Oregon’s glorious beerscape is ripe for exploration, so it’s time to get that tastebuds ready. This guide will give the hop heads and brewpub lovers an intimate spin on the best breweries to visit in 2025. Why? Because the beers here speak for themselves, just like the folks who brew them, in an unpretentious, “come-as-you-are” atmosphere that Oregonians sidle right up to.
Portland – The Beer Capital
Kickstart the beer trail in none other than Portland. Home to more breweries than any other city on earth, PDX (as we know her locally) is the rightful “Beer Capital of the World”. South East Portland’s Brewers District is the perfect starting point.
Deschutes Brewery is a must-visit. Sure, it was originally founded up in Bend, but its brewpub in the Pearl District makes mighty fine stouts and ales, matched only by hearty comfort food menus. For the daring, try The Abyss – it’s dark, complex, and unique, just like an Oregon winter day.
Then head over to Cascade Brewing Barrel House, world-famous for its sour beers or barrel-aged delights. Now, sour beers aren’t for everyone, but savvy Oregonians know they’ve got a complex, intriguing tar-tang that’s worth trying, at least once.
Bend – Beer City, USA
Then, head over to Bend, aptly nicknamed “Beer City, USA”. Don’t forget a pit stop at Smith Rock State Park to stretch the legs. Then proceed to Boneyard Beer, famed for its RPM IPA, a true-blue testament to the North Pacific hops. Save room for Bend Brewing Company, serving classic ales and tasty bites while offering a view of Mirror Pond – a two-in-one experience hard to resist.
Eugene – The Underdog
Eugene isn’t just about the Ducks and the ever-evolving arts scene. Beer-wise, it’s the underdog, and real Oregonians love an underdog. Check out Ninkasi Brewing, especially during summer for a pint of Total Domination IPA under the sun or an Imperiale Stout during those cool winter days. Oakshire Brewing has a passionate community following. Their innovative brews and ‘Single Batch Series’ have been creating quite a stir – stick to local recommendations, and you won’t be let down.
Hood River – The Hub of Oregon Craft Beer
Hood River is the jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and the craft beer scene isn’t far behind. Make a dash for Full Sail Brewing. The vibe here is quintessentially Oregon – lowkey, humble, yet brimming with creativity. The Session Lagers are a local favorite, offering a laid-back sip just like Hood River itself.
Try pFriem Family Brewers for award-winning Belgian style beers with a Pacific Northwest spin. Grab a seat in the outdoor patio with tantalizing fare on the menu and breathtaking Columbia River views to the west.
Astoria – The Brewery with a History
On the Northern Coast, visit Astoria, where Fort George Brewery resides. The Public House serves velvety, dark, yet delightfully drinkable Cavatica Stout, named after a familiar spider with a small-town connection. Now, that’s a story worth toasting, isn’t it?
For a fresh sea breeze with your pint, try Buoy Beer Company right on the waterfront. They have a great selection of craft brews, fresh seafood, and yes, sea lions visible through a glass panel in the floor.
Tillamook – The Hidden Gem
Never underestimate a small town with a love for beer—and cheese. Tillamook’s de Garde Brewing is a hidden gem, specializing in spontaneous fermentation beers and complex sours. The beers here mirror the wild coastal air blowing in off the Pacific.
Give Some Love to Lesser-Known Brewhouses
Some more love needed for smaller towns. In Sisters, the rustic Three Creeks Brewing offers solid ales and lagers. In Medford, Portal Brewing’s quirkiness is reflected in their brews, without ever sacrificing quality. And in Independence, Rogue Farms is an oddball delight: a 52-acre farm where ingredients for the famous Rogue Ales & Spirits are grown.
Remember, great beer can be found in the enchanting corners of Oregon as much as the big cities.
Wrap up the journey by remembering that the Oregon beer scene is more than just a list of breweries to check off. It’s about experiencing local flavors, seeing stunning landscapes, contributing to the local economy, and making memories. Feel the vibe of each place, meet the people, appreciate the craft, and make it a rule to always have a designated driver or use local taxi services. Enjoy the beers of Oregon responsibly, enthusiastically, authentically, just like an Oregonian would. After all, this Ultimate Oregon Beer Trail journey has always been more than just about the brew—it’s an ode to this remarkable state that’s been carefully crafted by nature—and by the love and labor of its people.