Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon holds a special place in our hearts. It was at the University of Oregon that our paths first crossed! This summer we traveled back to Oregon for over a month to spend time outdoors where it’s not 115 degrees!
Below are our top three must-visit nature destinations that are quick day trips from Portland, Oregon. Comment with any questions or share your favorite nature spots in Oregon.
Portland Rose Garden: A Blast of Colors and Some Disney Vibes
Early July is the best time to visit Washington Park’s International Rose Test Garden in full bloom, it was like walking into a rainbow explosion! The best part of the day felt like a Disney movie when we were walking through the Shakespeare Garden. A CHONKY squirrel approached us looking for snacks as if auditioning for a role as a sidekick to a princess.
About | The Garden holds more than 10,000 individual rose bushes representing over 600 different rose varieties and serves as a testing ground for new roses. And fun fact: during World War I, hybridists sent roses from around the world to Portland’s garden for testing.
Notes | There is parking at the entrance of the garden that typically has one or two spots — make sure to download Parking Kitty app for seamless street parking in Portland and remove all valuables from your car to prevent break-ins. This is an unfortunate part of city life! Next to parking is the Garden gift shop and a snack shack with coffee and pastries, not the best food but you can’t beat the view!
Japanese Gardens: Zen Mode Activated
Just a quick walk from the International Rose Test Garden is the Portland Japanese Gardens — a serene estate featuring a tea house encased in glass that enables guests to be surrounded by the area’s natural beauty. Strolling through the Japanese Gardens is like walking through traditional Japan, with the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States proclaiming the Japanese Gardens to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” Our favorite areas were the Sand and Stone Garden and the Heavenly Falls where we sat sipping matcha tea, enjoying the beauty of simplicity.
About | Designed in 1963, the Japanese Gardens encompass 12 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes a gift shop (where we purchased a beautiful wind chime), meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. It also features art exhibitions, with the Japanese Gardens introducing the work of more than 75 artists representing Japan and its unique artistic traditions.
Notes | Japanese Garden tickets and tours do sell out, we recommend purchasing tickets a day or two ahead of time. Additionally, reservations at the Umami Cafe tea house book up — secure your reservation ten days in advance here.
Multnomah Falls: A Spiritual Encounter
Multnomah Falls, with its towering cascades, held a spiritual allure for Chris which he described as "visiting a holy site" — a place where nature's grandeur is on full display. There is a lodge on-site with a restaurant as well as a snack shack featuring ice cream (so welcome as it was a hot day) and public restrooms.
About | Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million visitors stopping by each year to take in the views. Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, but is usually highest during the winter and spring seasons.
Notes | Visiting during peak season is a logistical nightmare. The main parking lot in front of the falls fills up quickly, and luck plays a significant role in securing a spot. We, unfortunately, missed out on the prime parking real estate. We drove to the parking lot of Wahkeena Falls, located nearby, and hiked the trail that leads to the entrance of Multnomah Falls. The hike itself became a memorable part of our adventure, offering stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge along the way. Additional parking and the Sasquatch Shuttle are available at Exit 28 off Interstate 84.
Picking Lavender: A Fragrant Finale
On the way back to Portland from Multnomah Falls, we stopped at the Columbia View Lavender Farm, a local farmer's lavender field for lavender picking and Insta-worthy photos. The breeze carried the lovely scent of lavender as we gathered bunches and picked up lavender honey and soap. It was a sweet ending to our adventure, a reminder of the peace and beauty we'd found along the way.
Our journey from Las Vegas to Oregon was more than just a vacation; it was a reconnection with our roots, a celebration of our love for nature, and a rediscovery of the special place where our journey together began.
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