Best Day Trips From Portland
Day Trips: Like Traveling, But Way More Convenient
5 Best Day Trips from Portland
School is about to start up again. I swear I blinked and summer is ending. Perhaps it was because I was tutoring this summer and both my husband and I have been busy grinding toward our #debtfreejourney goals. We took one overnight trip to the beach this summer, and that was just what we needed. Every year I get to saying I want to go camping more, but honestly, this summer we didn’t. It takes a lot to pack everything, and stay the night somewhere with a toddler. I found that day trips were much more manageable and could be topped off with dinner at home and falling asleep in my own bed.
The best day trips from Portland also take less planning. You can decide that morning where you want to go, pack a cooler for lunch and hit the road. It doesn’t require making reservations or coordinating for overnight stays. When you don’t have an overnight stay, you don’t have the added cost either.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest you know that within one car ride you can see the mountains, the coast, and everything else in between. Lately I’ve wanted to stay closer to my home base, but it didn’t take long to realize that I have a plethora of options to choose from that could be included in one day trip. Here are some ideas for anyone who wants to see a new sight, but also wants to sleep in their own bed.
Best Day Trips from Portland
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Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
Elowah Falls Hike – This is the go-to hike that I take visitors on because it is really short, not as popular, and it’s pretty family friendly. I even packed my 5 month old when my brother came to visit us. Unfortunately, it is closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire. It stills tops the list though, and hopefully it will be reopened soon, but there is no timeline. The main event of this hike is the large basin where the waterfall begins and ends. It’s truly magnificent and totally worth the short hike. Round trip is under 2 miles. Don’t forget the beautiful drive in the Gorge to get there as well! It’s about a 40 minute drive from Portland.
- Lake Merwin – Lake Merwin is on the Washington side north of Vancouver that is fed by the Lewis River. There are hikes surrounding the lake, picnic areas, and a lot of space to swim, play lawn games, or lounge around. It is one of the best day trips from Portland because of the space and variety of activities. My husband enjoys fishing there as well.
- Beacon Rock Hike – Beacon Rock is on the Washington side as well, which includes a beautiful hour drive out of Portland. Once you arrive at Beacon Rock prepare yourself to actually spend most of the hike ascending. It is pretty much a staircase until you reach the top and bring some type of windproof jacket. Also, it is one of the best day trips from Portland to take visitors because you get a great view of the Gorge. I have never taken children on this hike and would not recommend it. Took my parents on this one and they loved the view!
Photo by Gabriel Sanchez on Unsplash
- Bonneville Trailhead Hike – Every time that I have been on this hike we only saw a handful of people, most hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. The main attraction is the serene lake it leads to. After the hike in you might want to cool off in it. An added bonus is that the drive to get there from Portland includes taking the Bridge of the Gods. It’s about an hour from Portland.
- Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery – You might be able to fit in a hike close to the Bonneville Dam as well as see the fish swimming through the Columbia with this day trip. This would be a great idea for young kids and could include a drive over the Bridge of the Gods and the sights of the Gorge. In fact, I did this day trip this year with friends who were visiting from Minnesota!
You’ll notice I didn’t suggest Multnohmah Falls. Everyone and their children will be there no matter what day you go in the summer. 🙂 Skip it and enjoy one of the best day trips from Portland instead. Stop by Bridge of the Gods and buy some fresh produce. The cherries were delicious this year. I ate the whole bag by the time I got back home.
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