Portland, Oregon Area | Things to Do

This trip was a spontaneous solo trip I took after finding super cheap flights to a place I had never been before. So, I couldn't pass them up and decided to check it out for a long weekend. I went with very little planning, so not all of the footage is necessarily of things that I recommend doing, but rather of what I had experiences with and hopefully you can spot a few locations you're interested in or gather some inspiration for your next trip to the Portland area.
Forest Park
This is a public park with a ton of trails to explore and a beautiful creek running through it. It first caught my eye after seeing some images of the Witch's Castle. The Witch's Castle is a very old building that was first constructed as a Park Ranger station in the early 1900s and was later abandoned after some major flooding in the area. It was later rediscovered and used as a party spot for high schoolers in the 80's. Today, it has been embraced as part of the local culture and can be seen covered in graffiti and artwork. It was neat to check out, but I do wish the building still looked as it did before it was completely colored on.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
I know this place probably isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy exploring oddities shops and reading about local folklore then this place is right up your alley. From huge monster animatronics and shrunken heads, to allegedly haunted items and real vampire kits that were made and put together over a hundred years ago. This place is jam packed with interesting stuff to look at and is worth the visit if you have the time. They also have interesting items for sale, including some of the displayed items and even some local art. I wound up going home with a zombie head wall hanger I couldn't stop looking at that was created by a local artist.
2234 NW Thurman St.
Hours: Open daily from 11a-7p
Admission: $10 per person and $7 on Tuesdays
Astoria
About 2 hours west of Portland is the coastal beach town, Astoria, and it is rich in movie history - which I am a total sucker for, so I just had to visit while I was in the area. Their main claim to fame is the iconic cult classic The Goonies. Also, Point Break, Kindergarten Cop, Short Circuit and many other films have used Astoria for the town's picturesque buildings and beaches.
You can visit the Oregon Film Museum which once functioned as a County Jail and was used as such in The Goonies. The location is complete with a replica Jeep out front from the movie - complete with bullet holes the size of matzah balls.
732 Duane St.
Hours: Open daily from 10a-4p
Admission: $6 for Adults and $2 for Youth
Ecola State Park
This location is about a half hour from Astoria and a really unique beach with these incredible rock formations out in the water and there are some great hiking trails in the park. The trail in the video is the Indian Beach Trail and its about 2 miles long - one way. The trek took me approximately 60 minutes to get from Indian Beach to Crescent Beach and then another 45 minutes to get back to Indian Beach. In typical Oregon fashion, the weather was on and off rainy, so plan on the trails having the tendency to be extremely muddy in some areas if the weather is the same.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is simply the home of a very wealthy family from the early 1900s. The mansion has since been restored in all its antique former glory and is interesting to browse if you enjoy antiques and history. The tickets are way overpriced in my opinion, but it's interesting enough to tour if you have some free time and are looking to kill some time.
The grounds are free to visit and have a great view of Portland and Mt. Hood. If you're looking to explore the area and save a few bucks I think it would make an excellent location for a picnic or even just a walk or place to read a good book. There is a small parking fee.
3220 NW Pittock Dr
Hours: Open daily from 10a-4p and Noon on Tuesday's
Admission: $14.50 for Adults, $12.50 for Seniors, $1050 for Youth and Free from children under 6
Powell's Books
Hands down the biggest and coolest book store I've ever been to, covering an entire block on two streets and claiming all four corners of a whole city block. You can easily get lost in there. They have a chill coffee shop to sip a beverage and crack open a new book and even though the store is so massive it still gives off major beloved local vibes, rather than mega-chain corporation bookstore vibes. I will definitely be back.
1005 W Burnside St
Hours: Open daily from 10a-9p
Sizzle Pie
This pizza place was caddy corner to Powell's Books. Their pizza is nothing to write home about but it's tasty and cheap enough to hit the spot when you're searching for a slice.
Hours: Open daily from 11a-10p

[@Julietothemoon]

Wow! I love those movies!! I had no idea those were filmed in Oregon. Looks like a fun trip!!

[@Castaways_Travel]

Team Edward ✊🏾

[@jessicatrianavlogs]

we moved to Oregon in January and still have so much to explore! Thanks for the inspiration

[@Castaways_Travel]

I really wish I had more time in Astoria and along the coast. There was a Maritime museum there that I didn’t get to check out but looked neat. And the guy at the film museum told me he was staying in an Airbnb for his anniversary where they filmed Short Circuit so that sounds like a fun place to stay. Beautiful area and a great drive. I will definitely be back. Thanks for watching!

[@WanderingTogether]

nice video