrounds nearby. For easy access to the water, check out Trillium Lake Campground. Because of the limited number of RV sites and the popularity of the lake, we recommend booking in advance.
Willamette Valley
Travel Time: 1 hour
Oregon’s landscape is not only chock full of the dramatic waterfalls, lakes, and mountains that the Pacific Northwest is known for. A visit to the Willamette Valley will make you think you’ve landed in Northern California instead.
Oregon’s wine country is every bit as dreamy as its southern neighbors. Gently rolling hills flourishing with grapes on the vine dot the horizon in every direction. Intercutting the farmland are gorgeous rivers and plains so beautiful they appear as if a painting. In short, the Willamette Valley is a must-visit destination in Oregon.
We don’t simply mean for wine lovers either— although it is a sommelier’s paradise. The valley is tranquil and relaxing in every sense of the word. Horseback tours through farms and wineries are a great way to explore the area without placing a necessary emphasis on the wine itself.
Cannon Beach
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Our list of the best day trips from Portland now turns westward towards the coast. In addition to housing the most famous waterfall in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is also home to one of its most famous beaches. The grand rock formations of Cannon Beach have been the muse of photographers and explorers for decades. Set against the dramatic backdrop of cascading waves and hills covered in pines, Cannon Beach is the quintessential Northwest coastal respite.
Bodyboarding and surfing are a favored pastime in the water due to the volume of its waves. It’s a great spot in particular to learn how to surf for beginners, so don’t be too intimidated by the pros. Lifeguards on site from May to September can give you pointers for the best areas to surf and where to avoid during your visit.
Sand Lake Recreation Area
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Further south along the coast from Cannon Beach and Tillamook is an incredibly unique sight in the Northwest. Sand Lake Recreation Area refers to a stretch of land by the water that’s filled with none other than majestic sand dunes!
The fine sand of the sloping dunes are a real treat for outdoor aficionados. OHV riding at Sand Lake is highly popular and like something straight out of a Mad Max movie. Riders are able to rent ATVs and enjoy the area year round.
After a day spent hiking the park or on the back of a dune buggy, you can unwind at a number of campgrounds nearby. To spend the night, check out East Dunes Campground and Sandbeach Campground.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Portland
Depending on what you want to get out of your visit, there’s really no bad time of year to visit Oregon!
The dramatic mountains and lakes near Portland are exquisite in each season, though summer is the most popular time of year to visit. For smaller crowds at some of the famous sites, spring and fall offer just as good of an experience as summer.
If you’re an experienced RV camper and up for the challenge, winter RV camping in Oregon can be a breathtaking adventure. Many private and state RV campgrounds are open year round in the Portland area.
With so many incredible things to do in each season, there’s no wrong choice to make.
What do you think about our favorite spontaneous day trips from Portland? What’s your favorite spot to visit in the area? Let us know in the comments below!