Tigard, Oregon: 10 Easy Weekend Road Trips Near Washington County

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Tigard, Oregon

If you live in Tigard, Oregon and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can hit the coast, taste wine, chase waterfalls, and explore cute small towns—without hopping on a plane or planning a long vacation. The best part? Every spot on this list is outside Washington County, so you’ll really feel like you “got away,” even if it’s only for a few hours. Below are 10 short road trips from Tigard into nearby counties like Multnomah, Clackamas, Yamhill, Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook County. Gas up the car, grab a coffee, and let’s go.

1. Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls (Multnomah County)

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most iconic day trips from the Portland area—and it’s only about 45 minutes to an hour from Tigard, depending on traffic. You’ve probably heard of Multnomah Falls, but the Gorge is full of waterfalls, viewpoints, and short trails.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 40–55 miles (roughly 45–75 minutes)
  • County: Multnomah County
  • Perfect for: Quick hikes, scenic drives, out-of-town visitors, photography
Top things to do:
  • Walk the short paved path to the base of Multnomah Falls and snap a photo from the bridge.
  • Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at Vista House at Crown Point.
  • Check out other nearby falls like Bridal Veil Falls or Latourell Falls for shorter, family-friendly hikes.
On a clear day, the Gorge feels like something out of a movie—towering cliffs, misty falls, and the river stretching below. It’s a great “first stop” when you’re exploring things to do near Tigard.

2. Downtown Portland & Waterfront Adventures (Multnomah County)

Yes, Portland is close—but if you usually just pass through, it can still feel like a mini vacation to slow down and play tourist for a day.
  • Distance from Tigard: Around 10–15 miles (20–30 minutes)
  • County: Multnomah County
  • Perfect for: Foodies, walking, people-watching, quick urban getaway
Ideas for your Portland day trip:
  • Stroll the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and watch boats on the Willamette River.
  • Browse shelves at Powell’s City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world.
  • Grab food from downtown food carts—perfect if your group can’t agree on one restaurant.
  • Walk across one of the downtown bridges for city skyline views.
If you go on a Saturday, you can also wander through the markets (when in season), pick up local art, and try street food. It’s an easy way to “travel” without going far.

3. Mt. Hood and Government Camp (Clackamas County)

If you’re craving mountain air, head east to Mt. Hood and the little town of Government Camp in Clackamas County. It’s a classic Oregon road trip from the Tigard area.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 70–80 miles (roughly 1.5–2 hours)
  • County: Clackamas County
  • Perfect for: Snow days, summer hikes, scenic drives
Winter:
  • Hit the slopes at one of the ski areas on Mt. Hood.
  • Try snowshoeing or tubing near Government Camp.
Summer:
  • Hike around Trillium Lake for stunning reflections of Mt. Hood on calm days.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy cooler mountain temperatures.
Driving up, you really feel the change—trees crowd closer, the air gets crisper, and suddenly Tigard feels far behind you, even though you’re just a couple of hours from home.

4. Historic Oregon City & Willamette Falls (Clackamas County)

If you like small-town charm with a bit of history mixed in, Oregon City is a great quick trip. It’s just southeast of Portland along the Willamette River.
  • Distance from Tigard: Around 15–20 miles (about 25–35 minutes)
  • County: Clackamas County
  • Perfect for: History buffs, casual strolling, river views
Things to do in Oregon City:
  • View Willamette Falls from overlooks along the river—one of the largest waterfalls in the U.S. by volume.
  • Explore the historic downtown area with its shops, cafés, and old buildings.
  • Check out museums and signs about the Oregon Trail and early state history.
  • Ride the famous Oregon City Municipal Elevator for a fun (and free) experience with great views.
Oregon City is a nice, low-stress day trip: easy parking, walkable streets, and lots of places to sit with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.

5. Yamhill County Wine Country (Yamhill County)

When people talk about Oregon wine country, they’re usually talking about Yamhill County. Towns like Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, and McMinnville are packed with vineyards, tasting rooms, and pretty rolling hills.
  • Distance from Tigard: Most spots are 20–40 miles (30–50 minutes)
  • County: Yamhill County
  • Perfect for: Wine tasting, romantic dates, scenic drives
How to enjoy Yamhill County:
  • Pick 2–3 wineries instead of trying to do too many. Take your time and enjoy the views.
  • Stroll through downtown McMinnville or Newberg and pop into tasting rooms and cafés.
  • Designate a driver, or look into tour companies if you want to sample more wine.
Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, the drive alone is worth it. The patchwork of fields, farmhouses, and vineyard rows feels a world away from suburban life in Tigard.

6. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (Yamhill County)

If you love airplanes, space, or just cool museums, plan a trip to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum near McMinnville.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 30–35 miles (roughly 45–50 minutes)
  • County: Yamhill County
  • Perfect for: Families, aviation geeks, rainy day trips
Highlights:
  • See the famous Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes’ massive wooden airplane.
  • Walk under jets, helicopters, and space exhibits.
  • Catch an educational film on their large-format screen.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great way to burn a few hours. It’s also a nice add-on to a day in wine country if part of your group wants something other than tasting rooms.

7. Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock (Clatsop County)

Looking for a classic Oregon Coast day trip from Tigard? Cannon Beach in Clatsop County is hard to beat.
  • Distance from Tigard: Around 90–100 miles (about 1.75–2.25 hours)
  • County: Clatsop County
  • Perfect for: Beach walks, tide pooling, cozy coastal cafés
What to do in Cannon Beach:
  • Walk along the sand to Haystack Rock—one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast.
  • Check tide charts ahead of time to explore tide pools safely when the water is low.
  • Browse art galleries and shops in the small downtown area.
  • Warm up with chowder or coffee after your beach walk.
Even on cloudy days (and there are many), Cannon Beach has a calm, peaceful feel that makes it worth the drive from Tigard.

8. Astoria: River Town With a View (Clatsop County)

If you want a bit of history and coastal flavor, head a bit farther north to Astoria, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 105–120 miles (around 2–2.5 hours)
  • County: Clatsop County
  • Perfect for: Scenic viewpoints, maritime history, day-long exploring
Astoria highlights:
  • Climb (or drive up to) the Astoria Column for sweeping river and ocean views.
  • Walk along the riverfront and watch massive ships pass by.
  • Visit maritime or film-related sites if you’re into local history.
  • Try fresh seafood with a view of the water.
The drive from Tigard takes you past farms, forests, and finally the water—by the time you roll into town, it really feels like you’ve gone on a real trip, even if you’re just out for the day.

9. Tillamook Creamery & the North Coast (Tillamook County)

Cheese, ice cream, and ocean views? That’s a pretty solid day trip plan. Tillamook on the north Oregon Coast is an easy, tasty outing from Tigard.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 75–85 miles (roughly 1.75–2 hours)
  • County: Tillamook County
  • Perfect for: Families, food lovers, casual coastal exploring
Don’t miss:
  • The Tillamook Creamery visitor center—watch cheese being made, sample products, and grab ice cream.
  • A short drive out to nearby beaches like Oceanside or Netarts for quieter coastal views.
  • Scenic drives on Highway 101 along the coast, with plenty of pullouts for photos.
If you go on a weekday, the Creamery is usually a bit less crowded, and you can take your time wandering through the exhibits and sampling goodies.

10. Sauvie Island & Columbia River Views (Columbia / Multnomah Area)

Just north of Portland, Sauvie Island offers farms, beaches, and wide-open views along the Columbia River. While parts of the area are associated with Multnomah County, the broader region along the river and nearby communities also edge into Columbia County, giving you a nice “just outside Portland” escape.
  • Distance from Tigard: About 25–35 miles (around 40–50 minutes)
  • Nearby counties: Multnomah & Columbia County area
  • Perfect for: U-pick farms, easy nature time, slow drives
Ways to enjoy the area:
  • Visit seasonal U-pick farms for berries, pumpkins, or flowers, depending on the time of year.
  • Drive around the island’s country roads and look for birds, old barns, and river views.
  • Relax at one of the public beaches along the Columbia River.
Compared to city life, the island feels peaceful and simple. It’s a great place to unplug for a few hours without committing to a long drive.

Tips for Easy Day Trips from Tigard

To make your short road trips from Tigard smoother, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check traffic: Leaving after rush hour can save you a lot of stress, especially heading through Portland.
  • Look at the weather: Coast, Gorge, and mountain weather can change quickly—layers are your friend.
  • Pack a small day bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a phone charger.
  • Plan parking: Some spots, especially popular waterfalls or coastal towns, may charge for parking or fill up early.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick one place from this list that matches your mood—mountains, ocean, city, or countryside—and keep the rest for future weekends.

What’s Your Favorite Day Trip from Tigard?

There are so many things to do near Tigard, Oregon that you could spend every weekend exploring and still find new spots. Have you visited any of these places—Cannon Beach, Oregon City, Yamhill wine country, or the Columbia River Gorge?
Which road trip would you recommend to someone new to the Tigard area? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us:
  • Your favorite out-of-county day trip from Tigard
  • Any hidden gems in Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, or Yamhill County
  • Your best tip for beating traffic or crowds
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends, family, or anyone planning a visit to Tigard. The more ideas we trade, the more fun weekend adventures we can all enjoy.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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