Planning a weekend getaway from Portland, Oregon? Here are the best spots to visit.
The Pacific Northwest has endless places to explore, and we love how Portland is in close proximity to the waterfalls, mountains, wine country, beaches, and more.
If you only have a day, you can check out 15 best day trips from Portland Oregon. You can make any of these into weekend trips as well, but we added destinations with slightly longer drives to this post.
Everyone has 52 weekends a year, so we hope that you’ll take full advantage of them and go explore!
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Last Updated: September 7, 2024
15 Popular Weekend Getaways from Portland Oregon
Click the links to get more detailed info on each location.
1. Olympic National Park, Washington →
3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, map
Distance: 231 mi / 3 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Hall of Mosses, Sol Duc Falls, Hoh Rainforest
What to Eat: Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, Kokopelli Grill, 8th Street Ale House
Where to Stay: Search Rentals and Hotels in Olympic National Park
With four regions, you can explore the Pacific coast, alpine areas, terminate rainforest, or drier forest all in one park. Check out the Hall of Mosses to see some incredible mossy trees or hit the Hoh Rainforest trail and explore deeper into the park. Don’t forget to enjoy the coasts! One of our favorite beaches is Second Beach.
Local Tip: The area does get rain frequently so be sure to have a rain jacket handy. If you venture outside of the park, you can visit the northwesternmost tip of the lower 48 states at Cape Flattery, or if you’re a fan of twilight, you can visit the town of Forks, which was where the movie was set.
See More: 4 Things to Do in Olympic National Park Washington
2. Florence, Oregon
290 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, map
Distance: 170 mi / 2 hrs 45 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Sand Master Park, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Sea Lion Caves
What to Eat: Waterfront Deport Restaurant, Mari’s Kitchen, The Hukilau
Where to Stay: Florence Hotel Deals
Located along the central Oregon coast, the landscape in Florence looks completely different than Astoria and the Northern Coast. The beach has massive 200-foot dunes. If you’re up for some adventure, try sandboarding the dunes! It’s where sandboarding was invented and you can meet the person who invented it!
Local Tip: Nearby, you can check out the sea lion caves, go horseback riding along the beach or Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua just 30 minutes north.
See More: The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip
3. Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon →
32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848, map
Distance: 229 mi / 4 hrs (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Painted Hills, Clarno Unit, Sheep Rock Unit
What to Eat: Little Pine Cafe, Sidewalk Cafe, Dayville Cafe
Where to Stay: Search Hotels Near Painted Hills
Painted Hills is one of the best weekend trips from Portland, Oregon. It’s one of Oregon’s seven wonders, and a weekend getaway at John Day Fossil Beds feels like exploring another planet. You will see bluish clay, unique formations, and volcanic ash in shades of red, yellow, purple, and green, and don’t forget fossils from creatures that used to inhabit the area. Read our Complete Painted Hills Guide, Photo Diary, and the Ultimate John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Guide.
See More: Ultimate John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Guide
4. Seattle, Washington →
701 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, map
Distance: 174 mi / 2 hrs 40 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Pike Place Market, Chihuly Glass Sculpture Museum, Gasworks Park
What to Eat: Chuck’s Hop Shop, Biang Biang Noodles, The Pink Door
Where to Stay: Search Seattle Hotel Deals
Seattle is one of our favorite weekend trips from Portland. People often forget that Seattle is only a 2.5-hour drive away, which makes it easy to stop even for the day to sightsee. Since there is plenty to do in the city, we recommend spending a whole weekend.
Local Tip: If you’re into museums, there are over 40 in the area. Here are some of the ones we checked out!
See More: Weekend Trip to Seattle – How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days
5. North Umpqua River, Oregon
43.3043738,-123.2308284, map
Distance: 196 mi / 3 hrs 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Toketee Falls, Umpqua Hot Springs, Fly Fishing
What to Eat: True Kitchen + Bar, Brix Grill, Nelli’s Deli & Tap House
Where to Stay: Look for Hotels in North Umpqua River
The waters of the North Umpqua River are beautifully turquoise and green. It’s also known for its fly-fishing. There is a 31-mile stretch that is set aside exclusively for the fishers, meaning no kayaks or rafts. If you’re not much of a fisher, there are a ton of waterfalls in the area, big leaf maples (amazing during the Fall), and plenty of trails to explore.
Local Tip: Check out the popular Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs! The 108-degree pool is perched at the cliff’s edge to give you an amazing view.
6. Yakima, Washington
101 N Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, map
Distance: 185 mi / 3 hrs (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Yakima Area Arboretum, Yakima Valley Museum, Treveri Cellars
What to Eat: Bubbles & Co, Cowiche Canyon Kitchen, Joy Garden Korean BBQ
Where to Stay: Search Hotel Deals in Yakima
Yakima produces 77% of all hops grown in the United States. It’s an agricultural town but still offers up and coming breweries, restaurants, and there are eight wineries in town. During the summer, people often hike, mountain bike, or go tubing. During the winter, the city is covered in snow.
Craving Asian drinks or snacks? Stop by Bubbles & Co and say hi to our friends, Peter and Stephanie.
Local Tip: On the way from Portland, make a pitstop at the Maryhill Stonehenge. It’s a replica of England’s famous Stonehenge.
7. Woodinville, Washington
148th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072, map
Distance: 187 mi / 2 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Wineries, Molbak’s Garden + Home, Sammamish River Trail
What to Eat: Vivi Pizzeria, Barking Frog, Tipsy Cow Burger Bar
Where to Stay: Woodinville Hotel Deals
This is a favorite day trip for many Seattleites. The Woodinville area has over 100 wineries and tasting rooms. There are also 8 microbreweries, distilleries, and cideries in the area, and 26 restaurants! That’s a lot of food and alcohol!
Local Tip: Pick up a Passport to get access to over 60+ participating wineries for tastings and special discounts for events throughout the year.
8. Whidbey Island, Washington
11196 WA-525, Clinton, WA 98236, map
Distance: 205 mi / 3 hrs 40 min – includes a ferry (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Deception Pass, Cama Beach State Park
What to Eat: Seabolt’s Smokehouse, Ott & Hunter, Oystercatcher
Where to Stay: Look for Rentals and Hotels on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island looks more like a New England beach town rather than the PNW. Enjoy the pebble-covered beaches, walk around the small towns, or enjoy the ocean views. Fort Ebey State Park is a great place to explore the island’s natural beauty and there are a ton of trails to hike.
Local Tip: Coupeville makes the best home base. The central location makes it easy to explore the north and south side of the island, and it’s the second-oldest town in Washington!
See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Seattle Washington
9. Craker Lake National Park, Oregon →
Rim Dr, Crater Lake, OR 97604, map
Distance: 282 mi / 4 hrs 40 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Rim Drive, Boat Tours, Hiking
What to Eat: Beckie’s Cafe, Prospect Cafe, Diamond Lake Junction Cafe
Where to Stay: Search for Rentals and Hotels Near Crater Lake
If you love national parks, this will be one of the best weekend trips from Portland, Oregon. This is Oregon’s only National Park. It is the U.S.’ deepest lake at 1,943 feet and ranks as the ninth deepest lake in the world. It was created when a volcano collapsed into a giant caldera. You can hike around the rim to enjoy the views of the lake or hop in for a cool dip.
During the winter, they have fun snow activities, but it can be hard to access, so check their site for current conditions. The park can get quite crowded in the summer, so book accommodations early. Fall is one of the best times to visit since the snow will be gone and the crowds will have tapered out.
Local Tip: If you love National Parks, save yourself time and money and pick up an annual park pass before you head there!
See More: The Ultimate Guide to Crater Lake National Park
10. North Cascades National Park Complex, Washington →
48.6663472,-121.2689664, map
Distance: 290 mi / 4 hrs 45 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake
What to Eat: Birdsview Diner, Mondo, Wake ‘n Bakery
Where to Stay: Hotels and Rentals Near North Cascades
The North Cascades National Park Complex is made up of North Cascades national Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. If you’re not much of a hiker, there are plenty of beautiful views and short hikes, or you can gear up and leave civilization for the weekend.
Local Tip: Most hikes don’t open until late summer. Check their website for current conditions.
See More: 7 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
11. Leavenworth, Washington
940 US-2, Leavenworth, WA 98826, map
Distance: 288 mi / 4 hrs 25 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Waterfront Park, Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Icicle Creek
What to Eat: Munchen Haus, Mana Restaurant, Blewett Brewing
Where to Stay: Leavenworth Hotel and Rental Deals
This Bavarian-themed town brings in people from all over the PNW. There is lots of shopping and eating for those looking for a lazy afternoon, and it has easy access to a lot of outdoor activities too. We were just here this past weekend to climb, but we already can’t wait to be back.
If you boulder, Leavenworth has some great spots to climb!
Local Tip: For the beer lovers, don’t forget to come back during Oktoberfest or for Christmas when it’s decked out for the holidays.
12. Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon
19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, map
Distance: 294 mi / 4 hrs 50 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Cave Tour, Hiking Trails, Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area
What to Eat: Taylor’s Sausage Country Store, Rosie’sInferno Wood Fired Pizza
Where to Stay: Search for Lodges and Hotels Near Oregon Caves
Although the caves are the highlight, don’t miss the hiking trails, the Historic District, the scenic drive, and grab a milkshake at the Chateau. You can even hunt wild game.
Local Tip: Winter storms can block the park highway, so if you visit then, be sure to check the conditions. Otherwise, it is usually mild.
13. Cape Flattery, Washington
48.383117,-124.7231657, map
Distance: 302 mi / 5 hrs 35 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Cape Flattery, Makah Cultural and Research Center, Shi Shi Beach
What to Eat: Pat’s Place, Calvin’s Crab House, Linda’s Wood Fired Kitchen
Where to Stay: Hotels in Cape Flattery
Visit the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. There are plenty of short hikes to amazing views of the rugged coastline. Explore different pullouts and views while you’re there or spend some time in Olympic National Park.
14. Vancouver, BC Canada →
200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6, Canada, map
Distance: 317 mi / 5 hrs 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park
What to Eat: La Bottega, OYAKO, The Sedgwick
Where to Stay: Hotels Deals in Vancouver
It’s really easy to fill a weekend in Vancouver, BC. You can explore the town and eat good food anytime of the year. During the summer, they have open air night markets to enjoy. If you’re looking for something a bit more touristy, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular spot. We still need to do more exploring in the city and hopefully will put together a 101 bucket list for Vancouver soon!
15. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor →
U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, map
Distance: 313 mi / 5 hrs 20 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Arch Rock, Thunder Rock Cover, Natural Bridges
What to Eat: Pacific Sushi & Grill, Superfly Martini Bar and Grill, Black Trumpet Bistro
Where to Stay: Hotels near Samuel H Boardman
Head to the southwest corner of Oregon to enjoy this unique state park. It runs 12 miles along the coast and is lined with thick forest and a few small beaches. Hike along the steep cliff lines and awe at the off-shore rock formations. The few beaches they have feel secluded and on slower days, it makes you feel like you’ve found a secret spot all to yourself. Check out our guide to the park here.
Want to do the whole Oregon Coast? Read about our ultimate Oregon Coast road trip with all the best stops.
See More: The Ultimate Guide to Samuel H. Boardman
More Weekend Trips from Portland Under 7 Hours
- Newberg, OR (20 mi / 35 min / map)
- Hood River, OR (63 mi / 1 hr 10 min / map)
- Gearheart, OR (81 mi / 1 hr 25 min / map)
- Astoria, OR (95 mi / 1 hr 45 min / map)
- Eugene, OR (109 mi / 1 hr 45 min / map)
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA (119 mi / 3 hr 10 min / map)
- Smith Rock State Park, OR (142 mi / 2 hr 50 min / map)
- Tacoma, WA (144 mi / 2 hr 15 min / map)
- Mount Rainier National Park, WA (151 mi / 2 hr 35 min / map)
- Sisters, OR (152 mi / 3 hr 40 min / map)
- Bend, OR (175 mi / 3 hr 5 min / map)
- Wallowa, OR (306 mi / 5 hr 5 min / map)
- Spokane, WA (352 mi / 5 hrs 35 min / map)
- Redding, CA (420 mi / 6 hrs 50 min / map)
- Boise, ID (431 mi / 6 hrs 50 min / map)
Map of the Best Weekend Trips from Portland Oregon
Best Places to Stay in Portland Oregon
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Portland hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a PNW travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Which of these are on your radar next? What are the best weekend trips from Portland you’ve taken?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
