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Winter is on its way, Portland! And, if you’ve tuned into the weather channel recently, you’ll know it will be a doozy. But don’t let the impending glacial months catch you off guard. Our Winter Escapes features great ideas for staying warm, cozying up, or even leaning into the season’s icy charm. Dive into our recommendations for a winter experience, or several, that you won’t forget!
Opens in new windowSip Vino Amidst Old-Growth Grape Vines
Winery Lane Collective
WHERE: 14665 SW Winery Lane, Beaverton
WEBSITE: winerylanecollective.com
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Enjoy proximity to 2000 old-growth grape vines, wide open Willamette Valley skies, South Store Cafe, Smith Berry Barn, Sosta House. One of the oldest vineyards in Oregon, Winery Lane Collective is tucked away, down a country road with a bar and wine shop. Run by three generations of Oregon winemakers, the space is newly renovated and welcoming!
Opens in new windowAn Unforgettable Winter Music Experience
Bend Winterfest
WHERE: Bend
WEBSITE: oregonwinterfest.com
PLAN YOUR VISIT: The Boss Mortgage Bend Winterfest is the Northwest’s premier celebration of winter, offering three days of winter fun. Enjoy two nights of live music on the Hayden Homes Amphitheater stage, with an exciting lineup to be announced soon! Kick off the festivities with the popular Wine Walk, and don’t miss returning favorites like the thrilling Ollie Contest and live ice carving. Join us February 14–16 for cozy fire pits, the Hot Cocoa Run, and endless winter magic for all ages!
Learn All About the Columbia River
Columbia River Maritime Museum
WHERE: 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria
WEBSITE: www.crmm.org
PLAN YOUR VISIT: The Columbia River Maritime Museum offers educational and entertaining exhibits for the entire family. Engage in some hands-on learning, and explore the Brix Maritime Hall and its historic vessels which help tell the story of fishing on the Columbia River. Take in the “Crossing the Bar” exhibit. Embark on a voyage on board a luxury steamship. Listen to stories and tales about the history of Astoria, the surrounding community, and the mighty Columbia River! Try to forecast our Pacific Northwest weather, or catch a 3D movie, or two. Once you’ve had your fill of interactive exploration, head to close-by destinations like the Astoria Column, Fort Stevens State Park, Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, Oregon Film Museum.
Opens in new windowRock Hound on the Northern Oregon Coast
Rockaway Beach
WHERE: North Oregon Coast, in Tillamook County
WEBSITE: visitrockawaybeach.org
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Grab your best waterproof shoes and walk along seven miles of wide, sandy beaches, searching for agates or sea dollars. Peruse local foods, head to the local nature preserve, or enjoy crabbing and clamming during the best season to do so, winter! Oh, and don’t get us started on the plethora of verdant hiking trails. Rockaway Beach offers wheelchairs, is home to Original Pronto Pup, and a Wizard of Oz putt putt course. Like…c’mon. Stop by the Tillamook Creamery, Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Kelly’s Marina, or the Old Growth Cedar Trail for some one-of-a-kind experiences.
Bask in the Beauty of the Columbia River Gorge
The Dalles
WHERE: The Dalles
WEBSITE: www.explorethedalles.com
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Explore The Dalles, where outdoor adventures and cozy indoor activities create the ultimate winter escape. With warm hospitality, unique seasonal events, and noticeably less rain than other parts of Oregon, The Dalles is a hidden gem for beating the winter blues.
A lively local music scene and creative happenings like trivia nights, comedy shows, and interactive games at spots such as Route 30 Burgers and Brews add a playful touch to every stay. Warm up at Tierra de Lobos Winery with hot mulled wine by the fire pits on their patio, and enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River. Freebridge Brewing brings the community together with Thursday Bingo Nights and supper club dinners.
Explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, or cozy up with a good read during one of the Wasco County Library’s family-friendly events. The Dalles’ mild weather invites outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, or strolling along the riverfront, even in winter. Complete your getaway with a full spa experience at The Wellsprings Medical Massage and Spa!
The Oregon Zoo
WHERE: Washington Park, 64 acres!
WEBSITE: www.oregonzoo.org
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year. Not able to commit to a timed-entry ticket? The Oregon Zoo brought back the ZooLights Any Night ticket which can be purchased in advance and used spontaneously for any night and time throughout the season. While you’re at Washington Park, you can visit Portland Japanese Gardens, the World Forestry Center, Portland’s famous Rose Garden, and walk endless trails at the Hoyt Arboretum.