Multnomah Falls Photo: Karen Asp

I'm in love with Portland, Ore. -- and not just because this ultra-hip, eco-conscious city doesn't have sales tax, which even this non-shopper goes nuts over (hello, lululemon!). Hands down, Portland is one of the best places to take an active vacation. Not only does this area offer dozens of fun adventures, the beauty of the area is also simply stunning. Looking for suggestions on what to do? Check out this four-day itinerary.

Day one: Arrive in Portland, check in at the pet-friendly Hotel Monaco and hop on one of the hotel's complimentary bikes. Then ride the streets, cruising through fun neighborhoods like Pearl District, where you'll find some of my favorite restaurants, including Oba and Andina. Grab grub there at night or ride the fare-less light rail to Old Town Pizza or Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, two of my other favorites.

Day two: Eat breakfast at the Red Star Tavern & Roast House, next to the hotel, which serves delicious sustainable meals. Then hop in your car and drive the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway on your way to Hood River. Wear hiking gear, as you'll pass numerous trails on the highway, many of them leading to waterfalls. The most popular? The Multnomah Falls, the country's second-tallest year-round waterfall at 620 feet, which has a restaurant at its base. Hike to the top of the waterfall and then keep going on the trail. Or move on to one of the other dozens of trails along the highway. Once in Hood River, check in at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and watch windsurfers on the river behind the hotel. Hood River is famous for its windsurfing, so if you've ever wanted to take lessons, now's the perfect time. For dinner, head into town to Celilo's for an amazing eating experience. After dinner, take a stroll on Hood River's main street.

Day three: After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mount Hood National Park. Once there, turn onto the access road for Trillium Lake, and put those hiking shoes to work again. If the day's clear, you'll catch beautiful views of Mount Hood. After your hike, continue driving to Timberline Lodge for its must-see gargantuan fireplace. You can also eat lunch here before heading to St. Helens for a pampered night at the Seawright House Bed and Breakfast. Sprawl out in the 1,700-square-foot suite on the first floor of this 1910 house. If possible, schedule a massage here (it was the best one I've ever had). For dinner, walk into town and peruse the handful of restaurants.

Day four: Weather permitting, enjoy breakfast on the deck, soaking in views of Mount St. Helens. (Check out the koi pond, too.) On the way back to Portland, stop at Scappoose Bay Kayaking for a peaceful paddle before you head home.

Another reason I love Portland? The Portland Marathon, one of the country's most walking-friendly marathons, even for Nordic walkers.