Under $100: Mount Hood

Oregon’s Mount Hood, the tallest mountain in the state, is easily accessible from the major cities of Portland and Salem. The mountain is a great place to spend a day in any season. Go in winter and enjoy magical surroundings or head there in summer for a host of hiking.

Start your day at the ZigZag Inn, where you can eat breakfast before heading up to the mountain. The cabin-style restaurant serves classic egg dishes and coffee for around $15.

Next, head up to Timberline Lodge, where you can park and base the day’s activities. The helpful staff inside can give you suggestions on hiking, scenic driving or even riding the chairlift partway up the mountain. Most of these activities will be free.

Grab lunch at the Wyeast Café at Timberline, where you can take in views of the mountain as you dine. Budget around $20.

If you have extra time, drive the scenic Fruit Loop route toward the town of Hood River. You’ll gain epic views of the mountain surrounded by wine vines and fruit orchards.

For dinner, head inside the lodge to the Ram’s Head, where dinner and drinks come with excellent mountain sunsets.