The Ultimate Oregon Beer Trail: Breweries to Visit in 2025
Unleashed and Ready: Starting in Portland
Sure, every beer-loving soul knows about Portland’s stellar reputation as a craft beer mecca. With breweries almost as plentiful as the Pacific Northwest drizzle, it’s genuinely hard to go wrong. Still, even within the ranks, a few rise above the rest.
Start the Oregon beer adventure at Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House. But don’t stop at the classics; look for their innovation brews, often available only on-site. Close from there, a short walk to NW 11th Avenue finds 10 Barrel Brewing Co. These folks specialize in innovative, small-batch brews with a rooftop bar for savoring it all.
City Savvy: Eugene and Bend
Stepping away from the bustle of Portland, Eugene offers an eclectic, lively beer scene. No brewery typifies this more than Ninkasi Brewing Company. Ninkasi masterfully pairs their beer with the season, with summer giving way to lighter, crisp ales, and winter calling for their hearty, dark brews.
Past Eugene, the beer tour takes us over the Cascades to Bend, home of the Ale Trail, an audacious adventure that challenges visitors to explore 18 breweries. It’s a bit of a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure to pencil in Crux Fermentation Project early on. They’re known for pushing beer boundaries and are worth the energy while still fresh in Bend.
Coastal Charm and the Wild West: Newport and Hood River
Inevitably, the lure of the coast becomes irresistible. Newport, home of Rogue Ales and Spirits, is more than worth the journey. By all means, try their Dead Guy Ale, a local icon, and do visit the Rogue Spirits Distillery. They say the coastal weather changes rapidly in afternoons, hence getting there early remains an insider’s tip.
Another jewel in Oregon’s craft beer crown, Hood River offers two must-visit spots. First, hit up pFriem Family Brewers, then Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom. The scenic Columbia River Gorge backdrop adds an unbeatable ambiance to a fantastic selection of beers.
Winding Down: A Soothing Conclusion in Mt.Hood
The best way to wrap up any beer explorations is fittingly in the shadow of majestic Mt. Hood, at the foot of Timberline Lodge. The Mt. Hood Brewing Co. is the perfect balance of fantastic craft beer with an awe-inspiring view of nature’s grandeur. Try their flagship Ice Axe IPA for a perfect endnote.
Friendly Warnings
Sure, breweries are usually rated for their beer, but never underestimate ambiance and local vibe. Don’t overlook the smaller breweries hidden in the offbeat corners of the state. Sometimes, the finest gems are tucked away in tiny coastal towns or nestled in the Columbia Gorge wind.
When visiting in winter, make sure to call ahead; many breweries shorten their hours in the less-touristy season. And speaking of tourist traps, avoid Voodoo Doughnut during peak hours. It’s hard to enjoy a doughnut with your fresh IPA when elbowing through a horde. Locals do their doughnut runs in the early morning, leaving the rest of the day free for beer touring.
Remember, this is just a starting point, the tip of the beer-filled iceberg. Oregon’s beer scene is as diverse and dynamic as its wild, rugged landscape, where the creativity of the brewers is matched only by the enthusiasm of those lucky enough to taste their creations.
So, here’s the deal. Grab that favorite hat, wear those comfy shoes and head out. Always remember to savor responsibly, eat well, and most importantly, enjoy the sheer variety and world-class quality of beer that Oregon’s brewers offer to the world. As the sun slowly fades over the Pacific, raise a pint and toast to the best brewery tour you’ve ever had. Welcome to Oregon – where the beer flows as grandly as the mighty Columbia, and the hospitality is warmer than the afternoon sun breaking over a coastal fogbank. There’s no place quite like it on earth. Happy trails.