If you have a weekend to spare, hop in the car and take this epic road trip to see all of the amazing natural wonders in Portland Oregon. Touching on some of the best views, most serene locations, and just pure natural beauty, this Portland natural wonders road trip will have you packing up the car and hitting the road for an adventure more often. Buckle up and get ready for the road trip of your life.

Follow along on Google Maps with this interactive road trip map.
Google Maps
1. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Melfoody / Flickr
The first stop is Multnomah Falls, the area's most famous waterfall. You will barely have to exit your car to enjoy its beauty. If you want to stretch your legs, grab a coffee at the strategically located coffee shop at the bottom and take the 2.6-mile trek to its peak for some awe-inspiring views.

Enjoy scenic views of the magnificent Multnomah Falls in this video from VeeTravels:
2. Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls, Oregon, USA
dvdmnk / Flickr
Just a bit further down the road lies this also majestic waterfall, and its associated 2.3-mile trail to reach the summit. Here there are actually two waterfalls to enjoy - the Upper and Lower Horsetail Falls.
3. Hood River
Hood River, OR 97031, USA
barbbarbbarb / Flickr
Head into Hood River and enjoy lunch looking over the Columbia River. Try paddle boarding, windsurfing, or kiteboarding while you are there, or simply take a quick dip in the river before continuing on your way.

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4. Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake, Oregon 97028, USA
Mt. Hood Territory / Flickr
When you make it to Trillium Lake, enjoy the epic views of Mount Hood with the still lake in the foreground. If weather permits, take a dip in the frigid waters and take in the beauty all around you. Camp at the lake overnight, or stay in lodging at a local hotel.
5. Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon, USA
jar [o] / Flickr
Warm up the following day at Bagby Hot Springs where you can soak in the natural springs after a quick and easy 1 1/2-mile hike into the forest. The best time to avoid crowds is early morning or at night. An evening soak with candles burning is quite the experience!

Learn more about the Bagby Hot Springs and enjoy epic views of this heavenly area in Oregon from Isaac Turnerit:
6. Silver Falls
Silver Falls, Oregon 97420, USA
Jason Oertell / Flickr
Head to Silver Falls for the rest of the day and pitch a tent or stay at lodging nearby. Take the Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate 7.2-mile jaunt that takes you by 10 magnificent waterfalls.
7. Opal Creek Ancient Forest
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, 721 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Finish your trip with a journey to Opal Creek to marvel at the turquoise blue water, a natural waterslide through the falls, and the abandoned mining town in the woods.

Take a virtual hike to Jawbone Flats and the Three Pools area of Opal Creek in this video from AL Hansen:

When was the last time you took in the natural wonders in Portland Oregon with a road trip like this? From hot springs to waterfalls, the Portland area will keep you busy as long and as often as you like, making sure you get your nature lovers fix.

For more road trips in Portland Oregon, check out this itinerary to see nine more interesting hidden gems in Oregon.

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More to Explore

More places to visit in Portland OR

Chris Muras | February 03, 2023

What are the best waterfalls in Portland, Oregon?

There are some epic waterfalls that everyone knows about in Oregon, like Multnomah Falls. And then, there are those hidden gems that surprise you with their icy mist as you round the bend in a heavily forested trail. Each has its place in our hearts. Here is a list of some of the best waterfalls in Portland, OR:

  • Multnomah Falls: No "best of waterfall list" is complete without Multnomah Falls. If you haven't experienced it in person a visit is definitely in order. Gazing up at this magnificent spray of water can be a truly soul-lifting experience.
  • Horsetail Falls: Upper and Lower Horsetail Falls may not be as grand as the big M, but this serene area is just as magical. Try to get a moment alone with this falls as you stand behind it watching it crash down in front of you - you will be hard-pressed not to giggle with joy.
  • Latourell Falls: This gem of Portland waterfalls is easy to get to from the picnic area, but the real adventure is hiking Latourell Falls Loop Trail over four wooden bridges and lush vegetation opening up to the stunning upper falls.
  • Shepperd's Dell: Just a short one-mile jaunt from Latourell Falls is Shepperd's Dell Falls. This waterfall is easily accessed from the parking lot, but don't let that discourage you from exploring the canyon for delightfully scenic views - if you like that sort of thing, of course.
  • Punchbowl Falls: It's like finding yourself in a lush tropical jungle when this falls springs up in front of you gazing over Eagle Creek. If you love swimming under gorgeous waterfalls this is the spot for you.

 

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