This winter, don’t let the cold weather keep you at home all season long. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor escapes, there are still plenty of things to do in Portland during the winter. So, don your puffiest coat and warmest boots and start planning your winter getaway to Portland.
Tubing on Mt. Hood
Grab your snow gear and head just outside of Portland to Mt. Hood for a day of classic winter fun. The area offers traditional day time tubing — ideal for an afternoon away from the city — as well as its popular cosmic tubing. This special winter activity is open from December 14 to January 1 and features more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, music, and more.
Whale Watching
Every winter, roughly 20,000 gray whales make the journey south to the warm waters of Baja California, Mexico. On their way down, they pass right by the Oregon coast, making for a spectacular show for any lucky onlookers. The whales can be seen from mid-December through mid-January. There are several places to go whale watching, including Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Lookout State Park, and Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker.
Brewery Tour
Stay out of the cold and warm up in one of Portland’s many craft breweries. Make a day of it and sip your way through the best stouts, ales, and IPAs in Portland. Be sure to stop by Breakside Brewery and Base Camp Brewing on your tour.
Ice Skating
Nothing says winter quite like ice skating. The perfect winter activity for families and couples alike, ice skating is hosted at indoor and outdoor rinks throughout town, including the Hillsboro Winter Village, the Winterhawks Skating Center, and the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.
Holiday Events
Winter also brings with it endless holiday fun. Experience the best events of the holiday season during your visit. From special performances to festive celebrations, get into the holiday spirit during your winter in Portland.
Delicious Winter Dining
Trade a blustery winter day for an afternoon of indulging in some of Portland’s best eats. Whether you want to find a quiet café to escape to or are looking to have a meal with friends, there is no shortage of good food and welcoming atmosphere in Portland. For especially cold days, we recommend trying out the pho at local staple Phở MeKha Restaurant.
Bagsby Hot Springs
Before the snow completely overtakes the Mt. Hood Forest, make the trek out to the famous Bagsby Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located within the towering trees near the Clackamas River. To get to them, you’ll have to hike for about a mile before arriving at the complex of communal private baths, where you can warm up and unwind in the naturally hot waters.