How we’re spending our summer
Summertime in the Pacific Northwest is something special. Here are our team’s tips for how to spend long, warm July days.Â
Portland Favorites
- Start your day at Matutina for coffee & conchas (Mexican sweet breads). Peruse Powells or wander the Pearl or the West End.
- Hike around Mt Tabor followed by breakfast or a snack at Tabor Bread.
- Try the Moscow Mule at Palomar.
- Wander Oak’s Bottom Wildlife Refuge or pack a picnic and build a sandcastle at Sellwood Riverfront Park.Â
- Have a spritz on the patio during happy hour at Enoteca Nostrana.Â
- Head (a little) out of town and grab a gourmet sundae on the Sandy river at Sugarpine Drive In in Troutdale (pairs well with a hike in the gorge!)
Day Trips
- Go to Sauvie Island. Pick berries, go bird watching, wander a little, hit the beach and cool off with a swim in the river.
- While you’re out there, make a day of it! Visit Scappoose and rent a Stand Up Paddleboard.Â
- On your way home, hit the St Johns food carts (or Tacqueria Santa Cruz !). Take your dinner to Cathedral Park and watch the sun set.Â
- Hike Ramona Falls  near Mt Hood
- Head south to visit Silver Falls State Park and hike the Trail of 10 Falls (7.2 miles). Pack a lunch and take the long route!Â
A Weekend Away
The Gorge: Visit the Society Hotel in Bingen, Washington (90 Minutes away). Stay in a bunk room and use the spa. Book online here. Explore White Salmon (don’t miss the White Salmon Bakery!Â
Independence/Albany/Corvallis: Stay at the Buena Vista House. Book the Cobb house (made of cobb!). While you’re there:
- Visit Springhill Cellars winery (open Friday/Saturday/Sunday).
- Shop for antiques in Independence and visit Aurora Mills‘ brand new annex to find some secondhand treasures.
- Go to: McDowell Creek Falls & Majestic Falls. Pack a lunch and bring water shoes. Go on a weekday!
Have fun, and let us know if you go on any of these adventures!
