May 30

May 30 Portland 3 Day Adventure Itinerary

This time of the year, when the heat of Texas becomes almost unbearable, I start thinking of cooler weather and the west coast. I had so many questions on my Instagram about our Oregon trip, I wanted to do a short itinerary post for you guys.

This was the first time we were ever away from Kai. We visited the whole state for 5 days and drive over 1500 miles. If I only had 3 days in the Portland area, here are the things I would do and the order I would do them in!

Day1: Saturday Market, Ace hotel & Cannon Beach

Day2: Ecola State Park, Cape Kiwanda

Day 3: Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge & Night on the town

Day 1 : Saturday Market, Ace Hotel & Cannon Beach

Right after we got off the plane, we wanted to soak in as much of the city as we could. We arrived on a Saturday and hit up the well known Saturday market down town Portland immediately. We really enjoyed the live music and local vendors.

We got pretty tired and thirsty so we ventured over to the iconic Ace Hotel Portland. We enjoyed some quite reading time in the photogenic lobby. We also took silly photos at the photo booth in the lobby. While at the ace, we came across a couple getting eloped and taking their wedding photos at the hotel. It was so fun! The Ace is one of my favorite hotels in the city. The inviting atmosphere and people watching are prime!

Interconnected to the Ace is Clyde Common. We enjoyed some adult beverages and split some yummy apps. It was just the perfect amount of city life we needed before driving to the coast.

Day 2 : Ecola State Park & Cape Kiwanda

We got up early the next day and enjoyed breakfast on the beach. We then drove to Ecola State Park to take in the views. The dense forrest and winding road was the perfect scenery leading up to the state park. We hiked 2 trails and found ourselves resting on the beach, with Haystack Rock in the background.

Portland 3 Day Adventure Itinerary ecola state park

After frolicking on the beach with some locals, we drove 2 hours down the coast to cape Kiwanda. There were many cute shops and antique stops along the way. When we made it to Cape Kiwanda, we rested our toes in the sand at the Pelican Pub and Brewery. They have hands down, the best beach views and ice cold beers. We then hiked up the giant sand dunes (just do it, it's a must).

After gazing at the scenery a bit more, we made our way back to Portland

Portland 3 Day Adventure Itinerary cape kiwanda

Day 3: Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge & Night on the town

Day 3 was another early day. We caught Cafe Honore as they opened and enjoyed fresh croissants and amazing french pastries.

Portland 3 Day Adventure Itinerary cafe honere

We made our way to my favorite spot yet: Draper Girls Farms located in the Hood River Valley. There was fresh apples, peach, beautiful flowers as far as the eyes can see with Mt Hood in the backdrop. We fed the local goats and indulged on fresh apple cider.

Finally, we made our way to your usual Colombia River Gorge hiking spots. The craziest has to be Oneonta Gorge . This short hike is inaccessible by trail. One must hike through a freezing river, at times neck deep to reach the beautiful waterfall at the end. Careful of the log dam made from fallen trees. This was certainly a bucket list hike!

After it all, we drove back to Portland and rewarded ourselves with gastronomical wonders. We first dined at Pok Pok, yes the wings are a must. Then for dessert, we visited Salt & Straw. my favorite flavor was the lavender and honey