Top 3 Summer Adventures near Portland, Oregon
Watched over by the snowcapped summit of Mount Hood, Portland has garnered a reputation for its creative urban energy, with inspiring galleries, eclectic cafes and innovative microbreweries dotting its streets. But it also serves as a gateway for exploring the natural wonders of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, making it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts.
From Portland's setting on the banks of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, you can easily access some of the region’s best whitewater rafting adventures, whether you’re after a family-friendly day trip or a thrilling multi-day expedition. Summer is one of the best times to get out on these majestic waterways, allowing you to swim, camp, and soak up the natural beauty of Oregon’s wilderness areas. Alternatively, you can cycle and hike amidst the staggering scenery of the Olympic Peninsula, with its centuries-old forests, windswept beaches, and dramatic mountain peaks.
In this article, discover four action-packed summer adventures near Portland that you can embark on with ROW and make memories to last a lifetime.
Deschutes River Rafting
The Deschutes River is one of America's most beloved waterways, winding through 100 miles of pristine desert canyon in central Oregon. Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, this natural treasure has been drawing adventurers to its banks for decades. Relics of Native American cultures, early pioneer homesteads, and the Oregon Trunk Railroad dot its route while ancient layers of basalt provide evidence of massive lava flows that shaped the region millions of years ago.
What makes the Deschutes so special for river rafting? For starters, its reliable flows and warm, swimmable water make it an ideal river for families and first-timers. The Class III rapids deliver just the right amount of thrill while still being manageable for kids and less experienced rafters. Between rapids, the calm sections allow you to relax and take in the stunning scenery while spotting osprey, eagles and bighorn sheep on the surrounding cliffs.
With over 40 years of experience guiding rafting trips down the Deschutes, ROW Adventures offers custom, multi-day group trips on this famed waterway. Our expert guides and top-quality gear ensure a smooth but exhilarating journey through some of the river's most exciting rapids and peaceful pools. During shore excursions, our guides will offer insights into the river’s fascinating geology and the cultural gems preserved within the canyon.
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Rogue River Rafting
Originating high in the Cascade Mountains, the Rogue River flows 215 miles through southwestern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. The area was inhabited by Native American people for at least 8,500 years before the arrival of European beaver trappers in the 18th century. The Rogue was one of the original waterways named in the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and has become one of the United States’ most sought-after whitewater rafting destinations.
As you float through the heart of the Rogue River Wilderness, you’ll encounter fun but adrenalin-pumping rapids and quiet pools where wildlife abounds. What makes this trip truly exceptional is the opportunity to spend your nights in the comfort of secluded riverside lodges, many of which are only accessible from the water. Each lodge features rustic cabins surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty - the perfect place to enjoy a hearty, homecooked meal and a good night’s sleep.
As one of the most respected outfitters operating trips along the Rogue River, ROW Adventures offers both three and four-day rafting adventures. The four-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace with additional time to hike, swim, and explore this pristine wilderness landscape. Along the way, our expert guides will share incredible stories about the Rogue and its storied past, making this a trip not to be missed.
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Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour
Just north of Portland, across the border into Washington, lies the incredible and biodiverse Olympic Peninsula. Encompassing ancient forests, wild beaches, and snow-capped peaks, the Olympic Peninsula is a national treasure on the Pacific coast. Much of the area is protected within Olympic National Park - almost one million acres of untouched wilderness just waiting to be explored. Framed by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, the park is crowned by the nearly 8,000-foot summit of Mount Olympus.
The Olympic Peninsula provides the setting for ROW’s new six-day e-bike tour that will provide an intimate, insider's look into this enchanted region. Much of our journey traverses the Olympic Discovery Trail, an 80-mile rails-to-trails conversion of a historic logging railroad that once transported timber. In addition to cycling through sublime scenery, the tour includes short hikes that further connect us to the spirit of the land.
From Portland, head north on Interstate 5 to your launching point of Seattle. Starting from Seattle, we’ll head southwest to the glacial-carved shores of Lake Quinault and visit a circle of centuries-old trees that are among the largest on Earth. As we pedal through valleys blanketed in spruce, hemlock, fir and pine, we’ll soak up spectacular views of Olympic National Park’s quintessential Pacific Northwest landscape. Each evening, we’ll retire to distinctive lodges integrated into the environment where we can recharge and reflect on the day’s adventures.
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