So you have the kids in the car, you’re on the road, and the whole family is happy, smiling, and maybe even casually singing along to something on the radio. You’re off on a day trip to the coast, the Gorge, or maybe even the mountain. When you get there, you plan to spend some time exploring before heading back, but you don’t want gas station coffee on your way out of town.
No, you need something better—a good cup from a local spot with fresh beans, something that actually wakes up the senses. You’re going to be wandering around town for a while, probably waking up before dawn, and you’ll need something to keep you going once the sun starts setting around 7 p.m., and you begin that drive home in the dark.
And if you think you’ll be leaving town after the best cafés have closed, make sure to grab coffee earlier and bring an insulated mug to keep it fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it. Better yet, pick up a mug from the shop itself so you’ve got a memory to take home.
If you wind up in the Gorge, check out this spot in Hood River:
Doppio Coffee
My favorite place for fresh espresso is in Hood River, and that’s saying something considering how many great cafés are in town. They’ve got plenty of options for both coffee drinkers and non-coffee folks. The indoor seating can get a little cramped, since it’s almost always busy, but the outdoor courtyard feels like a world away. You could do worse, but it would be very hard to do better.
If you head to the coast instead, it depends a bit on where you land, but here are a few recommendations:
Astoria
Coffee Girl on Pier 39. Next question. You get to drive across a slightly wonky bridge, sit on the patio overlooking the Columbia River, and enjoy some of the best hot drinks in town. There are plenty of excellent cafés in Astoria; this one happens to be my favorite.
Seaside
Seaside Coffee Roasters makes a top-notch cup of coffee. When you walk in, you might even say what my wife says every time we go: “I feel like we’re in Luke’s,” the diner from Gilmore Girls. Luke’s was known for great coffee, and this place delivers. There are other cafés and even some newer drive-thru spots along the highway, but this is the one we never miss.
Lincoln City
The mid-coast has a lot of great coffee, but for my money, the best will always be Salt. Formerly a drive-thru on Highway 101 called Mojo, they’re always busy for a reason; the coffee is that good. The atmosphere is fun, and their seasonal flavors keep both locals and visitors coming back.
If you’re heading to the mountain, the quality of coffee can depend on how far out you go. Stick close to Government Camp, and you’ll have options. Venture deeper, and a good cup can be harder to find.
Coffee Brewsters
Right around the time you realize you’ve passed Sandy and are officially on the mountain, you’ll start seeing what the Welches area has to offer. Your most important landmark might be this almost city-sized café in a small town. They know their way around an espresso machine, and the mix of mountain air and fresh coffee doesn’t hurt.
Fernie’s Coffee
If you’re passing through Zigzag or Rhododendron on your way up, make sure you stop here before you get too far. It’s a small stand with a fenced walk-up area, but they know exactly how to deliver a strong, satisfying cup. The staff is friendly, and it’s one of the last solid stops for miles, so don’t pass it up if you’re even thinking about coffee.
Moby Coffee
Maybe the last stop for coffee lovers before you get into the deeper wilderness, this spot is built into what was likely once a wood or machine shop. It has that country welcome feel with a touch of city comfort. They handle drip coffee well and know their way around espresso, too. Just note, they close at 1 p.m., so if you want to check it out, you’ll need to get an early start.
Casey Mabbott is a husband and parent first, and also an experienced and dedicated writer and researcher. Born and raised in the Portland area, when Casey is not spending time with his family gallivanting around Portland and the surrounding areas, he genuinely enjoys helping people (especially families) find the “hidden gems” in the Pacific Northwest. In today’s world of lightning fast information at our fingertips, it’s truly a wonder to stumble across a place, an experience, or an activity you’ve never heard of.
