Planning on spending a little extra time up in the PNW while you're here? Trying to plan some fun adventures to get the most out of your trip? Here are a few suggestions, but also feel free to ask us for more recommendations. We love exploring the area!
Columbia Gorge
Take a drive along the Columbia River Gorge's Historic Route 30 and discover beautiful views of the Columbia River and the many waterfalls. Multnomah, Latourell, Horestail, Bridal Veil, and Wahkeena are just the start. Take a hike along any of the trails to discover more!
**Parking at Multnomah Falls may require a permit**
East Fork Lewis River
Just north of Vancouver are Moulton Falls and Lucia Falls, each location has some trails that travel along the Lewis River. Both of these falls feature areas where salmon come to spawn and gorgeous views of rock formations. Parking can be a bit tricky as these are popular places to visit on a warm day.
Silver Falls State Park
Down by Salem is the Silver Falls State Park with an incredible hiking loop that includes at least 7 waterfalls. It's a bit of a drive, but well worth the trip if you want to hit as many waterfalls as possible in one go.
Canon Beach and Ecola State Park
It's about a 2 hour drive out to Cannon Beach on Route 26 if you want to visit the iconic Oregon Coast and see the Haystack, a sea stack made famous by the Goonies. Take a hike on one of the many nearby trails or simply stroll along the beach. On the cliffs above the beach sits Ecola State Park if you want a bird's eye view and to catch a glimpse of Terrible Tilly, the deactivated Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
Tillamook
Travel south of Canon Beach and you can reach Tillamook. Tour the famous cheese factory, get a couple samples and eat lunch at the cafe before finishing the day with a fresh made milkshake. For more ocean views drive up to Cape Meares: see the shortest lighthouse and take your birdwatching binoculars to peek at the many nesting seabirds.
Astoria and Cape Disappointment
Take Route 30 out to Astoria and cross the terrifying Astoria Bridge to see Cape Disappointment and view the point where the Columbia shoots into the Pacific. Watch for eagles, seals, and other wildlife as you walk through the old battery and listen to waves crash along the rocky cliffs.
Kalama Harbor Lodge
Located north of Vancouver on the banks of the Columbia River, this is the perfect spot to sip a beer and watch the ships sail by. This McMenamins is one of our favorite stops when heading up north, especially if you're looking for a place to relax after visiting Mt St Helens.
Bonus points if you find the *Secret rooms* inside
Edgefield
Out in Troutdale is the old poor farm that has been turned into a large McMenamins location. Tour the winery, brewery, or distillery, play a game of golf, spend some time at the spa, or just enjoy a stroll around the grounds. This location has a lot to explore and is a good stop if you're coming back from the Gorge.