While COVID times have limited Destinations entries on the Journal, we recently enjoyed a pre-Omicron visit to Portland and its surroundings. As a first time PNW visitor there were plenty of surprises in store, especially when it came to the vibrant food and wine scene in the Willamette Valley (shout out to Soter Vineyards in particular). Combined with the natural beauty throughout the region, and some incredible restaurants in Portland, it was a trip to remember.

A few images from the journey, starting in the Willamette Valley, extending up the coast, and then into Portland and the Columbia River Gorge follow below. And for a very incomplete list of some of our favorites from the trip: Soter Vineyards, Canard Restaurant, Hey Love Bar, Coquine Restaurant, Urdaneta Restaurant, and all of the PDX Public Transit (including Biketown bike share).