Eight Must Do PNW Summer Adventures
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is the very best thing. After so many gray and rainy days, the sun is out, the sky is blue, and the air is warm and welcoming. It’s time to get outside and enjoy it—preferably with a chilled can of cider nearby!
There are tons of activities for Portland locals to soak up some rays and make the most of this all-too-brief, bright season. A few of our favorites:
Photo by @trailsnbrews via instagram
Located in NW Portland, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Forest Park has a multitude of trail head entrances for beginner to expert hikers. Our suggested Ridge Trail offers views of the undeniably gorgeous St. Johns Bridge.
SUGGESTED ROUTE: From a parking area at the end of NW Springville Road off of Skyline Boulevard, follow Firelane 7 and turn left down the Ridge Trail. (Hard, 3.5 miles out-and-back)
For more trails check out Portland Monthly’s guide to Forest park.
Photo shot by @imabakker via instagram
2. Hood to Coast
This self-described “mother of all relays” sends teams from Mount Hood all the way to—you guessed it!—the Oregon Coast. People come from all over to participate in this foot race, and if you don’t join a team, it’s still worth it to cheer from the sidelines as the runners pass through town--and the finish line is a real party!
3. Barton to Carver Float
Just a quick 30-minute drive outside of the city of Portland you can float down the Clackamas River with your friends in tow. Barton Park is the perfect starting point for a leisurely river trip with cool water and gorgeous scenery. Plan on spending 3-5 hours on the river, depending on how fast you go, and watch for your first available exit at Carver Park.
4. Thousand Acres Park
Just past Troutdale and north of I-84 lie 1,400 acres of wetlands, trails, two rivers, and tons of wildlife--and the whole thing is off-leash dog-friendly! Plan your day on mountain bikes, bird-watching, or swimming in the Columbia, and let the river breeze keep you cool.
5. Go Berry Picking
The Willamette Valley is rich with U-pick berry farms just waiting for you to come harvest to your heart’s content. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and more are just a quick trip away. Enjoy a pint of fresh-picked raspberries alongside a pint of our RazzBerry cider for the ultimate fruity explosion.
6. Portland Farmers Market
Don’t want to pick your own produce? The next-best thing is buying it fresh from the farmers who grew it. Stop by the market in the South Park Blocks of Portland State University and stock up on all the fruit and veggies you can carry—not to mention bread, pastries, candy, coffee, grains, seafood, and lots more.
Photos shot by @Roxysgoodeats via instagram
7. Dog Mountain Trail
Worth the uphill challenge for the spectacular views, Dog Mountain is a little over an hour east of Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Over the course of the 6.5 mile loop you’ll gain nearly 3,000 feet of elevation, so bring lots of water and sunscreen! If you feel safe trekking back down at dusk, the summit has breathtaking sunset vistas.
8. Trillium Lake
Just an hour from Portland, this lake is nestled in the foothills below Mount Hood, with gorgeous views of the peak. Settle in for a stay at the campground, or just visit for the day, hiking, swimming, or cruising your stand-up paddle board (Enter to win one from us here this June!) around the lake.
Pro tip: Okay, we may be a little biased, but the patio at our Clackamas taproom is one of our favorite places to end a day of playing in the great outdoors. With 18 taps featuring some of our favorite ciders (and one beer), it can be tough to pick just one pint. Go with a flight, instead, and you can sample any six to find your favorite.
Tag @PORTALNDCIDER on Facebook And Instagram In Your Summer Adventures and be featured on our social channels!
Portland Cider Company is committed to making the best cider in the Pacific Northwest - it’s in our roots! Portland Cider Co. was started in 2013 with the mission of bringing together cider rooted in the English tradition with a little Portland personality and culture. Combine those things, and you’ve got the Portland Cider Company.