Portland Weekender Guide & Outdoor Trips

Portland Highlights

  • Few cities in the United States can boast the caliber or variety of outdoor opportunities found in Portland. Tucked amid lush folds of the Willamette Valley—bounded by the snow-capped volcanoes, old-growth forests, and the Columbia River—the region has long attracted residents with a keen appreciation for the great outdoors.
  • Three great rivers within three hours of Portland—the Deschutes, Metolius, and Crooked Rivers—offer excellent opportunities year-round to catch nice fish.
  • Between the wilderness areas, national forests, and state parks there is no lack of opportunities for backcountry camping around Portland. Groups seeking a car-camping experience should check out Eagle Creek Campground, a perfect base camp for hiking forays up Eagle Creek and Ruckle Ridge trails. For coastal camping, sample primeval coastal rain forest at Oswald West State Park, and for riverside camping just a short drive from the city visit Oxbow Park.
  • Two full-day scenic drives leading from the city typify some of the classic scenery of this region. Heading east, the Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway passes some of the most spectacular waterfalls and overlooks along the river and encompasses a loop around Mount Hood. Driving west, the Oregon Coast Drive, involves a long loop through the Willamette Valley and through the Coastal mountain range with the prime attraction being miles of winding road along the Pacific Ocean.

By Travel Expert: Jeremy Pataky
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