Browse Ask Oregon Q&As

View

What are the best sight-seeing things in or close to Portland? – Colette J.

I recommend checking out the Travel Portland website, for sight seeing ideas around town.  Also for events, check out my blog: Dave Knows Portland.

April 20, 2012
Aaron Brussat

What is a easy 3-5 mile hike close to Portland? – Leslee R.

In Portland proper, you’ll find a number of nice hikes in that range in Forest Park, Mt. Tabor, Powell Butte, and Tryon Creek State Park. In the Columbia River Gorge, a short drive out of town, you’ll find numerous trail heads along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including at Multnomah Falls.

Aaron Brussat

I would like to take a tour to the Oregon coast from Portland but I have only 5 to 6 hours for this trip. I would love to stop at Astoria first and then to the coast, but I have no idea where to go next. Could you suggest any interesting attractions or beaches?

Five to six hours might be just enough time. You can get to Astoria on Highway 30 from Portland in about 2 hours.  From there you can travel south on 101 to Seaside, Cannon Beach, etc., and return to Portland on Highway 26 – which is again about a 2 hour trip.  On 101 you’ll…

Aaron Brussat

I’ve never been to Oregon before and I get slightly overwhelmed trying to plan a trip to a place that has so much to offer. I don’t know where to begin. We have about a week. What places would be your “not-to-miss” places along the coast and around Portland? – Lynn S.

Around Portland the not-to-miss stops probably include Multnomah Falls, Powell’s Books, Saturday Market, and the Portland Farmers Market.  If you like beer, you have to visit some of Portland’s breweries and pubs.  If you’re partial to wine, visit some wineries a short drive out of town in the Willamette Valley. On the North Coast I…

Aaron Brussat

What are the best mountain biking trails not too far from the Camas/Portland area? – Linda M.

I’m fond of Three Corner Rock, right outside Washougal. In addition, Ride Oregon Ride is a great resource for finding trails. I hope that helps, and happy trails!

April 19, 2012
Otis Rubottom
Cycling Expert

I am honeymooning in Portland the first week of May. We are staying in Happy Valley, and trying to take in Portland as the locals do. We plan to take in the great outdoors, shop, and eat. How do we make the most of our week there? L.P.

As the date approaches I recommend checking out PDX Pipeline and my site, Dave Knows Portland for Portland area events. The first week of May means you might also be in town during the Cinco De Mayo on Portland’s Waterfront – it’s a big carnival with rides, fireworks, etc.  If the weather’s nice that weekend…

Aaron Brussat

We are making a trip from Morro Bay, California to Portland, Oregon. We will be traveling in a motorhome with two 13-year-old boys and three adults, as well as two small dogs. What would you suggest we see and do? We will be leaving Morro Bay on April 6 and need to return to Morro Bay on April 15.

I can’t speak highly enough of Oregon Caves. A recent article in the Mail Tribune newspaper highlighted that the monument, along with Crater Lake, are among visitors’ favorites. I gather that if you’re driving inland to the caves, you’ll be taking Interstate 5 north. If that’s the case, consider a 10-minute detour south from Grants…

March 6, 2012
Sarah Lemon

I’m headed to Portland, Oregon at the end of March. Anybody have any suggestions on things to do, see, visit, etc?

Some end of March in Portland ideas: Portland Timbers matches, Trillium Fest, Portland Farmer’s Market, OMSI science pub.

February 17, 2012
Aaron Brussat

I’ve been looking around Portland for a place that dishes up biscuits and gravy with a bite to it. Do you know a place that makes it with spicy sausage or something?

Hmm, not sure how that any are particularly spicy, but they make darn good biscuits and gravy at these places, and you can always top them with hot sauce: Industrial Cafe, Screendoor, Arleta Library Cafe, Gravy, Podnah’s, Besaw’s, of course Pine State Biscuits! A couple years ago the Oregonian came up with some favorites: here

February 3, 2012
Aaron Brussat

Biking from Dalles to Portland. Where is a good in between B&B or inn?

Here is a great website with some other lodging options in the Hood River area.

Cari Gesch

Where’s the best cycling trails in Portland or surrounding? I want a 30-40 mile-ish ride with pretty views!

There are tons of great rides in the Columbia Gorge, 60 miles from Portland. There are no mountain bike trails of that length in PDX itself, but Forest Park has fireroad riding and very limited singletrack.

Otis Rubottom
Cycling Expert

What are the MUST things to see/do in Portland around July/August?

The Oregon Brew Fest (in July) for one thing! Several street fairs & take place in July/Aug too, also Sunday Parkways . If you like sports, don’t miss a chance to see the Timbers (our soccer team) play at home!

Aaron Brussat

Planning a trip through the west coast. From Portland to San Francisco. What we must not miss?

I’d check out Astoria and Canon Beach, see this blog entry. I would take I-5 to Hwy 38 to the coast and down to San Francisco.

Aaron Brussat

Ideas for events or places to visit in Portland, Oregon with an almost two-year-old child in the spring?

Lots of family friendly events in Portland, check out Around the Sun, & my site.

Aaron Brussat

Planning a trip to Portland, Oregon this summer. Any suggestion on things to do, places to stay? I’ve never been and I’m from the East Coast.

Lots of summer beer & neighborhood festivals in Portland! Check out this site for beer events. Lots of wine nearby, too. When you’re here check out my blog for events!

Aaron Brussat

My husband and I are planning to move to Oregon toward the end of next year. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what cities/towns are with in commuting distance of the Portland area?

Commuting distance is relative, of course. Much of close-in Portland is actually quite residential, so you could consider that. Nearby suburbs include Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, etc. Like Rogue Ales says, traffic can be bear – but it really depends on your own tolerance for it. The Portland area has…

Aaron Brussat

Got my flight to Portland, staying two blocks from Rogue Ales Public House! Cant wait I need to start planning my beer attack, suggestions?

I have the ultimate pub crawl for you here.  Have a look, and holler if you want more.

February 2, 2012
Jeff Alworth
Beer Expert