Portland is home to an amazing array of restaurants, breweries, wineries, parks, and has some of the best public transportation and is very bike-friendly. Whether you live in Portland or are planning to visit, there are many things you can do in the city. But sometimes you want to explore attractions and locations nearby for a change of scenery. If you’re looking for weekend trips from Portland that aren’t too far away, here are 8 getaways from Portland that are less than 100 miles away.
1. McMinnville
Oregon is well-known for its wine country in the Willamette Valley. There are many areas to explore, but one of the top places to get your wine fix and experience what it has to offer is McMinnville. According to the city’s tourism website, McMinnville is the “heart of Oregon’s wine country”. You can explore a 100-year old farmhouse and get a wine tasting at Dominio IV Wines and stay at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, a unique and eccentric chain of establishments. Get some pizza from 3rd Street Pizza Co and go for a walk at Wortman Park. Find more information about McMinnville here.
Distance from Portland: 32 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 57 minutes
2. Silverton
Are you looking for a small-town adventure with charm and majestic beauty? Look no further than Silverton, also known as “Oregon’s Garden City”, which was established in 1854. Silverton is one of the top weekend trips from Portland as it’s home to Silver Falls Park, a lush and cascading waterfall and park. Don’t miss the 177-foot South Falls waterfall and feel free to hike around the park or even camp there or have a barbeque. You can stay at the quaint Oregon Garden Resort and get dinner at The Gallon House. Find more information about Silverton here.
Distance from Portland: 41.1 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 53 minutes
3. Salem
Want to visit the Oregon capital as one of your weekend getaways from Portland? Then add Salem to the list. According to the tourism website Travel Salem, the location is “The most Oregon part of Oregon.” You can enjoy the Riverfront Park, check out the Oregon State Capitol, and get your flower fix at the Adelman Peony Gardens. You can sip wine at Redhawk Winery and eat Italian food at Gamberetti’s. Find more information about Salem here.
Distance from Portland: 46.1 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 49 minutes
4. Columbia River Gorge
For residents and tourists alike, one of the top weekend getaways from Portland is the stunning Columbia River Gorge. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Columbia River Gorge is a whopping 80 miles long and 4,000 feet deep. While there, you can see the tallest waterfall in Oregon at Multnomah Falls, which is a sight to behold. You can also see gorgeous views of the river from the Crown Point Vista House. You can also check out the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and hike the Angel’s Rest Trail. Find more information about the Columbia River Gorge here.
Distance from Portland: 54.9 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 1 hr, 4 minutes
5. Hood River
Just a short drive from Portland is Hood River, a city full of zest and adventure. Whether it’s winter or summer, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. You can rent a raft or a motorcycle or even go windsurfing (Fun fact, according to Travel Oregon Hood River is the windsurfing capital of the world). You can also grab a bite and brew at Solstice Woodfire Cafe and try out a craft beer at pFriem Family Brewers. For something unique, check out the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. Find more information about Hood River here.
Distance from Portland: 62 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 1 hr, 2 minutes
6. Mount Hood
While in Portland, you can see the iconic and snow-crested Mount Hood in the distance. In colder months, Mount Hood is a ski haven and ideal for snow adventurers. You can plan a trip to Mount Hood Meadows here and stay at the legendary locale, The Timberline Lodge. While there, you can enjoy a beer and food at Mt Hood Brewing. Find more information about Mount Hood here.
Distance from Portland: 68.4 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 1 hr 37 minutes
7. Cannon Beach
Portland may rain for much of the year but the summertime is nearly perfect. When it gets hot, it’s fun to go for a drive and take a beach day. One of the best getaways from Portland is Cannon Beach. There you can see the signature Haystack Rock and grab some lunch at local favorite Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse or the Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge. You can go on a public art walking tour or shop from the many boutiques and stores in the area. Cannon Beach is one of the best weekend trips from Portland, especially in the summer. Need a place to stay? Check out Ecola Inn. Find more information about Cannon Beach here.
Distance from Portland: 79.2 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 1 hr 31 minutes
8. Astoria
The Oregon coast is breathtaking and has numerous options for weekend getaways in Portland. If you want a quirky beach town, head to Astoria. You can go to the historic site, The Astoria Column, and grab lunch at Fort George Brewery. Head to the Oregon Film Museum and see where they shot part of The Goonies or enjoy a bit of history and architecture at the Flavel House Museum. You can also enjoy nature and recreation at the historic Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Find more information about Astoria here.
Distance from Portland: 97.6 miles
How long it takes to get there one-way: 1 hr 45 minutes
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a getaway from Portland, check out these eight options. Whether you’re more outdoorsy or more epicurean, you have various options to choose from. Go for a day trip or as part of weekend trips from Portland. While you’re preparing to head out on the road, make sure you’re covered with the right car insurance. Metromile offers drivers in Oregon pay-per-mile coverage, which can help lower costs. Want car insurance that feels more fair and straightforward? Grab a free quote from Metromile to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.