Things To Do
International Rose Test Garden
We would run/walk/complain (in Molly's case) our way here often during the pandemic shutdown. This easily accessible park has great views of the city and mountain, plus June is peak season for the over 10,000 rose bushes featured here.
Pittock Mansion
The house is beautiful and all, but this place is all about the view. You can drive or hike up to the Pittock Mansion viewpoint for a breathtaking view of Portland and the mountains (hey, you can see our house from there!)
Great Notion Brewing NW
Another place we would run to and then walk back with our new case of beer. There are a few Great Notion locations, but we get the friends and family discount at this one because we've given them so much of our money. Great Notion changed our minds about sour beers and has solid options for boring people too. Try a flight!
Revolution Hall
What used to be a high school is now this multipurpose performance hall, restaurant, and rooftop bar. Grab a burger from Show Bar and head up to the roof deck where you'll find a bar and sweeping views of the city.
Cannon Beach
Visit one of the three haystack rocks on the Oregon Coast! Cannon Beach is about an hour and a half drive from Portland and has a downtown full of boutiques, galleries, and breweries. Some of our other favorite coastal towns for a day trip include Pacific City, Tillamook (the cheese!), and Astoria.
Lost Lake Resort
This beauty is little less than a two hour drive for Portland. We go here every year with the PSU crew to glamp, hike, and kayak. There is a day-use area with picnic tables and non-motorized water crafts for rent. A trip to Lost Lake also isn't complete without hitting a few breweries on the way. Check out Thunder Island in Cascade Locks, Pfriem, Full Sail, or Ferment Brewing in Hood River, or Solera Brewing in Parkdale if you have a little extra time and want to drink beer in an orchard under the mountain.
Columbia Gorge
Wine-d (haha) your way through the Columbia River Gorge! Check out the viewpoints at Multnomah Falls or the Vista House, go on a hike at Angel's Rest or Horsetail Falls, or bounce from winery to winery as you enjoy the view.