Top 10 Noteworthy Breweries in Oregon Beyond the Border of Portland
We Oregonians appreciate a great pint, and we’re proud of our state’s rich brewing heritage. Of course, Portland often steals the limelight with its trendy microbreweries. But let’s extend our beer journeys beyond the City of Roses. Here’s a humble brewing trail that steers us through beautiful Bend, over the Coast Range, past the historic Willamette Valley, onto Southern Orgeon’s hidden gems, and even into the sunny high desert region. So, sit back and grab hold of your tasting paddle— let’s dive into the under-the-radar Oregon breweries that fill our pint glasses to the brim.1. Deschutes Brewery, Bend
Founded in 1988 by Gary Fish, the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, is a testament to the great beer tradition that runs far deeper than the Deschutes River itself. This brewery truly stands out with its Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale. Their taproom presents an excellent opportunity to sample one-off cask beers and adventurous small-batch brews.2. Ninkasi Brewing, Eugene
Ninkasi Brewing, gracing the vibrant and quirky neighborhood of Whiteaker in Eugene, Oregon, offers award-winning ales such as Total Domination IPA. It’s also a place that thrives with community spirit where live music and art performances blend harmoniously with their robust beer offerings.3. Rogue Ales Brewery, Newport
If you’ve ever driven along the 101, you’ll know you can’t miss the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport. The exposed brick walls and sweeping views of Yaquina Bay make the perfect backdrop for enjoying famed brews like Dead Guy Ale and Hazelnut Brown Nectar. They also grow their ingredients at Rogue Farms to guarantee a full farm-to-glass experience.
4. Pelican Brewing Company, Pacific City
Overlooking the expanse of the Pacific Ocean in Pacific City, Pelican Brewing is the only oceanfront brewery in Oregon. On a clear day, you’ll see Haystack Rock while sipping on their Kiwanda Cream Ale or Tsunami Stout. If the tide is high, try visiting Cape Lookout State Park, a few miles to the south, for some beachcombing before your brewery visit.5. Boneyard Beer, Bend
Boneyard Beer started with second-hand brewing equipment in a humble garage in Bend. Their RPM IPA quickly gained a loyal following, and now they’ve grown into a large-scale production facility. This unpretentious spot is a must-visit if you’re seeking bold and hop-heavy ales.6. Terminal Gravity Brewing, Enterprise
Nestled in a cabin-like property in Wallowa County, Terminal Gravity Brewing serves as an oasis for beer lovers after a hiking adventure in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Their signature India Pale Ale is a true representation of Pacific Northwest IPAs.7. Fort George Brewery, Astoria
In the historic riverside town of Astoria, you’ll find Fort George Brewery in a restored automotive shop. They honor their location’s history with a diverse range of beers including the Vortex IPA. Trust an Oregonian on this, a pint enjoyed at Fort George’s upstairs pizzeria with a dazzling view of Columbia River is simply sublime.8. Crux Fermentation Project, Bend
Helmed by former Deschutes Brewmaster Larry Sidor, Crux Fermentation Project in Bend, loves to experiment – their wild ales and barrel-aged offerings are a nod to that spirit. Head to their sunset patio during the ‘Sundowner Hour’ for panoramic views of the Cascades and a discounted pint!9. Ecliptic Brewing, Portland
Yes, we promised places outside of Portland. But we couldn’t leave out Ecliptic Brewing, not just located in Portland but at the ‘edge’ near the Moda Center. Founded by brewing legend John Harris, Ecliptic masterfully combines Harris’s two passions: brewing and astronomy. Sample their refreshingly fruity Starburst IPA.10. Caldera Brewing, Ashland
To round things out, let’s head way down south to Caldera Brewing in Ashland. Caldera has been producing some seriously good beer since 1997, including their delicious Ashland Amber. Don’t leave without a visit to their tap house for some of the best views of the mountains in Southern Oregon.Let’s raise an IPA, stout, porter, amber, ale, or lager to our beloved state: proud home to these fantastic, underappreciated breweries. It’s hard to imagine living in a more perfect place — the wide-open blue skies, stunning landscapes, and these special breweries that perfectly quench our Oregon-sized thirst. Cheers to more Oregon beer adventures!