Wilsonville, Oregon: 10 Scenic Road Trips Within Two Hours

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10 Easy Road Trips From Wilsonville, Oregon (All Outside Clackamas County)

If you live in or near Wilsonville, Oregon, you already know it’s a handy spot right off I‑5. But what if you want to hop in the car and escape for the day—without staying in Clackamas County? Good news: you’re surrounded by amazing places in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Marion, Hood River, and Wasco Counties. All an easy drive, all packed with things to do, and all perfect for a quick out‑of‑county road trip. Below are 10 short road trips from Wilsonville that make great day trips or easy weekend getaways.

1. Explore Portland’s Waterfront & Neighborhoods (Multnomah County)

Portland is only about 20–30 minutes north of Wilsonville, depending on traffic, but it feels like a different world. Spend a day around the Downtown Waterfront and nearby neighborhoods:
  • Walk or bike the paths along the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
  • Browse small shops and snack stands at Portland Saturday Market (weekends, March–December).
  • Wander through the brick streets of Old Town/Chinatown.
  • Head over to the Pearl District for coffee, art galleries, and boutique shopping.
On one of my own trips, I parked near the waterfront and just followed the path until I heard live music coming from the market. Before I knew it, I’d tried three kinds of kettle corn and watched a street magician juggle flaming torches. Unplanned moments like that are why Portland is such a fun, easy day trip from Wilsonville.

2. Washington Park, Japanese Garden & Rose Garden (Multnomah County)

If you’re looking for trees, views, and a little peace and quiet, head to Washington Park in Portland’s West Hills, about 30–40 minutes from Wilsonville. Highlights include:
  • Portland Japanese Garden – Peaceful paths, koi ponds, and views of the city. Many people say it’s one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan.
  • International Rose Test Garden – Over 10,000 rose bushes in full bloom late spring through early fall. It’s free and you can stroll at your own pace.
  • Forest trails and picnic spots with plenty of shade on warm days.
Parking can be a bit tight on sunny weekends, so try to go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Bring a light jacket—up in the hills, it can feel a few degrees cooler than Wilsonville, even in summer.

3. Hillsboro & Intel Country: High‑Tech Meets Small‑Town Charm (Washington County)

About 40–50 minutes northwest of Wilsonville, Hillsboro is known for tech campuses, but there’s a lot more than office parks. Things to do in and around Hillsboro:
  • Check out the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market (seasonal) for food trucks, live music, and local vendors.
  • Catch a minor league baseball game with the Hillsboro Hops at Ron Tonkin Field.
  • Walk the paths at Rood Bridge Park along the Tualatin River, with big lawns and wooded trails.
  • Explore small breweries and taprooms sprinkled around town.
If you like seeing the contrast between high‑tech life and laid‑back parks, Hillsboro is a nice change of scenery without driving too far.

4. Wine Tasting in Newberg & Dundee (Yamhill County)

From Wilsonville, head west on Highway 99W and in about 25–35 minutes you’ll be rolling into Newberg and Dundee, right in the heart of Oregon wine country. In this stretch of Yamhill County you’ll find:
  • Dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, many known for Pinot Noir.
  • Views of rolling hills and vineyard rows that look like something off a postcard.
  • Cozy cafes and bakeries in downtown Newberg for a quick breakfast or lunch.
If you’re planning to taste wine, consider:
  • Designating a sober driver.
  • Booking a wine tour shuttle.
  • Limiting yourself to just a couple of stops.
Even if you’re not into wine, driving the winding rural roads around Newberg and Dundee is a treat—especially on a sunny spring afternoon when everything is green and blooming.

5. Historic McMinnville & 3rd Street Stroll (Yamhill County)

A little farther west (roughly 45–60 minutes from Wilsonville), McMinnville offers a classic small‑town main street with big character. Don’t miss:
  • 3rd Street – Lined with local shops, wine bars, and restaurants. It’s very walkable and feels a bit like stepping back in time.
  • Vintage and antique stores, where you might find anything from vinyl records to old signs.
  • Local bakeries and ice cream shops—perfect for a mid‑day treat.
If you want to make it a family day trip, you can add a stop at the nearby aviation museum complex (that’s the spot famous for the giant wooden “Spruce Goose” airplane), but even just wandering downtown is worth the drive.

6. Salem: Capitol City Day Trip (Marion County)

About 40–50 minutes south of Wilsonville on I‑5, Salem is the capital of Oregon and makes a relaxed, family‑friendly road trip. Ideas for your Salem day:
  • Walk the grounds around the Oregon State Capitol and visit the outdoor monuments.
  • Let kids burn off energy at Riverfront City Park along the Willamette River.
  • Ride the historic Riverfront Carousel—fun even if you’re a kid at heart.
  • Explore downtown shops and coffee spots within a few blocks of the river.
Salem has a slower pace than Portland. If you like a city feel without big‑city stress, it’s a great option for a chill Saturday.

7. Silver Falls State Park: “Trail of Ten Falls” (Marion County)

If you’re craving waterfalls, head about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Wilsonville to Silver Falls State Park in Marion County. The star here is the Trail of Ten Falls:
  • A loop trail (roughly 7–8 miles) that passes multiple waterfalls.
  • You can actually walk behind several of the falls, which is unforgettable.
  • Shorter loop options if you don’t want to hike the whole thing.
Tips before you go:
  • Wear sturdy shoes—some sections can be muddy and slippery.
  • Bring a light rain jacket or poncho; you’ll get misted near the falls even on sunny days.
  • Arrive early on weekends; parking fills up fast in peak season.
From Wilsonville, the drive takes you through farms and forested backroads, so the journey is almost as nice as the destination.

8. Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls (Multnomah County)

If there’s one classic Oregon road trip near Wilsonville, this might be it. In about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, you can reach the Columbia River Gorge and the famous Multnomah Falls. What to expect:
  • Multnomah Falls – A 620‑foot waterfall just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, with a paved path to the iconic footbridge.
  • Nearby falls like Wahkeena, Latourell, and Horsetail along the same scenic route.
  • Stunning river views and cliffside pull‑outs for photos.
The Gorge area gets busy, especially on summer weekends. Some areas may require timed reservations or passes, so it’s smart to check current info before you go. Even if you just stop at one or two waterfalls and grab a coffee, the drive itself is incredible—towering cliffs on one side, the Columbia River on the other.

9. Hood River: Wind, Water, and Small‑Town Vibes (Hood River County)

From Wilsonville, plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Hood River, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Hood River is known for:
  • Windsurfing and kiteboarding on the Columbia River—fun to watch even if you’re not out on the water.
  • A lively downtown with breweries, cider houses, and outdoor‑gear shops.
  • Riverfront parks where you can picnic, walk, or just sit and enjoy the view of snow‑capped Mount Hood in the distance.
If you like a more active day trip, you can:
  • Rent a bike and explore local trails.
  • Drive a section of the nearby Fruit Loop, a network of farm stands and orchards in season.
On a clear day, standing at the waterfront and looking out at the mountains, it’s hard to believe you left Wilsonville just that morning.

10. The Dalles & Eastern Gorge History (Wasco County)

For a different feel—more sun, drier air, and open landscapes—drive about 2 hours from Wilsonville to The Dalles in Wasco County. Here you’ll find:
  • Columbia River views from the drier, eastern side of the Gorge.
  • A historic downtown district with murals, local shops, and cafes.
  • Access to trails and viewpoints that show off the transition from forest to high desert.
Because The Dalles sits in a drier climate than Wilsonville or Portland, it can be noticeably warmer. In summer, bring extra water, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat. It’s a great place to go when you’re tired of gray skies and want some blue overhead.

Tips for Planning Your Wilsonville Road Trips

To make the most of these short road trips from Wilsonville:
  • Check drive times and traffic before leaving—especially on I‑5 and I‑84.
  • Keep a “go bag” in the car with water, snacks, a jacket, and a phone charger.
  • Start early on weekends to beat crowds at popular spots like Multnomah Falls and Silver Falls.
  • Mix it up: rotate between city days (Portland, Salem) and nature days (Gorge, Silver Falls, wine country).
Over time, you’ll find your own favorite loops—maybe a morning hike in the Gorge and dinner in Portland, or a lazy brunch in Newberg followed by a drive through the vineyards.

Where Will You Go Next?

Living near Wilsonville puts you in a prime spot for quick getaways across Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Marion, Hood River, and Wasco Counties. Whether you’re into waterfalls, wine tasting, river views, or just wandering new streets, you don’t have to drive far to feel like you’re “away.” Which of these road trips are you most excited to try first? Have you already discovered a favorite out‑of‑county spot near Wilsonville? Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are also looking for easy things to do near Wilsonville. The more ideas we swap, the better our next weekend adventures will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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