Parts of historic Hwy 30 are closed through Memorial Day 2025 between Waukeena and Multnomah Falls, but any waterfalls along that road you can get to are breathtaking. Around the side of Multnomah Falls is a hiking trail to the top (wear proper shoes, Jessica has made that mistake before). Any of the other waterfalls will likely be a lot slower and easier to get in and out of, especially on weekdays (Bridal Veil, Latourell, and Wahkeena, alongside the Vista House viewpoint, which is not to be missed if you're driving past).
If parking at Multnomah Falls, please register in advance of your visit and do not leave anything of any value in the car at any falls.
Historic hotel and ski resort - can be busy on weekends. No sledding allowed on site, but you can go to Snow Bunny, Ski Bowl, or the Government Camp Sno Park behind the rest stop for sledding opportunities. Excellent buffet and bars
White River Sno Park probably has the best photo opportunities of Mt Hood and is about 15 minutes beyond the Timberline turnoff.
Spend an afternoon getting lost in an entire city block of a bookstore. Conveniently located to the Pearl district, breweries, restaurants, shopping (winter clothing abounds in this area), and coffee, it's easy to access with a vehicle or by transit. Street parking and parking decks are pay to park.
A giant park that you can take the bus to go on a forest hike. Miles of trails that connect you from northwest Portland to the Pittock Mansion, Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, Arboretum, and the Rose Test Garden, if you dare walk that distance.
Park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, this beautiful park is on one of the dormant volcanoes in this part of the world. Watch for bicyclists on the road and see if you can find the view of Mt Hood through the trees at the top.
Lovely spot for flower and fauna spotting close to Reed College.
Glow in the dark indoor putt putt.
Beautiful and scenic trails through a beautifully manicured garden. Bonsai, koi, and views of Mt Hood await you at the top of one of the hills in the nature complex above Portland. This garden is overwhelmingly beautiful but may be less than accessible, starting with the switchbacks and stairs to get to the entrance after buying a ticket. Please plan accordingly, especially as parking can be a beast here during peak times.
Alternative options with easier accessibility in the same parking area include the International Rose Test Garden, Arboretum, Oregon Zoo, and the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon memorial.
Anyone feeling adventurous can drive 1.5 hours outside of Portland and get to Tillamook, which has a creamery just on the north side of town (next to Rogue Creamery, if taste comparisons are necessary). Taste all the ice cream flavors, have a snack, and watch cheese get made in one spot.
One of six sake breweries in the United States is out in Forest Grove. Sample some sake, take a tour of the facility, and get a view of Mt Hood on a clear day from the parking lot. Cute little patio area outside and sake flights galore.
Most of the rest of the alcohol tourism in the area is a huge list of wineries in and around the Willamette Valley. Explore and take note of the depth of flavors from Oregon grown grapes.
Sales tax free shopping in Oregon slays with a variety of retailers at both this outlet mall in Troutdale and the other prime outlet spot south of town in Woodburn. Bring empty suitcases to bring home the haul.
For those into coffee and/or donuts, here is a list of some of our favorites. Please check times and dates before heading out as some open early, some later, and some are not open on certain days.
Mudd Works Roastery
Coava
See See Motor Coffee
Prince Coffee
JoLa Cafe
Oblique Coffee Roasters
Rose City Coffee Co
Pip's Donuts
Coco Donuts
Voodoo Donuts (go for the novelty, and go to the location at NE Sandy and Davis for shorter wait times and easier parking)
Blue Star Donuts
Brunch galore
The one meal of the week that seems to get Portlanders going is brunch. Many places that do not offer a breakfast option during the week will open for brunch on the weekends. Get up and out early if you want to beat the crowds.
Here's some of our favorite places for brunch, most of them do have alcohol available:
~Eastburn
~JJ's Caffe
~City State Diner
~Pine State Biscuits (please get there before 7:30am for little to no line)
~Original Hotcake House (closest thing we have to Waffle House in this state)
~Screen Door
~Jam on Hawthorne
~La Province
~Radio Room
~Fat City Cafe (cash ONLY, plan accordingly)
~Sweet Bacon
~Tin Shed (dog friendly)
~RJ Skillets (Oaxacan brunch)
~Bannings Restaurant
~The Original Pancake House (I think we live walking distance from the original location?)
~Gigi's Cafe
~Rambler
~Gravy
~The Mont
Breweries and Distilleries
There is a pretty overwhelming selection when it comes to places that serve alcohol as well as mocktails in Portland. In addition to Baerlic, here's some other locations we recommend checking out while in town.
~Level Brewing (bring your own food, 3 locations across town)
~Assembly Brewing (Detroit style pizza)
~Gigantic Brewery (just stick to beer)
~Backwoods Brewing Company (excellent food and drinks)
~Deschutes Brewery
~Breakside Brewery (a couple of locations)
~AleFire (beer and hot sauce bar)
~Integrity Beer Hall (featuring 48 North Pizza - kids eat free on Sundays)
~McMenamins (regional chain that started at the location closest to our house, full mocktail options, vegetarian fried potato products)
~Mt Hood Brewing (dine on pizza in a train in Portland, or at the bottom of Government Camp in an old mountain building)
~John's Marketplace (bottle shops with singles for sale - stuff your suitcase home with good beer!)
~Great Notion (the location on NE Alberta has a Matt's BBQ tacos inside)
~Portland Cider Company
~Wild Roots (inside Washington Square mall, vodka distiller, edible company [Wyld], and CBD drinks)
~Freeland Spirits (woman owned, only distill bourbon and gin but also have excellent mocktails)
~Interurban (excellent cocktail bar with gourmet food)