Feb 13, 2022
Photo by Stanislav Kondratiev from Pexels

3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Albany, OR

1. Portland

If you are in the mood for a bustling city full of museums, cultural centers, historical sites, landmark buildings, and a vibrant gastronomic scene, Portland is the place to be. Driving from Albany to the Portland downtown area takes a little over an hour along route I-5, making it an excellent day trip destination for visitors of all ages. Once you get there, a great place to start exploring is Chapman Square, located right in the city center.

With a population of about two and a half million, Portland is the largest metropolitan area in the state, so it is hard to run out of things to do and places to visit. While in the city, make sure to go for a walk along the beautiful Waterfront Park Trail, check out the St. Johns and Hawthorne bridges, visit the Pioneer Courthouse Square, and explore the Old Town Chinatown district.

2. Siuslaw National Forest

Featuring stunning cliffs and some of the most beautiful views of Oregon’s Pacific Coast, Siuslaw National Forest is an excellent day trip destination for Albany residents looking for a nature reserve to get away from the city. Established in 1908 by the United States Forest Service, this expansive national forest covers an area of about 635,000 acres and welcomes over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular nature destinations in the state.

One of the attractions that explain the popularity of Siuslaw National Forest is the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area, which contains the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. This place is a popular spot for recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking. Siuslaw National Forest and the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area are located 65 miles southwest of Albany, a distance that can be
covered in about an hour and 40 minutes by car.

3. Santiam State Forest

Located about 45 miles northeast of downtown Albany, Santiam State Forest is another great day trip destination for those looking for a pristine nature destination. Covering an area of about 47,000 acres on the western slope of the Cascade Mountains, this state forest is a great spot for different recreation activities including hunting, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Getting here from Albany takes a little over an hour by car along route OR-226.

Are you ready for an exciting adventure in one of these fantastic destinations? Before you leave, visit us at Power Honda. Talk to one of our agents, check out the different new and pre-owned vehicles we have available, and take home the car of your dreams with a convenient financing plan.