Portland Oregon, USA Travel Guide
Embrace Portland'the scenery with a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Forest Park (over 80 miles of trails: Leif Erikson Drive for easy walks, Wildwood Trail for moderate climbs). Mount Tabor Park (moderate climbs, city views). Columbia River Gorge (day trip options: Multnomah Falls for easy to moderate, Wahkeena Falls Loop for moderate, Dog Mountain for strenuous).
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on the Willamette River. Equipment rentals from Portland Kayak Company or Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Dragon Boat Racing, a popular sport on the Willamette River, occurs during the Rose Festival.
Bouldering: Numerous indoor gyms. Outdoor opportunities occur in the Columbia River Gorge. Skiing/Snowboarding: Mount Hood (1.5-hour drive) features resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Lodge, and SkiBowl for all skill levels. Birdwatching: Sauvie Island and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
No ocean beaches exist directly in Portland. The Oregon Coast sits 1.5-2 hours drive west, featuring stunning coastal landscapes.
Engage with Portland's creative spirit and diverse communities.
These initiatives often center around supporting local businesses, frequenting farmers' markets, and participating in art walks. Interact with local communities by choosing independent shops and restaurants.
Various language schools, community colleges, and private tutors offer English language instruction or other language lessons for those interested.
Rose Festival (June), Oregon Brewers Festival (July), Blues Festival (August), Last Thursday on Alberta Arts And culture area (monthly), Feast Portland (September).
The Dragontree Holistic Day Spa, Knot Springs, and numerous hotel spas offer massages, facials, and soaking pools.
Bagby Hot Springs (rustic) and Breitenbush Hot Springs (retreat center) offer natural hot spring experiences as day trips.
Many yoga studios operate city-wide. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and alternative therapies are widely available due to Portland's focus on holistic health.
Experience Portland's after-dark scene.
Old Town Chinatown features several dance clubs. The Pearl District and Downtown offer upscale lounges and bars with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Pearl District, Mississippi Avenue, Hawthorne District, Division Street contain concentrated collections of breweries, bars, and pubs. Brewery tours and pub crawls are popular activities.
Many bars are open up to 2 AM. Some late-night food options, including food carts and diners, cater to the after-hours crowd.
Portland Saturday Market (Old Town, weekends March-December) features artisan crafts, diverse food vendors, and live entertainment. Portland Fresh Markets (various locations) offer fresh produce and goods.
Alberta Arts District, Mississippi Avenue, Hawthorne District feature independent boutiques, galleries, and workshops selling local art, jewelry, clothing, and crafts. Supporting local makers is encouraged.
The Pearl District, NW 23rd Avenue (Nob Hill), plus The central area offer luxury brands and independent boutiques. No sales tax in Oregon makes Portland a compelling destination for purchases.
Find unique mementos and shop conscientiously.
Prioritize local, locally-owned businesses. Look for fair trade, sustainably sourced, and ethically produced goods. This supports the local economy and responsible practices.
Major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx exist for shipping purchases home. Ensure careful packing of fragile or liquid items.
Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for bringing goods back. This includes limits on alcohol and restrictions on certain food items.
Remember that Oregon has no sales tax, making purchases here notably attractive.
