Even though we all love Portland, sometimes it is nice to getaway to gain some perspective. These waterfront towns are just the place to do that. All located on the Columbia or Willamette Rivers, there is a mix of small town charm and unique entertainment and dining options in all of these gems on the water.
- Hood River
Nikki McLeod / Flickr
Matthew Costa / Flickr Hood River is the perfect jumping off spot for countless day trip adventures. Windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding and swimming are all popular here, and restaurants, breweries, and cute shops are plentiful, making this the perfect day trip location.
- White Salmon
Gary Cziko / Flickr
Patrick Dirden / Flickr Located across the Columbia River from Hood River, this small town in Washington has some spectacular mountain views. Visit Rhinegarten Park for some family-friendly fun, go on a walking tour of the small town, or visit the local brewpub Everybody’s Brewing for a fun afternoon of beer sampling.
- St Helens
Carol Munro / Flickr
Pfeiffer Photos / Flickr Established as a river port on the Columbia River in the 1840s, St. Helens is perhaps most famous these days for its locations used in the Twilight movie series. A picturesque city on the river, St. Helens is home to riverfront events, a farmers market, and plenty of natural beauty to keep you busy all day.
- Salem
Alan Cordova / Flickr
Carol Munro / Flickr Our state’s capitol is often overlooked when it comes to day trips, but no more. Just 45 minutes to the south of Portland, Salem has plenty to offer. Along with great river views, there is a riverfront carousel worth a trip, as well the Enchanted Forest Theme Park, Deepwood Museum and Gardens, and the State Capitol to tour.
- Newberg
ChasM3 / Flickr
Stuart Seeger / Flickr For small town charm, Newberg is a great place to head. This quaint city in the heart of wine country is home to Champoeg State Park, the Hoover-Minthorn House museum, and plenty of wineries to keep you entertained for days.
- Oregon City
brx0 / Flickr
Aaron Gustafson / Flickr Ride on the municipal elevator, check out Willamette Falls, and brush up on Oregon history at the End of the Oregon Trail Museum. Sure, this is a close destination for a day trip, but if you haven’t been in awhile, you will definitely enjoy all the city has to offer.
Did we miss your favorite waterfront town near the city? Let us know in the comments below.
Nikki McLeod / Flickr
Matthew Costa / Flickr
Hood River is the perfect jumping off spot for countless day trip adventures. Windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding and swimming are all popular here, and restaurants, breweries, and cute shops are plentiful, making this the perfect day trip location.
Gary Cziko / Flickr
Patrick Dirden / Flickr
Located across the Columbia River from Hood River, this small town in Washington has some spectacular mountain views. Visit Rhinegarten Park for some family-friendly fun, go on a walking tour of the small town, or visit the local brewpub Everybody’s Brewing for a fun afternoon of beer sampling.
Carol Munro / Flickr
Pfeiffer Photos / Flickr
Established as a river port on the Columbia River in the 1840s, St. Helens is perhaps most famous these days for its locations used in the Twilight movie series. A picturesque city on the river, St. Helens is home to riverfront events, a farmers market, and plenty of natural beauty to keep you busy all day.
Alan Cordova / Flickr
Our state’s capitol is often overlooked when it comes to day trips, but no more. Just 45 minutes to the south of Portland, Salem has plenty to offer. Along with great river views, there is a riverfront carousel worth a trip, as well the Enchanted Forest Theme Park, Deepwood Museum and Gardens, and the State Capitol to tour.
ChasM3 / Flickr
Stuart Seeger / Flickr
For small town charm, Newberg is a great place to head. This quaint city in the heart of wine country is home to Champoeg State Park, the Hoover-Minthorn House museum, and plenty of wineries to keep you entertained for days.
brx0 / Flickr
Aaron Gustafson / Flickr
Ride on the municipal elevator, check out Willamette Falls, and brush up on Oregon history at the End of the Oregon Trail Museum. Sure, this is a close destination for a day trip, but if you haven’t been in awhile, you will definitely enjoy all the city has to offer.
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