6 Incredible Day Trips You Can Take From Portland By Train

Are you feeling restless and looking for something interesting to do? Well, here is the cure. Head to Union Station and hop on the Amtrak for one of these exciting day trips from Portland, Oregon. Bring a deck of cards, a good book, or some headphones for music, and get ready to enjoy an incredible amount of beauty, intrigue, and history at these fun destinations. So without further ado, here is our list of the best day trips that you can take by train!

1. Seattle

Sitting at just a little over three hours away by train, Seattle is a perfect day trip that's home to numerous bucket-list-worthy attractions. Take the first train out in the morning and take the last back to enjoy a full day in the city and see the Space Needle, Experience Music Project Museum, Pike Place Market, or the Woodland Park Zoo.

2. Eugene

Head down south to the home of the University of Oregon for a day of fun. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a great visit, as is the Cascades Raptor Center. For kids, the Science Factory Children's Museum and Planetarium is the best. At two and a half hours away, Eugene is great for a day trip and fun for the whole family.

3. Salem

If you haven't been to Salem, the beautiful Oregon state capitol, consider visiting by train for the day. Visit the capitol building, stroll Riverfront Park, explore the Gilbert House Children's Museum, or check out the Oregon State Hospital's Museum of Mental Health. You can even be back before dinner.

4. Centralia

Halfway between Seattle and Portland, this stop is a great day trip, especially if you want to spend the day shopping. This town, which is one of the best small towns in Oregon features plenty of opportunities for antiquing, a lovely historic downtown, a farmer's market, and lots of retail spots for shopping. Fort Borst Park, featuring an 1860 homestead and replica of a one-room schoolhouse along with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, is a lovely place to visit when exploring Centralia, too.

5. Tacoma

If you have never made a stop in Tacoma on your way to Seattle, consider a day trip to this bustling city. The Museum of Glass is awe-inspiring, as is the Tacoma Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of Chihuly glass. History buffs will enjoy the Washington State History Museum and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a great place for tourists of all ages.

6. Olympia

You will have to get off the train in Lacey, Washington, a suburb of Olympia, but at just five miles from the city, you will be close to the action -- including its amazing array of restaurants! Head to Washington's capitol building, visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, or try your luck at the Nisqually Red Wind Casino. Kids will enjoy the Hands On Children's Museum, while the Olympic Flight Museum will satisfy visitors of all ages.

Would you agree that these are some of the best day trips in Oregon? Did you know Rose City was so close to all these lovely destinations? Have you ever taken any of these day trip options? If so, which ones were your favorites? What are your picks for the best day trips in Portland? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more amazing adventures in and around Portland, Oregon, check out these 10 day trips.

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video: