If you're looking for different views than the Columbia River Gorge has to offer to complement your trip, the picturesque towns of the Oregon Coast are as close as an hour and a half west of Portland. Whether it's iconic Cannon Beach, artsy Astoria, or lively Newport.
Tillamook Creamery - World-famous cheese factory with self-guided tours and ice cream
Scenic Drives -Three Capes Scenic Route connecting Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda
Haystack Rock Exploration and Tide Pooling - Tide poolingis an awesome PNW activity, check the tides and best places in the beach towns of your choosing
Seaside Aquarium - Historic private aquarium with hands-on exhibits
Beach activities - Surfing, kite flying, beach volleyball
Local brewery scene - Pelican Brewing, de Garde Brewing, and others
Cape Lookout Trail - Moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike to dramatic ocean viewpoint jutting into the Pacific
Munson Creek Falls - Easy 0.8-mile roundtrip to see the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range (319 feet)
Cape Meares Lighthouse Trail - Short 0.5-mile walk to historic lighthouse and Octopus Tree
Haystack Rock Tide Pools - Easy beach walk to explore marine life around the iconic 235-foot sea stack
Tillamook Head Trail - Challenging 6-mile roundtrip hike with spectacular coastal vistas
Hug Point State Recreation Site - Easy beach walk to see waterfalls flowing directly onto the beach and historic wagon road remnants carved into cliffs
Tolovana Inn - Spacious oceanfront suites with kitchens, pet-friendly
Surfsand Resort - Beachfront location with multiple room types
The Argonauta Inn - Boutique hotel in downtown Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach Hotel - Historic downtown hotel with European charm
Rivertide Suites Hotel - Riverside suites with fireplaces
Inn at the Shore - Boutique hotel near the beach
Pacific City Inn - Cozy inn near Cape Kiwanda
Inn at Cape Kiwanda - Modern oceanfront hotel with stunning views
We haven't visited the Oregon Coast yet, so we don't have many tips. But those of you who plan to tag this to the back end of your trip might see us in the days following the wedding!