Things to do around Portland
Washington Park
30 min drive from Damascus This is a large urban park perched on the western hills of Portland with views of the city and Mt. Hood. On top of many acres of wild forest with miles of trails, Washington Park also offers the following features: International Rose Test Garden (free - over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties) Japanese Garden ($20-$25 per person, recommend purchasing tickets in advance) Oregon Zoo ($25-$30 per person, must purchase tickets in advance) World Forestry Center ($8 per person) Hoyt Arboretum and Botanical Garden (free)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
40-60 min drive from Damascus The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge is know for its density and beauty of waterfalls. There are several waterfalls along the gorge with the largest and most popular being Multnomah Falls. Note that Multnomah Falls is extremely popular and requires a reservation due to limited parking. These "timed-use permits" are available 2 weeks in advance and only cost a few dollars (one permit per vehicle). In addition to Multnomah Falls, there are several other waterfalls to see that don't draw as big of a crowd: Crown Point Vista House (not a waterfall, but is a great start to your journey and provides breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge) Latourell Falls Shepperds Dell Falls Bridal Veil Falls Wahkeena Falls Oneonta Falls Horsetail Falls
OMSI
30 min drive from Damascus The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a science and technology museum with a variety of both rotating and staple exhibits, and also features a theater and planetarium. Cost: $20 per person (theater and planetarium additional)
Timberline Lodge / Mt. Hood
60 min drive from Damascus Timberline Lodge is a historic hotel best known as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. In addition to the lodge, Mt. Hood also hosts a variety of hiking trails shorts and long.
Alcohol Tasting
5 to 60 min drive from Damascus The Willamette Valley has an international reputation for its amazing wine and beer. Tastings and flights generally range between $15 to $40 per person. Wine: Oregon is best known for its pinot noir, but produces several quality wines in both red and white. There are way too many wineries to list individually, but the hot regions will be in Newberg, Canby, and other towns to the south outside of the city. One of our favorites is Eminent Domaine in Newberg. Beer: We cannot say enough about Great Notion - they are hands down our favorite brewery in the PNW, and they have a few locations in north Portland. ABV Public House is another great option, and also has axe throwing! Stickman Brewing is another good option who has several locations around the Portland area. Spirits: Brixeur Spirits, also in Newberg, has fabulous tasting options for whiskey, gin, and vodka.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
60 min drive from Damascus An aviation museum with more than fifty military and civilian aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and spacecraft. Cost of admission is $25 per person. There is also a water park affiliated with the museum, Wings & Waves Waterpark which has a separate cost of $30-$40 per person (cheaper if you buy online in advance and guarantees admission).
McMenamins Brewpub
15 to 60 min drive from Damascus McMenamins is a PNW staple, an eclectic brewpub with 50+ locations across Oregon and Washington. Several are housed in rehabilitated historical properties, making each restaurant unique and distinct. They have a wide range of food options (restricted diet friendly) and have fabulous cocktails, beer, and wine.