10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Tualatin, Oregon
If you live in
Tualatin, Oregon (in Washington County) and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. You’re surrounded by some of the best road trip spots in the state, and most of them are an hour or two away.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short road trips from Tualatin into nearby counties: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Yamhill. No stops in Washington County, and nothing in Tualatin itself — just fresh views, new flavors, and easy drives.
Whether you want waterfalls, wineries, small towns, or salty coastal air, there’s a trip here that fits.
1. Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls (Multnomah County)
If you’ve never done the Gorge as a proper day trip, this is your sign.
From Tualatin, head east toward
Multnomah County and the
Columbia River Gorge. In about an hour to an hour and a half (traffic depending), you can see several of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls in one day.
Top stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway:
- Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s superstar waterfall. A short walk to the base and a classic photo at the stone bridge.
- Latourell Falls – A quick loop hike with a curtain-like waterfall and bright yellow lichen-covered cliffs.
- Bridal Veil Falls – Short forested hike with a romantic viewpoint. Great for couples or a quiet solo walk.
If you start early, you can beat some of the crowds. Bring a light jacket—mist from the falls can feel chilly even on warm days.
Road trip tip: Pack a thermos of coffee in Tualatin and make your first sip at the Vista House overlook. Watching the sun on the Columbia River never gets old.
2. Downtown Portland & Waterfront Day (Multnomah County)
Sometimes the best “road trip” is just a different city vibe. From Tualatin, you can be in downtown
Portland in about 25–35 minutes, but it still feels like a mini-getaway.
Ideas for a Portland day from Tualatin:
- Walk the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and watch the boats and bridges on the Willamette River.
- Stroll through Pioneer Courthouse Square, often called Portland’s “living room.”
- Visit Powell’s City of Books (yes, it’s huge; no, you won’t see everything).
- Grab food from a downtown food cart pod and eat in a nearby plaza.
You can turn this into an
easy urban road trip: park once, then explore on foot or hop on the streetcar or MAX. It’s a nice change if you’re used to suburban life in Tualatin.
3. Portland Japanese Garden & Washington Park (Multnomah County)
For a calmer version of Portland, drive up into the hills above downtown to
Washington Park. It’s still in Multnomah County but feels a world away.
Highlights in Washington Park:
- Portland Japanese Garden – Peaceful paths, koi ponds, and carefully designed landscapes. Great in any season.
- International Rose Test Garden – Free entry and thousands of rose bushes. Peak bloom is late spring through summer.
- City views – On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood from the gardens and viewpoints.
I once went here on a rainy spring afternoon, and the drizzle actually made it more magical. The moss glowed, the gravel paths were quiet, and you could hear every drop of water in the garden. Don’t let a little rain stop you; this is Oregon.
4. McMinnville’s Historic Downtown & Air Museum (Yamhill County)
Head southwest from Tualatin and in about 45–60 minutes you’ll roll into
McMinnville, in
Yamhill County. It’s one of the most charming small towns near the Portland metro area.
What to do in McMinnville:
- Walk historic Third Street – Lined with local shops, cafes, and wine tasting rooms.
- Check out the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum – Famous home of the huge “Spruce Goose” aircraft and space exhibits.
- Grab a coffee or ice cream and people-watch from a sidewalk table.
McMinnville makes a great all-ages day trip: kids love the planes, adults love the wine and food, and everyone loves the small-town feel.
5. Willamette Valley Wine Country Drive (Yamhill County)
If you’d rather wander than rush, try a slow
Willamette Valley wine country drive through Yamhill County.
From Tualatin, head out on the back roads toward Newberg and beyond. In under an hour, you’re surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards.
Ideas for a relaxed wine country day:
- Pick 2–3 wineries so you’re not rushing.
- Plan a picnic – many wineries have outdoor seating with sweeping views.
- Designate a driver and keep your tastings light.
Even if you’re not a wine expert, that’s okay. Just ask staff what they recommend for first-timers. Think of it as a scenic drive with good company, not a homework assignment.
6. Mt. Hood Adventure Loop (Clackamas & Multnomah Counties)
Looking for mountains instead of city streets? Point your car toward
Mount Hood, mostly within
Clackamas County on the side you’ll likely visit.
Depending on stops, it’s about 1.5–2 hours from Tualatin, but the changing scenery keeps it interesting.
Possible Mt. Hood stops:
- Government Camp – Small mountain town with food, lodging, and winter sports access.
- Trillium Lake (seasonal access) – Iconic reflection view of Mt. Hood on calm days.
- Hikes ranging from easy lake walks to more challenging forest trails.
In winter, pack chains and check road conditions. In summer, toss in a cooler, sunscreen, and maybe a hammock.
If you have extra time, you can loop back via the Columbia River Gorge and make it a full scenic circuit through both Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.
7. Estacada & Clackamas River Recreation (Clackamas County)
For a closer outdoor escape, aim for
Estacada in
Clackamas County, roughly an hour from Tualatin.
This area is a gateway to the
Clackamas River and nearby forests.
Things to do near Estacada:
- Find a day-use area along the river for wading, fishing, or just relaxing by the water.
- Explore short forest hikes or viewpoints in the surrounding hills.
- Grab a bite or a drink in Estacada’s small but growing downtown.
On hot days, the river can be busy, but it still feels more laid-back than many Portland-area spots. Bring camp chairs, snacks, and layers—the water can be chilly even when the air is warm.
8. Seaside: Classic Oregon Beach Town (Clatsop County)
When you need the sound of waves more than the sound of traffic, it’s time for a coast run. From Tualatin, you can reach
Seaside in about 1.75–2 hours, up in
Clatsop County.
Seaside is perfect if you like a
classic beach town feel.
Seaside highlights:
- Wide sandy beach good for long walks, kite flying, and sandcastles.
- The Promenade (“the Prom”) – Paved walkway along the ocean, great for strollers and bikes.
- Arcades, saltwater taffy, and casual seafood spots near the main drag.
I still remember the first time I watched a storm roll in over the Pacific from Seaside—it felt like the whole sky was moving at once. Even if it’s cloudy, the beach has its own kind of energy.
9. Cannon Beach & Ecola State Park (Clatsop County)
If you want something a little more dramatic and scenic than Seaside, continue down the coast to
Cannon Beach, also in
Clatsop County.
Why people love Cannon Beach:
- Haystack Rock – That famous sea stack you’ve seen on postcards and screensavers.
- Walkable town with art galleries, cafes, and cozy shops.
- Nearby Ecola State Park with cliffside viewpoints and hiking trails through lush forest.
From Tualatin, Cannon Beach is about 1.75–2 hours, depending on route and traffic. Parking can be tricky on summer weekends, so arriving earlier in the day helps.
10. Tillamook Cheese & Coastal Scenery (Tillamook County)
Head west and slightly south from Tualatin to reach
Tillamook County in roughly 1.5–2 hours. It’s ideal if you want a mix of food and scenery.
Don’t miss in Tillamook County:
- Tillamook Creamery – Watch cheese production, sample cheese, and grab ice cream.
- Drive the Three Capes Scenic Route (if open): Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda offer stunning coastal views.
- Stop at a beach along the way for a walk or quick photo break.
Think of this trip as “cheese plus coastline.” It works well for families because there’s something for everyone—from kids who love ice cream to adults who want big ocean views.
Planning Your Road Trip From Tualatin
To keep these
short Oregon road trips fun and low-stress, a little planning goes a long way.
Quick planning checklist:
- Check traffic and weather before you leave.
- Bring layers (yes, even in summer).
- Pack water, snacks, and a phone charger.
- Have a backup stop in mind in case a trail, viewpoint, or beach is crowded or closed.
You don’t need to turn every outing into a major production. Sometimes a simple drive with a single destination is enough to reset your brain after a busy week in Tualatin.
Share Your Favorite Tualatin Day Trips
Now it’s your turn.
Which of these
out-of-county road trips from Tualatin would you try first? Do you have a favorite waterfall, winery, beach, or small town that didn’t make this list?
Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments—your story might help someone else plan their next easy getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or coworkers in the Tualatin area who are looking for fun things to do near home. A simple share might be the nudge they need to hop in the car and go explore.
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