Things To Do

Multnomah Falls

Parking permits are required after 9am, so go early! The drive on the Old Columbia Highway is gorgeous any time of year. I suggest Multnomah Falls, then going east on I-84 to the exit for Ainsworth State Park, and taking the old highway back into Troutdale. There’s lots of hiking trails and many waterfalls to park and see! “On the lower level of Multnomah Falls Lodge there is a public Visitor Center, snack bar, gift shop and adjacent accessible restrooms. The fully accessible restaurant is located on the upper level and can be accessed by stairs or elevator. Reservations are required to visit Multnomah Falls from late May through early September daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Get a timed reservation permit online at for a $2.00 transaction fee.”

Sugarpine Drive-In

Sugarpine is my favorite little place in Troutdale! It’s right on the Sandy River, in an old gas station and tackle shop. They have a great menu that changes with the seasons. Waffle Grilled Cheese is a year-round staple! We love their shrub soda, which changes weekly, and their HUGE ice cream sundaes—pick one of their features or make your own! I highly recommend the pine nut crunch, which I get almost every time.

Troutdale Station Food Carts

Doe Donuts + Ice Cream

This is my favorite spot for donuts. Skip the lines at Voodoo! Doe has excellent year round flavors like Portland Fog and Salted Vanilla Bean, and the most inventive flavors that change every month.

Hawthorne Asylum Food Carts

Great food carts and drinks!

Northeast Hawthorne Avenue

Hawthorne is one of the many neighborhoods in Portland that is always happening! There are so many shops, cafes, and restaurants. I love Oro for crystals, gifts, and jewelry; Powell’s for books and a latte; The Meadow for salts and chocolates from all over the world; Rudy’s for a haircut; and Waffle Window for Brunch! There’s so much to explore here!

Mississippi Avenue

Mississippi Avenue is another place to stroll and spend time wandering. There’s a lot of places to eat, shop, and people watch! Prost has great German food, Miss Delta is a wonderful southern stop, and Bar Bar has some of the best smash burgers! Paxton Gate is a cool shop where taxidermy, weird plants, and oddities can be found. There’s quite a few vintage shops as well!

Nob Hill

This neighborhood is just down the road from our venue! There’s boutiques and upscale shopping, and great places to eat. We love Papa Haydn, Pine State Biscuits, and the McMenamin’s Bottle Shop. Breakside Brewing has HUGE pretzels and great beers. Portland Leathers also has a shop here, to grab a great handmade leather purse or bag for everyday. There’s a Lush, Paxton Gate, Paper Source, and Arcteryx.

Powell's City of Books

This is the largest independent bookstore in the US! I will literally spend an entire day here.

OMSI

A great science museum with awesome rotating exhibits and an IMAX theatre.

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is a PNW original ice cream shop, with locations all over town. I love the Strawberry Balsamic and Black Pepper. They always have interesting flavors every month.

Hood River

If you want to go for a drive, Hood River is about an hour from Portland. It is the home of many of the farms that supply the region, and in the spring and summer the "Fruit Loop" is a popular weekend trip to tour and sample the farms. I love the lavender farms and "U-Pick" berry farms, as well as the many flower farms! HR also has a growing downtown with shops and great restaurants and breweries.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Out on East I-84, you can stop at Crown Vista House to gaze over the huge Columbia River. There are many waterfalls out here just off the highway that are a short walk to the falls, including Latourell, where our engagement pics were taken. After your waterfall tour, head a little further to Cascade Locks, where you can get a HUGE ice cream cone at Eastwind Drive-In.

Sasquatch Shuttle & Parking

Sasquatch Tours picks you up in Troutdale for a tour through the Gorge! It will take you to all the best spots and you don't have to worry about parking or traffic!

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

Ok, I know this sounds like a weird thing to point out, but this is a cute little spot to walk by the river and learn about the fish and river! The COOLEST thing is that there is a sturgeon viewing pool where you can see Herman, a well-known and famous native sturgeon! He was kidnapped once, and he's over 80 years old. There's also a really neat gift shop with a coffee stand, trout ponds, and the rhododendrons will be bloomed out and so gorgeous. Give it a try!

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

May is a perfect time to see Rhododendrons in full bloom around Portland, and here you can see all the colors in a beautiful garden.