Whether you want to appreciate your love for nature or revel in your Catholic faith, The Grotto is the place to do it. The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, or The Grotto, is a Catholic shrine and a botanical garden. The 62-acre garden includes beautiful plants, several sculptures, and walking paths throughout.
Get a tight grip on your paddle and get ready to battle some rapids. Head to the Columbia River Gorge for some of the region's best whitewater rafting and kayaking. There are several rivers to choose from throughout the gorge that are perfectly suited for both experienced and novice rafters, along with a few perfect places to relax and float.
For tours that expose the fine points of the region's natural beauty, get on board a journey with EcoTours of Oregon. Check out specialized tours like the Mount Saint Helens Volcano Tour, a tour of the Northern Oregon Coast, a Whale Watching Tour, and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls. If you're not so much into the nature thing, enjoy tours like the Winery Tour of Oregon's countryside or the Portland Microbrewery Tour.