You can do the Japanese Gardens and Zoo separately, but they are right next to each other and easy to do together. The Gardens are especially well known and make the trip to that part of town worth the drive.
about 40 minutes from the Oregon City area head to the gorge to see the sights. there are hikes and viewpoints all around the area. some of the favorites include: Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek Trailhead, Deschutes River State Park, Vista House.
about an hour and a half from the Oregon City area some of our favorite cities on the coast include: Seaside: the coolest arcade and saltwater taffy Lincoln City: Haystack Rock and kite flying Astoria: breweries and boats Tillamook: check out the factory for ice cream and squeaky cheese Netarts Bay: tide pools and Cape Lookout State Park
Breweries can be found all over the Portland metro area but some of the grooms favorites include: McMenamins- each location is different and interesting but the beer in the same Rogue Deschutes Great Notion
Mt. Hood Alpine Park Mt. Hood Fruit Loop Crater Lake National Park Bend/Sisters Mt. St. Helens
Museum of the Oregon Territory Willamette Falls