Beaverton, Oregon: 10 Short Road Trips for Scenic Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Beaverton, Oregon

If you live in Beaverton, Oregon (in Washington County) and feel like you’ve already done all the usual stuff close to home, it might be time to hop in the car and head a little farther. The good news? Within about 30 to 90 minutes, you can reach waterfalls, wineries, small coastal towns, and quiet forest hikes—without needing to plan an entire vacation. Below are 10 short road trips from Beaverton that all take you out of Washington County into these nearby counties: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Yamhill. Each one makes a great day trip or an easy overnight escape.

1. Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls (Multnomah County)

If you only do one road trip from Beaverton, make it the Columbia River Gorge. It’s about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic, and it feels like stepping into a postcard. Why go:
  • See the famous Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. at over 600 feet.
  • Short, kid-friendly walks to viewpoints.
  • Easy to combine several stops in one day.
What to do:
  • Walk up to the Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls for a closer look.
  • Stop by Latourell Falls for a simple loop hike under a dramatic column of basalt rock.
  • Check out the viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Tip: Parking can fill fast on weekends and in summer. Going early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually makes things smoother.

2. Downtown Portland & Waterfront (Multnomah County)

Yes, Portland is close—but it’s still out of Washington County and makes an easy mini getaway if you treat it like a tourist for the day instead of a quick errand run. Why go:
  • Fun food spots, coffee, and unique shops.
  • Walkable riverfront paths along the Willamette River.
  • Family-friendly parks and bridges to explore.
What to do:
  • Stroll along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and watch the boats go by.
  • Check out food carts for lunch—there’s almost always something new.
  • Cross one of the bridges on foot for classic city views.
If you usually only drive in for a specific store or concert, try slowing down and exploring a few blocks at a time. You might find a new favorite coffee shop or bookstore you’ve passed a hundred times.

3. Cannon Beach: Oregon Coast Classic (Clatsop County)

About 1.5 to 2 hours from Beaverton, Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic towns on the Oregon Coast—perfect for a full day trip or a simple overnight. Why go:
  • Wide sandy beach with that famous Haystack Rock.
  • Great for tide-pooling at low tide.
  • Plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
What to do:
  • Walk the beach and snap photos of Haystack Rock.
  • Browse the small downtown area for local art and souvenirs.
  • Grab clam chowder or fish and chips and eat with an ocean view.
On a clear evening, the sunset here is hard to beat. Bring a jacket—even in summer—because that ocean breeze can be chilly.

4. Astoria: History and River Views (Clatsop County)

Drive just a bit farther up the coast from Cannon Beach (or head there directly from Beaverton in about 2 hours) and you’ll hit Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific. Why go:
  • Quirky, historic town with lots of character.
  • Beautiful views from the hills above the city.
  • Plenty of film history—parts of “The Goonies” were shot here.
What to do:
  • Climb (or drive) to the Astoria Column for a 360-degree view of the river and bridges.
  • Walk along the riverfront and watch the big ships go by.
  • Check out local breweries or grab lunch overlooking the water.
If you like small-town vibes with a hint of maritime grit, Astoria makes a fun, low-pressure day of exploring.

5. Tillamook Cheese & Coastal Farmland (Tillamook County)

If you like cheese, ice cream, or pretty green pastures, you’ll enjoy a trip to Tillamook, about 1.5 hours from Beaverton. Why go:
  • The famous Tillamook Creamery visitor center.
  • Easy access to several beaches and bays nearby.
  • Relaxed, rural coastal atmosphere.
What to do:
  • Tour the Tillamook Creamery, watch cheese being made, and sample your favorites.
  • Enjoy a giant scoop of ice cream—yes, the line is usually worth it.
  • Drive a bit farther to nearby spots like Oceanside or Netarts Bay for quieter beaches.
This makes a great family trip. Kids love seeing the cheese-making process, and the adults don’t usually complain about the samples either.

6. Pacific City & Cape Kiwanda (Tillamook County)

If you want something a little more adventurous, head to Pacific City, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Beaverton, depending on your route. Why go:
  • Iconic view of the offshore sea stack (similar to Cannon Beach but less crowded).
  • Big sand dune at Cape Kiwanda you can climb.
  • Fun surf town vibe and beachside dining.
What to do:
  • Walk along the beach and watch surfers catching waves.
  • Climb the sand dune at Cape Kiwanda for a serious calf workout and amazing views.
  • Relax with a drink or meal right on the beach, if that’s your style.
If you enjoy photography, this is a prime spot. Early morning or late evening light makes the sandstone cliffs and waves really stand out.

7. Newberg Wine Country Escape (Yamhill County)

Less than an hour from Beaverton, Newberg is one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into Oregon wine country without driving all day. Why go:
  • Close to Beaverton but feels pleasantly rural.
  • Dozens of Willamette Valley wineries within a short drive.
  • Charming small-town main street.
What to do:
  • Book a tasting at a local winery—many have outdoor seating with valley views.
  • Stroll downtown Newberg for coffee, sweets, and local shops.
  • Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and vineyards.
If you’re not into wine, don’t worry. The scenery alone is worth the trip, and there are plenty of cafes and bakeries to explore.

8. McMinnville & the Evergreen Aviation Museum (Yamhill County)

Another fun Yamhill County stop is McMinnville, about an hour from Beaverton. It’s known for its relaxed downtown and one very big airplane. Why go:
  • Cozy main street with shops and restaurants.
  • The famous Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
  • Great combination of indoor and outdoor activities.
What to do:
  • Visit the museum to see the enormous “Spruce Goose” airplane, space exhibits, and more.
  • Walk downtown for lunch and maybe a local beer or glass of wine.
  • Visit nearby wineries if you want to make it a full day in wine country.
This is a solid choice if you have kids or teens—airplanes and space displays keep everyone pretty entertained.

9. Mt. Hood Adventure Day (Clackamas County)

In about 1.5 to 2 hours, you can be on the slopes or trails near Mt. Hood in Clackamas County. It’s a classic Oregon getaway, especially if you want some mountain air. Why go:
  • Year-round outdoor fun—snow in winter, hiking in summer.
  • Cooler temps during hot Beaverton days.
  • Great mountain and forest scenery.
What to do:
  • In winter: go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing at one of the ski areas.
  • In summer: hike easier trails or have a picnic by a mountain lake.
  • Stop at viewpoints along the way to snap photos of Mt. Hood.
Pack layers—the weather can change quickly up there, and it’s usually quite a bit cooler than in the valley.

10. Sauvie Island & Columbia River Views (Columbia County side)

While parts of Sauvie Island are closer to Portland, you can also explore the Columbia County side and surrounding areas along the Columbia River for a more low-key, nature-focused day. Why go:
  • Flat, easy scenic drives along the river.
  • Wildlife viewing and bird-watching in certain seasons.
  • Quiet beaches and pull-outs to relax and take in the view.
What to do:
  • Drive along Highway 30 and take side roads toward the river for viewpoints.
  • Pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot to sit by the water.
  • Watch for eagles, herons, and other birds—especially in winter and early spring.
This is the kind of trip where you can just roll down the windows, turn up the music, and let the miles slip by slowly.

Making the Most of Your Beaverton Road Trips

A few simple tips can make these short getaways from Beaverton even better:
  • Leave a little early: You’ll beat some of the traffic and crowds, especially on sunny weekends.
  • Pack snacks and water: It saves money and keeps everyone happier between stops.
  • Check the weather: Oregon can be sunny on the coast and rainy in the valley—or the other way around.
  • Have a backup plan: If one spot is packed, pick a second option nearby. Many of these areas have multiple viewpoints or towns close together.
If you’re feeling stuck in a weekend routine, even a short 2–3 hour adventure can reset your energy. Sometimes just seeing a different horizon—whether it’s the ocean, a vineyard, or a waterfall—is all it takes.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Road Trips!

There are so many fun day trips from Beaverton, Oregon that it’s impossible to cover them all in one post. These 10 out-of-county ideas are a great start, but I’d love to hear from you:
  • Do you have a favorite small town in Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, or Yamhill County?
  • Which road trip from Beaverton do you think is the most underrated?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments—your idea might be the next weekend adventure someone else is looking for. And if you found this list helpful, please share this post with friends, family, or anyone in the Portland metro area who’s always asking, “What should we do this weekend?” The more ideas we swap, the more we all get to enjoy the amazing places just outside our own backyard.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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