Portland, Oregon: A Vibrant & Scenic City in the Pacific Northwest

Less than 3 hours from Seattle lies the city of Portland, Oregon, known for its restaurants, breweries, farmer’s markets, and lush greenery. Portland is the perfect choice if you’re looking for the opportunity to explore a new city without traveling far.

Friday: Portland Rock Gym, Cider & Food Carts

Stop by Macrina Bakery & Cafe for a coffee and pastry before heading south on I5 towards Portland. The drive is a little less than two hours, so you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. If you have extra time, make a quick stop at Rainbow Falls State Park, a 129-acre park on the Chehalis River with plenty of hiking trails and scenery.

Portland Rock Gym is the perfect afternoon spot – it offers opportunities for top roping, bouldering, and more. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – this gym offers various introductory classes to get you started climbing.

Food trucks are very popular in Portland, but locals typically call them “food carts.” There’s a wide variety of food carts; you can find anything from tacos to sushi. After you finish climbing, head to Bari Food Cart. The cart specializes in fried-to-order panzerotti, similar to a calzone from Apulian cuisine. You can get your panzerotti with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Apulian food can be hard to come by in the Pacific Northwest, so we recommend getting your fix while in town for the weekend.

After enjoying a delicious meal at Bari Food Cart, head to Portland Cider House. It has happy hour every day from 3 PM-6 PM and 9 PM-11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. If you arrive during either of these times, you can get one dollar off a pint of cider or enjoy a snack at a lower price. Portland Cider House offers a wide variety of flavors sure to please the whole group, from imperial dry to strawberry pineapple. There are also events and pop-ups every few weeks, so check the schedule here for the dates you’ll be in town. 

Head east for the night and set up camp at Oxbow Regional Park. The campsites are $25 per night and come with a picnic table, fire pit, cooking grill, and access to heated restrooms and free hot showers.

Saturday: Waterfalls, Breweries & South American Cuisine

Head back into the city for the morning and stop at Cloudforest Café. This is not your typical coffee shop – it’s a chocolate company. The coffee is made with single-origin chocolate and is neither sweet nor bitter. If you have a sweet tooth and want to try an authentic mocha, Cloudforest Café is the place for you.

Just 30 minutes east of Portland lies the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world: Fairy Falls, Horsetail Falls, Multnomah Falls, and more. Plenty of beautiful hiking trails around this area of varying lengths and difficulties exist. If you’re looking for a more leisurely stroll or are traveling with children, check out the Multnomah Falls Trail – it’s 2.6 miles roundtrip and only takes about an hour and a half to complete. This trail is also perfect for photographers, as the views from the bridge are breathtaking. If you’d like to see Multnomah Falls but are also looking for a more challenging hike, consider the Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail. It’s 5.1 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, making it the perfect workout paired with sightseeing. 

After taking the hike of your choice, head back into the city to enjoy a drink at Backwoods Brewing Company. This family-owned craft beer company offers a large selection of appetizers and brews. Not a fan of beer? No worries – many craft cocktails and wines are also available. 

After enjoying a beverage at Backwoods Brewing Company, head to Lechon – a popular Portland restaurant serving South American cuisine. Many tapas can be shared amongst multiple people, so this is the perfect spot for a group dinner. There are also some delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options, such as the foraged mushrooms and the Peruvian-marinated roasted tofu.

Head just 15 minutes west to Akitaaru Homestead, a small, active homestead with livestock, gardens, dogs, and free-range children. The campground is surrounded by U-pick farms, hiking trails, and a short drive to the Columbia River. These campsites come with a firepit and compostable toilets. Pets are also welcome!

Sunday: Classic American Brunch, Hoyt Arboretum & Filipino Comfort Food

Head downtown Sunday morning for a classic American breakfast at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe, a dog-friendly eatery with a covered patio. The menu has all kinds of breakfast options, from sweet to savory, and is known for its iconic potato pancakes. 

After breakfast, head to the Hoyt Arboretum, a living tree museum. The arboretum encompasses 190 acres and 12 miles of hiking trails and is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. Expand your environmental knowledge while walking on one of the many nature trails. 

Before leaving town, we recommend you stop at one more food cart: Baon Kainan. This restaurant serves Filipino comfort food and is one of the highest-rated food carts in the city. The hours are limited, though; make sure you stop by between 11 am and 2 pm. There are a few vegan and gluten-free options as well.

Hop back on I5 north towards Seattle and enjoy the beautiful drive back home.

Ready to Explore Portland?

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