Best Breweries in Oregon Outside of Portland
Everybody knows that Portland is a mecca for craft beer aficionados, but here’s a little secret: some of the best breweries in Oregon are tucked away in its smaller towns and cities, waiting patiently among the misty Cascades, the rugged coastlines, and the sun-baked high desert. Here are the top ten Oregon breweries that dare to venture beyond the borders of P-town.
1. Deschutes Brewery (Bend)
Firmly nested in the heart of Bend, Deschutes Brewery has been an Oregon craft beer mainstay since 1988. Try their legendary Black Butte Porter or the wildly popular Fresh Squeezed IPA. Pro tip: they also offer free tours of their brewing facility, so be sure to grab a slot while you’re there!
2. Ninkasi Brewing Company (Eugene)
A must-see in Eugene’s trendy Whiteaker neighborhood, Ninkasi Brewing Company offers a beer lineup that strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Don’t miss their Total Domination IPA or Helles Belles Lager. Enjoy a cold one on their pet-friendly outdoor patio!
3. Boneyard Beer (Bend)
Boneyard Beer, another Bend brewery, has a reputation for brewing high-octane beers with robust flavors. RPM IPA is their flagship offering, but beer enthusiasts should taste the Suge Knite Imperial Stout. It’s a true gem for risk-takers in this sea of hops.
4. Rogue Ales (Newport)
Rogue Ales and Spirits have been brewing beers “outside the box” in Newport since 1989. Try the Dead Guy Ale. Pairing the beer with clam chowder, while looking over the Yaquina Bay, is the quintessential Oregon experience!
5. Pelican Brewing Company (Pacific City)
Located right on the beach in Pacific City, the Pelican Brewing Company provides stunning views along with tasty brews. Try a pint of their Kiwanda Cream Ale and pair it with some fresh fish and chips. Afterward, take a stroll on the beach, or if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the nearby Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune.
6. Crux Fermentation Project (Bend)
This isn’t your ordinary brewery. Crux Fermentation Project, tucked in a former Bend auto shop, experiments with brewing like no other, which results in uniquely complex beers. Try their ‘Banished Series’ for the rare, barrel-aged stuff. Grab a sunset beer and say hello to the magnificent Three Sisters peaks.
7. Wild Ride Brewing (Redmond)
Located in downtown Redmond, Wild Ride Brewing offers a variety of brews that can enthrall any palate. Be sure to sample their Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter, it’s an adventurous choice. And if you’re visiting on a summer Friday, stick around for the lively community gatherings in their beer garden.
8. Fort George Brewery (Astoria)
Fort George Brewery has some exciting modern brews and mouth-watering pub food. Overlooking the convergence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, try their juicy Vortex IPA. Plan your visit during the Dark Arts Festival, an annual event that celebrates everything stout!
9. Oakshire Brewing (Eugene)
Simple, laid back, and focused on crafting exceptional beers – that’s Oakshire Brewing for you. The Watershed IPA is a local’s favorite. Their charming beer garden looks right onto the Willamette River, an excellent spot to unwind with a cold one.
10. pFriem Family Brewers (Hood River)
A Hood River beacon for beer lovers, pFriem Family Brewers combine traditional European brewing techniques with the Northwest’s creativity. Try their bright and crisp Pilsner. Don’t miss out on visiting the brewery during the annual Hood River Harvest Fest for a genuinely Oregonian autumn experience.
And there it is. The best breweries in Oregon outside of Portland are brewing magic in their kettles. So, take the scenic route, taste the local flavors, enjoy the views, and immerse yourself in the beautifully diverse beer culture of our beloved Beaver State.