Savor the Columbia River Gorge: A Local's Guide to Eating and Drinking

This article was first published in the August 27, 2022 issue of Dinogo Travel, a biweekly newsletter featuring insights from Dinogo’s team on culinary adventures.Subscribe now.

Growing up in Oregon, my summer weekends were spent exploring, never at home. We frequently ventured to the Oregon Coast or the mountains, packing our car with camping gear and mapping out our meal stops. Every journey, even those deep in the wilderness, included a memorable meal or treat, whether it was prime rib in the ranchlands or ice cream near the shore. We knew where to snag a slice of pie en route to the lake and where to enjoy an upscale dinner to cap off our stay in Ashland. As an adult, not much has changed: I still spend my weekends floating down rivers to fantastic drive-ins or hunting for breakfast after a trip to Mt. Hood. Whether I’m berry picking on Sauvie Island or foraging for morels along the McKenzie River, I’m also crabbing off the docks in Newport and reserving lasagna at Sorella.

Oregon’s allure lies in its stunning outdoors paired with exceptional food and drink. The Columbia River Gorge offers not only fantastic windsurfing and hiking but also acclaimed wineries and pick-your-own fruit farms. Bend, a ski and mountain biking haven, is also a famous beer city surrounded by cattle ranches. When driving to Haystack Rock or Cape Perpetua, you’ll traverse forests rich with hidden treasures like morels, chanterelles, and truffles. In all these locales, chefs craft extraordinary dishes using local ingredients.

As the editor of Dinogo Portland, I’ve crafted a comprehensive guide for day trips: Discover where to taste wine in the Columbia River Gorge and find marionberry pie while exploring Oregon. Learn which Bend breweries are must-visits and where to enjoy a meal between drinks. To truly embrace summer in Oregon, make sure to escape Portland every weekend and fully experience everything this incredible state has to offer.

• Dining and Drinking Along the Oregon Coast: With my mom hailing from Newport, we often find ourselves exploring the Oregon Coast. Whenever I'm in Newport, I can't resist the creamy Dungeness crab soup at Local Ocean Seafoods (and sometimes grab some smoked salmon if it's available).
• Where to Find Must-Try Marionberry Pie Across Oregon: Marionberry pie becomes a must when the berries are ripe; I’ll make a trip to my hometown of Eugene for a slice at Metropol Bakery, stopping at Blue Raeven Farmstand along the way. However, I have to admit, Lauretta Jean’s in Portland likely serves the best in the state.
• 16 Must-Visit Restaurants and Food Carts in Bend, Oregon: Spending the holidays in Bend is a family tradition, but during the summer, I see it as a perfect spot to unwind after camping at Waldo Lake. If I have time for just one meal, I’m definitely going for the blackened redfish topped with crab at Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails.
• Exploring Culinary Delights in the Columbia River Gorge: One road trip I’ve made a monthly ritual is through the Columbia River Gorge. With waterfall hikes, secret swimming spots, wine tasting, and farmstand visits, there’s always something to do. My first stop is always Sugarpine Drive-In for miso caramel sundaes and seasonal salads, and on the way back, I make sure to grab fresh Columbia River salmon at Brigham Fish Market.
• Top U-Pick Farms Near Portland for Summer Berries and Fruits: When I’m looking for a place to pick my own fruit, Sauvie Island is my go-to for marionberries and raspberries, while I head to Hood River farms for cherries and stone fruits. After picking berries on Sauvie Island, I love taking them to the beach for a snack after swimming.