When the time comes to take a break from the International Rose Test Garden and OMSI (our favorite!), all you’ll need is one tank of gas to explore some of the wonderful attractions of Oregon and Washington. From beautiful coastline recreation areas to Lewis and Clark’s old winter digs, adventure, or relaxation, is never too far away.

KOAs along the way:
Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside
Ilwaco/Long Beach
Bay Center/Willapa Bay
Ellensburg
Leavenworth/Pine Village 		Seattle/Tacoma
Burlington/Anacortes
Concrete/Grandy Creek
Port Angeles/Sequim
Places To See And Things To Do:
Ilwaco
North Head and Cape Disappointment Lighthouses offer beautiful scenic views of the Long Beach shoreline in Cape Disappointment State Park.
Seattle
There’s so much to do in this bustling metropolis it’s impossible to choose just one thing!
Anacortes
The San Juan Islands were named the #2 and #3 travel destinations in 2011 by The New York Times and National Geographic, respectively. Everything to do from whale watching to fine dining.
Astoria
The Fort Clatsop National Memorial commemorates Lewis and Clark’s expedition. They set up a winter camp here from 1805-1806.
Places To Eat:
Astoria
Bowpicker Fish & Chips – This local favorite boasts beer battered Albacore Tuna and steak fries.
Anacortes
Greek Islands – authentic greek food with high ratings.
Port Angeles
Wine on the Waterfront frequently features live music, and is always a relaxing atmosphere to grab lunch or enjoy an evening drink.
KOAs along the way:
Redmond/Central Oregon
Lincoln City
Waldport/Newport
Albany/Corvallis 		Oregon Dunes
Bandon/Port Orford
Medford/Gold Hill
Klamath Falls
Places To See And Things To Do:
Medford
The Oregon Vortex – An area of unique and naturally occurring visual phenomena kids are sure to love!
Oregon Dunes
Oregon Dunes Recreational Area – Great for off-highway vehicles, hikers and beach lovers!
Klamath Falls
Crater Lake National Park – Beautiful scenery and plenty of recreational options to boot!
Newport
Oregon Coast Aquarium – This amazing facility has been named one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by Parents Magazine, Forbes Traveler, USA Today, and Coastal Living.
Places To Eat:
Lincoln City
The Beach Dog Café – Family run café specializing in gourmet hot dogs
Newport
Local Ocean Seafoods – This bay front market-style restaurant boasts some of the best seafood in Oregon.
Corvallis
Local Boyz Hawaiian Café – At Local Boyz, you’ll find delicious island food at a very reasonable price. Aloha!
Ashland
The Open Range at the Pinehurst Inn – One of the hidden gems of Ashland, this restaurant is tucked away inside a small, historic Inn.
KOAs along the way:
Cascade Locks/Portland East
Pendleton 		Pasco/Tri-Cities
Places To See And Things To Do:
Cascade Locks
Mount Hood Scenic Railroad – Just sight-see, or enjoy a murder mystery dinner theater.
Pendleton
Pendleton Family Aquatic Center – Splish and splash at this budget-friendly fun center.
Pasco
The Three Rivers Children’s Museum – Your kids will love this place, which offer everything from Medieval dress up to hands-on science exhibits.
Places To Eat:
Cascade Locks
East Wind Drive-In – A local favorite specializing in soft serve ice cream.
Pendleton
Main Street Diner – an old 50s diner in downtown Pendleton
Pasco
Garibaldi Restaurant II – great Mexican food with the occasional live mariachi band
Hop on Oregon’s beautiful Route 6 highway for a scenic trip through the Northern Oregon Coast Range and Tillamook State Forest. Along the way, make a quick stop in Idiotville, one of Oregon’s most delightfully named ghost towns. Finish off your drive with a self-guided tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory and sample some of the finest Pepper Jack this side of the Mississippi!

Places To See And Things To Do:
Idiotville
You’ll finally get the chance to break out that “Idiotville, Population – One” joke you’ve been working on!
Tillamook
Tillamook Cheese Factory – Worth it for the samples alone.
Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock – you literally can’t miss this majestic rock that stands an impressive 235 feet out of the sand and surf on the beautiful coast of Cannon Beach.
Tillamook Rock
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse – come view this impressive lighthouse that has been around since 1879.
Places To Eat:
Tillamook
Pacific House Restaurant – this restaurant features fresh seafood with Northwest and Mexican flair. Bonus – they have some gluten free meals.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach Bakery – home of their famous Haystack Bread.
Seaside
Pacific Way Bakery & Café – visit this well reviewed restaurant for coastal fare, and a delicious bakery. They caution to arrive early if you want a pastry, because they go fast!

Need help planning your route? Click here.

Now that you’ve read our recommendations, we want to hear yours. Share your ideas for fun things to do in and around Portland by commenting below:


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3 Responses to “Portland, OR”


  1. Cheryl Adrean says:
    June 23, 2011 at 9:10 am

    To be a one tank wonder, it would have to be Portland MAINE for me.
    We like both Saco and Freeport Maine KOA’s for their one room Kabins,
    big, tall trees and places to hike in the woods. But all the wonders of
    the Portland, Me coast with its harbor and hopping brew pubs makes it the best place to spend a summer weekend. Thanks KOA… Cheryl

    Reply
  2. Jim Flaherty says:
    June 23, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    The one response to 1 tank wonders references Portland MAINE, not Portland OREGON. Editorial Slip? OOPS!

    Reply
  3. Carole Fogarty says:
    February 9, 2012 at 3:07 am

    You didn’t mention the River and the waterfalls and the road around the Mountain just south of Portland, OR. Always enjoyed my visits there and the KOA there. Carole

    Reply

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