Portland Culture: Rent a car at International Airport (PDX) and start your Oregon road trip with a break in the beautiful surroundings nearby, just 25 minutes away. Two blocks west of the Willamette River, explore the serene Lan Su Chinese Garden, designed by experts from Suzhou, China, Portland’s sister city. At the teahouse, sip a cup of Chinese tea and enjoy steamed buns, moonquakes and a bowl of noodles or dumplings. Once you’re feeling refreshed, head about 20 minutes west to Oyatsupan Bakers in Beaverton, where you can stock up on authentic Japanese baked goods for the road.
You can also sample sweet and savory treats at Umami Café at the Portland Japanese Garden. Next stop: Forest Grove and Saone, an American distillery that produces award-winning sake made from the pristine waters of the Willamette Valley. Tour the facility to see the brewing process and learn about Japanese traditions. Visit the tasting room to sample different aromatic varieties, some sweet and some dry, but all pleasing to the palate. There are plenty of lovely hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts for you to stay in while you explore the Portland region.
South of Portland, allow plenty of time to see Willamette Falls, the largest waterfall by volume in the Pacific Northwest. Better yet, find a guide (erg Kayaking is recommended), and book a kayak or stand-up paddle boarding trip that takes you close to the base of the 40-foot falls.
Before you leave the area, visit the neighborhood of Portland Central Eastside and delight in the culinary specialties of the region. Local producers offer everything from sustainable honey and luscious made-from-scratch bonbons to specialty sea salt, temptations that are perfect for carrying the rest of your trip.
Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge: Majestic Mountains and Waters
This leg of the trip includes two of the seven wonders of the state, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood(Mount Hood). Head south to Mt. Hood Territory, a territory where the terrain surrounding the snow-capped volcanic mountain offers four seasons of outdoor fun, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the summer months. For a bike trip, follow the bike-focused Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway, which skirts the Breitenbush and Clackamas rivers on a winding and challenging journey through lush forests.
Portland Culture: Start near downtown Estacada, then cycle 70 miles on remote roads to the finish, where you can stop for a rest and lunch in Detroit. Explore the area’s landscapes in more depth at the Wildwood Recreation Site and the Cascade Stream watch Trail in Welches.
See also for A Pleasant Travel Experience of Vermont Limo Service
The drive to the next destination, Cascade Locks, rewards you with magnificent views of bluffs, rivers and forests along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Here you will discover Thunder Island which is home to the Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park and beautiful views of the Bridge of the Gods. The cantilever bridge crosses the Columbia River and the Pacific Crest Trail (tip: book a hotel or lodge with a river view). Pop into
Thunder Island Brewing Co. for craft beers at this seven-barrel brewery with a tasting room in Cascade Locks. Board the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler sightseeing cruise to witness the stunning scenery and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area from the river itself. Back on dry land, head east to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the river’s history, local geography and animals; plan your visit so you can see one of the live bird of prey performances.
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Before heading south for the next step, set aside time for a leisurely stroll along the picturesque paved Riverfront Trail in The Dalles, which runs alongside the river. head east to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the river’s history, local geography and animals; plan your visit so you can see one of the live bird of prey performances.
Portland Culture: Before heading south for the next step, set aside time for a leisurely stroll along the picturesque paved Riverfront Trail in The Dales, which runs alongside the river. head east to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the river’s history, local geography and animals; plan your visit so you can see one of the live bird of prey performances. Before heading south for the next step, set aside time for a leisurely stroll along the picturesque paved Riverfront Trail in The Dales, which runs alongside the river.
