Things To Do
Portland
Explore Portland’s food scene - with iconic food carts, brunch at Screen Door, or pub fare (and even a saltwater pool) at McMenamins Kennedy School. Stroll through attractions - like the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, or Rose Garden. Sample the local brews - at one of Portland’s many pubs, breweries, or cider houses—Shilling Cider Co. is a favorite. Fuel up on coffee - at Stumptown Coffee Roasters or one of the city’s many local cafés.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The area is filled with endless hiking trails for every skill level! On the Oregon side, you’ll find the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, along with favorites like Angel’s Rest and Punchbowl Falls. Across the river in Washington, Dog Mountain and Hamilton Mountain offer equally stunning adventures.
The Willamette Valley
Visit the Willamette Valley in June for U-pick berries—strawberries, raspberries, and cherries—at local farms. Enjoy wine tasting at nearby wineries, and if you’re lucky, catch the early lavender blooms at Willamette Valley Lavender.
Mount Hood
Experience Mt. Hood with a ride on the Alpine Coaster, known as the ‘Alpine Slides,’ or explore one of the region’s scenic hiking trails. A classic option is Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain—a favorite of Kaylee’s. Burnt Lake and Trillium Lake also provide beautiful settings for hiking and fishing.
The Oregon Coast
Lincoln City has always been special to Kaylee—her family grew up vacationing here in their little A-frame cabin. Lincoln City makes a great base for exploring the Oregon Coast. Nearby hikes include Cascade Head (an all time favorite), featuring wildflowers and elk, or the classic God’s Thumb trail. For food, try Wildflower Grill for breakfast or J’s Fish and Chips for lunch. Just 30 minutes north, Pacific City features a massive sand dune that’s fun to climb. Plan your visit around low tide to explore tide pools filled with starfish and sea anemones. Stop by Megpies bakery for a sweet treat or the famous Pelican Brewery for a coastal brew. About 20 minutes south of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay offers charming shops, saltwater taffy, along with whale and sea lion watching. Of course, you can always enjoy a scenic drive along Highway 101, stopping at viewpoints and coastal towns along the way!
Tillamook Creamery
At Tillamook Creamery, you can watch the ice cream and cheese-making process in action, then treat yourself to a scoop on the way out—sometimes you’ll even find new flavors to try!
Silver Falls State Park
Just outside of Salem is Silver Falls State Park. The famous Trail of Ten Falls takes you past—and even behind—several stunning waterfalls. Nearby, the Oregon Garden offers 80 acres of beautifully designed gardens to explore!
