8 Adrenaline Activities Around Portland You Have to Try

Thomas Tangen
2 days ago
3 min read

Plunging through the clear blue sky, a tandem skydiving duo freefalls exuberantly after jumping from a plane on a sunny day. Photo credit by: kamilpphotos on IG.

Portland might be known for its coffee shops and quirky charm, but if you’re craving an adrenaline rush, you're in the right place. From the wild rivers to the open skies, the area around Portland offers plenty of high-octane adventures. Here are eight must-try adrenaline activities around Portland that will get your heart racing.

Best Adrenaline Activities Around Portland for Thrill-Seekers

If you're searching for the best adrenaline activities around Portland, you'll find no shortage of options. Whether it's flying through the air, charging down mountain trails, or taking on raging rivers, these experiences are designed to get your blood pumping. Here's where to find your next adventure.

A group of adventurers navigates the thrilling rapids in a vibrant orange raft, smiles wide and paddles slicing through the whitewater. Helmets and life jackets showcase their readiness for an exhilarating ride.

1. Whitewater Rafting on the Clackamas River

Just 45 minutes southeast of Portland, the Clackamas River is a local favorite for whitewater rafting. During the spring runoff season, the rapids rage into Class III–IV levels, giving thrill-seekers tight canyon squeezes, fast drops, and boulder-dodging excitement. Several outfitters offer guided trips, making it easy to dive right in.

A thrill-seeker leaps into the exhilarating adventure of bungee jumping, suspended over the rushing river below.

2. Bungee Jumping at Crooked River Gorge

If you're up for a road trip, Terrebonne offers one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in North America. Standing 250 feet above Crooked River Gorge, you’ll experience a freefall that feels like pure freedom—and pure adrenaline. The jump season typically runs from May to October, so plan accordingly.

3. Skydiving in Molalla

Ready to take your adventure to new heights? Head about 50 minutes south to Molalla for skydiving with jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood, the Cascades, and even the Pacific on a clear day. Skydive Oregon is a popular drop zone for both first-timers and seasoned jumpers, offering tandem jumps that reach over 13,000 feet.

Two mountain bikers navigate a scenic trail surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of rugged, snow-dappled peaks and lush green valleys. Photo credit by: greg.rosenke on IG.

4. Downhill Mountain Biking at Sandy Ridge

The Sandy Ridge Trail System, located less than an hour from the city, is a downhill biker’s playground. With 15+ miles of flowing trails, big berms, fast descents, and technical switchbacks, it's a blast whether you’re an intermediate rider or a seasoned shredder. Just make sure your brakes are ready.

Windsurfers glide across the gleaming river, surrounded by stunning mountains under a clear sky. Photo credit by: fr3nks on IG.

5. Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in the Columbia River Gorge

For those who like their adventure with a splash, the Columbia River Gorge near Hood River is the ultimate playground. World-class windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions mean you can catch major air or carve high-speed lines across the river. New to the sport? Plenty of outfitters in Hood River offer lessons.

A climber tackles a challenging route in an indoor gym, showcasing strength and focus on the vibrant climbing wall. Photo credit by: adzirahadiansyah on IG.

6. Indoor Rock Climbing at Portland Rock Gym

If the weather’s not cooperating, you can still get your adrenaline fix indoors. Portland Rock Gym offers lead climbing, top-roping, bouldering, and auto-belay systems up to 50 feet tall. Feeling confident? Take those skills outside to nearby Broughton Bluff for real rock faces just 20 minutes away.

A rally car speeds down a gravel road, kicking up dust as it navigates a forested route. Photo credit by: Maxime Agnelli.

7. Rally Car Driving with DirtFish

While it’s a bit of a drive—about 3.5 hours north to Snoqualmie, Washington—DirtFish Rally School is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get behind the wheel of a rally car and learn to drift, slide, and race on professional-grade gravel tracks. No racing experience needed—just a love of speed and dirt.

A thrill-seeker glides across the dense forest canopy on a zipline, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain landscape. Photo credit by: Ty Downs.

8. Ziplining Adventures around Portland

For an adrenaline hit that’s a little closer to the city, Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour offers seven zip lines weaving through the towering forests of North Plains. The longest line stretches over 1,200 feet, and at heights reaching 100 feet above the ground, you’ll get your fill of both speed and scenery.

Plan Your Portland Thrill Ride

Whether you prefer soaring through the sky, ripping through rapids, or charging down a mountain trail, Portland is surrounded by adrenaline-filled adventures for every type of thrill-seeker.