Autumn. It crunches like a tart heirloom apple. Blazes like a bonfire of maples. Exhales the soft spice of a Columbia Gorge Syrah. And crackles like the bundled electricity of 46,000 football fans. For many Portlanders, autumn’s liminal magic holds special romance. From cranberries and chanterelles to summit hikes and spooky nights, the time for adventuring is now—as the sun slants lower, the air grows crisp, and every drop of daylight feels a bit more precious. These 10 spectacular day trips aim to help you revel in every moment: “bagging gold,” writes poet David Baker, “for the cold days to come.”
Image: Courtesy David Lloyd
Eugene? Psh. Go Tailgating in Corvallis Instead.
Tag along with fans of that other Oregon football team—you might just catch Beaver fever.
An Apple Picking Trip in Oregon’s Hood River Valley
The upside of autumn chill? Harvest time in Parkdale and beyond.
Take a Fall Wine Trek through the Columbia Gorge
The hills near Lyle, Washington, offer up rich vino and stunning views.
Island Farms and Rickety Ferry Rides: Adventure on the Back Roads to Astoria
Swap traffic for tranquility, and tourist crowds for little-known towns.
Want Crowd-Free Floats? Raft the North Santiam in the Fall
Autumn is prime time for one of Western Oregon’s most underappreciated rivers.
Autumn Leaves to Cranberry Cocktails: 5 Easy Day Trips to Make the Most of Fall
And most within spitting distance of Portland.
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