Clackamas River, viewed from Stone Cliff Inn, in Oregon City

Set atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Clackamas River in Oregon City, which is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland, the Stone Cliff Inn (17900 S. Clackamas River Dr., Oregon City, 503-631-7900) is a warm and friendly log-cabin-style building with a great restaurant serving affordable, huge portions of tasty American fare. This is a popular spot with folks who've taken whitewater rafting tours along the Upper Clackamas River - several excellent outfitters offer these tours. Baby-back ribs, huge burgers, blackened-halibut sandwiches, and marionberry French toast (at brunch) are among the favorite dishes.