The world's largest independent new and used bookstore. A must visit for all you bookworms! Even if you aren't a bookworm, there are lots of fun little knick-knacks to check out. Located in the Pearl District, there are lots of other shops you could check out. And remember, no sales tax in Oregon!
Learn about the Aurora Colonists, their leader, and their vision — and more than a quarter century of success as Oregon’s first communal society. Visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum, at the heart of Oregon’s first National Historic District and antiques capital.
The Old Aurora Colony Museum offers changing exhibits exploring the history and legacy of the Aurora Colony. Self-guided tours offer peeks into historic Colony buildings including: the Colonys communal Ox Barn (1862); Steinbach Cabin (1876); Kraus House (1874) (home of Emma Wagner Giesy; Wash House (1877); and replica Tie Shed.
Admission
$8 Ages 18-64
$6 Ages 6-17 & 65+
Free 5 and Under
Hours
Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sun: 12 PM - 5PM
Guided Tours
$10.00 per person
Advance reservations (min. 14 days) required
A fun activity if you have kids or enjoy hands-on exhibits!
Fun family activity for kids and adults! Timed-entry reservations are required.
$26 for adults (12 and over)
$21 for children (2-11)
Free for infants (0-1)
Just a little under 1.5 hours from Portland, you can visit the Tillamook Creamery flagship! You can take a free self-guided tour or book a guided tour + tasting for $15/person. Make sure to check out the dining hall, ice cream counter, and gift shop!
And since you’re already out there, it’s just another 20 minutes to Oceanside Beach State Park and Tunnel Beach!
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., formed from the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama, and is known for its stunningly deep blue, clear water, fed entirely by rain and snow. Located in Crater Lake National Park, it features sheer cliffs, two islands (Wizard Island and Phantom Ship), and offers year-round activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and winter sports like snowshoeing and skiing. The lakes remarkable clarity is due to its pure water source, with no rivers flowing in or out.
About a 4.5 hour drive from PDX. You do not need reservations to enter Crater Lake National Park, but you must pay an entrance fee.
Multnomah Falls is a stunning, two-tiered waterfall in Oregons Columbia River Gorge, standing at 627 feet, making it the tallest in the state and a major Pacific Northwest attraction. Visitors can view the falls from the historic lodge at the base, cross the iconic Benson Bridge, or hike further up to see other waterfalls like Fairy Falls and Wahkeena Falls.
A timed-use permit is often required for parking during peak seasons (May-September) and can be reserved at recreation.gov.
One of the most beautiful areas in Oregon—full of waterfalls, hikes, scenic viewpoints, and wineries. It’s perfect for a half-day or full-day trip from Portland.
Other than Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge is home to other breathtaking waterfall hikes including:
Latourell Falls
• Unique straight drop waterfall with bright moss and basalt columns.
• Short and easy walk from the parking lot.
Bridal Veil Falls
• Short forest trail to a scenic waterfall viewpoint.
Wahkeena Falls
• Beautiful tiered waterfall.
• Great starting point for longer hikes.
Other popular hikes:
Eagle Creek Trail
• One of the most famous hikes in Oregon.
• Walk along cliffs and waterfalls.
• See Punch Bowl Falls.
Dog Mountain
• Huge views over the Columbia River.
Scenic Viewpoint:
Vista House at Crown Point
• One of the best viewpoints in the Gorge.
• Historic observatory with sweeping river views.
• Amazing sunrise/sunset photo spot.