Your Trip Isn't Complete Without Visiting One Of These Bookstores
For book lovers, one of the greatest joys of travel is often getting lost in a new area’s independent bookstores. That distinctive “old book” smell (if you know you know), the sheer volume of titles lining shelves — there’s nothing like the magical experience that comes to life within the walls of a book shop. Here are four independently owned bookstores in Mt. Hood Territory, each brimming with charm, whimsy, and of course, a wealth of literary treasures.
Spoke & Word Books in Milwaukie is a vibrant, community-centered bookstore. It boasts a fantastic play area for children, making it a welcoming space for families. Beyond browsing and buying, Spoke & Word fosters a thriving literary community through book clubs, engaging events and a book trade-in program. They proudly champion local authors and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
While you're in the area: Located on the outskirts of Portland, Milwaukie has a funky, fun downtown filled with shops, restaurants, food carts and more. Head over to Milwaukie Bay Park on foot to take in gorgeous views of the Willamette River.
The Book Nook in Canby is an indie shop overflowing with a delightful selection of books, unique gifts and a vibrant community atmosphere. It's a place where you can browse for hours and attend family friendly events like book clubs and game nights. Bonus points for their generous trade-in program, which allows you to earn store credit in exchange for your gently used books.
While you’re in the area: The city's former library now houses the Canby Beer Library, a unique taproom with 50+ beers on tap, a heated food cart pod and plenty of bookish charm to keep the literary vibes going.
Further east toward Mt. Hood in Estacada, you'll discover another Book Nook, operated by the Estacada Area Literary Foundation. This bookstore offers a unique community-focused experience, supporting local literacy initiatives and providing a vital cultural hub for the region.
While you’re in the area: Estacada is a jumping-off point for an abundance of outdoor recreation, offering plenty of opportunities to counterbalance your bookstore wanderings.
Located on Main Street in Oregon City, White Rabbit Books & Gifts is a colorful, family owned bookstore offering a curated selection of books, with a strong emphasis on regional authors and equitable representation. With the satisfying hiss of the espresso machine in the background from the in-house café, browse quirky gifts, games and puzzles for the perfect souvenir.
While you’re in the area: Historic Oregon City is the perfect place to explore local shops, enjoy scenic river views and delve into the city's rich history at museums and landmarks.
For over 30 years, BOOKtique has been a beloved, volunteer-run institution in Lake Oswego. Supported by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, this bookstore, with two convenient locations, offers a treasure trove of used books, movies and music for a great price. Proceeds from your purchases benefit vital library programs, making your browsing experience even more rewarding. Recognized as one of the "Ten Best Bookstores in the Portland area" by The Oregonian, BOOKtique is a must-visit.
While you’re on the area: Upscale shopping, dining and more are footsteps away from the A Avenue location in Lake Oswego.
