12 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take From Portland

Explore the best day trips from Portland, including wineries, natural waterslides, and scenic hikes.

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

7. Hop In The Car And Enjoy The Drive

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

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

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

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

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

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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