The Ultimate Oregon Beer Trail: Breweries to Visit in 2025
Oregon is a bona fide paradise for lovers of craft beer. Dotted with over 300 breweries and a countless array of craft beer, the Beaver State offers visitors an experience you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll encounter unique brews with a distinctly Northwestern touch, taking you on a journey from the rugged coast to the fruitful Willamette Valley and up to the high desert of Eastern Oregon. So strap in, because we’re going to guide you on the Ultimate Oregon Beer Trail.
Embark on the Coastal Breweries Journey
Start your adventure by the sea, where the coastal weather can be a touch fickle. Pack some layers; it can get surprisingly cool in the afternoons even on sunny days. Our first stop is ‘Astoria’s Fort George Brewery’, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Here, they serve delicious brews along with a scenic view of the Columbia River. Pro-tip: Try their Vortex IPA.
A little further down the coast in Tillamook is the quirky ‘de Garde Brewing’. It’s worth scheduling your visit for a weekend when the tasting room is open. Their wild fermented and barrel-aged beers are truly one of a kind. Don’t shy away from trying their complex yet refreshing Bu Weisse.
Take on the Willamette Valley’s Temple of Beers
The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s wine country, famous worldwide for its Pinot Noirs. It’s also no slacker in the beer department, producing craft brews that stand tall in their excellence.
In the hip and vibrant college town of Corvallis resides ‘Block 15 Brewing Company’. Known for its rich, intense Sticky Hands IPA, many Oregonians believe a trip to Corvallis is incomplete without a visit to Block 15.
Up in Eugene, the fiercely independent ‘Ninkasi Brewing’ awaits with its famous Total Domination IPA. Time your visit to catch their summer concerts, which are a hit with locals, but arrange for a designated driver—those beers are strong!
Set Sights on Portland’s City Brew
No beer tour in Oregon would be complete without acknowledging the spiritual home of craft brewing – Portland. Here’s a local secret: parking in Portland can be a nightmare, so take public transportation, or better still, join a brewery tour that provides transport.
‘Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider’ offers a wonderful detour from the regular hops and malt. Their Revival is a must-try and they’ll even walk you through the fascinating process of cider making.
‘Burnside Brewing’ has its fantastic Sweet Heat brew, a wheat beer with spice to give it a real kick, whereas ‘Breakside Brewery’ in Milwaukie offers the Wanderlust IPA, truly a gold standard amongst the hoppy ales.
Follow the Ale Trail in Bend
As temperatures start to drop in the fall, head on over to Bend, lovingly known as Beertown USA. Over here the Ale Trail features 18 stops and is as Oregon as it comes. Do try ‘Deschutes Brewery’, a Bend staple, known for their Black Butte Porter, especially cozy in the colder months.
Another well-kept secret is ‘Crux Fermentation Project’, favored by locals for kicking back with friends. Whatever your palette prefers, this place has it all, from IPAs to stouts to sours.
Turn East for the High Desert Breweries
Eastern Oregon may be high desert, but it definitely isn’t a beer desert. ‘Barley Brown’s Brew Pub’ in Baker City is no ordinary small-town brewery. With two dozen beers on tap to choose from, it’s definitely worth the turn off the beaten path.
Divert slightly north to ‘Terminal Gravity’ in Enterprise. Savor their Stout in the hospitable log cabin tasting room—it’s a haven in the snowy winter weather.
Traveling the Oregon Beer Trail does require dedication as much as a love for beer. And remember, it’s all about savoring these liquid masterpieces. While Oregon loves its boozy brews, no one likes a tipsy tourist, so always drink responsibly.
The adventure on the Oregon Beer Trail is as much about the journey as it is about the beer. Along the way, you’ll find the heart of Oregon: Its untamed coastline, lush valleys, cosmopolitan cities, pristine deserts, and above all, the warm, friendly folks. So grab a map, and remember the golden rule – eat well, take plenty of breaks, and enjoy the brew at a leisurely pace.
The Ultimate Oregon Beer trail awaits. Who knows what new favorite brew might be waiting just around the bend? And to navigate the Oregon craft beer scene like a true local, trust in guidance from folks who know the state, its people, and most importantly, its beer. Here’s to an unforgettable brew pilgrimage! We’ll see you on the trail, friend.