Tourist attractions near Portland, Oregon facts for kids
The Portland metropolitan area in Oregon is a great starting point for many fun day trips! There are tons of cool places to visit, from amazing natural spots to interesting historical sites, all just a short drive away. While most places don't have public transportation, getting there by car is usually easy.
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Awesome Places to Explore Near Portland
There are many exciting attractions outside the main city of Portland. Here are some of the best spots for a day trip!
Historical Adventures
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Just 9 miles (14 km) north of Portland, this historic site lets you step back in time. It was an important trading post long ago. You can see old exhibits, learn about history, and even watch reenactments of what life was like before pioneers settled here. It's a quick trip, usually taking about 15 minutes to get there.
Tillamook Air Museum
About 75 miles (121 km) west of Portland, this museum is housed in a huge old blimp hangar from World War II. It has a private collection of amazing aircraft from that era. It's a cool place to see big planes and learn about aviation history. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Washington County Museum
Located just 13 miles (21 km) west of Portland, this museum offers a look into the history of Washington County. It's a good spot to learn about the local past and how the area grew. It takes about 30 minutes to drive there.
Amazing Nature Spots
Cannon Beach
About 79 miles (128 km) west of Portland, Cannon Beach is a charming coastal town. It's famous for Haystack Rock, a giant rock formation on the beach. You can explore tide pools, enjoy the sand, and even watch a sandcastle contest held every year! The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Further down the coast, about 135 miles (217 km) southwest, is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Here, you can see all sorts of ocean animals, plants, and sea life. There are touch pools where you can feel different creatures, and exhibits with kelp forests and jellyfish. It's a fantastic place to learn about the ocean. The trip takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes.
Multnomah Falls
Only 31 miles (50 km) east of Portland, Multnomah Falls is a truly impressive waterfall. It's one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon, and you can walk right up to a bridge for a great view. The historic Columbia River Highway leads to it, offering beautiful scenery along the way. It's about a 45-minute drive.
Timberline Lodge
High up on Mount Hood, about 62 miles (100 km) east of Portland, is Timberline Lodge. This historic building was built in the 1930s and has amazing architecture. You can go skiing or snowboarding here almost all year round! It's also a great base for hiking and mountain climbing. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Hood River
Located 61 miles (98 km) east of Portland, Hood River is known for its windsurfing and kiteboarding on the river. It's a very windy spot, perfect for these sports. You can also drive the "Fruit Loop," a scenic tour of farms and wineries where you can pick fruit or try local treats. It's about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive.
Mount St. Helens and Cascades Volcano Observatory
About 109 miles (175 km) northeast of Portland, you can visit the Cascades Volcano Observatory. This is where you can learn all about the famous Mount St. Helens eruption. There are exhibits and educational displays, plus you get a great view of the volcano itself. The drive takes about 2 hours.
Trillium Lake
A quiet mountain lake with a stunning view of Mount Hood, Trillium Lake is about 60 miles (97 km) east of Portland. In summer, you can go camping, fishing, and boating. In winter, it's a popular spot for Nordic skiing. It's a peaceful escape, about 1.5 hours away by car.
Silver Falls State Park
Known as the "Crown Jewel" of the Oregon State Parks, Silver Falls is about 58 miles (93 km) south of Portland. You can hike trails that lead to ten different waterfalls, some of which you can even walk behind! It's a beautiful place for a nature walk. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Smith Rock State Park
About 142 miles (229 km) southeast of Portland, Smith Rock State Park offers rugged and dramatic scenery. It's a world-famous spot for rock climbing, but also great for hiking and picnicking. The unique rock formations are truly impressive. It's about a 3-hour drive.
Crater Lake
Oregon's only National Park, Crater Lake is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. It's about 285 miles (459 km) south of Portland, so it's a longer day trip, taking about 5.5 hours to drive there. The lake is incredibly deep and blue, formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano. It's a truly breathtaking sight.
Fun and Unique Experiences
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Located 37 miles (60 km) southwest of Portland, this museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose, a massive wooden airplane. It has a huge collection of aircraft and spacecraft, making it a fascinating place for anyone interested in flying and space exploration. The drive takes about 1 hour.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Just 15 miles (24 km) west of Portland, this museum has an amazing collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. You can see sparkling crystals, ancient dinosaur bones, and learn about the Earth's geology. It's a quick 24-minute drive.
Tillamook Creamery
About 75 miles (121 km) west of Portland, you can take a self-guided tour of the Tillamook cheese factory. See how cheese is made and enjoy some delicious samples! There's also a restaurant where you can grab a bite. It's about a 1.5-hour drive.
Seaside
A lively tourist town on the coast, Seaside is 79 miles (127 km) west of Portland. It has an aquarium, arcades, and a long promenade along the ocean. It's a classic beach town with lots of fun activities for families. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Astoria
About 97 miles (156 km) west of Portland, Astoria is a historical city at the mouth of the Columbia River. You can climb the Astoria Column for amazing views, ride the Riverfront Trolley, and explore its rich history as one of the oldest American settlements west of the Rockies. It's about a 2-hour drive.
Casino Resorts
There are several casino resorts near Portland that offer entertainment, food, and games. These include Chinook Winds Casino (87 miles/140 km southwest), Ilani Casino Resort (25 miles/40 km north), and Spirit Mountain Casino (62 miles/100 km southwest). Some even offer bus service from Portland.
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