10 Easy Road Trips From West Linn, Oregon (All Outside Clackamas County)
If you live in or around
West Linn, Oregon and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within a 30–90 minute drive, you can find waterfalls, wine country, mountain views, small-town charm, and plenty of good food.
The best part? Every stop on this list is
outside Clackamas County, in nearby counties like
Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Marion, Hood River, and Wasco. So you can truly “get away” without going very far.
1. Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Day (Multnomah & Hood River Counties)
If you only do one road trip from West Linn, make it the
Columbia River Gorge. It’s about 35–45 minutes from town, but it feels like another world.
Start on the historic
Columbia River Highway in
Multnomah County and work your way east into
Hood River County.
- Must-see waterfalls: Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Horsetail Falls
- Driving time from West Linn: about 35–55 minutes depending on stops
- Best for: Scenic drives, easy walks, photo stops
You can just pull off, walk a few minutes, and be standing at the base of a waterfall. If you don’t feel like hiking, that’s okay—this is one of the easiest scenic drives near West Linn.
Tip: Parking fills up fast on weekends. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you can.
2. A Relaxed Day in Downtown Hood River (Hood River County)
Keep driving past the waterfalls and you’ll roll into
Hood River, a laid-back town right on the Columbia River. It’s about 70–80 minutes from West Linn, depending on traffic.
- Walk the downtown streets and pop into local shops
- Grab a beer or cider with river and mountain views
- Watch windsurfers and kiteboarders at the waterfront park
Hood River is one of those towns where you park your car once and just wander. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to soak up small-town Pacific Northwest vibes.
Road trip idea: Combine Hood River with the waterfall stops in the Gorge for a full-day loop.
3. Oregon Wine Country in Newberg & Dundee (Yamhill County)
If you’ve ever wanted to do a casual
wine tasting day trip from West Linn without driving too far, head to
Yamhill County. Towns like
Newberg and
Dundee are only about 35–45 minutes away.
You’ll find:
- Rolling hills covered in vineyards
- Dozens of tasting rooms focusing on Oregon Pinot Noir
- Relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere
You don’t need to be a wine expert. Many tasting rooms are friendly and happy to explain things in simple terms. Just let them know what you usually like to drink.
Safety tip: Pick a designated driver, use a rideshare service from a central town, or join a local wine tour that handles the driving.
4. McMinnville’s Historic Downtown & Aviation History (Yamhill County)
A little farther into Yamhill County, about 1 hour from West Linn, you’ll find
McMinnville. This small city has a surprisingly fun mix of history, food, and laid-back charm.
- Stroll 3rd Street, lined with boutiques, tasting rooms, and cafes
- Visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (home of the famous Spruce Goose)
- Relax at a sidewalk table and watch the world go by
If you’re looking for a road trip near West Linn that works for kids and adults, McMinnville is a strong choice. The aviation museum alone can easily fill half a day.
Personal note: The first time I visited McMinnville, I planned for an hour and stayed all afternoon. The downtown is that cozy and walkable.
5. Oregon Coast Lite: A Taste of the Ocean via Yamhill & Tillamook
While the coast itself isn’t in the listed counties, you can start a
beautiful journey to the ocean by winding through
Yamhill County on your way west. From West Linn, it’s about 1.5–2 hours to reach places like Pacific City or Lincoln City, depending on your route.
On the way through Yamhill County, you can:
- Stop for coffee and pastries in McMinnville or Newberg
- Take a quick break at a roadside farm stand
- Enjoy changing scenery from vineyards to forested hills
Think of this as a “two-for-one” road trip:
Yamhill County wine country + Oregon Coast views in one day.
6. Silver Falls State Park “Trail of Ten Falls” (Marion County)
Just over an hour south of West Linn, in
Marion County, sits one of Oregon’s most iconic spots:
Silver Falls State Park. It’s often called the “crown jewel” of the state park system—and for good reason.
The main attraction is the
Trail of Ten Falls, where you can see, as the name says, up to ten different waterfalls.
- Driving time: about 60–75 minutes
- Best for: Hiking, nature photography, picnic days
- Hike options: Short 1–2 mile loops or the full 7–8 mile loop
You can even walk
behind a few of the waterfalls, which is a huge hit with kids and pretty magical for adults too.
Tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy and bring a light rain jacket. Even in summer, the mist can feel cool.
7. Salem: Oregon’s Capital City Getaway (Marion County)
Looking for a low-key city trip that’s not Portland? Drive about 45–60 minutes south to
Salem, the capital of Oregon, in Marion County.
Here you can:
- Walk around the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol
- Visit Riverfront City Park along the Willamette River
- Explore local coffee shops and restaurants downtown
Salem has a slower pace than Portland, which can be nice if you want a simple, no-rush day. It’s an easy drive from West Linn, mostly straight down I‑5.
Family idea: Pair Salem with Silver Falls in one longer day, or make it a chill separate trip when you just want a change of scenery.
8. Washington County Food, Farms, and Shops (Washington County)
Head northwest and you’ll cross into
Washington County, home to fast-growing towns like
Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Forest Grove. It’s an interesting mix of tech, farmland, and suburbs, all within 30–60 minutes from West Linn.
Some easy ideas:
- Hit a farmers market (seasonal) for fresh local produce and baked goods
- Visit a u-pick farm for berries, apples, or pumpkins (depending on the season)
- Explore restaurants with cuisines from all around the world in Beaverton
This is a good option when you want a “soft adventure”—something fun and different, but not a full-blown hiking or sightseeing day.
Why go? It feels familiar enough to be stress-free but different enough to feel like you went somewhere.
9. Forest Grove & Henry Hagg Lake Escape (Washington County)
Deeper into Washington County, you’ll find
Forest Grove and the nearby
Henry Hagg Lake, about an hour or so from West Linn depending on traffic.
- Walk around Forest Grove’s small downtown and grab a bite
- Drive up to local viewpoints for distant mountain and valley scenery
- Head out to Hagg Lake for walking, biking, fishing, or just lakeside relaxing
On a warm day, this makes a great alternative to the coast if you don’t want to drive all the way to the ocean.
Pack list: Camping chairs, a small cooler, sunscreen, and maybe a fishing pole if you’re into that.
10. The Dalles & Columbia River History (Wasco County)
If you don’t mind a longer drive—about 1.5 hours from West Linn—continue past Hood River to
The Dalles in
Wasco County. It has a drier, sunnier feel than the western Gorge.
Things to do:
- Walk the riverfront path and enjoy big-sky views
- Visit local museums to learn about the region’s Native American and pioneer history
- Explore historic downtown and grab lunch at a local spot
This is a nice pick when the weather is gray back in West Linn. The Dalles often gets more sun, especially in spring and fall.
Road trip combo: West Linn → Gorge waterfalls → Hood River → The Dalles → drive back on the Washington side or the Oregon side for a full scenic loop.
How to Choose Your Next Road Trip From West Linn
Picking just one of these day trips can be tough, so here’s a simple way to decide:
- Want waterfalls? Go to the Columbia River Gorge or Silver Falls State Park.
- Want wine and views? Head for Newberg, Dundee, or McMinnville in Yamhill County.
- Want a mellow small-city day? Try Hood River, Salem, or The Dalles.
- Want something super easy? Stay closer with Washington County farms and food.
You don’t have to over-plan. Sometimes the best day trips are the ones where you pick a direction, pack some snacks, and just see what you find.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From West Linn
There are so many
things to do near West Linn, Oregon once you step outside Clackamas County—waterfalls in Multnomah County, vineyards in Yamhill County, state parks in Marion County, lakes in Washington County, and historic towns in Hood River and Wasco Counties.
If you’ve taken a memorable drive from West Linn—maybe a hidden viewpoint, a tiny cafe, or a trail you loved—
share it in the comments. Your idea might be exactly what someone else is looking for.
And if you know friends or family in the Portland–Metro area who are always saying, “We should get out of town more,”
send them this guide. Sometimes all it takes is a short drive to feel like you’ve had a real getaway.
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