A World Cup Worthy Road Trip

When the excitement of the FIFA World Cup takes over this summer, it’s a reminder that the best adventures often happen on the road to your destination. If your summer travels include heading to Seattle or San Francisco along Interstate 5, make sure to take a detour east into Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory for a three-day road trip that feels like its own championship run.

Think of each stop as its own “match,” building toward a championship-level finale for you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the towering peak of Mt. Hood.

Every great tournament begins with an opening match, and your I-5 road trip kicks off in Wilsonville. This welcoming community makes an easy first stop to get out of the car and ease into vacation mode.

Start the morning at Graham Oaks Nature Park, a beautiful 250-acre preserve known for its restored oak savanna ecosystem. More than three miles of accessible and well-maintained trails wind through open meadows, wetlands and groves of oak trees. On a sunny summer morning, the landscape feels alive with butterflies, birds and wildflowers, making it the perfect place to shake off the road and enjoy the peaceful side of the Willamette Valley.

After your trek, refuel with lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant in Wilsonville. Our Table Cooperative is a member-owned farm located on a breathtaking property in the Willamette Valley countryside. The Kitchen at Middleground Farms creates "culinary experiences for food enthusiasts." This foodie paradise offers a variety of custom cooking classes, winemaker demonstration dinners and other events in an idyllic farm setting. Or tucked into the Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville Portland, Parkway Grille Bar & Restaurant is an unexpected delight serving up seasonal, Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine from local producers in a chic setting. No matter which you choose you're sure to get a true taste of the region’s farm-to-table culture.

From Wilsonville, continue north along the Willamette River to Oregon City. As the official end of the Oregon Trail, this riverside city holds a special place in Oregon's history. Spend the afternoon visiting museums and wandering its historic downtown district, where locally owned shops, cafés and breweries create a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.

One of the city’s most unique attractions is the Oregon City Municipal Elevator. Built into the cliffs overlooking downtown, this outdoor elevator transports visitors to an observation deck above the city. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Willamette River, downtown and the surrounding hills.

Before calling it a day take a guided kayak tour with eNRG Kayaking to the base of Willamette Falls. This is the 2nd largest by volume waterfall in the United States. Along the way your guide will tell you about the history of the area and how the falls impacted early life in the region.

Wrap up your evening with a stay at the newly remodeled Best Western Plus Rivershore in Oregon City. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Willamette River and recap the day's "best goals" and great moments. 

Day two brings the energy of the quarterfinals of your trip so be ready for faster-paced adventures full of memorable moments.

Start your morning heading out to Estacada, a small town known for its outdoor recreation. Grab breakfast or coffee in town before heading toward the wild and scenic waters of the Upper Clackamas River.

Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular summer adventures in the region, and guided trips offer the perfect introduction. As you float downstream, the river alternates between exciting Class II and III rapids and peaceful stretches where you can take in views of forested canyon walls and towering evergreens. Bald eagles, osprey and deer are often spotted along the shoreline, reminding visitors how wild and scenic this river corridor truly is.

After your rafting trip, head to nearby Milo McIver State Park to experience one of the region’s most beloved outdoor activities: disc golf. The legendary Milo McIver disc golf courses consistently rank among the best courses in the Pacific Northwest. With fairways that weave through dense forest and open fields, the course offers both challenge and incredible scenery. Even if you’re new to the sport, tossing a few discs through this beautiful park is a fun way to spend a summer evening. Don't have your own discs? No worries! You can rent them from the park office.

End your adventure day at a truly unique overnight location, in a furnished yurt at Camp Colton. Yurt amenities include wood stoves, queen beds and a close proximity to the communal bathhouse. Each yurt is topped with a skylight that lets in a little fresh air and affords views of the night skies above. If you want a bit more luxury you can rent their tiny house or stay in one of their guest rooms. The property features waterfalls, hiking trails and a pond you can take a canoe out on. It's a beautiful and serene location. 

Just a few hundred feet from the camp's entrance sits Historic Colton Café, which opened in 1950 and has been dishing classic diner fare ever since with a menu that encompasses breakfast classics, burgers, sandwiches and hearty entrees. It's the perfect place to refuel and toast to another winning day! 

Every tournament builds toward a championship final, and this road trip is no different as you reach the real star of the show, Mt. Hood.

After leaving Camp Colton, begin the scenic drive toward the mountain, gradually climbing into the forested landscapes of Mt. Hood National Forest. The journey features winding roads which reveal glimpses of rivers, waterfalls and increasingly dramatic views of Oregon’s tallest peak.

Make your way to Government Camp, a charming alpine village that has served as a basecamp for mountain adventurers for generations. During the summer months, the town comes alive with hikers, mountain bikers and travelers eager to experience all that Mt. Hood has to offer. For a deeper understanding of the area, stop by the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum. Exhibits highlight the region’s ski history, mountaineering achievements and the cultural stories connected to this iconic mountain. The staff there can also point you to the best spots to visit and the must-see trails. 

Spend the day exploring nearby trails, checking out scenic viewpoints, hiking the historic Barlow Road, playing at Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park or simply relaxing with views of Mt. Hood. Before wrapping up your trip, celebrate your journey with lunch or a craft beer at Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Sitting on the patio with views of the mountain feels like the perfect championship celebration.

After you've had your fill head down Hwy 26 toward The Villages of Mt. Hood for the final stretch of your journey. This includes an overnight stay at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort. In addition to featuring wonderfully mountain themed rooms, a year-round outdoor heated pool and three nine-hole golf courses, the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is also home to two on-site restaurants, open seasonally. Between Memorial Day and late October, Mallards Café & Pub serves pub favorites next to the first hole of the Pinecone golf course — in the shadow of Hunchback Mountain. Choose among burgers, fish and chips and hearty sandwiches, all paired with regional beers, wines and cocktails. The café’s patio is the perfect place to enjoy it all. Inside, hang out at the pinball machines or catch live music from local artists.

When the final whistle blows on your trip, and it's time to get back on the road, you’ll leave with memories that surely belong in your summer highlight reel.