Forget Portland, See Someplace Else (Day trips from Portland)
	These range around Oregon and SW Washington, all within a not-insane daytrip distance from Portland. Some of the farthest ones, like the Prehistoric Forest and Crater Lake, might be better done in an overnight trip if you don't like to do 14-16 hour days. Prehistoric Forest - Gold Beach, OR Ape Caves - Mt. St. Helens, WA Prehistoric Gardens - Gold Beach, OR This place used to freak me right the hell out when I was a kid, but in a good way. I remember it being called "Dinosaur Park", though that was probably something my parents called it. I remember the baby triceratops, and for years thought perhaps I'd hallucinated the whole park. Apparently not...just like the Star Wars Holiday Special, this park does indeed exist today. Ape Caves Got the urge to explore? Feel like a little amateur spelunking? Head down to Mt. St. Helens and check out the Ape Caves. (No, there are no apes in them, and yes, it's safe to be that close to Mt. St. Helens). There are walks of various lengths and strenuousness available, from an easy .75 mile hike to the lower caves to the 1.5 mile, fairly athletic hike to the upper caves. Do bring: Warm clothes, good hiking shoes, flashlights, spare batteries, and consider matches and candles as well, just in case. It's completely unlit inside, and the temperature hovers around 42 degrees farenheight. There are guided tours available for the less adventurous as well during the summer months. Home / Cookbook / Photo Gallery / Completely Unnecessary Wedding Site / Things To Do When You're Bored in Seattle / Things To Do When You're Bored in Portland / Known Accomplices / Top Fives / Links / Plus-Sized Costuming