Autumn Day Trips

Around Portland

Getting out of town for the day can be a blast, even when there's so much to do IN town, especially when you're in the Pacific Northwest. This area is well-known for its devastatingly beautiful natural wonders from waterfalls to Pacific ocean views, snow-capped mountains and wine grape-filled valleys. Visiting Portland? Rent a car and get out on the road! Local? Hit up these spots when you have a free day. And of course, use Jupiter as your landing spot after a day well-explored. Before you head out on your big adventure, make sure you...

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Mt Hood Railroad

As the leaves change, fall is ushered in, and what better way to enjoy the scenery than sitting back in a century-old, short line railroad offering scenic passenger excursions through Northern Oregon. Located just outside of Portland, Mount Hood Railroad offers round-trip excursions as well as seasonal special events. Our trips offer a thousand views as we travel through orchards, vineyards, and forests enjoying picture-perfect views of snow-capped Mt. Hood and capturing the nostalgia of classic American train travel along the way. Great for families, and perfect for sending off your in-laws and kids while you and your honey spend a little time together in a room at the NEXT.

Mt Hood Railroad
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Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Located in McMinnville, about an hour south of Portland, the perfect museum for aero/space lovers lets you soar through decades of aerospace innovation. Discover more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration with unique historic artifacts, including American aviation icon the Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle with its original launch room. Plus, if you only have an hour or so, they have a Quick Tour option, which is super helpful, especially if you have little ones or the attention span of a little one.

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
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Scappoose-Vernonia Highway

The Scappoose-Vernonia Highway is just 40 minutes northwest of Portland, and it rides alongside the Crown Zellerbach Trail, 23 miles of gorgeously green natural beauty. With a probability of rain being super high during PNW fall season, hop in your car and wind along the evergreen highways, sprawling forests, and epic views of the best PNW scenery around. Plus, if the weather IS nice, you can hop out on a number of trailheads along the way. Want to get really wild? Nearby, Scaponia Park is known for its horse thief and dog who haunt the park. Stop by... if you dare!

Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy
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Rowena Crest

For any aspiring photographer, Rowena's Crest is a shining star of the Columbia Gorge. Whether you're there to see the windy road below, see some of the most iconic views of the gorge, or catch long-exposure shots of cars winding around at night, this is your spot. It's an easy 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Portland, and you won't get tired of the views from the car... This drive is stunning -- don't just take our word for it, go!!!

Rowena Crest
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Cape Kiwanda

Near Pacific City, this coastal Oregon site is the perfect spot for water-lovers, folks who want to indulge in a little wild surf action (whether you're surfing or watching!), or for those who like to experience natural beauty while enjoying a craft beer (Pelican Brewing is right by the water!). Plus, there's the sand dunes nearby at Cape Kiwanda, and you can get your danger fix -- seriously, the cliffs are legit on the hike up, but so gorgeous nonetheless.

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Cape Kiwanda State Park

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LAND AT THE JUPITER

Adventure to your heart's content, then unwind in the center of it all! Need a place to cozy up and decompress before heading up to your room for the evening? Stop in at Hey Love for a night cap. Autumn at Jupiter Hotel is unparalleled. All we need is YOU.

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