Three Fun Activities Near Portland, Oregon

Active travelers with an adventurous streak need to put Portland, Oregon, on their list of destinations. There's plenty to do both in the city limits and a relatively short drive away. Here are three activities that will showcase everything the Portland area can offer.

Take in a Timbers Match

They call themselves the Timber Army. For more than 90 minutes, they chant and sing in a loud, unified voice. Nope, it's not Liverpool's Anfield or Manchester's Old Trafford: It's Portland's Jeld-Wen Field, home to first-year Major League Soccer franchise Portland Timbers. The Timbers have been around since 1975, playing their last 10 seasons in the United Soccer League First Division. This long-for-the-U.S. soccer tradition means the Timbers fans, led by the friendly and boisterous Timbers Army, are enthusiastic supporters. Throughout the city, you'll see fans clad in Timbers regalia.

For the best options, check for friendly (aka exhibition) matches played against foreign clubs. In late May, the Timbers played Dutch champions AFC Ajax - a side known for fluid skills and expertly drilled tactics. Though the Timbers lost 2-0, it was a showcase of quality soccer and quality soccer fandom.

Watch for midfielder Sal Zizzo and former Bundesliga player Kenny Cooper to lead the action.

Hit the Ropes

A 45-minute drive from Portland takes you to Gaston. There, you'll find Tree to Tree Adventures, a series of rope obstacles and zip lines built into a beautiful patch of forest. There's a course for kids, and anyone active and brave enough can progress to the green, red, blue, black and double-black courses. Each gets progressively higher and more challenging.

Safety is the staff's first priority, and they drill visitors to make sure they know how to use their harnesses and attachments. They're also friendly and ready to give as much - or as little - advice as you want. You can easily pass three hours in the tree tops - but it's wise to take an occasional break to refuel with snacks and drinks.

Be sure to call ahead for reservations. If your schedule allows, try visiting during a weekday. The crowds will be smaller, meaning less waiting and more rope actions.

Descend into the Dark

Many people know Mount Saint Helens for the devastating eruption in 1980. But it's also known for a beautiful surrounding area criss-crossed by hiking trails.

Under the ground is one of its best-kept secrets - the Ape Cave. This is one of the world's longest lava tubes, stretching more than 13,000 feet. A few skylights allow sunlight in at various points. Cavers will delight at the frequent rock pile challenges waiting under the earth. It's easy to spend more than two hours in the dark.

For best results, enter at the main entrance. Heading left and going uphill is best for the adventurous - that's the longest part. And going up is actually easier than hiking up the slope in the open air and descending through the tube. There are a few "lava falls" areas that easier to ascend than to descend. If you haven't been underground enough, return via the surface trail and explore the Lower Cave.

Important tips: Bring at least three sources of light, wear sturdy clothes and be prepared for snow at the upper entrance. The Ape Cave is about 90 minutes from Portland across the border into Washington.