When planning a trip to Portland, Oregon, it’s essential to consider the best places to stay outside of the city. While Portland has much to offer, exploring the surrounding areas can provide unique experiences and a different perspective of the region. This article will introduce you to some of the best places to stay outside of Portland, Oregon, highlighting their unique features and attractions.
Importance of Choosing the Right Place to Stay
Choosing the right place to stay can significantly impact your overall travel experience. A comfortable and convenient accommodation can enhance your enjoyment of the area, providing you with a home base to relax and recharge. Furthermore, staying outside of the city can offer a more authentic and immersive experience in the local culture and natural surroundings.
Best Places to Stay Outside of Portland, Oregon
1. Hood River
Located about an hour east of Portland, Hood River is a charming town nestled in the Columbia River Gorge. Known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, Hood River also offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and wineries. Visitors can stay in cozy bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, or hotels with stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
2. Mount Hood
Mount Hood, located approximately 90 minutes east of Portland, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The area boasts several ski resorts, as well as charming towns such as Government Camp and Welches. Visitors can choose from cozy lodges, ski resorts, or vacation rentals for their stay.
3. Oregon Wine Country
Oregon Wine Country, located about an hour southwest of Portland, is home to over 500 wineries and numerous charming towns. Visitors can explore the picturesque vineyards, taste world-class wines, and enjoy local cuisine. Accommodations range from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.
4. Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge, located east of Portland, offers stunning natural beauty, with numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can stay in charming towns such as Cascade Locks, Hood River, or Stevenson, Washington, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
5. Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley, located south of Portland, is known for its fertile farmland, charming towns, and numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the area’s many wineries, breweries, and farms, as well as enjoy hiking, biking, and water sports. Accommodations range from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.
Conclusion
Exploring the best places to stay outside of Portland, Oregon, can provide a unique and memorable travel experience. From the stunning natural beauty of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge to the charming towns and vineyards of Oregon Wine Country and the Willamette Valley, there is something for every type of traveler. By choosing the right accommodation, visitors can enhance their enjoyment of the area and create lasting memories.
Best Places To Stay Outside Of Portland Oregon
Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and exciting city with a lot to offer. However, if you’re looking for a change of pace and want to explore some of the surrounding areas, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay outside of Portland, Oregon. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Greenport Ny)
1. Hood River
Located about an hour east of Portland, Hood River is a charming town that sits on the banks of the Columbia River. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, with the towering Mount Hood as a backdrop, and its many outdoor activities, such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and hiking.
Some of the best places to stay in Hood River include the Columbia Gorge Hotel, which offers luxurious rooms and stunning views of the Columbia River, and the Hood River Hotel, which is located in the heart of downtown and offers easy access to the town’s many shops and restaurants.
2. Mount Hood
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, consider staying on Mount Hood. There are several ski resorts on the mountain, as well as a number of cozy lodges and cabins. The Timberline Lodge, which was featured in the movie The Shining, is a historic hotel that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on Mount Hood, such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
3. The Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a rugged and beautiful stretch of coastline that offers stunning views, sandy beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities. Some of the best places to stay along the coast include the Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, which offers oceanfront rooms and suites, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast in Florence, which is located in a historic lighthouse and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to beachcombing and hiking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy along the Oregon Coast, such as whale watching, fishing, and visiting the many charming coastal towns.
4. The Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is a fertile and picturesque region that is known for its wine country. There are over 500 wineries in the valley, and many of them offer tastings and tours. Some of the best places to stay in the Willamette Valley include the Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, which offers luxurious rooms and a world-class spa, and the Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn in Newberg, which offers charming French-style rooms and a gourmet breakfast. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Todos Santos)
In addition to wine tasting, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the Willamette Valley, such as hiking, biking, and visiting the many charming small towns in the region.
5. Bend
Located about three hours south of Portland, Bend is a outdoor lover’s paradise. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Cascade Mountains as a backdrop, and its many outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
Some of the best places to stay in Bend include the Oxford Hotel, which offers luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool, and the Tetherow Lodge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to the town’s many shops and restaurants.
6. Ashland
Located about four hours south of Portland, Ashland is a charming town that is known for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Some of the best places to stay in Ashland include the Ashland Springs Hotel, which offers luxurious rooms and a rooftop terrace, and the Lithia Springs Resort, which offers charming cottages and a mineral springs-fed pool.
Recap
Portland, Oregon is a wonderful city, but there are plenty of great places to stay outside of the city as well. Whether you’re looking for a rustic mountain lodge, a charming coastal inn, or a luxurious wine country resort, there’s something for everyone in the surrounding areas. So, next time you’re planning a trip to Portland, consider exploring some of the other great destinations that Oregon has to offer.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hood River | Outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, charming town |
| Mount Hood | Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, cozy lodges and cabins |
| The Oregon Coast | Rugged coastline, sandy beaches, charming coastal towns |
| The Willamette Valley | Wine country, over 500 wineries, charming small towns |
| Bend | Outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, charming town |
| Ashland | Arts and culture scene, Oregon Shakespeare Festival |
Each of these destinations offers something unique and special, and they’re all worth exploring. So, next time you’re planning a trip to Portland, consider staying in one of these great locations instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Places to Stay Outside of Portland, Oregon
1. What are some budget-friendly options for staying outside of Portland, Oregon?
There are several budget-friendly options for accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon. Some of these include camping at state parks such as Champoeg State Park or Ainsworth State Park, staying at budget hotels like Motel 6 or Red Roof Inn, or looking for vacation rentals on websites like VRBO or Airbnb that offer lower prices outside of the city center. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Vegas)
2. What are some popular suburbs of Portland, Oregon to stay in?
Some popular suburbs of Portland, Oregon to stay in include Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, and Tigard. These suburbs offer a variety of accommodations, dining options, and activities, and are conveniently located near public transportation to easily access Portland’s city center.
3. Are there any unique accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon?
Yes, there are several unique accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon. Some options include staying in a treehouse in the woods, a vintage RV or glamping tent in the countryside, or a cave house in the mountains. These unique accommodations offer a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
4. What are some pet-friendly accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon?
Many accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon are pet-friendly, including hotels like La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland North and Red Roof Inn Portland North – Gresham, as well as vacation rentals listed on websites like VRBO and Airbnb that allow pets. It’s always best to check with the accommodation directly to confirm their pet policy and any associated fees.
5. What are some romantic accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon?
For couples looking for a romantic getaway, there are several accommodations outside of Portland, Oregon that offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Some options include staying in a historic inn like the Heathman Hotel in nearby Vancouver, Washington, a mountain lodge like Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, or a luxury resort like The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg. These accommodations offer amenities like fireplaces, hot tubs, and on-site spas to help couples relax and unwind.