Welcome to Destinations: Portland, Oregon — your ultimate travel guide to one of the most offbeat, creative, and unforgettable cities in the Pacific Northwest. From legendary bookstores and record shops to food cart pods, lush public gardens, and iconic doughnuts, this guide takes you beyond the tourist checklist and straight into the heart of what makes Portland so beloved.

If you're driving through in your RV, planning a weekend getaway or staying a little longer to soak up the city’s weird and wonderful vibe, this episode is packed with personal stories, must-see spots, local tips and the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from exploring it ourselves.

Portland isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. And by the end of this episode, you might just find yourself planning your next trip there.

Start exploring Portland like a local with our travel guide and plan your unforgettable adventure today.

Driving the North Cascade Loop is like stepping into a living painting where every twist of the road reveals a new jaw-dropping vista. If you're craving a blend of majestic mountain landscapes, charming small towns, and outdoor adventure, the North Cascade Loop delivers it all. This 10-day RV itinerary will guide you through some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of Washington State. Expect alpine lakes, quaint Bavarian villages, local breweries, and national parks this is the Pacific Northwest road trip of a lifetime.

If you're dreaming of lakeside camping, small-town charm, and top-tier outdoor recreation, Coeur d'Alene should be at the top of your RV travel list. Nestled in Northern Idaho just 40 minutes from Spokane, WA via I-90, Coeur d'Alene is best known for its crown jewel—Lake Coeur d'Alene. This stunning natural lake stretches 26 miles long and offers over 135 miles of shoreline. Surrounded by glacier-carved mountains and fed by the Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe Rivers, it's a scenic paradise that RVers return to year after year.

Lake Chelan, on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, is a well known haven for vacationers seeking both relaxation and adventure. A scenic four-hour drive from Seattle takes you through winding mountain passes, past the charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth, and into the sun-drenched Wenatchee Valley before arriving at the vibrant town of Chelan. During summer, the atmosphere here pulses with energy, embodying the essence of a perfect summer break.

The mighty Columbia River divides Washington State and Oregon, creating a stunning natural boundary. The Columbia River Gorge stretches 85 miles from the confluence of the Columbia and Deschutes rivers down to the edge of Portland, Oregon. As you drive east along Highway 30, the journey is a spectacular sight. The snaking highway almost dances with the powerful Columbia River on your left and steep rock cliffs rising on your right.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and vibrant culinary scenes. Whether you enjoy cycling, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, paddling, skiing, or snowboarding, Bend has something for everyone. The town also values creativity, with arts showcased in downtown galleries and even in restaurants.

Nestled along the southern route of the North Cascade loop, out Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains, lies the enchanting Bavarian-styled village of Leavenworth. This quaint town serves as a perfect getaway for numerous outdoor adventures, regardless of the season. With its captivating surroundings and an elevation of 1,171 feet above sea level, Leavenworth is framed by jagged mountain peaks standing between 5,000 and 8,000 feet tall.

Just an hour north of Seattle lies Whidbey Island, a destination that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For RV enthusiasts who love to slow down and enjoy the scenery, Whidbey Island offers the perfect escape. This 45-mile-long island, located in Puget Sound, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, quaint small towns, and outdoor adventures, all just an hour and a half south of the Canadian border.

Nestled in the upper left corner of Oregon lies the beautiful seaport community of Astoria. This charming town sits where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. Established in 1811 when the crew aboard John Jacob Astor's ship, the Tonquin, staked the first U.S. claim to the West Coast, Astoria became the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This town, rich in history and natural beauty, offers RVers a lot activities and experiences.