10 Must-Do Winter Adventures near Portland, Oregon

For some outdoor enthusiasts, winter is when you hang up your hiking shoes and wait patiently for the spring melt, but it doesn't have to be that way! Portland is an outdoor adventure mecca with so many things you can do all winter long, you just need the knowledge and the right gear.

Maybe you want to try snowshoeing or snowboarding this winter or you're looking to test out your photography skills on some beautiful winter sunrises in the Gorge. Either way, investing in gear before you've had the chance to try it and decide if you really love it can be a tough pill to swallow. 

Omni Rentals is an on-demand app serving Portland that allows you to browse thousands of rentable adventure items and schedule a rental in just a few clicks.  Daily rates tend to be less than specialty rental shops and they deliver gear to you and will pick it up once you are done.

Not only do they provide opportunities to rent gear, they also have great info on all the cool outdoor activities you can do around Portland.

In addition to their recommendations, we've picked 10 of our favorite winter adventures near Portland. Check them out, get the gear, and get outside this winter!  

The bonus of short days in the winter is that it's that much easier to get up and catch sunrise. The view here is so incredible - especially at sunrise or sunset - you're definitely going to want to bring a camera along.

Sometimes, you don't even need to leave the city at all to find a piece of nature to call your own for a little while. Easy, dog-friendly, and especially beautiful during the rare, but welcomed snowstorm in Portland. You could even bring a hammock and a sleeping bag for a little mid-day nap...we won't tell your boss.

While the hike to Tomlike Mountain is beautiful year round, we recommend a winter hike or snowshoe adventure here as that's your best bet for finding the trail - and the epic summit views - to yourself. From the top you can see Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St Helens to the north over the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson.

Outdoor adventures don't need to be all that adventurous. Sometimes it's just about relaxing in a beautiful place and soaking up the scenery in comfort. And if you ask us, winter is definitely the best time to enjoy hot springs.

Here's another opportunity to satisfy your need for adventure without leaving the city. The Ridge Trail in Forest park has beautiful views of St. John's Bridge and makes for the perfect dawn patrol hike before work. 

Snowshoeing near Mt. Hood

Snowshoeing is a really fun way to get outside all winter long! Even if you've never done it before, don't hesitate to give it a try; it's 100% beginner friendly. It's basically just hiking! Just pick up your knees a little bit more than normal and you're good to go. You'll get the hang of it in no time and be ready to tackle any of these snowshoeing adventures near Mt. Hood! Just be sure to check in with local rangers or park services for snow safety conditions.

Whatever adventures around Portland you want to try this winter, don't let expensive gear be the thing that stops you. Explore Omni Rentals next time you're in need of outdoor gear!

Cover photo: Angela Service