Only in Oregon: Wander Outside
- Savvy Single Mama
- 18 hours ago
- 15 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Only in Oregon can wandering outside be so freeing!
Both the city and the ocean in Oregon equally draw people in. Tides and trails are adventurous here, and as one wonders outside it's all wildly intriguing in nature. Only in Oregon will you find the most underrated tourists spots, making this entire state feel like a hidden gem.
The City of Roses is ever evolving; Portland is a bustling city! There have been multiple revitalization efforts made over the past decade to invite tourists back to the city once full of hipster style, then run down to the ground, and now reemerging as something new and unique. While counterculture is the main vibe here, music, arts, and food are held in high regard. With more nature than you could know what to do with, the giant-sized trees, boulders, and landscape seascapes are magnificent to gaze upon. Even more full of wonder to walk amidst and fun just to be there. This guide will help you to know how to enjoy a trip to Oregon, and experience things you can only do in this distinctive state.
Underlined text links to the page associated for your convenience, I am not a partner with any, just sharing for planning purposes.
The Pacific Northwest is calling! My flight was literally the most scenic I’ve taken in the Continental US. Flying from Florida to Portland, I looked out of my window seat amazed at the mountains, craters, and gorges of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and eventually the eastern end of Oregon. I followed the Columbia River westward to the airport and watched as the beauty beneath me came closer into focus. The large greenery seemed to unfold into a magical wonderland I couldn’t wait to explore. I was in Portland for the week on a work trip, to attend the Zero to Three Early Learning Conference, but I couldn’t wait to meet up with my coworkers who trusted me with planning a lovely afternoon of sightseeing and good food. It’s worth noting the Columbia River separates Oregon and Washington, and the views along the river are impressive from every angle. Rose bushes, ferns, moss, and conifer trees dominate the landscape here with the Pacific temperate rainforest environment.
Where to stay:
I researched extensively prior to booking because I did have safety concerns. My sons warned me about Portland being known for drugged out homeless people, and crime. I am happy to report I did not feel any different safety wise here than any other larger metro areas I visit. We stayed at two different locations, both I recommend to the average traveler:
Home 2 Suites by Hilton Portland Airport - this stay was very comfortable. I had hot water, a small kitchen area, and lots of space. The front desk was very kind and accommodating to any requests I had, they also provided me a ticket for discounted food in the area. They gave recommendations and the free breakfast in the morning had fresh fruit and fresh items.
Hyatt Regency Portland Convention Center (I have no photos as I did not stay here) was also comfortable for my coworkers. The grounds were nice and of course everything was more centrally located. While I had a 20-minute drive to reach the downtown area, they were already there! They were closer to food and the Old Town area where we ate most nights.
In & Around Portland
There are 5 Must Sees for every visitor who comes into the Portland Area. 4 are located inside of Washington Park, and one is not too far from there. Here’s a little background to make it make navigating easier. Portland has six main geographical sections (North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest) and are referred to as “quadrants.” The city is divided into north and south by Burnside Street and into east and west by the Willamette River. This city is bigger than I’d expected, but they do have a robust transportation system, with Trains and Street Cars. It is easiest here to get around with a car, however, if you are spending most of your time in Portland, the Max Light Rail system is easy and cost efficient. With rides being just $2.80 each, and a daily cap for the price of two rides, it connects most of the major attractions with a little bit of walking. More HERE about the Max Light Rail.
Also, the streetcar option is a fun way to see the city and get your bearings. Making two loops, one going clockwise, the other running counterclockwise, continuously looping. More HERE for the streetcars.
5 Must See’s in and around Washington Park
Located just two miles west of downtown and accessible by MAX light rail, 410-acre Washington Park has a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all bordered by Forest Park — at 5,100 acres, one of the country’s premier urban wildernesses. There are lots of parking areas and driving around the park is easy! The surrounding neighborhoods are scenic homes built with style on hilly landscapes that feel like their own world.
#1. The International Rose Test Garden - (locally known as the Portland Rose Garden), features over 10,000 roses with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. Located inside of Washington Park and free to enter, hours are 5 am – 10 pm! This inviting garden is filled with roses of every variety, color, size, and these roses bloom in true vibrant splendor!
#2. Hoyt Arboretum – Located at the edge of Washington Park, this free museum of trees offers 12 miles of hiking trails. Many of the trail heads you can drive to and park at. Although parking is limited, the drive through is breathtaking, unless you consider that there’s over 6,000 trees surrounding you then maybe the correct description is breath giving! While I did not have time for a long hike, I wanted to see the redwoods, and took the Redwood Deck trail, which was easy to drive to and under a mile to walk. This trail had some inclining elevations and gorgeous views of giant trees! Open 5am – 10 pm, visitor center however is open 10am – 4 pm.
#3. Forest Park Conservancy - Portland's 5,200-acre urban forest, just minutes from the central city, stretches 8 miles (12.9 km) in length and contains more than 80 miles (128.7 km) of trails. Where 70+ miles (112+ km) of trails give way to a lush green escape that’s verdant all year round. Both weasels and elk may be spotted as well as other wildlife. Free entry, 5:00 am-10:00 pm.
There are many entry points and parking areas for this large conservancy. First-time visitors to Portland should head to the Lower Macleay trailhead that takes hikers past the tallest fir within a city, a 242-foot (74 m) heritage pine tree, and the Witch’s Castle or Stone House, a two-story, charming moss-laden structure that makes an excellent hide-and-seek fort.
End your day with a sunset walk at Mt. Tabor, the local (dormant) volcano. Depending on where you stand, you can see Mt. Hood peek through the trees or the sun dip behind the downtown skyline. Sometimes, you’ll hear a pianist serenade hiker on a pop-up restored piano.
#4. Portland Japanese Garden – This 5.5-acre garden is located in Washington Park and is a finely kept garden. In addition to this, there is a cultural village that allows visitors to learn more about Japanese culture. Prices for adult entry are up to $22.50 per person, and hours differ, check the website for additional planning.
#5. Lan Su Chinese Garden - Old Town: One of the cultural landmarks in Portland. This garden has been open since 2000, offering an authentic Ming-Dynasty style garden. The Lan Su Chinese Garden combines art, natural beauty, and architecture to create a beautiful, relaxing space.
Check the website at the link above for details about admission prices and times to visit, which varies. Adult tickets may be $16.00 each, but there are many discounted options available.
Yes, these are five gardens, I realize that this may not be everyone's thing. I can't emphasize enough these are not merely gardens. Just go! Believe me, you'll be so glad you've been to these amazing spots that happened to be dripping with flowers and foliage.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
This national scenic area is one of the main natural landmarks Portland is famous for. There are bunches of waterfalls and trails to explore in this incredibly beautiful area. Along a scenic route, there are many small pull off parking lots nearby amazing waterfalls. Don’t miss a few, most notably Multnomah!
**Travelers should be aware of closures affecting the Historic Columbia River Highway (also known as U.S. Route 30): A section of the highway east of Multnomah Falls will be closed for improvements Oct. 6, 2025–spring 2026. Access to the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls will remain open via Interstate 84. Details are available via ODOT.
Multnomah Falls
At 620 feet (189 m), Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The dramatic two-tiered falls are fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, and the flow over the falls varies, usually at its highest during winter and spring. The two drops are due to a zone of more easily eroded basalt at the base of the upper fall. Beautiful any time of year, winter views may feature some icicles and frozen water. Standing close to the waterfall the weather is significantly cooler, and the misty water current offers a little breezy rush of energy!
Address: I-84, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
The tallest waterfall in the state, Multnomah Falls, towers at 620 feet high, Located just 30 miles east of downtown Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Recognized for it’s massive two-drop cascade, and iconic Benson Footbridge, it attracts visitors of all types and ages with paved trails and wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms. Steep hiking trails lead all the way to the top and the upper falls. While there is a timed ticket entry system required daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is also a privately managed parking lot across from Multnomah Falls Lodge — parking there costs $5 to $20, depending on the time and day. I booked the timed ticket for $3.50 and then paid for parking anyway when I saw the lot right near the falls was closer. Parking can get hectic in times of higher traffic and visiting! Lower Viewing Area: Just 100 yards from the parking lot. We hiked up to the Benson Bridge, which was a short, paved walk, standing on the iconic photo spot between the two tiers.
Multnomah Creek drains into Benson Lake approximately 1,300 feet west of the bottom of the falls, and the lands here can be explored around it as well. While there is no swimming in the falls, the lake has a little stream area where you could dip your feet into the cold spring water, and some small children were swimming. It was refreshing!
The most popular trail is the Multnomah Falls Loop Trail, which is approximately 2.6 miles long and provides stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge. Switchback Trail: 11 steep paved switchbacks to the top. The Top Viewing Platform looks down into the canyon and across the Gorge. Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge: Built in 1925, celebrating it's centennial this year and still operating today.
We spent a little time walking around the area exploring the basin area, which was wonderful to step into!
More Falls:
While many of the falls here can be seen from the road, some are more easily accessed than others.
Latourell Falls - Usually the first falls that visitors encounter in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls is found off exit 22 on Interstate 84, just east of the must-see views of Crown Point and along a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop where hikers can watch it drop straight down, 224 feet (68 m). It’s just a short walk to the lower falls, but a tougher uphill hike brings more daring explorers closer to the upper falls. Flowing strongest in winter and spring, Latourell gets a bit of sun in the summer, making for photos that are just as stunning.
Bridal Veil Falls - Located 27 miles (43 km) east of Portland — just off Interstate 84, or just another mile east of Latourell Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway — the misty, white Bridal Veil Falls consists of a pair of quick cascades that are well worth the short but steep half-mile hike to the viewing platform. An upper trail also leads to cliffs that reveal great views of the Columbia River Gorge.
In & Around the Coastline
Ecola State Park – We paid the $10.00 fee to park and used the restrooms quickly! The 90-minute drive from Portland was scenic and satisfying. Wrapping around Tillamook Head, between Seaside and Cannon Beaches, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline. The sightseeing and recreation opportunities combined with a sign marking the space as a Goonies landmark, making it a total bucket list location for 80’s movie buffs. Who doesn’t love the Goonies? Scenic cliff overlooks and hiking opportunities may be the main allure, but outdoor recreation fun includes picnicking, tide pooling, surfing and wildlife observation make this a must see stop.
Sightseeing begins the moment you enter the park. The entrance road winds through a lush Sitka spruce forest, eventually opening up to a grassy bluff offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. You may recognize the viewpoint south, a scene from many published photographs. Sea stacks punctuate the long sweep of shoreline south, backed by the town of Cannon Beach and ridge of coastal mountains above.
Ecola’s trails offer cliff side viewpoints of secluded coves, forested promontories and even a long-abandoned lighthouse. The park’s network of trails include an 8-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail, and a 2 1/2 mile historical interpretive route called the Clatsop Loop Trail. We were there on a windy day in June where the coastline was much cooler than the city had been and we didn’t hike as much as we may have liked to. From here we drove
Cannon Beach - we found street parking at the end of the quaint village road and walked over the dune into the most incredible beach featuring dramatic rock formations and stunning coastline viewpoints. We rounded the corner and saw Haystack Rock in the near distance, and started making our way toward the well known landmark. Puffins and seagulls flew all around the massive boulder and the tide was far enough up on the sand that we didn’t want to walk out to the rock in the cold Pacific. Had the day been warmer or the water been lower, we would have gone for it!
The downtown Cannon Beach really could be a week of just hanging by the coastline. With over a dozen galleries, we were amazed at the incredible artwork, local eateries, gourmet food options and souvenir shops. By the time we’d walked 1.5 miles of the beautiful beach we caught a ramp up onto the main street and decided it was time to eat.
We ate at the Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge, which is the most centrally located and famous of them all. The windows here face Haystack Rock, and our server gave us his favorite seat in the house; a booth towards the back which is slightly elevated creating perfect views. The food there was so good that I’d strongly recommend it to anyone wanting a nicer upscale menu with great service.
The Coastline is dotted with rocky beaches that all have unique rock formations and could be visited for any length of time. Surrounded by trails and scenic roadways, it’s really worth a drive all the way down to Cali! But I must recommend at least one more stop along the way:
The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor - stretches along Oregon’s rugged southern coast, offering a 12-mile route brimming with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and dense forests. Located between Brookings and Gold Beach, this scenic coastal drive is a gateway to numerous secluded coves, towering rock formations, and lush landscapes that don't get as many crowds as the state's other beaches. Here, adventurers can enjoy stunning natural bridges, picturesque hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific. Although its Secret Beach isn't quite as secret these days, Boardman still offers plenty of opportunities to picnic, relax, and enjoy the lapping waves sans the crowds.
FOOD
While we worked during the day, we made sure to try the local food at night.
*The Wayfarer in Cannon Beach was definitely a positive experience. Great menu, not a lot of options but very intentional ingredients and well served delicious meals! Highly recommend! And you'll get the BEST seats in the house to watch the tides outside on Haystack Rock.
*Oven & Shaker Bar and Pizza had outdoor seating that was cute, but we were being bombarded by bugs and moved inside. Inside, the atmosphere was fun. Good music and service. We sat at a high bar in a community style setting, and ordered all kinds of pizzas and salads, and the three of us shared. All the food was delicious. We had leftovers!
*Jakes Famous Crawfish - Let me just say, YES! The food here was outstanding. This was a splurge on dinner night where we wanted to treat ourselves. The food and drinks hit the spot. My King Salmon was made perfectly, and everything was better than anticipated. This location was recommended by several locals when we asked where to get sea food. It's a don't miss it for anyone loving fresh sea food.
*Fullers Burger Shack was my first lunch. I was starving. I found the food to be high quality and reminded me a bit of a five guys with better art and presentation. There are two locations in Portland and they are locally owned "fast food" spots that just get it right. Well done.
There are LOTS of great places worth eating when you're in the area, these were recommended and we were totally satisfied with our choices.
Oregon is a large state, often missed for other notable hot spots in the region. With 254 state parks, 110,000 miles of rivers, and over 4.3 million acres of wilderness to explore, the diverse, technicolor beauty should be reason enough, but it’s also kind of nice to be there and feel like you have a little gem to keep to yourself! Enjoy the wild outdoors, get outside and explore all there is to see!!
Only in Oregon can wandering outside e so freeing! Tides and trails are equally adventurous here, visiting the area you'll find great food, and fun to discover.
Tips:
#1. Take the window seat, enjoy the views
#2. You'll need to explore the coastline and inland areas for this trip! Day trips will be fine.
#3. If you plan one waterfall, see Multnomah, if you plan a whole day see bunches in the vicinity!
#4. Don't skip the gardens. These gardens are attractions
#5. Portland is famous for coffee and craft beer. While I don't drink either, I had no problem tagging along and witnessing others enjoy completely!
#6. Highway 101 is one of the most scenic drives in the US! Stop at viewpoints and small towns.
#7. It's windy and chilly on the coast even in summer, bring a windbreaker and a sweater! Actually, just be prepared for any type of weather as it's unpredictable.
#8. Mount Hood is the white capped mountain visible from the Portland surroundings. It's 60 miles East of Portland and an active volcano! There is lots of hiking there and trails, if you want to spend a day there it's a popular destination.
**There's a unique adventure I recommend called the 4 T's Tour. Trail Tram Trolly Train.
Here's the scoop from the website:
First, get your blood moving with a brisk hike uphill among the trees from the Oregon Zoo to Council Crest Park—at 1,073 feet, the highest point in the city—and then enjoy an easy stroll down to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), where you will board the Portland Aerial Tram and glide 3,300 linear feet downhill—in 3 minutes!—to the riverfront. From there, board the trolley (aka the Portland Streetcar) and ride to the heart of downtown Portland. Enjoy downtown’s shops, restaurants and food carts and then hop on the MAX light rail train back to the start to complete the loop. Or do it in reverse!
Wherever your travels take you, be sure to keep your presence in the moment.
~Nature is healing, grounding and living. Tune in.
~Enjoy where you are at. Be a little flexible with people and their navigation of time.
~Let go of things you can't control.
~Remember to put your people above things, and cherish the memories.
~Do things that will make you proud of yourself when you recall later.
~Live more, in abundance and walk in your own footsteps.
~Breathe fresh air, feel the flow of water, and find your own level.
~Wherever you travel, bring a little piece home in your heart.
As a blogger, I enjoy helping families spend more time enjoying their quality time together and less time having to figure it all out. My four children have been my test subjects of how to plan a great family adventure for many years and now that my youngest is 20, many of my travels are work related, or grandma related! As time has changed, I've evolved but I still LOVE TO TRAVEL, explore, wander, visit, discover, learn and love. If nature is there, I can find my happy place. I use the term "single" not to emphasize my status but to signify that if I can manage some family fun on a limited teacher's salary with four children, anyone can do it. I am very intentional in how I spend my time and earnings. I typically seek out budget friendly ways to enjoy my time, but will occasionally splurge for the right reasons :-)
Happy Travels!!
God Bless every road you travel on. xo
If you have any plans to take your travels farther south in California, this will help: California Travels
With Gratitude,
Mz. Savvy
A note from the editor:
The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. Confirm details when planning your trip. I hope this makes it easier for your planning process.
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