The company I work for opened a new location in Portland last summer, so I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening, visit a few more of the sights, drink some microbrews, tackle a few hikes, and scarf down the best damn doughnuts in the world.
Have 48 hours to explore this area? Below are my top five tips on where to go and what to do.
1. Voo Doo Doughnuts
No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at VooDoo Doughnuts, preferably your very first morning there.
22 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
The coffee is fabulous, the atmosphere cheeky (check out the racy doughnut names), and the doughnuts are off the charts. The maple bacon is my go to, but why settle for just one? Luckily they opened one in Orlando at City Walk now, but there’s something about the real thing that can’t be beat.
2. Hike Angels Rest
Not far off the main highway, Angels Rest is only about a 30 minute drive from Portland. Hikers will climb 1500 feet over a moderate terrain for about four miles, until reaching the top of the mountain where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge. Click HERE for directions and more details about the hike. Sharing a few of my favorite photos from the hike are below…
3. Multnomah Falls
A few minutes drive from Angel’s Rest you’ll find one of the prettiest waterfalls in the United States. The dramatic Multnomah Falls is over 620 feet tall, and is a must see when visiting Portland.
There is a very short walk to the base of the falls, and it’s only about a five minute walk to hike up to the bridge. Parking is at a premium as it is only located along the main highway, so plan to arrive early or get ready for a wait a bit for a space to open up. If you are up for something a little more strenuous, there is a two mile switchback hike to the top of the falls, with an elevation gain of just over 700 feet and a beautiful view down below.
Hiking up the mountain to the top of the falls.
For more information about the falls, adjacent lodge and related facilities, click HERE.
4. Explore Downtown
I’m a sucker for checking out a new city by foot. I love a good morning run, but walking is just as good! “Keep Portland Weird” is the city’s slogan, and eclectic culture and historic architecture downtown doesn’t disappoint. Check out Old Town Chinatown, Powells Bookstore, the Rose Garden, or go for a jog along the Willamette River.
5. Brews and Foods
There are some great breweries and places to grab a beverage in and around Portland. Below I’m sharing a few of my favorite locations to kick back and enjoy a few.
Best View
The award for best view while enjoying a great brew goes to Thunder Island Brewing Company in Cascade Locks. This brewery is located right along the banks of the Columbia River and is perfect for an afternoon of day drinking outside. Be sure to order the giant plate of nachos (one will feed the whole table, really) and check out the vista from the Bridge of the Gods while you are there. It’s about a 45 minute drive from downtown Portland, but is just up the road a few minutes if you are hiking Angel’s Rest or visiting Multnomah Falls.
Thunder Island Brewing
515 NW Portage Road
Cascade Locks, Oregon 97014
Tastiest
While the mothership is located in Bend Oregon, Deschutes Brewery boasts a downtown Portland location too. This is my favorite beer I’ve tried so far in Portland, plus the dinner menu is excellent (try the Elk), and the deserts are even better.
Deschutes Brewery
210 NW 11th Ave.
https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/pubs/portland/
Portland, Oregon 97209
Coolest Concept
McMenamins is by far one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon drinking with friends. This group repurposes historic structures like old schools, churches, theaters, hotels, houses and other buildings/campuses to create imaginative one of a kind brew pubs, bars, spas, concert venues and hotels.
I had a chance to visit the Edgefield location in Troutdale Oregon during my last visit. This 74 acre parcel of farmland that was originally built in the early 1900s as the county poor farm currently boasts a 100 guest room hotel and hostel, outdoor concert venue, wine bars, breweries, restaurants, mini golf course, soaking pools, and peaceful gardens and orchard to wander around in. Edgefield is a twenty minute drive from downtown Portland, and would be a convenient Uber ride away. If you visit, be sure to grab a drink in the Little Red Shed and find the whimsical pipes with faces painted on them in the Main Lodge.
Edgefield Location
2126 S.W. Halsey St.
Troutdale, Oregon 97060
https://www.mcmenamins.com/
This looks amazing! Especially the donuts! xx