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Things to do / Travel Guide
Oregon Getaways
Portland is a great place to base an interesting and relaxing trip. Very scenic roads lead to gorgeous sites like the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. By foot, the Pacific Crest Trail, among others, explores the area's volcanic mountains and dense forests. The Willamette Valley is a fertile, fruit growing area known for its wineries. Take a Portland to Mt. Hood road trip!
Portland, Oregon Tourist Attractions
Portland is a city that offers a sort of small town charm within its rather decent-sized city limits. Perhaps it's because two great rivers run through it—the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers—or maybe it's because of the strong attraction Portland residents have towards art, creativity, and natural living. Or maybe there's just something in the air.
But whatever it is, it's attractive, and it'll make you fall in love with Portland the moment you step foot in the Saturday Market, the Pioneer Courthouse Square, or the annual Portland Rose Festival. Museums, historic sites, family-friendly activities, and an abundance of other tourist attractions grace the scenery of the city of Portland; and situated just outside the city lays a plethora of outdoorsy sports, nature attractions, and adventuring opportunities.
Portland Getaways
Portland is a fantastic city in itself, but if you're in the area for more than a few days, you may want to consider going on a day trip or two; the surrounding region is so rich and beautiful, that it would be a shame to visit the Portland area and not travel outside the metropolitan area a bit.
Here are a few suggestions for getaways just outside Portland:
First, spend a day exploring Washington Park and Oregon Wine Country. These two areas will take you just outside the city limits, but you will feel like you are centuries away from any semblance of a city. Both sites are blanketed in greenery, fresh air, and beauty. The vineyards in Oregon Wine Country are exquisite—charming, beautiful, and offering dozens of delicious wines.
Head southeast from Portland and you'll hit the famous town of Sisters, also known as the gateway to the Cascades. You could spend a day in Sisters or maybe a week, but once you're there, you may just decide to take up permanent residence. Sisters is a dream playground for the lovers of the great outdoors. Fly fisherman will feel at home by the Metolium River, kids will love the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, and people in favor of hiking and biking will…well the whole area. Don't miss the McKenzie Pass Lava Beds or the Three Sisters Mountains. You'll also be quite close to Bend, Oregon and the Cascades Lake Highway, so if you've got time on your itinerary, you should visit these gorgeous places as well.
And get a good map of Oregon – you never know where the back roads lead.
Mt. Hood Tourist Attractions
In the mood for some kite surfing? Wind surfing? Hang gliding? Other extreme water or air sports? To Mt. Hood and the Hood River you must go! This is a mecca for young and old water sports lovers, especially those who appreciate a natural gust of wind through their (probably really long) hair.
The area of Mt. Hood is beautiful and is populated by people who know how to appreciate the beauty that rests around them. You'll find that the people around the Hood River love their river with a sort of allegiance that you won't find amongst other Americans towards the geography around them. The people are friendly, warm, and are eager and happy to share their knowledge of the great outdoors—both of the river and of Mt. Hood National Forest—with the tourists who visit them. Spend some time in Mt. Hood Village sipping coffee and reading at the various used bookstores.
When it's too cold to swim, boat, or fly, tourists and locals alike head to the ski slopes located in Mt. Hood National Forest. There are a number of popular ones to choose from. The Columbia River Gorge is beautiful, when the sun is shining brightly on it, or when the snow piles high upon its rocks. Visit the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Multnomah Falls Hiking Trail.
Portland, Oregon Road Trip Getaway Planner
Spend a few days walking around Portland and the surrounding areas. Three day trips, including Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are a minimum. If you have a week, go deeper into the Cascades and further down the valley.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Portland, Mt. Hood, Oregon Cascades, Willamette Valley
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