Oregon is a Pacific Northwest state of extraordinary natural beauty, spanning rugged coastlines, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and high desert plateaus. Portland, its largest city, is celebrated for its vibrant food scene, craft beer culture, and independent spirit. From the deep blue waters of Crater Lake to the thundering cascade of Multnomah Falls, Oregon rewards travelers who venture beyond the expected.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
30 miles (48 km) east of Portland
Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge
Car via US-30 or I-84 East, OR Columbia Gorge Express bus from Gateway/99E MAX station: $8 round-trip (USD)
60 miles (97 km) east of Portland
Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge
Car: US-26 East from Portland. Mt. Hood Express bus from Sandy Transit Center: $5 round-trip (USD). Sandy Amtrak station accessible from Portland
80 miles (129 km) northwest of Portland
Cannon Beach & Seaside Coastal Day Trip
Car: US-26 West from Portland. Sunset Empire Transportation District bus: limited service. No direct bus from Portland
60 miles (97 km) south of Portland (Salem); 90 miles via Silver Falls
Salem & Silver Falls State Park
Car: I-5 South from Portland. Amtrak Cascades to Salem: 1.5 hours ($25–40 USD), then car rental or taxi to Silver Falls
28 miles (45 km) southwest of Portland
Willamette Valley Wine Country
Car: OR-99W South from Portland. Wine Country Express seasonal weekend shuttle from Portland (Saturdays, $35 round-trip, grapescapewinedtours.com)
95 miles (153 km) northwest of Portland
Astoria & Fort Clatsop
Car: US-30 West from Portland. No direct public transit. NW Connector limited bus service from Longview, WA across the Astoria-Megler Bridge
30 miles (48 km) north of Bend; 160 miles (257 km) southeast of Portland
Smith Rock State Park from Portland or Bend
Car: From Bend via US-97 North (~30 min). From Portland via US-26 and US-97 (~2.5 hours). No regular bus service to Smith Rock
145 miles (233 km) southwest of Portland
Newport & Oregon Coast Aquarium
Car: US-20 West from Corvallis or Eugene (~2.5 hours from Portland). Limited Pacific Crest Bus service from Corvallis to Newport
110 miles (177 km) south of Portland
Eugene & Spencer Butte
Amtrak Cascades: Portland to Eugene, 2.5 hours, $25–45 USD. Car: I-5 South (2 hours). Eugene's LTD bus covers downtown and University area ($1.75 USD)
62 miles (100 km) east of Portland
Hood River & Fruit Loop
Car: I-84 East from Portland (~1 hour). Amtrak Empire Builder train Portland to Hood River: 1.5 hours ($23–40 USD); station at 110 Railroad Ave
148 miles (238 km) east of Portland
Painted Hills & John Day Fossil Beds
Car only: US-26 East from Portland then OR-19 South. No public transit. Mitchell (10 miles from Painted Hills) has a small motel and general store
58 miles (93 km) northwest of Klamath Falls
Crater Lake from Klamath Falls
Car only: From Klamath Falls via OR-62 (1.5 hours). From Portland via I-5 and OR-62 (4.5 hours). Amtrak Coast Starlight stops at Klamath Falls ($45–90 USD from Portland)
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
TipStart early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
TipCheck return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
TipCarry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.
