Tours and Day Trips from Portland

Portland is a city full of life in and around its urban spaces. That's why it's one of the best places to sign up for some of the best local activities. These will allow you to explore the city's historic heritage, sample the exquisite cuisine and sample the quality of the craft beers.

There are also experiences that take you through the legends of ghosts and haunted tunnels that have become part of the local identity. There are treasures for everyone in this town, including taking in the natural beauty of Mount Hood or heading out into the valley for a wine tasting.

The charm of the north coast exudes an irresistible magnetism that's hard to ignore, which is perhaps why it's become one of the most fascinating getaways near Portland. It's best to take eight hours to a full day to admire the most iconic locations on a relaxing adventure. Along the way you'll hike along rugged cliffs and through areas full of curiosities.

Marvel at the trails of Ecola State Park, whose unique geography is filled with lush vegetation, natural sanctuaries and breathtaking views. Nearby are two beaches that deserve attention, known as Canyon Beach and Short Sand Beach.

Details of interest

• Price: from 119 € per person.
• Duration: between eight and nine hours.
• Advantages: Transfers and pick-up from selected hotels are usually included.
• Disadvantages: Meals are usually not included.

If you feel like escaping the traffic and getting some exercise, then you should hop on a bike to admire Portland's opulence. These types of tours usually take place mid-afternoon for small groups, making them a must-do activity to see the most special sights from a personalised perspective. Expect to cycle 12-17km through cobblestone houses, picturesque streets, tree-lined mazes and iconic landmarks.

Would you like to experience this? Then buckle up your helmet and get ready for fun stops at:

• Clinton Street Theatre.
• Ladd's Addition maze.
• The Solterra Building.
• El Poeta Beach.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Advantages: child seats are usually available.

If you want to immerse yourself in a spooky adventure you should definitely consider a tour of Portland's apparently haunted Shanghai Tunnel. Many people claim to have seen all sorts of paranormal occurrences, so it now functions as a tourist attraction that can be explored on foot.

For 90 minutes you can see old restaurants, shops and hotels that connected to the Willamette River, as well as discover historic underground events and meet the ghost that haunts the area. To tone down the intensity and take in the local legends, this type of experience often includes a craft beer tasting at the end of the tunnel tour.

Please note that a certain level of fitness is required to complete the tour, as the route is full of obstacles and stairs. Additionally, the passages and doors are narrow and there are sensitive images, so it is not recommended for children.

Interesting details

• Price: from 38 € per person.
• Duration: approximately one and a half hours.

Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood are two Oregon landmarks within easy reach of Portland. Staying in these areas can be expensive, so the best way to visit them is with a tour from the city. For example, you can opt for a small plane ride lasting about an hour, which is plenty of time to see the gems around the perimeter.

Mount Hood in particular is Oregon' s highest peak and is covered in snow and glaciers from November to May, when it's possible to take advantage of a skiing experience. The Columbia George Gorge and its gorges also look beautiful from the sky and are worth a long look.

You'll catch glimpses of the scattered forests, Multnomah Falls and other points of interest that the expert pilot will point out and put into context. The famous Beacon Rock, a monolith bordering the sea, is often reflected in the landscape. You can also see the Bridge of the Gods, considered a masterpiece for its strategic construction near the Columbia River.

Details of interest

• Price: from €231 per group.
• Duration: about one hour.
• Advantages: This is usually a private, personalised experience for up to 3 people and offers the company of an expert pilot.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for travellers with health problems.

Another memorable experience is to visit Mount Hood by land to take advantage of its fun-filled activities. Hike through the forest to reach this iconic peak at the highest point in Oregon. You'll usually find guided experiences lasting at least 8 hours, ideal for getting to know the surroundings at a pace that's enjoyable for the whole group.

Along the way you'll discover local legends and cool off with traditional wines or at the magical waterfalls and streams that sparkle in this dreamy panorama. Have you ever seen a sand river? It's an unconventional phenomenon that creates a desert in the middle of the jungle. The best thing is that it is located near the Bonneville hatchery, where the life cycle of different species of fish is promoted.

Of course, don't forget to take pictures of the stops to immortalise this moment. And given the length of the tour, it is advisable to include it in case you are planning a multi-day itinerary in the city.

Interesting details

• Price: around 152 € per person.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.
• Advantages: Snacks and water are usually included.
• Disadvantages: Be aware that the time on the road is about two hours, which can be tiring for some travellers.

Portland is a city known for its gastronomic variety, which includes street food and fine dining alternatives. This experience usually begins with a selection of delicacies from various street carts around the city, so you can get an unfiltered taste of the food and experience the locals' way of life.

It's not just about sampling local food, you'll also take your taste buds on a journey through international options. To wash down the food, you'll be taken on a craft beer tasting and stroll around different food stalls. Although it is possible to organise this tour on your own, a guided experience is the best way to find quality places and visit the most popular restaurants.

This way, you'll know exactly where to try reindeer sausages, roasted yams, Cuban sandwiches or the best local dessert route.

Interesting details

• Price: from €89 per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Benefits: if you have special dietary requirements, you can specify this in advance and enjoy a meal that is fit for your health.

Hop aboard a Segway to get to know Portland's attributes in record time, I promise it's an alternative that will make your trip more interesting and fun. Don't know how to use them? Don't worry! It's suitable for all levels and you'll be accompanied by a guide who will give you a basic lesson before you start your adventure. This way, you'll be able to cruise along the waterfront in comfort.

Along the way you'll learn about local history and feel the cool breeze against your face. Of course, you'll skirt the Willamette River and the waterfront, where water sports are offered that you can participate in later if you plan to be in Portland for at least 3 days

Details of interest

• Price: from €60 per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Disadvantages: Minimum age to participate is 10 years old and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people suffering from vertigo.

Enjoy the sweetness of Portland's popular doughnuts, which will surprise you with original recipes created by local culinary specialists. As one of the best-selling desserts, there are so many places that it's difficult to define an itinerary. Therefore, it's a good idea to book a doughnut tour that will take you to explore soft flavours and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fillings.

On the tours offered in the city, you won't usually be just a spectator - you'll have the opportunity to enter the kitchens of the most famous shops to learn about baking and decorating techniques and try to replicate them at home. If you plan to visit Portland with children, this is a must-do, as the whole family will have a great time.

At places like Voodoo Doughnut you can try a variety of doughnuts. In general, the most famous in town are lavender, rosemary, matcha, maple syrup, blueberry, old-fashioned bergamot chocolate, almond ganache and other unusual flavours. The doughnut boxes bring other delicious surprises such as laminated doughs, soft inside and crunchy outside doughs, yeast doughs and more traditional proposals.

Interesting details

• Price: from €62 per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.

Craft beers are very popular in Portland because of the diversity of flavours, production quality and brewing culture that has spawned a variety of breweries and microbreweries. Since its heyday in 1984, there have been approximately 140 locations dedicated to exploring the finest brewing techniques, drawing inspiration from the Belgian and German industries. It's not for nothing that it's known as the craft beer capital of the world.

If you're ready to get to know Portland through its traditional beverages, keep in mind that the most popular are on the East Side, a neighbourhood where you can enjoy seasonal offerings and beers on tap. Specifically, this experience challenges your taste buds and allows you to savour different types of beer such as IPA, lager, ale and saison.

Popular craft breweries include:

• Deschutes: offers more than 20 types of beers that can be paired with typical Portland dishes.
• 10 Barrel Brewing: here you can sip a beer on the rooftop, enjoy the views of the city or stay and explore the nightlife.
• Kells Brewery: an Irish-style brewery with 12 types of beer on tap.

Interesting details

• Price: from €60 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Disadvantages: this type of experience may have age restrictions, as the minimum age for consuming alcohol is 21.

The bright pastures of the Willamette Valley are worth admiring with a glass of wine in your hands, so join a wine tour that will take you to 3-5 popular wineries in the region. Soak your palate in exquisite preparations such as pinot, chardonnay and riesling, prepared with quality grapes.

You will be fascinated as the local wines have an international reputation and have been marketed since 1840, so it is worthwhile to get into this wine scene. It's definitely one of Portland's most interesting activities where you can indulge your palate like a pro.

Note that the valley is an hour away, many people travel by bus with FlixBus USA, but transfers are usually included in the guided experiences.

Interesting details

• Price: from €212 per couple.
• Duration: around seven and a half hours.
• Benefits: Lunch is usually included.

• Wear appropriate clothing depending on the weather and type of activity, to make the most of your holiday.
• Don't forget comfortable shoes, as some tours involve walking for miles and you don't want blisters to spoil your holiday.
• Book in advance so you don't miss out on any experiences and fulfil all the expectations of your trip.
• If you plan to book a food tour of Portland and have any dietary restrictions, let us know in advance to ensure a pleasant evening.
• Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially if you're travelling in summer.

Portland is a city that captivates with every approach, so you can create an itinerary to suit your taste that is flexible, affordable and full of adventure. However, to make sure you don't miss out on any details, it's advisable to take part in a guided experience. This way, you will enjoy the informative commentary of an expert guide, who will take you through the most iconic sights.

You may also enjoy additional benefits such as meals and transfers. It's also a good idea if you're travelling alone, as you can join group tours and meet people. It's also the safest way to get out of Portland and make the most of your time if you plan to explore the surrounding area.