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PrintBeer and Recreation Pairings
Read some of our ideas for beer and recreation pairings, then tell us yours
Read some of our ideas for beer and recreation pairings, then tell us yours in the form comments form below.
- Cascade Brewing at the Raccoon Lodge
- Three Creeks Brewing
- Pelican Pub & Brewery
- Terminal Gravity Brewing
Cascade Brewing at the Raccoon Lodge
Nestled into the West Hills rising over Portland, The Raccoon Lodge, home of Cascade Brewing, quietly concocts brews unlike anything one has ever tasted. Winners of two medals from the Great American Beer Festival this year in the barrel aged and sour beer category, Cascade Brewing and brewmaster Ron Gansberg, are becoming widely known as the elite of NW sour beers. Innovators in the industry, Ron and his team strive for ways to make beer flavorful without the usual addition of more hops.
Offering seven brews year round and an ever-changing array of seasonal styles, Cascade Brewing is a perfect stop after an afternoon exploring 5,156 acre Forest Park, the largest urban park in the country. The nationally renowned WildWood trail runs the length of the park, and can be accessed at numerous points for a short romp through the woods, or an all day adventure under towering Douglas Firs. On a clear day at the Pittock Mansion, located in the southeastern corner of the park and accessible from the WildWood trail, the 180 degree views of Portland, the Columbia River, and Mt. Hood towering over the city is like looking into a postcard.
In just a fifteen minute drive, find yourself at the doorstep of the Raccoon Lodge, where a dark, malty porter and bowl of creamy homemade clam chowder take the chill of a winter afternoon away. In the lower level of the restaurant, peer in on about thirty wooden barrels housing a variety of beers in differing stages of fermentation. Try the Cascade Kriek, a Flanders Style Red with cherries, for a superb example of why wild yeast and barrel aging are wonderful things.
Look for Cascade Brewing Barrel House at 935 SE Belmont, which will be opening this winter. Devoting itself solely to the aging, blending and bottling of sour ales, over 350 barrels will be housed in the climate controlled space. There will also be a pub on site to showcase Cascade’s beers, as well as other specialty sours and barrel aged styles.
Three Creeks Brewing
A relative newcomer to the Oregon brewing industry, Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters has already gained a loyal following. With three flagship beers available year round, Three Creeks also produces an astounding variety of seasonal and specialty brews, such as the Voodoo IPA and Bulletproof American Strong Ale. The brewery resides on the wooded grounds of the FivePine Campus, a lodge at the eastern end of town, and many of the Sisters Community Trails in the area end just steps from Three Creek’s door.
Leaving from the FivePine campus by bicycle, point yourself up to the Peterson Ridge Trail for a moderate 25 mile loop on tacky singletrack and old forest service roads. Be sure to pack your camera as the trail has many viewpoints with rewarding panoramas of the Three Sisters and Broken Top. Follow a steady climb east, weaving through fire marked ponderosa pines and craggy rock outcroppings, and keep your eyes open for trail signage to guide along the way. Best ridden as an out-and-back, the Peterson Ridge trail is well marked in a network of multi use trails and in the best condition in the fall, when cooler weather and precipitation move into the mountains.
A reward at the end of an afternoon adventure, Three Creeks serves up Northwest Beers with Attitude and a menu full of your favorite pub food with Northwestern influence. The spicy Wild Hog Wings, Cajun rubbed pork shanks pair perfectly with a pint of the Squirrel, a popular mix of Firestorm Red, Old Prospector Pale and IPA that you just can’t make as an individual beer, and is available only at the pub.
Looking to add more tanks to their operation as business grows, Three Creeks strives to stay true to its roots as a community hub and local meeting place, with an eye on the environment and sustainability of the industry.
Pelican Pub & Brewery
Located right on the shore of the Oregon Coast in Pacific City is a treat for beer lovers. Pelican Pub & Brewery serves up delectable Northwest microbrews with a view.
The dining room looks out to picturesque Haystack Rock, known locally as Chief Kiwanda for its resemblance to an Indian chief, and is the largest monolith on the coast of Oregon.
The fall and winter months are a time when the coast is easily forgotten. The relentless rain, whipping wind and bone-chilling air tend to keep most people inside. For those looking for a quiet, wet, and enjoyable experience, Pacific City, whose northern boundary is created by Cape Kiwanda State Park, offers miles of deserted trails and hidden grottos for off-season enjoyment. It is also home to Kiwanda Marine Gardens, a series of tidal pools full of shallow water life such as anemones, starfish, and mollusks of all shapes and sizes. Miles of trails wind through giant sand dunes covered in coarse sea grass, and tall dark forests on the rocky bluff, all with views of Haystack Rock and the wild Pacific Ocean. The Cape also presents a perfect location for kite flying, an Oregon Coast tradition, as the wind mellows out in the afternoon creating ideal conditions. Pea-Sea Deli (33145 Webb Park Rd. 503-965-7228) sells kites locally.
A smooth, light Kiwanda Cream Ale lifts the chill from a tired body after an afternoon of gallivanting thought the sand and surf, and when enjoyed with the Crab Cakes, an array of complementing flavors are discovered. Each menu item is conveniently paired with one of Pelican’s year-round brews, which makes getting the perfect meal a breeze. When dark, heavy clouds fill the horizon, hunker down with The Perfect Storm, Pelican’s strong and sweet barley wine, aged for four months in Evan Williams bourbon barrels.
Staying true to their small-town roots, Darron Welch, Brewmaster, and his team strive to create beers with unconventional flavors, and constantly bring the finest product to the taps at their pub.
Terminal Gravity Brewing
High in the Northeast corner of Oregon, surrounding by the rugged and desolate Wallowa Mountains, Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise is quietly creating ales and lagers without conforming to traditional styles and methods. Open since 1996, this craft brewery is best known for its IPA, a strong, copper-colored brew packed with hops, which is even more satisfying after a cross country skiing excursion at Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park. Less than an hour’s drive from Enterprise, Salt Creek Summit has over twenty miles of nordic trails, with seven loops ranging from moderate to most difficult. 6,100 feet in elevation, at the crest of Salt Creek and Little Sheep Creek, the sno-park is completely surrounded by craggy granite peaks some call the Alps of Oregon. Matterhorn, the appropriately named highest peak, tops out at 9,845 ft.
The Wallowa Lake Tramway (59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy. 541-432-5331) is also open limited hours in the winter, and can be ridden to access backcountry skiing and snowboarding, or a 2 ½ mile cross country skiing loop. Rising over 4,000 feet in elevation, the four person tram climbs to the summit of Mt. Howard, which offers views of ice blue Wallowa Lake, the Seven Devils in western Idaho, and the encompassing Eagle Cap Wilderness.
A pint of Terminal Gravity’s Festivale, brewed in the style of a British Old Ale, provides warmth from higher alcohol content, and a dry, sweet finish that isn’t syrupy. It offers even more satisfaction when paired with a tangy Greek Salad or savory Lamb Gyro. The pub is open Wednesday through Sunday at 4pm, leaving plenty of daylight for exploring the natural treasures that Enterprise and the Eagle Cap Wilderness have.
Double Mountain Brewery
Open for less than three years in Hood River’s vibrant downtown, Double Mountain has firmly established itself as one of the premier breweries in Oregon. With names like HopLava and the Terrible Two bourbon aged brown, taste buds should be prepared for a full-on battle with flavor. Pouring four beers year-round and several delectable seasonal selections, Double Mountain is a logical stop after exploring the countryside on a road bike.
Just east of Hood River, which lies among steep hills and cliffs, the land begins to even out, becoming mellow rolling knolls covered in scrub trees and breezy yellow grasses. Roads are quiet and meander past fields of cows, wheat, and farms which have been in operation for generations. Salmon Cyclery in The Dalles, (418 E. 2nd st, 541-298-4500) is a perfect pre-ride stop for maps, road information, and spare tubes.
Following the Gorge between Hood River and The Dalles is the historic Columbia River Highway, which can be ridden as a moderate loop of 46.5 miles with a 3,760 ft. elevation gain. Six miles of the unforgettable route are completely closed to vehicular traffic, and the sweeping views of the powerful Columbia River, rugged basalt cliffs, and wind-swept hills create conditions for the ride of a lifetime, which can end at the door of Double Mountain in Hood River.
A pint of HopLava, Double Mountain’s fire colored IPA relaxes tense muscles and spurs easy conversation while waiting for a thin crust New Haven style pizza to arrive. The Jersey pie, covered in hot capicola, provolone & Mama Lil’s marinated peppers is both spicy and satisfying, and pairs perfectly with any of the beers on tap.
Stick around later in the evening to catch some free live music or just enjoy the inviting atmosphere at the local’s favorite Hood River brewery.
Mt Hood Brewing Company – Ice Axe Grill
As their motto claims, Mt. Hood Brewing Co. is the microbrewery with altitude. Located high on the southern flanks of Mount Hood in the village of Government Camp, the brewery began operations in 1991 as just a pub, adding a 10-barrel brewing system in October of 1992. They have since grown to producing 8 flagship beers, which can be found on tap at their Ice Axe Grill in Government Camp, or seven miles up the road at Timberline Lodge.
A visit to Mount Hood wouldn’t be complete without getting some turns in a pair of skis or snowboard. Historic Timberline Lodge, completed under the Roosevelt administration in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression. The massive stone building is visited by 1 million tourists annually and also boasts the longest ski season in the country. The Magic Mile, which stretches above tree line and the lodge, was the first lift, which opened in 1939.
Timberline now has five high speed quads, and two other lifts, which access 41 trails and more than 1,415 skiable acres. On a sunny, calm winter day, catch a ride in a passenger sno-cat at the top of the Magic Mile lift, which will whisk riders to the top of the Palmer snowfield at 8,540 ft. for steep untouched terrain, and views that alone are worth the ride.
From the bottom of the Stormin’ Norman lift, the Alpine trail is also accessible, and can be ridden all the way back down to Government Camp, and the Ice Axe Grill. Keep in mind that the Alpine Trail is not patrolled or groomed, so skiers and riders assume all risks. Trail maps and information are available at Timberline Lodge. (503-272-3158)
An Old English Cheddar Pub Burger, topped with a crunchy beer battered onion ring and paired with a dark, rich Hogsback Oatmeal stout provides satisfaction and nourishment in a lodge-like atmosphere. Ask a server what the seasonal nitro tap is, and be prepared for a smooth, creamy treat.
At the foot of the tallest peak in Oregon, find yourself enjoying the heavy snow and foamy beverages the state has become known for.
Cascade Lakes Brewing Company
Founded in 1994, Cascade Lakes Brewing Company began as a small scale brewing facility in an airport industrial zone in Redmond, OR. Fifteen years and a whole lot of great beers later, operations have expanded to include five restaurants in Central Oregon to satisfy the area’s thirst for tasty craft beers. They include Seventh Street Brew House, Red Dog Depot, Tumalo Tavern, Cascade West Grub & Ale House, and our flagship restaurant in Bend, Cascade Lakes Lodge. Cascade Lakes is currently using a 20 bbl (620 gallon) brewing system for all its hand crafted ales.
