MILWAUKIE: Just south of Portland on the east side of the Willamette River, the former mill town of Milwaukie once rivaled Portland’s shipping business in the 19th century. Called the “Dogwood City of the West” for the spring blossoms that dot its landscape, this friendly community is known for great shopping, wine bars and taprooms. Take the plunge at the aquatic park, check out the climbing wall or explore the river by kayak. Home to world-famous Dark Horse Comics as well as Things from Another World and the Main Street Collectors Mall and Soda Fountain, Milwaukie is a delightful mix of the various cultures that make our region special.
HAPPY VALLEY: There are many reasons to enjoy living in this community. With our beautiful parks, meandering trails, well-maintained streets, safe neighborhoods, and attractive commercial centers, Happy Valley is a wonderful place to call home. While Happy Valley, Oregon is a suburb of Portland, you’re never far away from nature here. Numerous parks, walking trails, nature preserves and wetlands are located amidst a great selection of shopping and dining choices and any other amenity you may need in your travels. Happy Valley also hosts the annual Pickathon music festival, rated one of the best by several national publications.
GLADSTONE: Twelve miles south of Portland, Gladstone is a historic locale at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers. The ancestral home of the Clackamas Indians — whose presence is marked by the Pow-Wow Tree, an Oregon Heritage Tree — Gladstone was settled by Oregon Trail pioneers. Present-day explorers will enjoy fishing on the Clackamas and the Willamette, as well as hiking and birding at local parks. Grab a coffee and discover downtown antique shops.
OREGON CITY: It’s the original capital of the Oregon Territory. History lives in the city’s pioneer museums, landmarks and North America’s only “vertical street.” And craft beer and cuisine is being reinvented in downtown every day. You also can’t miss the powerful Willamette Falls — seriously, it’s right there — and it may inspire you to bike, hike or kayak, which is fine by us. Oregon City just might be one of the prettiest little cities within a stone’s throw of Portland. Just 13 miles south of the big city, a day trip to historic Oregon City can feel like a trip back in time. You can still see the remnants of the 1800s, when it was the heart of the region’s lumber, flour, wool and paper mill industries. But there’s a lot of revitalization underway. This historic community is a city of firsts. Oregon City was the first city west of the Mississippi, the location of the first long-distance power generation thanks to the mighty Willamette Falls and several other first that make it a fun and unique destination. That history is on display at the many museums and interpretive centers throughout the town. From the excellent shopping and dining along the town’s award-winning main street, to the epic view offered by the Oregon City Municipal Elevator towering above, this city is a family-friendly community with character.
WEST LINN: Situated between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers on the southern outskirts of Portland. West Linn is one of the oldest settlements in Oregon. With historic walking tours, jetboat excursions, a public fishing dock and strange claims to fame — the largest meteorite in North America was found here — West Linn does not disappoint. Cast a line, savor farm-to-table dining or simply kick back and enjoy the great river views. Located right across the Willamette from Oregon City. Walk through time, view the majestic Willamette Falls, enjoy an afternoon on the river and see a piece of outer space. It is a quaint community with a charming, historic main street featuring tasty dining options and access to nearby recreation options. The town has also become quite the destination for wine aficionados offering wines as amazing as the scenic views.
LAKE OSWEGO: Portland’s neighbor to the south is located just a short, scenic drive down Highway 43. Despite its close proximity to Portland, Lake Oswego feels like a small community far away from the rest of the world. The town of Lake Oswego is nestled on the banks of a 405-acre lake just eight miles from downtown Portland. Industry heads once hoped to make the community a steel town to rival Pittsburgh. Instead, early 20th-century developers turned to residential building, creating some of the era’s most attractive homes with a distinctly English feel. Today, located just 45 miles north of Salem, and a stone’s throw from the Coast, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, Lake Oswego is in the heart of Northwest Oregon’s best places. Visitors will find boutiques and fine restaurants. Lake Oswego also celebrates the arts with a number of art galleries and performing arts centers. You’ll find upscale luxurious shopping, acclaimed dining along with a celebrated arts scene embodied in the Lake Oswego Gallery Without Walls. Scenic access to the Willamette River offers the chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
CANBY: For a small town, Canby has a lot going on. It’s the home of the Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo and the world’s largest dahlia supplier and host of the annual Swan Island Dahlia Festival. Those flowers are just one of the many reasons this community, located in the fertile Willamette Valley, is known as “The Garden Spot.” Even with the popularity of the area, Canby has managed to hold on to its small town feel.
ESTACADA: Being located along the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River and near the Mt. Hood National Forest, you could say that the outdoor lifestyle is in Estacada’s nature. Their connection with the environment and their heritage is evident in the numerous murals painted throughout the community, and even in the local businesses. From craft beer brewed from the “magical waters of the Clackamas River” to whitewater rafting, road cycling along the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway and mushroom festivals, you’ll find the fun and quirky here.
SANDY: Known as the Gateway to Mt. Hood, Sandy, Oregon, is an attractive destination itself. Home to some of the best blueberry muffins in the world a the Tollgate Inn, world famous Joe’s Donuts and other great food options, as well as one of the most iconic views of Mt. Hood at Jonsrud Viewpoint, Sandy’s beauty is matched by its rich history. Sitting along the Barlow Road, Sandy boasts its pioneer heritage as well as the early logging industry, celebrated at the annual Sandy Mountain Festival.
WILSONVILLE: Oregon’s, proximity to Portland is belied by its wonderful mix of city amenities and rural peace. Replete with numerous opportunities to explore working farms and gardens, you also have access to wonderful shopping and top-level museums and heritage sites. It serves as a family-friendly destination, as kids and the young at heart alike love Bullwinkle’s Entertainment, with go karts, laser tag, bumper boats and several other child-pleasing activities.
THE VILLAGES OF MT. HOOD: The Villages of Mt. Hood are actually a collection of several small mountain communities along Highway 26. The Villages offer access to amazing cabins and beautiful vacation rentals, all near Mt. Hood’s three ski resorts. Visitors enjoy being in the Mt. Hood National Forest and its wealth of year-round recreational opportunities, such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, and camping.
