The Hidden Hops: Top 10 Breweries in Oregon Outside of Portland
From the coastal vibes of Astoria to the high deserts of Bend, the thirst for craft beer in Oregon flows as fiercely as the mighty Columbia River. And while Portland gets its fair share of foamy limelight, there’s a world of beautiful brews waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny of The Beaver State. So grab your growlers, because here are the top 10 breweries outside of Portland that every beer aficionado needs to check out.
1. Ninkasi Brewing Company, Eugene
Famous for the ‘Total Domination IPA’, Ninkasi is a heavyweight in the Oregon brewing scene. Named after the Sumerian goddess of beer, this Eugene-based brewery doesn’t just hold the ritual of brewing sacred, but also the communal aspect of drinking. It’s worth taking a pit stop on your way down the I-5 and stepping into their tasting room.2. Deschutes Brewery, Bend
Tucked away in the High Desert, Deschutes Brewery stands as a testament to Oregon’s innovative beer culture. This Bend-based brewery boasts a beer menu as diverse as the state itself. Make sure to sample the ‘Black Butte Porter’, a Deschutes classic that captures the essence of Central Oregon in a pint glass.
3. Boneyard Beer, Bend
Another gem from Bend, Boneyard Beer is notorious for pushing boundaries with their bold flavours. Fans of sturdy, resinous IPAs should flock to Boneyard to try ‘RPM IPA’, a flagship beer featuring six types of hops. It’s a small operation, but with a big reputation in the brewing scene.4. Buoy Beer Company, Astoria
Serving up spectacular river views alongside their refreshing pints, Buoy Beer is a must-visit when you’re on the Northern coast. Their ‘Buoy IPA’ has a unique balance of malt and hops, mirroring the harmony of land and sea in Astoria.5. Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River
Perched on the windsurfing capital of the world, Full Sail is a pioneer in Oregon’s craft beer story. Famed for their use of Cascade hops, the ‘Full Sail Amber’ is a staple for any beer lover. After a day of hiking the Columbia River Gorge, there’s nothing like a Full Sail pint to quench your thirst.6. Rogue Ales and Spirits, Newport
A beacon of craft brewing, Rogue is the quintessential Oregon brewery. Standing tall since 1988 in Newport, this award-winning brewery boldly makes what they love with complete disregard for trends. Don’t miss their ‘Dead Guy Ale’, it’s an Oregon legend.7. Pelican Brewing Company, Pacific City
Ideally situated on Pacific City’s beachfront, Pelican Brewing offers fantastic beer with a view to match. The ‘Kiwanda Cream Ale’, named after Cape Kiwanda, is as much a tribute to the state’s natural beauty as it is a delightfully drinkable brew.8. PhD’s Taproom, Fredonia
A hidden treat in Southern Oregon, PhD’s Taproom in Fredonia showcases the smaller, independent breweries of the state. The selection here changes often, keeping even the locals on their toes. This is the place to find a new favorite.9. Worthy Brewing, Bend
Worthy Brewing, another Bend-based beer creator, does justice to its name by producing diverse, high-quality brews. Pair a pint of their ‘Worthy IPA’ with a pizza from their kitchen for a perfect evening in the high desert.10. Block 15 Brewing, Corvallis
Last but not least, make your way to the heart of the Willamette Valley and pay a visit to Block 15 in Corvallis. Their ‘Sticky Hands’ brew is a hophead’s dream come true and a testament to Oregon’s passion for craft beers.So whether you’re traversing the Cascade Range or surfing the dunes of the Oregon Coast, make sure you stop by these extraordinary breweries and toast to Oregon—the beer wonderland of the Pacific Northwest! Here’s to good times and great beers, my fellow beer lovers. Cheers!