Go sailing and fishing in Columbia County, approximately 26 miles North of Portland. Stay at a bed and breakfast or camp in the beautiful natural surroundings. There are loads of sports here including mountain biking, hiking and even horseback riding. Have a picnic and watch the sailboats in the summer along the 62 miles of the Columbia River or indulge in a "Twilight" self-guided movie tour.
Visit wineries in Mount Hood territory and enjoy the gorgeous countryside of Willamette Valley. Mount Hood is 11,245 feet at its iconic snowy peak, and the surrounding area is full of farms growing tulips, Christmas trees and more. Less than an hour away from Portland, you can enjoy many outdoor sports or tax-free shopping, as there is no sales tax in Oregon.
Washington County is minutes from Portland, and has wineries, championship golf, tax-free shopping and many outdoor activities. Check out the giant sequoias planted in 1880, or take the children to the Family Fun Center amusement park.
Head west on Highway 30 to the 101 Freeway, and then along the coast. The old settlement of Astoria was listed in 2004 by the National Historic Trust as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Drive 40 miles south to Tillamook, known for its cheese. Whale watch further south in Newport, and then sample salmon or Oregonian wine at a coastal restaurant.
