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From Portland to Mt. Rainier

City Lights to Mountain Air: Portland & a Spontaneous Mt. Rainier Escape

Some trips are carefully planned. Others unfold as you go—one good idea leading to another. This one turned out to be a bit of both, starting with a vibrant city stay in Portland and ending in the quiet, awe-inspiring landscapes of Mt. Rainier.

Portland Stay: Style & City Energy

We checked into The Nines, a hotel that somehow manages to feel both luxurious and welcoming right in the heart of downtown. It was the perfect home base—close to everything, but also hard to leave thanks to its moody, elegant vibe.

One of the highlights of the trip was catching the Dancing with the Stars tour. Seeing it live brought a whole new appreciation for the athleticism and artistry—it’s one thing to watch on TV, but in person, it’s electric.


Parks, Views & a Very Good Breakfast Sandwich

Portland does green spaces exceptionally well, and we made the most of it. We started a morning at Cathedral Park, where the St. Johns Bridge stretches overhead in that iconic gothic style. Breakfast came from Egg I'm in Love—a sandwich that absolutely lived up to the hype, especially enjoyed with that view.

From there, we headed up to Pittock Mansion for sweeping views of the city, Mount Hood peeking out in the distance on a clear day. It’s one of those spots that reminds you how beautifully Portland sits within its landscape.

The gardens were next. The Portland Japanese Garden felt like stepping into another world—quiet, intentional, and incredibly calming. Just next door, the International Rose Test Garden offered a completely different experience, full of color and soft fragrance drifting through the air.








Into the Trees: Hoyt Arboretum

We carved out time for a hike through Hoyt Arboretum, taking the Redwood Trail. Towering trees, filtered light, and that earthy forest smell made it feel miles away from the city, even though it was just minutes from downtown. It was the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace without even thinking about it.




Creative Stops & Classic Portland Spots

Back in the city, we tried something new with a risograph class at Outlet PDX. It was hands-on, a little messy, and a lot of fun—always satisfying to leave with something you actually made.

Dinner at Screen Door was a must, and it delivered. Comfort food done right, with flavors that felt both rich and familiar.

We spent time wandering along NW 23rd Avenue and through the Pearl District, popping into shops and just enjoying the neighborhood energy. A stop at Powell’s Books was non-negotiable—getting a little lost among the endless shelves is part of the experience.

 







A Soak on the River

One of the most unique experiences of the trip was hopping into a river hot tub with Yacht Tubs. Floating along the Willamette River, warm water all around, city lights reflecting on the surface—it was equal parts relaxing and surreal.









A Last-Minute Detour: Mt. Rainier

Somewhere along the way, we decided to keep the trip going and head north to Mt. Rainier. It was completely spur of the moment—and completely worth it.

We made a stop at Mt. St. Helens along the way, where the landscape still tells the story of its eruption. There’s something powerful about seeing it in person, the scale and starkness of it all.



Stormking Stay & the Road to Paradise

We stayed at Stormking, a quiet, cozy spot that felt perfectly tucked into the surrounding nature. From there, we made our way up toward Paradise, taking our time with stops at waterfalls and viewpoints along the drive. Each turn seemed to open up to something new—rushing water, wide खुल vistas, and that unmistakable mountain presence.

 















Hiking at Rainier: Ridge Lines & Quiet Trails

We hiked Rampart Ridge, where the views stretch out in every direction, making every bit of the climb worth it. Later, we explored the Trail of Shadows, a gentler walk but just as memorable, winding through meadows and thermal features with Rainier looming in the background.

 



Ending on a High Note

What started as a city getaway turned into something much bigger—a mix of creativity, good food, nature, and a little spontaneity. From Portland’s neighborhoods and green spaces to the towering presence of Mt. Rainier, it felt like two trips in one, each with its own kind of magic.

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