Are you feeling restless and looking for something interesting to do? Well, here is the cure. Head to Union Station and hop on the Amtrak for one of these exciting day trips from Portland, Oregon. Bring a deck of cards, a good book, or some headphones for music, and get ready to enjoy an incredible amount of beauty, intrigue, and history at these fun destinations. So without further ado, here is our list of the best day trips that you can take by train!

1. Seattle
Seattle, WA, USA
Howard Ignatius / Flickr
Sitting at just a little over three hours away by train, Seattle is a perfect day trip that's home to numerous bucket-list-worthy attractions. Take the first train out in the morning and take the last back to enjoy a full day in the city and see the Space Needle, Experience Music Project Museum, Pike Place Market, or the Woodland Park Zoo.
2. Eugene
Eugene, OR, USA
Erik Bishoff / Flickr
Head down south to the home of the University of Oregon for a day of fun. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a great visit, as is the Cascades Raptor Center. For kids, the Science Factory Children's Museum and Planetarium is the best. At two and a half hours away, Eugene is great for a day trip and fun for the whole family.
3. Salem
Salem, OR, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
If you haven't been to Salem, the beautiful Oregon state capitol, consider visiting by train for the day. Visit the capitol building, stroll Riverfront Park, explore the Gilbert House Children's Museum, or check out the Oregon State Hospital's Museum of Mental Health. You can even be back before dinner.
4. Centralia
Centralia, WA, USA
George Bernstein / Flickr
Halfway between Seattle and Portland, this stop is a great day trip, especially if you want to spend the day shopping. This town, which is one of the best small towns in Oregon features plenty of opportunities for antiquing, a lovely historic downtown, a farmer's market, and lots of retail spots for shopping. Fort Borst Park, featuring an 1860 homestead and replica of a one-room schoolhouse along with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, is a lovely place to visit when exploring Centralia, too.
5. Tacoma
Tacoma, WA, USA
Atomic Taco / Flickr
If you have never made a stop in Tacoma on your way to Seattle, consider a day trip to this bustling city. The Museum of Glass is awe-inspiring, as is the Tacoma Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of Chihuly glass. History buffs will enjoy the Washington State History Museum and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a great place for tourists of all ages.
6. Olympia
Olympia, WA, USA
Orin Blomberg / Flickr
You will have to get off the train in Lacey, Washington, a suburb of Olympia, but at just five miles from the city, you will be close to the action -- including its amazing array of restaurants! Head to Washington's capitol building, visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, or try your luck at the Nisqually Red Wind Casino. Kids will enjoy the Hands On Children's Museum, while the Olympic Flight Museum will satisfy visitors of all ages.

Would you agree that these are some of the best day trips in Oregon? Did you know Rose City was so close to all these lovely destinations? Have you ever taken any of these day trip options? If so, which ones were your favorites? What are your picks for the best day trips in Portland? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more amazing adventures in and around Portland, Oregon, check out these 10 day trips.

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video:

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Best day trips in Portland

Sarah M. | March 25, 2022

What are some fun hikes near Portland?

  • Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park at one time was featured on Fodor’s list of the "15 Best River Walks in the United States."
  • The Wildwood Trail winds through Macleay Park and eventually leads to the Witch’s Castle ruins.
  • Kelly Point Park features a trail that meanders through both beach and wooded areas and offers views of the convergence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.

Read on to learn about some other fun hikes near Portland.

What are some beautiful day trips near Portland?

  • Silver Falls State Park is a popular hiking destination, offering scenic views, a wide array of flora and fauna, and a beautiful waterfall.
  • Sauvie Island is one of the largest river islands in the country and offers a lot of u-pick produce options when items are in season.
  • The Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States and is hailed as "The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest."

Read on to learn about some of the many other amazing day trips near Portland.

Where can we enjoy scenic views near Portland?

  • Cathedral Park offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding forestry areas, particularly from directly under the St. John’s Bridge here.
  • Tabor Park is the site of a 636-foot-high dormant volcano and is designated as a Portland Historic Landmark.
  • Washington Park not only offers spectacular views from along its 400-acre expanse but is also home to several of the city’s popular attractions.

Read on to learn about some of the many other picturesque places to enjoy scenic views near Portland.

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