Here in Portland, we are situated in the perfect place to explore outward. We are surrounded by so much beauty and so many great entertainment options. If you want to truly embrace summer, we’ve put together the following list of what we consider to be the best day trips in Portland. Pick one and choose your own epic summer adventure in Rose City!

1. Visit A Remote Winery
Northeast Archery Summit Road, NE Archery Summit Rd, Oregon, USA
Archery Summit/Google Local
Did you know that Oregon's Willamette Valley is one of the few places on the entire planet with conditions ideally suited to plant Pinot Noir? How cool! Oregon is known far and wide for its amazing wines, and Archery Summit is one of the best and most beautiful wineries near Portland.
2. Cross The Border To Lyle
Lyle, WA 98635, USA
Patrick Dirden / Flickr
Head to Washington's small town across the border Lyle. Here you'll find epic views, quiet hikes, and amazing scenery. What's not to love?
3. Visit Small Town of Newberg
Newberg, OR 97132, USA
ChasM3 / Flickr
Enjoy a day in small town Newberg, Oregon. The downtown area is great for strolling, there are wineries nearby, and even a lovely ice cream shop so you can indulge in a sweet treat.
4. Take A Ride Down A Natural Waterslide
Opal Creek, Oregon, USA
Howard Bales / Flickr
Opal Creek is a great place to swim, but did you know you can also enjoy a natural waterslide there? Hike along the water to find this gem just waiting for you to slide down it. What a wonderful waterfall adventure!
5. Take a Swinging Bridge Hike
Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
Attu012 / Flickr
Head to the Oregon Coast for a high swinging adventure bridge and a wonderfully scenic hike. Drift Creek Falls is one of our absolute favorite falls in all of Oregon.
6. Visit This Safari Park
Safari Road, Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496, USA
Kaleriya / Flickr
Walk on the wild side this summer! Take the scenic trip down to Bandon to see this wild animal park. The whole family will enjoy this up-close encounter with big cats and more.

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7. Hop In The Car And Enjoy The Drive
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA
Peter Roome / Flickr
If you want to just enjoy a gorgeous day away, consider a drive along the scenic Columbia River Gorge Byway. Travel the country's oldest scenic highway, stopping along the way at waterfalls and other scenic vistas for an escape from the everyday.
8. Take An Epic Train Journey
Mount Hood Railroad, 110 Railroad Street, Hood River, OR 97031, USA
Aaron Hockley / Flickr
There is no better way to be up close and personal with the mountain than to take a trip on the Mt. Hood Railroad. All aboard!
9. Enjoy Zipping Through The Trees Together
Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour, 22616 NW Pumpkin Ridge Rd, North Plains, OR 97133, USA
Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour / Flickr
If adventure is your thing, a trip to the Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour is just the thing to energize you.
10. Spend A Day At The Beach In Hood River
Hood River, OR 97031, USA
Bill Reynolds / Flickr
A summer is not complete without a day trip to Hood River. An outdoor wonderland, the city beach is perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and windsurfing.
11. Find Your Favorite Swimming Spot
Peter Roome / Flickr
We have so many great places to swim that is impossible to pick just one. But whatever you do, take a trip to one of these great Portland-area swimming spots for a day of fun in the sun.
12. Treat Yourself To A Day At The Pool
Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa, 6823 Hwy 8, Warm Springs, OR 97761, USA
Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa / Flickr
If you want to go somewhere magical, head even further to Kah-Nee-Ta Resort & Spa's amazing pool hidden to the east.

So what do you think: aren’t these some of the best day trips in Portland? Did we miss any of your favorite go-to spots? Are you planning any fun day trips in Portland, Oregon, this summer? Where are you planning on going? Let us know in the comments below!

For more fun adventures in and around Rose City, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! Here are some of our absolute favorite hikes in Portland.

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Best day trips in Portland

Sarah M. | April 20, 2022

What are some of the best day hikes in Portland?

Not only is Portland well-positioned for a ton of fun day trips, it's also ideally located to some of the best hiking destinations in Oregon... and the Pacific Northwest, for that matter! We put together this list of the five absolute best, most bucket-list-worthy hikes in Portland, and challenge you to take them all this summer. One of our favorite hikes on the list is the Wildwood Trail. The Wildwood Trail is Forest Park's premier trail and a great introduction to Pacific Northwest hiking. Leave from Macleay Park to enjoy just a bit of the trail, including the Witch's Castle, or hike its 30-mile length for a serious workout. (If you've never experienced the Witch's Castle, you absolutely need to check it out!)

But this is by no means a list of *all* the best hikes near Portland, mind you. One of our favorite treks near PDX that did not make the list is the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. As its name suggests, this hike leads past not one, not two, but 10 fabulous waterfalls! Clocking in at just over seven miles, it's definitely a day hike, but it's worth each and every step as you walk by (and behind!) some of the most glorious waterfalls in all of Oregon. From the distant North Falls to the Lower South Falls, and every waterfall in between, this is one gorgeous hike that will have you feeling inspired and so in love with our beautiful state.

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