Worth the Drive

Worth the drive if you have extra time in town.

Cannon Beach — About ninety minutes to the coast, with Haystack Rock and tide pools right on the sand. Go at low tide if you can.
Astoria — The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, about two hours down the Columbia. Climb the Astoria Column for the view, or just wander the hills.
Tillamook — Home of the cheese factory, and yes, the tour and samples are free. About ninety minutes from the venue, easy to pair with the coast.
Columbia Gorge — Multnomah Falls is forty minutes east on the interstate. Rent a car, go early, be back in time for lunch.
Mt. Hood — Oregon’s tallest peak, about an hour east. Timberline Lodge is worth the trip on its own, even if you are not skiing.
Mount St. Helens — The volcano that erupted in 1980, and still looks like it. Johnston Ridge has the best view of the crater, about three hours north.
Mount Rainier — About four hours north, so more of a full day than a quick trip. Paradise has the best close-up views of the mountain, weather permitting.
Seattle — Three hours north on I-5. Pike Place Market and the waterfront are the easy win if you only have a few hours before heading back.
Willamette Valley Wine Country — Pinot country, well under an hour south. Dozens of tasting rooms, so pick two or three and take it slow.