Portland is a fabulous city, and many might be perfectly happy hanging out in this wonderful place all the time. That said, the nature lovers and outdoorsy folks out there need a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and those of us with wanderlust need new sights to see and adventures to have. Fortunately, there are tons of places for weekend trips near Portland and things to do outside Portland, making it easy to escape the city for a weekend trip.
In this article, we will provide a list of our favorite weekend trip options for those looking to explore the area around Portland. These things to do around Portland are close enough that you won’t spend your whole weekend driving, but far enough away to feel like a true escape.
Columbia River Gorge
Distance from Portland: 30 minutes
For super close weekend trips near Portland, try heading to Columbia River Gorge. This place is great for weekend trips, but many people even use this spot for Portland day trips since it’s so close to the city and offers so much to do.
Whether you visit for the day or for the weekend, you’re sure to love every moment you spend in the breathtaking scenery this place has to offer. The river runs along the border between Washington and Oregon and is a federally protected area that contains a number of different ecosystems, making it tons of fun to explore.
From hiking to biking and from fishing to water sports, there are all kinds of amazing outdoor activities to enjoy while in Columbia River Gorge. Whatever you do, be sure to check out the amazing Multnomah Falls during your time here!
Where to Stay
There are tons of places to camp in the Columbia River Gorge area. One of our favorites is Wyeth Campground which is located right on the river. This is a Forest Service campground set in a beautiful forested area and features an incredibly low camping fee. That said, it is dry camping, so you will need to come in prepared.
Olympic National Park
Distance from Portland: 2.75 hours
National parks are always a good place to escape for the weekend and enjoy some nature, and Olympic National Park is no exception. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say Olympic National Park is an especially wonderful place to spend time, as it has a sort of natural magic and beauty you really can’t find many places.
One of the most astounding things about this park is the fact that it plays host to so many different habitats. Here, you’ll find snow-capped mountains, lush old-growth rainforests that feel as if they’ve been pulled directly from a fairytale book, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country.
You will definitely want to check out the visitor centers, do some hiking, and stop by Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and Hurricane Ridge while in this incredible park.
Where to Stay
Our absolute favorite place to stay in Olympic National Park is Hoh Campground. This campground is run by the NPS (meaning the camping fee is low) and we love the fact that the sites here are nestled in amongst the trees of the rainforest. Like the campground above, this campground is dry camping only, but there are restrooms and water available.
Mount Rainier National Park
Distance from Portland: 3 hours
Another wonderful national park that makes for great weekend trips near Portland is Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. This place is absolutely gorgeous, especially during the late spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom, giving the landscape little dots of vibrant color.
Mount Rainier itself is the highest peak in the Cascade range, and the park surrounding the mountain includes meadows, waterfalls, and plenty of lovely old-growth forest.
While you’re in this national park, we highly recommend a ride on the Mount Rainier Science Railroad, as well as the short hike from Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center to Myrtle Falls. That said, you’re sure to have an amazing time no matter what you do during your visit.
Where to Stay
When it comes to places to stay in Mount Rainier National Park, we have to recommend Cougar Rock Campground. Being an NPS campground, you can expect nice sites in a beautiful natural area for a relatively low fee. There are no hookups at this campground, but there is water and a dump station.
Crater Lake National Park
Distance from Portland: 4.25 hours
Believe it or not, there is yet another fantastic national park that can be visited from Portland. Crater Lake National Park is a bit further away but still totally doable for a long weekend trip, and is well worth the longer drive.
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama erupted and then collapsed, leaving a huge crater behind that then filled with water. It is the deepest lake in the United States, and easily one of the prettiest bodies of water in the world thanks to its incredible deep blue color.
The best thing to do in Crater Lake National Park? Honestly, simply cruising along Rim Drive and stopping at the various vantage points to take in the view is pretty incredible. You might also want to take a boat ride out to Wizard Lake or take the steep hike up Garfield Peak for some stunning views of the park.
Where to Stay
We love staying at Mazama Campground when visiting Crater Lake National Park. This is the closest park to the campground, and although the price is a little bit high for dry camping, we really appreciate the spacious sites, lovely scenery, and easy access to the park and hiking trails.
Umpqua National Forest
Distance from Portland: 3 hours
A quiet, lesser-known place to escape the city and breathe some fresh air, Umpqua National Forest is about three hours outside of Portland and is the ideal destination for hikers. This is thanks to the 350 miles of hiking trails that wind their way through the spectacular scenery of this well-preserved natural area.
While hiking the forest, you’ll get to enjoy stunning waterfalls, local wildlife, and plenty of greenery. Some of our favorite trails include the Susan Creek Falls Trail and the Watson Falls Trail. We also really love the short-and-sweet Umpqua Hot Springs Trail that takes you to geothermal hot springs.
Besides hiking, visitors to this forest can also enjoy biking, fishing, paddling, and even skiing in the wintertime!
Where to Stay
When staying in Umpqua National Forest, there are a few great campgrounds to choose from. One of our favorites is Susan Creek Campground, which is beautifully well maintained and set right in the middle of the gorgeous forest. Unfortunately, you won’t find any hookups here, but there are flush toilets and showers, and potable water is available.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Distance from Portland: 1.5 hours
Need a relaxing weekend by the sea? Want to take a seaside hike to take in the breathtaking views of the Oregon coastline? Whatever the reason, Cannon Beach might be just the place for your weekend trips near Portland. This is a beautiful spot that isn’t too far from the city, making it a great place to get away for a few days.
While in Cannon Beach, be sure to check out the famous Haystack Rock, which can be seen out in the water and was featured in The Goonies. You’ll also want to head to Ebola State Park where you’ll find tons of coastline hiking opportunities (keep an eye out for super cool caves and waterfalls). Hug Point is another spot that’s not to be missed, as it offers some seriously amazing views.
Of course, you’ll also want to leave plenty of time for relaxing on the beach, flying a kite, and taking in the scenery.
Where to Stay
Wondering where to stay when in Cannon Beach? We really like Cannon Beach RV Resort. This lovely campground offers full hookups as well as several other amenities, and is close to everything the town has to offer, including the beach. What more could you ask for?
Astoria, Oregon
Distance from Portland: 1.75 hours
An absolutely adorable town that offers that more laid-back small town vibe so many of us crave, Astoria is another place that you should check out during your weekend adventures.
This super cute town is bordered by both the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, making it a water-lover’s paradise. The Astoria Riverfront is home to plenty of restaurants and local canneries and is well worth checking out. During the warmer months, there is an inexpensive trolley that runs through this part of town, making it super easy to explore.
Other great things to do in Astoria include visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum and touring the Captain George Flavel House Museum. Both offer fantastic history lessons, helping visitors better understand the history of the area.
Where to Stay
Lewis & Clark Golf and RV Park is a wonderful place to stay when visiting Astoria. This park has an excellent location, making it easy to explore town. It also features large, level sites with full hookups, so you’re sure to feel nice and comfortable during your stay.
Bend, Oregon
Distance from Portland: 3.5 hours
In addition to Astoria, you will want to add Bend to your list of small Oregon towns that are well worth visiting for weekend trips near Portland. This town is famous for its amazing selection of breweries. In fact, it has more craft breweries per capita than any other place in the state (and most other places in the country, for that matter). This makes Bend a great place to visit if you enjoy trying new beers.
That said, beer isn’t the only great thing you’ll find in Bend. The place is also surrounded by beautiful natural areas that are just waiting to be explored. In the winter, you can head to Mt. Bachelor to so some skiing or snowboarding. Meanwhile, those visiting during the summer can enjoy rafting, biking, paddling, hiking, fishing, chasing waterfalls, and much more.
When the day is done and you’re finished adventuring, be sure to head back into the town to try one of the many fantastic restaurants found there. You’re sure to be pleased with your meal and we’re guessing you’ll return for more!
Where to Stay
Lodging in Bend is plentiful, but one of the best places to stay has to be Sun Outdoors Bend. This is a beautiful RV park that puts you right in the middle of the action. It offers amenities like full hookups, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a hot tub to ensure you have a fantastic stay.
Painted Hills
Distance from Portland: 4 hours
Last on our list are the beautiful Painted Hills. These hills truly do look painted, as they feature bright reds and oranges that stand in stark contrast to their surroundings. The colored layers were created when the area was a river floodplain, and they now attract around 100,000 visitors each year.
The Painted Hills are a part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which consists of two other units: Clarno and Sheep Rock. These units are quite spread out, but you can see all three in a weekend and we absolutely recommend doing so.
Be sure to check out the visitor center to learn about the amazing geology of the place as well as the fossils found there. You’ll also want to plan to do some hiking in order to get the most out of your trip to this amazing place.
Where to Stay
Not sure where to park your RV while exploring the Painted Hills? Ochoco Divide Campground is a good pick. It’s about 30 minutes from Painted Hills, but it’s hard to get much closer, and this campground is a beautiful place to camp for very little money. It doesn’t have hookups but does have potable water during the summer, as well as vault toilets.
More Things to Do Outside Portland
The items listed above are our favorite things to do outside Portland, but they are far from the only options. Other great things to do around Portland include The Dalles, Smith Rock State Park, Hood River, Mt. Hood, and Long Beach, WA. No matter which way you choose to escape the city, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
Need an RV so you can stay comfortable while heading out on weekend trips near Portland and exploring all of these amazing places? RVshare has you covered with plenty of amazing rental RVs in Portland.
