Things To Do

McMenamins Edgefield

We can’t recommend this place enough. Historic Edgefield, the beautiful property were we will be married, was built in 1911 as the county poor farm. This destination resort in the Pacific Northwest blends Oregon's natural beauty with McMenamins' signature whimsy: original buildings carefully restored with cozy interiors, organic gardens, great food and drink, live entertainment and more. They have a winery, brewery, distillery, many restaurants and bars, pool hall, movie theater, golf course and so much more. There are daily tours of the property on the hour. The front desk has a scavenger hunt and map if you prefer to explore on your own. If you have a chance, we hope you will check out this amazing and unique place. They have an app as well to help navigate and provide some history!

Multnomah Falls

Dropping 620 spectacular feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest of the Columbia River Gorge’s many waterfalls and the second tallest waterfall in North America. It’s close to Portland, just off Interstate-84, making it one of Oregon’s most visited and photographed natural sites, attracting more than two million sightseers a year. The trail is a mile long to the top, consisting mostly of switchbacks. If that’s too steep, you can still get fantastic photos of the falls and the gorge on the bridge is a short quarter mile hike on paved pathways.

Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is 64 acres and Is home to more than 1,800 animals of more than 230 species, including 19 endangered species and 9 threatened species. The zoo is arranged in five areas that range across different continents and ecosystems: Asia, Fragile Forests, Pacific Shores, Africa and the Great Northwest. Within each zone you’ll find animals and exhibits such as Africa Savanna or Amur Cats that recreate the habitats of specific animals. Spend a day in one area or circle the planet on your visit to the Oregon Zoo.

Powell's City of Books

Largest independent bookstore in the world!

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is a well known ice cream company based in Portland, Oregon. Small-batch, chef-driven ice cream made by hand with local ingredients since 2011. They have amazing and uncommon flavor combinations mixed in with classics. They have several locations around the Pacific Northwest.

Voodoo Doughnut

Famous doughnut shop originating in Portland. "The Magic is in the Hole!"

Blue Star Donuts

While Voodoo and Blue Star are probably the two most famous options, Blue Star has been touted as “a gourmet donut shop with adult flavors”. Just take a look at some of these interesting flavor options: Mexican Hot Chocolate Orange Olive Oil Cointreau Crème Brûlée Blueberry Bourbon Basil

Fujii Farms Inc.

Pick your own farms are abundant in Oregon. Ellie’s mom and dad actually met while working a summer job at the Smucker's Factory in 1981. Oregon berries burst with the sweet, juicy taste of summer. Why do Oregon berries taste so good? They flourish in the perfect growing climate. The varieties grown here thrive from the rich volcanic soil, clean mountain air, pure Pacific Northwest water, the long cool spring months, the hot summer days and of course, the devotion of the family farms. The Fujii Family has been farming along the Columbia River in Troutdale, Oregon since 1943 providing the west coast with some of Oregon's finest berries. The third generation farm is carried on by Ray Fujii; raising 120 acres of Strawberries, Peaches, Blueberries, and Blackberries, which are all available for U Pick during August.

Portland Craft Breweries

Portland has been the epicenter of America's craft-brewing renaissance since the 1980s. Nicknamed “Beervana” and “Munich on the Willamette,” Portland is a beer capital of the world, with 58 breweries in the city limits — 84 if you include the entire metro area. There are SO many great breweries and they usually have amazing food to match! Some of our favorites are Deschutes, 10 Barrel, and Von Ebert. There are also several cideries in the city if something sweeter is more your style (like Ellie's)!

Wineries

If wine is more your cup of tea, check out the wineries in Willamette Valley. There are so many great wineries, all within close proximity. If you are extending your stay, you could spend a whole day. The glass pass allows you to have a tasting flight at 9 different Oregonian wineries. The pass is valid through the end of the year. https://www.wineglasspass.com/

Portland Japanese Garden

Inspired in the late 1950s by growing cultural ties between Oregon and Japan, Mayor Terry Schrunk and members of the Portland community conceived the idea of building a Japanese garden on the site of the old zoo in Washington Park.

Secret Garden

International Rose Test Garden

More than 10,000 individual rose bushes bloom in the International Rose Test Garden (IRTG) from late May through October, representing over 610 different rose varieties. The majority of roses in the Garden are commercially available. About 10 to 20 varieties are replaced each year with some of the best new roses released onto the market. The primary purpose of the Garden is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. In the beginning, while World War I was raging, hybridists sent roses from around the world to Portland’s garden for testing.

Vista House

Double check before visiting that the Vista House is open due to COVID. Vista House at Crown Point is called the most photographed icon of the Columbia Gorge, with its stunning vantage point high above the river. Built in 1916–1918, the structure recently underwent a renovation to restore it to its original glory.

Windsurfing the Columbia River Gorge

Thrill-seekers, take note: The Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the best windsurfing in the world. The gorge begins just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland, boasting waterfalls, hiking trails and striking river vistas. At the heart of it all, the churning Columbia River is a world-renowned windsurfing spot where experts seek killer rides. The Gorge is also an excellent place for beginners to learn how to windsurf. In Hood River, 62 miles (100 km) east of Portland, many rental shops, outfitters and guides offer equipment and lessons. “The Hook,” an enclosed lagoon in Hood River, is a safe place to learn away from the Columbia’s punishing currents.

Historic Columbia River Highway

If you feel like a drive through the countryside, the Historic Columbia River Highway makes for a delightful outing and begins just a few miles from Edgefield. Designed in 1913 specifically to take advantage of the Gorge's magnificent views, it was the first highway in the nation to be named a National Historic Landmark.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler

See the Gorge from a different vantage point – from on the river itself! Drive half and hour to Cascade Locks to board the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, an authentic triple-decked paddle wheeler.

Fairy Falls

One of the most photographed locations in Oregon, Ferry Falls (also known as Ghost Falls) and the upper reaches of Wahkeena Creek are absolutely stunning. The creek cascades through a deep gorge, laced with beautiful mosses and ferns stretching 200 feet upwards.

Angel's Rest Trail #415

Angels Rest is definitely a badass Oregon trail. This hike is a winding trail (#415) on the western end of the Columbia River Gorge that is an absolute must-do. It starts at just above river level and quickly climbs up through trees and then over boulders before rising to a bluff above the river. From the top, you’ll get a mind-blowing 270 degree view of the Gorge, including many surrounding landmarks like Beacon Rock and Silver Star Mountain.