Royal Moore Auto Center

Aug 4, 2023

As the fifth-largest metropolitan area and one of the oldest communities in the state, the city of Hillsboro, OR, is located about 20 miles west of Portland and within driving distance of some of Oregon’s most beautiful tourist destinations. If you are eager to travel around and discover new spots with your family, here are three memorable and nearby weekend getaways you should check out.

1. Tillamook State Forest

Established in the early 1970s and covering nearly 365,000 acres, Tillamook State Forest is the perfect destination for a scenic drive in your brand-new 2024 Mazda CX-90. Located a little under 50 miles west of Hillsboro, this scenic nature reserve can be reached in approximately one hour by car via route OR-6, making it an excellent spot for a day trip or a weekend escape.

Operated by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Tillamook State Forest sits in one of the rainiest regions of the state and is largely dominated by Douglas-fir trees and other conifers. Offering endless recreational opportunities for nature lovers, this place offers visitors well-maintained facilities, including numerous campgrounds, fishing spots, swimming areas, an interpretive center, and plenty of nature trails.

2. Salem

Oregon’s state capital is a charming city located right along the banks of the Willamette River in the center of the Willamette Valley. With a population of more than 430,000 in its metropolitan area, Salem is a fantastic destination for a day trip or a weekend escape, and a place full of museums, cultural centers, historical landmarks, and great restaurants.

Located just over 50 miles south of Hillsboro, Salem can be reached in less than one hour via route I-5. Once you make your way to the city, a great place to start exploring is Riverfront City Park, right along the river bank. From here, you can easily walk to the downtown area and check out some of Salem’s main landmarks, including the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette Heritage Center, and the Hailie Ford Museum of Art.

3. Cape Lookout State Park

If you are searching for an oceanside destination where you can spend the weekend listening to the crashing waves of the Pacific, Cape Lookout State Park is the place to be. Located 70 miles west of downtown Hillsboro, this nature reserve can be reached in approximately one hour and 20 minutes by car via route OR-6. Some of the amenities available here include campgrounds, a day-use area, scenic trails, and swimming spots.

Are you thinking of upgrading your vehicle or getting a new set of wheels to travel all around Oregon with your loved ones? We’ve got you covered! Come visit us at Royal Moore Auto Center today, and we will tell you all about the fantastic models in our inventory.