We hope you think of Getaway as a day off for the always on – the perfect place to disconnect and recharge in nature. However, if you’re feeling antsy to get outside or if you want some activities for the journey from Portland, there’s plenty to explore in the area.
Here’s our guide to attractions near our Mount Adams Outpost and things to do along the way:
Getting There
Just over the border in Washington, your new favorite escape is easily accessible from Portland. Only two hours away from downtown, the fastest way there is by car. Take Highway 84 east to the Hood River Bridge (toll bridge), cross the bridge, and turn west on Highway 14. Turn north on Highway 141 toward BZ Corner. Pass BZ Glenwood Highway and continue up towards Trout Lake. As you approach the gas station, bear right onto Mount Adams Road, then take a right onto Sunnyside Road, which becomes Trout Lake Highway. Turn right onto Main Street, go through town, then take a left onto Mount Adams Highway. The Outpost entrance will be on the right. There may be some snowfall in the winter, so be sure to check local weather and plan your safe journey accordingly.
Walks in the Mountains near Getaway
Dog Creek Falls
Hike distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Many people pass by this quick and easy walk without even noticing it. Stop on your way to the Outpost and see a 25-foot cascading waterfall.
Weldon Wagon Road Trail
Hike distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Relatively Easy
This trail starts in the Columbia River Gorge, but quickly ascends out of the gorge as you get further along. From there the trail becomes less of a trail, and more of a path through an open meadow with views of the mountaintops all around. Part of this trail also goes through the White Salmon Oak Natural Resources Conservation Area, so you can explore the area and see all the different oak trees during your hike.
Monte Cristo Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
This out-and-back trail near Granite Falls, WA is a great one for history buffs. By following this trail, you get to follow the route that was taken by miners to get to Monte Cristo where they would mine for ore. Monte Cristo is a ghost town today, but you can head out and explore what remains.
Junction Lake via East Crater Trail
Distance: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This out-and-back trail lets you head out to Junction Lake from east side of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Several trails intersect with East Crater Trail including the notable Pacific Crest Trail, so if you decide to explore the area a bit more, there are plenty of trails that will allow you to do so. A note to keep in mind is that the road to get to the trailhead may be closed between December 1st and April 1st.
Willard Springs Trail
Hike distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This two-mile trail loops around the Conboy Lake Marsh is an easy hike with great views of Mount Adams. As you hike, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife, as there are many kinds of wild birds often found here.
Sleeping Beauty Trail
Hike distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a short trail near Trout Lake, which takes you through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s great for both hiking and bird watching. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
Guler Ice Cave Hike
Hike distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This walk to the most visited cave features beautiful underground ice formations and tubes that are results of lava flows. Remember to bring snow gear though in the winter months, cave temperatures can drop pretty low.
Lyle Cherry Orchard
Hike distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Recommended for early spring, this hike features wildflowers and beautiful gorge views on both sides of the trail. While there aren’t as many cherry trees on the hike as there used to be, some can still be found on the eastern edge of the property.
Dog Mountain Loop
Hike distance: 6.9 miles
Difficulty: Hard
This hike boasts beautiful gorge views and wildflowers from April to May. The trails can be quite steep, but if you’re willing to try, the trail is relatively short for some pretty views.
Sustenance and Snacks Near Getaway
Glenwood General Store
~5 minutes from Outpost
Visit this store for groceries, food, beer, and wine. In the summers, check out the burgers made by the owner, and maybe even try tasting some wine.
B Z Corner Grocery Store
~33 minutes from Outpost
Visit this corner grocery for a little bit of everything, from groceries to chicken tenders. Located right near locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking, it’s a great place to pick up supplies after these activities.
Harvest Market
~48 minutes from Outpost
Harvest Market is a great staple spot to grab everything you’ll need before your Getaway. Their website also has recipe ideas and coupons you can print and bring with you, and they even have a flower ordering department—so if you’re headed to Getaway for a special occasion, you can make it extra special and celebrate with the colors that nature provides.
Backwoods Brewing Co.
~55 minutes from Outpost
About an hour’s drive from Getaway Mount Adams, you can find Backwoods Brewing Company, which is a family-owned and local-operated craft brewery. They source all of their ingredients from the North West, and their Carson, WA location is also famous for its delicious pizza.
Side Trips near Getaway
Zoller’s Outdoor Odyssey BZ Corner, WA
As the longest running whitewater enterprise in Washington or Oregon, Zoller’s is the local go-to for the adventurous type. Check out one of their several options for a whitewater adventure.
Use code Getaway for $10 off per person on the Klickitat, White Salmon Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge, Middle/Lower Gorge and Upper/Middle/Lower Gorge rafting trips.
Goose Lake
For a day spent near the water, you can head out to Goose Lake, which is about an hour’s drive away. This is a great spot to go for families, as you can swim and fish in the lake, which is sure to delight the little ones.
Panther Creek Falls
These falls are hidden in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest along an easy out-and-back trail down to a viewing platform. The falls are well worth the walk, which is equally as gorgeous as the falls, as it allows you to hike along the side of the creek. The trail is a little under half a mile long, and dogs can be brought onto the trail as long as they’re on a leash.
Natural Bridges
The “natural bridges” in display along this trail were created by collapsed lava tubes. This is a great trail for families and children, as it’s relatively easy, but incredibly interesting to explor—these natural formations are an exhibit of how nature carves and changes the landscapes we call home.
Columbia River Gorge
If you’re looking for some scenic views, the Columbia River Gorge boasts more than a few as the river creates a canyon as it cuts through the cascade mountains. There are many scenic lookout points and scenic byways for you to explore the canyon, view waterfalls, and spend time in nature with your loved ones.
Mount Hood Meadows
Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort is a great day trip for skiiers and snowboarders of all skill and experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this resort has terrain that will challenge and delight you with its views and the thrill of riding down to the base of Mount Hood.
Ready for a Portland adventure? Book your Getaway now.