Oregon is more than Voodoo Doughnuts, food carts and craft brews. Step outside of Portland, and enjoy the mountains, beaches, vineyards and more. I’ll introduce you to a few of my favorite day-trip destinations:
MOUNT HOOD
There are plenty of amazing views of Portland’s crown jewel from the city. On a clear day, you’ll also see Mount St. Helens. On the clearest of days, Adams and Rainier. But if you want to get up close and personal with Mount Hood, bundle up and travel about an hour and a half east of downtown.
Timberline Lodge is the nation’s only ski resort open year-round. No, you are not likely to encounter Jack Nicholson wielding an ax at Timberline, but yes, that’s the hotel from “The Shining.” Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, Timberline is worth the trip just to see this National Historic Landmark. There is also hiking, climbing, sledding, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Shuttle services are available.
Other Mount Hood ski resorts are Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur and Summit.
OREGON COAST
Maybe you’re into “The Goonies” more than “The Shining.” Then you’ll want to check out Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, the most photographed scene at the Oregon Coast. Look familiar, “Goonies” fans?
Enjoy this view from Mo’s, with a bowl of the restaurant’s famous clam chowder. Cannon Beach is about two hours northwest of Portland, via car or bus. A few miles north is Seaside, an adorable beach town with boutique shops, an aquarium, an oceanfront promenade and an outlet mall. (Leave some room in your suitcase. Oregon is sales-tax-free, so you’ll want to take advantage of the shopping.) It is also where Lewis and Clark first laid eyes on the Pacific Ocean.
Whether it’s “The Goonies” or Lewis and Clark that draw your interest, continue north to Astoria to see the iconic house from the film (which, sadly, is no longer open for tours) and Fort Clatsop, the pioneers’ winter encampment.
If you have time, drive down Highway 101, and take in the magnificent views along the coast. Stop along the way in Tillamook (Tillamook Cheese Factory), Lincoln City (Chinook Winds Casino), Depoe Bay (whale watching) and Newport (Oregon Coast Aquarium).
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Two words: pinot noir. Located along the same latitude as Burgundy, France, the Willamette (pronounced wil-LAM-met) Valley is a prime spot to grow these delicate grapes. The region boasts more than 250 vineyards, the vast majority in Yamhill County (an hour southwest of downtown Portland). You should have no trouble finding tours in the heart of Oregon wine country.
While you’re in Yamhill County, visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of Howard Hughes’ famous Spruce Goose, and take in Spirit Mountain Casino.
Spring is also the best time to visit the Oregon State Capitol in Salem (an hour south of Portland) — because of the cherry blossoms. (Of course, the cherry blossoms along Portland’s waterfront are a must, as well.)
Just east of Salem, near Silverton, you’ll find Silver Falls State Park, a scenic treasure; the Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical garden; and the Gordon House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
