Three Weekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon
By Andrew Collins

Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban vacation destination for gay and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personality. But another major draw of this charmed city is its proximity to so many breathtakingly beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon's drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, the lush Willamette Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend.

Here's a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants.

Cannon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26)
From downtown Portland, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast Mountains to northern Oregon's spectacular and relatively uncrowded coast, a highlight of which is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed community set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians (including Portland-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funky Manzanita and upscale Gearhart.

The quieter south end of Cannon Beach, known as Tolovana Park, has a slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporary, two-story cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens and Adirondack chairs. It's steps from the beach, and next door to the Warren House Pub, a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own excellent beer and serves tasty comfort food, such as grilled panko-crusted oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad with a marionberry vinaigrette. For more sophisticated fare, book a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roasted-cream corn, eggplant, and pancetta.

You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand, admiring the many geological formations just offshore, such as the famous, 237-foot-tall Haystack Rock. Do as locals do and grab a cup of delicious java at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters (along with a thick slice of chocolate-chip pumpkin bread) before you set out. Venture south of Cannon Beach and you'll pass through Oswald West State Park, which is laced with hiking trails that weave through old-growth forest, leading down to the beach.
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