The Oregon Spirit Trail: The Rise of Craft Distilleries to Explore in 2025

Oregon, known for its lush landscapes and quirky cities, has quietly become a hotbed for another kind of craft–distilling spirits. From the salty sea mists of the Pacific coastline to the rolling hills of Willamette Valley, trailblazers in the distillery scene are concocting some of the finest whiskey, gin, and vodka. Here’s a guide to Oregon’s top ten must-see distilleries in 2025, giving an insider’s look at the culture of craft spirits in this beautiful state.

1. Clear Creek Distillery

Tucked away in the heart of Portland, Clear Creek Distillery pioneered craft distilling in Oregon. Known primarily for their fruit brandies arranged from Hood River’s famous fruits, the distillery’s selection has grown to include Grappa and single malt whiskey. Book ahead for a tour and sampling often led by the distillers themselves.

2. Wolf Spirit Distillery

Drive down towards Eugene and find Wolf Spirit Distillery, a vibrant contributor to Oregon’s craft spirits scene. They’re recognized for their Puncher’s Chance Bourbon. Visit on a Saturday, when the distillers conduct detailed tours around their sky-blue pot still.

3. Aria Portland Dry Gin

Aria Portland Dry Gin is a testament to Oregon’s love affair with gin, crafting a classic spirit specifically designed to keep gin’s essence. Located in SW Portland, visiting Aria is best combined with a walk through Forest Park.

4. Freeland Spirits

Heading back to Portland, you can’t miss Freeland Spirits, one of the few women-owned-and-operated distilleries in the world. Their gin and bourbon are must-tries. If you’re there on Friday, grab some provisions from the nearby Portland Farmers Market for a picnic and your favorite Freeland bottle.

5. Oregon Spirit Distillers

Over in Bend, Oregon Spirit Distillers has been creating a wide range of notable spirits. Their unique wheat bourbon brings in crowds from all over. Bike there along the Deschutes River for a great afternoon outing.

6. Wild Roots Spirits

Located in Portland’s bustling Eastside Industrial District, Wild Roots is an Oregon favorite, known for vodkas infused with real Pacific Northwest-grown fruits. Match your visit with a sunset walk over the nearby Burnside Bridge.

7. Cascade Alchemy

Close to the Old Mill District, Cascade Alchemy is a family-owned distillery in Bend. Sample their famous Chai vodka, distilled using Chai tea from a neighborhood shop. Combine this visit with a trip to the Les Schwab Amphitheater for a local music concert.

8. House Spirits Distillery

House Spirits’ Aviation American Gin has set the gold standard for the American craft distilling movement. Drop into its modern Portland facility, check out the kestrel soaring over the tasting room, and don’t ignore their other spirits too.

9. Trail Distilling

Trail Distilling is the first distillery in the First City west of the Mississippi since Prohibition. Just a stone’s toss from Oregon City’s Historic McLoughlin neighborhood, their Trillium Gin is quite a treat. Pair a visit here with exploring the nearby Willamette Falls.

10. Rogue Spirits

Winding along the South Coast, make a pit stop at Rogue Spirits in Newport. Known for their whiskey, they’re the first distillery in the state to grow their own ingredients. Tag your visit with a trip to the iconic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

And there you have it! Ten tantalizing stops on the Oregon Spirit Trail. Thanks to these passionate distillers, Oregon’s spirit scene has sprung sky-high from its roots. So grab a map, call some friends, and get ready to taste your way through the heart of Oregon’s craft spirits! Be it a sunny afternoon or a rainy Oregon day, these distilleries are crafting spirits worthy of our beautiful state. Enjoy responsibly, and happy trails!