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Ainsworth Blocks

Although they're technically street blocks, this grassy strip of trees and plants offers a great place to ride a bike or take a jog. The blocks were originally run-down and full of dying plants, but were rejuvenated by the city in the 1980s and now are a perfect example of urban renewal efforts. The homes and buildings that line the street blocks have become hot commodities in the city, and are highly sought-after for those looking for a place in the city that features lots of green landscaping. More »

Alberta Park

This 16.7-acre park sits in northeast Portland and is a great place for the whole family to play. There is nice play equipment that will keep the little ones busy for hours, as well as basketball and tennis courts that are perfect for entertaining the older ones in the group. Dog-owners will love the 1.3-acre off-leash dog park, where the pooches can run and play with their canine friends. If you're in the mood for walking, there are plenty of trail options here; the paved paths are perfect for rollerblading or biking, while the dirt trails offer a great hiking-through-the-woods experience. More »

Albertina Kerr Center

This historic building was once the home of the old Kerr Nursery, one of the organizations run by the Albertina Kerr Center--an organization that aides families, adults, and children who have developmental or health disabilities. This building was constructed in the early 1900s and serves as a historic reminder of the history of the philanthropic Kerr family. In 1907, the family started a shelter for homeless men, then moved on to start a home for girls, and a nursery for homeless children. Throughout the mid-1900s, the Kerrs continued their nonprofit work, founding group homes, training centers for those with disabilities, and early intervention programs. Today, visitors can tour the historic building and its beautifully landscaped grounds, as well as dine and shop at the restaurants and unique gift shops inside--all proceeds from sales go to the Albertina Kerr Centers. More »

Ankeny Plaza

Located downtown, this 1.3-acre plaza features open space for gathering, as well as public fountains and sculptures. It becomes a bustling center on the weekends for Saturday Market, as well as for other gatherings and festivals downtown. The central focal point of the Plaza is Skidmore Fountain, which has been around since the late 1800s. Ankeny would be a good place to stop and organize your visit to downtown Portland, as there are plenty of open spaces to gather and look at maps and travel material, and the local light rail line stops here, making it easily accessible. More »

Anne Amie Vineyards

This quaint winery sits in the hills southeast of Portland, where local wineries abound. It opened in 1999, when Dr. Robert Pamplin purchased the vineyards of the former Chateau Benoit Winery and began to renovate the operations to create exceptional Pinot variety wines. Today, the winery still specializes in Pinot Noir, and also produces other types such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling. Visitors are welcome to tour the winery and stop by the tasting room for a delicious sampling of Anne Amie's wines. More »

April Hill Park

This park casts off a private, secluded feeling, as it is tucked away in the southwest neighborhoods of Portland, and never gets as busy as some of the larger, more popular city parks. For those who do find it, it's gem, with lots of open space for running and lounging, as well as accessible playgrounds, soccer fields, a softball diamond, and paved pathways that wind through the green space. The park is planted with native plants to give it an authentic atmosphere, as well as to help create clean ground water for the neighborhood. More »

Arbor Lodge Park

Portland is lucky to be home to many great neighborhood parks, and this is one of them. It's located in the northwest part of the city, and provides a great place for locals and visitors to relax, take a jog, or enjoy an afternoon picnic. There's a newly renovated playground here, which makes the park popular with the kiddos, in addition to other nice amenities such as soccer and softball fields, picnic tables, a tennis court, and beautiful public art sculptures. Arbor Lodge is a great place to take dogs, too, as there is a good off-leash area where your four-legged friends can run and play. More »

Argyle Winery

Argyle Winery has been a major player in the Oregon wine industry since it produced its first bottle in 1987. The winery utilizes grapes from three different vineyards--Stoller Vineyard, Knudsen Vineyard, and Lonestar Vineyard--to make their award-winning wine varieties. In addition to the traditional Oregon wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc.), Argyle specializes in sparkling wines, and has gained many accolades from their Argyle Brut and their Knudsen Vineyard Brut, but their most recognized sparkling is the 1997 Extended Tirage Brut, which has consistently ranked among the top sparkling wines produced in the country. Stop by this charming winery to taste test their delicious wines--you definitely won't be disappointed. More »

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

This historic venue was constructed in 1928 and is the home of various Portland performance groups, such as the Oregon Symphony, the White Bird Dance Company, the Portland Youth Philharmonic, and others. The building began as a vaudeville theater, then changed its name to Paramount Theater in 1930, as it partnered in a contract with Paramount Pictures to show their films. Then, in 1972, "The Schnitz" (as locals sometimes call it) began to host performances and live concerts. The Theater was renovated in 1976, with major monetary support from Portland residents Arlene and Harold Schnitzer, and re-opened in 1984 boasting updates such as renovated ornate interior details, dressing rooms, a choir loft, and original chandeliers. More »

Astoria

This quaint northern coastal town sits at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It's one of the oldest settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, was the final ending point for the famed Lewis and Clark expedition of the early 19th century, and was originally established as a fur trading settlement in 1810. Just as you'd expect from an old town, many of the homes here feature Victorian architecture, and they're mingled about the hillsides and throughout the town's 1920s-era revitalized downtown. There are many attractions to see while visiting Astoria, including the Astoria Column, the waterfront, historic Fort Clatsop, the comprehensive Columbia River Maritime Museum, and many others. More »

Astoria Column

Towering at 125-feet tall, high atop Coxcomb Hill, the Astoria Tower beckons visitors who want to get a great view of the city, river, and ocean below. Constructed in 1926, it commemorates the westward expansion of the United States through its painted mural scenes that spiral up the tower. There are 14 important historical Astoria events depicted on the murals, ranging from the discovery of the Columbia River in 1792 by Captain Robert Gray, to the Lewis & Clark expedition building their winter home, which they named Fort Clatsop. Visitors are free to climb the 164 stairs that spiral up the interior of the tower, and spend some time at the top viewing platform to take in the gorgeous surrounding views. More »

Astoria Riverfront Trolley

A charming way to check out Astoria's sites, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley was built from wood and steel in 1913 and started life on the streetcar tracks of the San Antonio Traction Company in Texas. Officially owned by the San Antonio Museum of Art, the trolley is on loan to Astoria at the cost of $1 per year--with the stipulation that Astoria is responsible for restoring and maintaining it. The trolley was indeed lovingly restored in 1999 by local volunteers in Astoria, who refurbished the wood, replaced the canvas cover, and restored a number of other details. The trolley's run starts at the Astoria Red Lion Inn and it runs out to the foot of 39th St and back, with a number of stops along the way. You can also wave the down the trolley and hop aboard! More »

Attic Gallery

Now Portland's largest and oldest gallery, the Attic Gallery actually began life with a 1973 exhibition in the attic of the house of Diana Faville, the founder. The gallery features works by some of Oregon's best known artists as well as promising up-and-coming artists. Featuring paintings in oils, acryllics, and pastels as well as wood, bronze, and ceramic sculptures, the gallery's diverse exhibitions are well worth a visit. More »

Audubon Society of Portland Nature Center

A 150-acre wildlife sanctuary located near Forest Park, just 5 minutes from downtown Portland, the Audubon Society Sanctuary offers trails that showcase native flora and fauna. Old growth Douglas firs give a sense of the grandeur of the rainforest ecosystems that once covered the Pacific Northwest, while undergrowth along Balch Creek features a variety of ferns, vines, nettles and Salmonberry bushes. A small pond is home to a wide variety of amphibians, while the trees are home to all manner of local birds. Trails connect to the larger trail system in Forest Park. More »

Augen Gallery

Owner Bob Kochs is a friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming host, and his collection is impressive. Featuring both excellent local artists and pieces by nationally and internationally renowned artists, the Augen is the kind of place where you might find something by a cutting edge Portland artist hanging next to a Miro. The art is displayed with sophistication and elegance, yet the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious. If you are out on the town for one of Portland's First Thursday Walks on the first Thursday of every month, this gallery is definitely worth checking out. A second location has recently opened at 716 NW Davis--check the website for details and contact info. More »

Bald Peak State Park

Not far from urban Portland, Bald Peak State Park is small but impressive. The viewpoint at the summit of Bald Peak, at just over 1600 feet, is actually the highest point in the Chehalem Mountains, and offers stunning views of Mount Hood, Mount Rainer, Mount St. Helens, and the other grand peaks of the Cascades. Picnic areas and restrooms are available near the parking area, and a trail winds through a forest of Douglas firs. More »

Barclay House

Like John McLouglin, Dr. Forbes Barclay was a physician and worked for the Hudson's Bay Company before becoming one of the founding fathers of Oregon City and one of its most prominent citizens. An Arctic explorer before his stint as a doctor with the Hudson's Bay company, Barclay was also the first coroner in Oregon, a school superintendent, and mayor of Oregon City. The modest, well-built house where the doctor lived with his wife is now located right next to the McLoughlin house, where it serves as the gift shop and houses the offices for the historic property after being moved from its original location near the banks of the Willamette in 1937.
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Benson Hotel

A Portland institution since it was first built in 1912, the Benson Hotel is as luxurious as it is historic. The hotel was the fulfillment of a dream for Simon Benson, a self-made Portland lumber baron who dreamed of a world-class hotel for the city. Benson did not hold back. Working with architect Albert Doyle, Benson commissioned a building in French Second Empire style, complete with a mansard roof with dormers. It is inside the hotel, though, that the elegance really awes. The beautiful lobby features walls and pillars finished in priceless (and now extinct) Circassian walnut wood imported from Imperial Russian. The chandeliers are Austrian crystal, while the main staircase is made of Italian marble. With top notch service and prices to match, this is the hotel to stay in for Portland VIPs, and you just might glimpse one if you linger long enough. More »

Benson State Recreation Area

Benson State Recreation Area is yet another contribution to Oregon by Portland lumber baron and philanthropist Simon Benson, who also built the Benson Hotel and gave Portland its first water fountains, the elegant bronze fountains known as "Benson Bubblers" that still grace downtown. This beautiful park is located a mile west of Multnomah Falls on the Columbia River, and is a picnicker's delight. Besides a picnic shelter and restrooms, boating, fishing, and swimming are available, or enjoy the Frisbee golf course. More »

Berkeley Park

A true neighborhood park, Berkeley park was actually created because of the demand of the surrounding residents back in 1946. The superintendent of parks at the time, C.P. Keyser was against creating the park, believing that the land would be better used for housing, but the residents persisted, and petitioned to have the park created. Not far from the Reed College campus, Berkeley Park packs a lot of recreational activities into its six and a half acres. Soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, and a playground are all available, as is a horseshoe pit, picnic tables, and restrooms. Several paths meander through stately stands of trees, making the park a lovely place to spend an afternoon. More »

Berry Botanic Garden

Founded by the legendary plant collector Rae Selling Berry, the Berry Botanic Garden is home to a extensive collection of endangered plant species, one of the largest public rock gardens on the west coast, and a dazzling display of rhododendrons. The garden also features a seed bank for rare and endangered plants of the Pacific Northwest for preservation purposes. The 6.5-acre estate provides a serene sanctuary of nature's most interesting plants. The garden is open from dawn to dusk daily by appointment. More »

Berrydale Park

Another of Portland's many pleasant neighborhood parks, Berrydale Park is just over 6 acres, and is the perfect spot to picnic, play, or just relax and watch the clouds roll by. A playground will keep your young ones busy, and a soccer field and softball field provide a few other recreation options. More »

Blackfish Gallery

Owned by artists since 1979, Blackfish Gallery is proud to be one of the most successful and longstanding cooperative galleries in the country. One of the main missions of the gallery is to bring outstanding and thought provoking new art to as wide and audience as possible, and the Blackfish is known for exhibiting fresh, cutting edge pieces by local artists. Local artist Barbara Black is often exhibited, but the gallery is always offering new exhibits and is a mainstay of the local art scene. More »

Blue Lake Regional Park

A big open space located on the banks of the Columbia River just 20 minutes from downtown Portland, the highlight of Blue Lake Regional Park is the 64 acre lake fed by underground springs. Paddleboats, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent in the summer months, and the lake is generously stocked with fish for anglers. The water-spray ground, an interactive playground where water sprays and gushes from a variety of nozzles and sculptures, is a child's dreamland on a hot day. The swimming area in the lake itself is one of the safest and cleanest natural spots to swim in the Portland area. If you seek less aquatic activities, trails lead through nearby wetlands. This is an incredibly popular place for picnics and family gatherings, so if you are here on a nice summer day, expect lots of company. Pets are not allowed in the park (on or off leash), so you will have to leave your furry friends at home. More »

Bonneville Hatchery

This fish hatchery is located off of I-84 just east of Portland, and is a good place to get a sense of the aquatic eco-system and its importance to the area, as well as the threats facing fisheries and the conservation efforts of the Oregon Wildlife and Fisheries department. Bring quarters and you can buy food to feed the fish in the ponds here. The facility is a coho and chinook salmon hatchery, but the biggest attraction is a pond with large trout and several very large (four-foot-long!) sturgeon. The largest of the sturgeon is a nine-foot-long, 60-year-old fish affectionately known as "Herman the Sturgeon." More »

Bridal Veil Falls State Park

This is a nice park to visit while cruising the Columbia River Gorge. It's located along the old scenic highway (also accessible via Interstate 84), and presents a great place to hike, play, or just relax and look at the falls from the viewing platform. There are two main trails that branch out from the park, the upper trail and the lower trail. If you take the upper trail, you'll be met with a hike that takes you up and around some of the Gorge's most scenic cliffs for great views of the river and the surrounding forest. There are also interpretive signs located along the upper trail, so you'll be sure to get a good education about the local flora in the area as you hike. The lower trail takes you to the base of Bridal Veil Falls along a short (about a mile round-trip), but steep trail. If you want to go for an abbreviated hike, get an up-close view of the falls' tumbling water, and feel the mist of the falls on your face, the lower trail is your best bet. More »

Broadway Bridge

Spanning the Willamette River and connecting the Pearl District with the Northeast's Rose Quarter, the Broadway Bridge was the longest bascule bridge in the world when it was built in 1913. It remains the seventh longest. Bascule bridges are drawbridges that open using a counterweight system to allow boats on the river to pass through. An elegant old red bridge that is friendly to bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the Broadway Bridge is finely engineered and a vital link across the Willamette in Portland. More »

Burnside Bridge

One of several bascule bridges (drawbridges that operate on a counterweight system to open) in the Portland area, the Burnside bridge was finished in 1926 and is one of the heaviest bascule bridges in the world. The bridge is 2,308 feet long and over 250 feet wide at its center. The bridge is located in the dead center of Portland, and hosts Portland's popular Saturday market under its west end and the Burnside Skatepark under its east end. More »

Canby Ferry

The only crossing of the Willamette River between Oregon City and the interstate bridge at Wilsonville, the Canby Ferry is both a scenic ride and a practical way to get around. Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of the lush, tree-lined banks of the river in this area, while history lovers and engineers will appreciate the unique design of the ferry boat itself. Ferries have operated here since 1914, and the current boat operates along an underwater cable and is powered by an overhead electrical wire. The ferry carries 9 cars, and is fairly important to local commuters, so you may want to avoid it during rush hours. High waters can sometimes shut down the ferry, so be aware of local conditions. More »

Cannon Beach

A picturesque little beach village that has long been a favorite weekend getaway for Portland residents, Cannon Beach offers stunning Oregon coast scenery, a cosy historic town, and a plethora of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The town faces a lovely stretch of perfect sand beach and the landmark spire of Haystock Rock, a 235-foot tower of igneous rock that is part of a marine sanctuary. The town has a rich history: Lewis and Clark were the first Europeans to visit the site when they accompanied a group of Native Americans to see a beached whale being stripped of its blubber and oil by locals. In 1846, a US Navy vessel sank offshore, and the ship's cannon was recovered, giving the town its name. The cannon is still in the town's museum. More »

Cape Lookout

A rocky promontory jutting into the Pacific about 10 miles south of Tillamook, Cape Lookout offers stunning views of the Oregon coast and out over the ocean. It is a popular spot to view migrating whales from December to June. The lovely Cape Lookout Trail leads hikers two and a half miles through a fragrant Sitka Spruce forest to the point, where they are rewarded with spectacular views of Cape Meares and Neahkahnie Mountain to the north and Cape Kiwanda and Cascade Head to the south. A variety of camping options are available in the area. More »

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

With 23 miles of trails winding through 2700 acres of protected land, the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is one of the most spectacular areas on the Oregon coast. Lush and wild, the Cape Perpetua actually boasts twice the botanic mass of the Amazon rain forest (per square mile). The trails here could be explored for weeks. A few of the highlights include the Giant Spruce Trail, an easy mile long trail which leads to a 500-year old giant spruce tree, and the Cape Perpetua Viewpoint trail, which ends at a viewpoint with impressive views of the surrounding coastline. Other trails allow visitors to explore the many tide pools along the coast. More »

Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort

Discovered by an entrepreneurial pioneer and local guide, Isadore St. Martin, while on a hunting trip in 1876, the Carson Mineral Hot Springs are both historic and healing. St. Martin filed an Indian Homestead claim to the springs, and later built the Carson Hotel on the spot. The hot springs are located in a truly beautiful wooded location, and the resort combines a rustic Wild West atmosphere with an elegant and luxurious European spa experience. Enjoy a massage after a long soak in one of the hot pools and a purifying sauna. The resorts offers meals at its restaurant as well as the option of cooking for yourself in one of the well-equipped cabins. The Hot Springs golf course also offers golfers a chance to enjoy the scenery of the Columbia Gorge. More »

Champoeg State Park

Long a meeting place near the Willamette River where the Kalapuya Indians would meet and gather food, Champoeg later became a main meeting and trading spot for French Canadian trappers, who built the first farms in Oregon. The first American farm in the Pacific Northwest was built here in 1833, and Champoeg is considered the "birthplace of Oregon," as the first provisional government was formed here in 1841. The park is located in beautiful countryside and offers a unique look back at Oregon's past and development. Restored farms, pioneer cabins, and houses provide a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, while restored wetlands and prairie give visitors a sense of how the original wilderness in this area must have appeared. More »

Champoeg Wine Cellars

Wine grapes have been cultivated in the Champeog area since at least the 1840s, a gift from the original French settlers. More recently, the Champoeg Wine Cellars have become renowned for producing premium Oregon wines that are affordable. The vineyard itself is located on a small hill overlooking the French Prairie, and produces mostly Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Smaller amounts of Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir Blanc are also produced each year. The wine cellars are a great place to enjoy the beautiful Oregon countryside and to taste the fine wines produced here. A gift shop and picnic facilities are available in addition to a lovely tasting room. More »

Chimney Park

Located on the site of Portland's city dump, this lovely little oasis of green in the midst of an industrial are of North Portland is named for the chimney of the trash incinerator that used to be located here. The former main building of the dump now houses Portland's city archives. Besides the 16 acres of pleasant park and a number of trails, the other main attraction here is a popular off-leash dog run. More »

Chinatown

Adjacent to Old Town, the oldest neighborhood in Portland, Chinatown is just about as historic, and is the cultural home of the city's vibrant Chinese community. This is the heart of downtown Portland, home to restaurants, nightlife, galleries, and diverse, urban flavor. The beautiful Chinese Classical Garden is located here, and the exotic sights, sounds, and smells of Asia are everywhere. Chinatown is also the location of a popular Saturday street market. The Chinatown Gateway on NW Burnside and NW Fourth Streets welcomes you to the area, and commemorates 135 years of Chinese history.
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Cinema 21

A groovy old style art film theater located in the heart of northwestern Portland, Cinema 21 is a cultural hub for anyone who loves great movies. The cinema shows everything from locally produced art films to independent films to classic films. Unafraid of controversy and daring to be avant garde, the cinema attracts an interesting crowd and is a ideal place to start a night out on the town; Northwest 21st Avenue, where the theater is located, has lots of dining and nightlife options. More »

Classical Chinese Garden

Built in 1999-2000 by 65 artisan workmen from Portland's sister city of Suzhou, China, the Classical Chinese Garden is a graceful, elegant, idyllic retreat in Portland's Chinatown. Suzhou, like Portland, has a mild climate, which made it a popular place for Chinese Imperial government officials to retire. Retiring officials brought along with them a tradition of creating "scholar gardens" designed to recreate the stylized depiction of nature in Chinese landscape paintings. The plants are all indigenous to China, and the garden is modeled on a similar garden in Suzhou that was built during the Ming dynasty. A beautiful tea house in the garden serves tea and other refreshments. More »

Columbia Park

In the 19th century, during early years of the development of Portland, the city had a rival in the neighboring town of Albina. The two municipalities were highly competitive, so it was with considerable envy and dismay that the civic leaders of Albina watched Portland develop Washington Park. They responded by buying 30 acres of prime woodland and creating Columbia Park in 1891. After the two cities later merged, the city gave the task of developing the park to G.H. Hoch, who had also designed Washington Park. Hoch modeled Columbia Park after a park in Berlin, Germany. The park has picnic areas and playing fields along with hundreds of beautiful Douglas firs. More »

Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood Loop

To get a sampling of the amazing scenery and landscapes that Oregon has to offer, take a drive on this scenic loop. It's an 80-mile loop that starts (or ends) in Portland and takes you through beautiful forests, around towering Mt. Hood, through fruit orchards, and back through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. While circling around Mt. Hood, you'll pass through some quaint mountain towns, great National Forest hiking trails, and the historic Timberline Lodge. Reaching the town of Hood River, take some time to stop and watch the windsurfers, then head east to the "end of the Oregon Trail", or the town of The Dalles, and brush up on your history. From here, you can either head east further, or turn back west along Interstate 84, and make the loop back to Portland. You'll follow the path of the Columbia River on your way back, taking in all of the waterfalls and other beautiful scenery along the way. More »

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Featuring memorabilia and artifacts that cover Oregon's storied maritime past, this museum is sure to capture the imaginations of all of its visitors. The Museum features six different galleries, each spotlighting different aspects of water-related history. Some of the things visitors can do here include watching a dramatic video about navigating the treacherous Columbia River, steering a tugboat at its helm, strolling on a World War II warship, learning to tie important nautical knots, and more. The museum is also the home of the National Historic Landmark, the Lightship Columbia--a boat that once served as a "floating lighthouse" to guide ships safely to shore. Located on the shores of the Columbia River in the town of Astoria, The Columbia River Maritime Museum is situated in a perfect area to learn about an important part of the state's history. More »

Colwood National Golf Course

This nice course is conveniently located near the Portland airport, and features wide fairways and forgiving greens. The 18-hole, par 72 course stretches for 6040 yards from the longest tees, and offers any golfer a good chance to get out of the city and hit the links on a nice park-like golf course. Although the course as a whole is open and rolling, it does offer enough obstacles, such as sand bunkers and water hazards, to keep players challenged. As at most courses, Colwood offers a nicely-stocked pro shop, restaurant, bar, and snack bar to keep everyone well equipped, fed, and hydrated. There's also a large banquet room on site that's available for event or party rentals. More »

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Set just outside of Portland on the hillside of a long-extinct volcano, Cooper Mountain Vineyards is a local favorite winery that is committed to sustainability and Biodynamic growing practices. The vineyards were planted in 1978 by the winery's founder, Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corinne, and by 1990, the family and winery had decided to commit to going completely organic. Dr. Gross then adopted Biodynamic growing principles (combining practices of organic growing, geology, homeopathy, and astronomy to cultivate the grapes), to further his interest in alternative farming. Today, the vineyards at Cooper Mountain encompass approximately 123 acres and the winery produces five different varieties of wine, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Malbec, and Pinot Blanc. More »

Council Crest Park

As one of the highest points in Portland, Council Crest Park offers stunning views of downtown and the surrounding rivers and Cascade mountain range, as well as bit of history. According to local lore, this is the point where regional Native American tribes held council meetings and constructed fires for signaling. Another story says that the hill was so named by the National Council of Congregational Churches, who held meetings here. Whatever story you believe, this park is definitely a great place to visit if you're in the area. It's a wonderful green space to spread out a blanket for a nice afternoon picnic, to take a walk on the nearby Marquam Trail, or to play a game of catch with friends. More »

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This beautiful spread of flora will delight any garden and plant lover. The land for the garden (located near Reed College) was donated to the Portland chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, who cleaned it up, planted it, and opened the garden in 1964. Over 2500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants bloom from late spring through summer, creating a lush, vibrant paradise that visitors can wander through and enjoy. There are almost 10 acres to explore here, and aside from the gorgeous flowering plants, you'll be delighted by the many waterfalls and springs that pepper the grounds. More »

David Hill Winery

Located near the town of Forest Grove, David Hill Winery offers some of the best views of the coast range mountains, as well as a great variety of sumptuous wine. The historic house at the winery was homesteaded in 1883, when the first grapes were planted on the surrounding land. Since then, the property has changed hands several times between vintners, but became David Hill Winery in 1992. The property has undergone many renovations, but still retains its old-world charm and the original exterior formation of the homestead. Today, visitors are welcome to stop by and enjoy tastings of the many wines produced here, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and others. More »

Delta Park

This popular outdoor activity-mecca plays host to various events, festivals, and local gatherings throughout the year. It's located in northern Portland near the intersection of Interstate 5 and the Columbia River, and offers a host of entertainment facilities and activities for everyone. A large part of the park is made up of the Owens Sports Complex, which features softball fields, soccer fields, a volleyball court, picnic area, concession stand, and more. On the western side of the park, you'll find the Portland International Raceway, which functions as the main venue in the area for car and motorcycle racing. Also in the park is a street-tree arboretum run by the Urban Forestry Division of the city's Parks Department. The arboretum is used to educate people and local groups about different types of trees and the best varieties for planting in urban settings. Head over to Force Lake if you're interested in checking out the local wildlife who inhabit local wetlands, or, if you've got your four-legged companion with you, make a stop at the nearby off-leash dog park. More »

Devil's Punch Bowl State Park

This unique geographic formation is a great place to see the thundering waves of the Pacific crashing ashore. The hollowed-out rock formation is shaped like a punch bowl, and it echoes the roaring of the waves as they crash, making it a sight to see (and hear). It's speculated that the unusual formation was created first by the collapse of the roofs of a couple of sea caves, then subsequently by the waves swooping in and continuously carving out the rest of the bowl. In addition to wave watching, the park also offers a good picnic area and hiking trails that lead down to the beach, where you can wander the shores and watch the surfers ride the waves offshore. More »

Downtown Portland/City Center

Downtown Portland is a mecca of urban lifestyle, Northwest culture, arts and entertainment, and great dining venues. The city center is very pedestrian (and bicycle) friendly, and there is a great network of public transportation available also, including trolleys, light rail trains, and buses. Located on the western bank of the Willamette River, there are great riverside parks here, as well as a stunning array of architecturally-diverse bridges spanning the river. Downtown is also full of history, from early 20th century theaters to 1940s-era Old Town Chinatown. Also, as you walk around, take note of the Benson Bubblers--bronze drinking fountains that are constantly bubbling with clean water. They're scattered around downtown and were put there because early downtown Portland construction workers complained about the lack of public drinking water. The city's designers purposefully made the streets narrow and the blocks short to create a very walkable city center, so get park the car and start walking! More »

Duck Pond Cellars

This local, family-owned winery has been operated by the Fries family since 1993, and produces different varieties of delicious local wine. Duck Pond Cellars' vineyards stretch from northern Oregon to southern Washington and cover about 840 acres. The vineyards produce many types of wine, including typical Oregon-grown varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and others such as Sangiovese and Syrah. You'll definitely not be disappointed if you visit this winery, as the tasting room is state-of-the-art and the grounds are beautiful. After spending some time in the tasting room, head over to the gift shop, where visitors can purchase wine-country items such as wine totes, local artwork, gourmet cooking products, pottery, and much more. More »

Eagle Landing Golf Course

This course is located in the Eagle Landing development, which (aside from the course) features a planned residential community, business park, shopping, and recreation areas. The whole golf course here is a 27-hole, par 3 course that makes for the perfect place to play if you're a beginner or an intermediate looking to brush up on your skills. If you're short on time, this is the place for you to come play, as the southerly 9 holes are specifically designed to be played in under an hour; if you have more time, try the other 18 holes, which take a bit longer, but offer more of the great scenery that abounds here. There's also a great clubhouse, pro-shop, and snack bar on-site, which will provide all of the supplies you'll need for a great game of golf. More »

Eastbank Esplanade

Head over to the east side of the Willamette River to take a stroll or bike ride on this nice 1.5-mile pathway. About 1200 feet of it is made up of a floating walkway, giving the esplanade a unique feature that gives visitors the sensation of walking on water. The Esplanade is a fairly new feature of Portland's waterfront, as the construction began on the project in 1998, and wasn't completed until 2001. It was dedicated in honor of the city's former mayor, Vera Katz, who was instrumental in the support of the Esplanade, and who is remembered for her forward-looking vision for the city. The Esplanade is peppered with public art and interpretive panels that explain the history and geography of the area, which make talking a walk on this concrete pathway both an enjoyable and educational experience. More »

Eastmoreland Golf Course

This is a very popular local golf course, and it's easy to see why when you visit. The course itself is immaculately maintained, the views are scenic, and (best of all) greens fees are very low for such a nice course. It is one of the city's oldest golf courses, opening its doors in 1917. The course was originally conceived by the Superintendent of Parks and the Multnomah Athletic Club back in 1916, as the two parties both agreed that Portland needed a public golf course. Money was raised (in the form of $100 lifetime memberships), land was donated (160 acres granted by the Ladd Estate Company), and amateur golf champion H. Chandler Egan was charged with designing the city's newest links. Today, golfers can enjoy the original designs and features of the course, including natural streams and and lakes and wooded areas that present challenges to players of any level. There is also a lighted driving range, a fully-stocked pro-shop, and a bar & grill located on the grounds of Eastmoreland. More »

Ecola State Park

Located just a little north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers amazing views of the forested coastline and the waves of the Pacific. The park is a great place to have a picnic, play, or hike, and some of the trails here even lead to vistas where you can get out the binoculars and scan the sea for whales. Head over to Indian Beach, where you can catch the Clatsop Loop Trail, which follows some of the exact steps of the Lewis and Clark expedition when then reached the Pacific Ocean. There are also interpretive signs lining the trail that help educate visitors about the history, geology, and ecology of the area. If you're into surfing, bring along your board, as Indian Beach is a popular local spot for catching waves. More »

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

You can't miss this museum while driving through Oregon City, as there are huge covered wagon replicas out front to attract visitors' attention. The interactive museum presents the history of the Oregon Trail, from living history presentations about life on the trail, to exhibits on pioneer quilt-making. A little history of the Oregon Trail: in 1840, over 300,000 intrepid people started their journey across the United States on the Oregon Trail, packing their whole lives in a covered wagon and traveling 2,000 miles through plains, mountains, forests, and across rivers. It generally took about six months to complete the journey, and when the travelers reached the West, many of them started homesteads and farms in the lush valleys of Oregon, Washington, and California. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a fascinating place to learn about this incredible journey and the hardships and successes that formed the history of the western United States. More »

Evergreen Aviation Museum

Dedicated to bringing the history and enthusiasm of flight to the public, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum presents a variety of great exhibits and displays that will awe any visitor. The most popular feature of this museum is its array of aircraft and spacecraft that are on display, including the famous Howard Hughes' original "Hughes H-4 Hercules" (popularly called the "Spruce Goose"). Other aircraft that are on display include military planes such as a MiG17 and an SR-71A Blackbird, and others of interest, including a 1903 Wright Brothers 'Flyer' replica and a Beechcraft D17A Traveler. After touring all of the aircraft and other displays here, head over to the 3-D IMAX theater, where you'll be treated to a flight-themed movie, such as Fighter Pilot or The Magic of Flight. More »

Family Fun Center

If you've got the kids with you on your visit to Portland, the Family Fun Center is a great place to go to keep them entertained. Take the whole gang over to the 18-hole miniature golf course to practice your putting skills, walk over to the bumper boats for some head-on fun, or try the sling shot bungee--everything here is aimed at keeping both adults and kids happy. There's also a laser tag arena that allows the whole group to run around and play tag in a room filled with music, fog, and blinking strobe lights. In addition to fun activities for the older ones, there are special areas for younger kids as well, such as the Kidopolis Playground and the Frog Hopper ride. More »

Fernhill Park

Although this park used to be run-down and known as a dumping site for stolen cars, Fernhill Park is now renovated and is a great place to play. There is a good playground here for kids to play, nice grass fields that are great for playing a game of tag, picnic tables, soccer fields, a running track, and more amenities that make the park worth a visit. Bring along your horseshoe equipment when you come to Fernhill, as there are nice pits waiting to host a good game. Your canine friends will also love it here, as there's a large off-leash area for them to run around uninhibited. More »

Florence

Located on the central Oregon coast, Florence is a small fishing town set at the confluence of the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors flock to this picturesque town for a wide variety of recreational activities--such as dune-buggy riding, fishing, kite-surfing, and camping--as well as for the delicious seafood restaurants. There are 10 miles of continuous beaches on the Florence coast, giving visitors ample room to explore the tidepools, watch the kite surfers as they jump the swells, or just take a nice long walk on the sand. After having fun at the beach, head to Old Town, where the street is lined with quaint souvenir shops and delicious seafood restaurants. There are also plenty of salt water taffy vendors here, in case your sweet tooth beckons. More »

Forest Hills Golf Course

This golf course is located west of Portland, but makes for a good day trip to the countryside if you love the links. Forest Hills Golf Course was built in 1927 and designed by renowned architect William Bell, who also designed such distinguished courses as the Bel-Air Country Club and the Riviera Country Club. This course is spread over 100 acres of rolling rural countryside, and, on clear days, offers great views of Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens. The 18-hole layout covers a distance of 6173 yards from the longest tees and features enough bunkers and obstacles to challenge even the best golfers, even though the fairways are wide and rolling. Before you hit the links, head over to the pro-shop to stock up on supplies, then to the driving range for a few practice shots; whatever amenities you need for a great round of golf, Forest Hills has them. More »

Forest Park

Forest Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of forested woodland, making it one of the largest urban forest parks in the country. The park is criss-crossed with over 70 miles of trails and pathways, and is one of the best places in the city of Portland to jog, bike, or walk. There's plenty of space here to spread out, and if you want to, you can find miles of trails that offer the quiet serenity and beautiful scenery of its giant tree canopy. One of the most popular paths here is the 40-mile Loop Trail runs through the park and connects the park to other trails throughout the Columbia and Willamette River areas. In addition to excellent recreational opportunities, Forest Park gives visitors the chance to check out some of the area's best displays of local flora and fauna, as over 112 plant and 62 animal species call the area home. More »

Fort Clatsop National Memorial

When the Lewis & Clark expedition reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805, it was November and they needed to find a place to stay for the winter. They chose an area southwest of the present-day town of Astoria, and utilized the area's natural timber resources to build Fort Clatsop. Today, visitors are welcome to wander around the re-created fort and get a feel for what life was like during that harsh 19th century winter. You'll find the fort reconstructed as it was back then, complete with log construction, an interior courtyard, and a walled exterior. There are also individual rooms set up to reflect how they were when the expedition camped here; you can even take a peek at a squad bunk room and the captain's quarters. Reconstruction of the fort took place in 1955, and again in 2006; the architecture and floorplan were taken from drawings in Clark's journal, so they're as accurate as possible. Great costumed living history presentations take place throughout the summer, so if possible, visit during the warmer months to get the most from your tour. More »

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Located strategically on the banks of the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver was at the heart of the development of the Pacific Northwest. As a fortified trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company from 1825 to 1860, Fort Vancouver was both the trading and cultural center for the entire region as well as the primary representative of British interests in the region. The Hudson's Bay Company was a corporate monopoly that maintained order, stability, and control by employing workers from a diverse array of cultures and groups--at its peak, 35 ethnic groups were represented amongst its employees, and the main languages spoken were Canadian French and a pidgin trade language known as Chinook Jargon. Today, an exact replica of the original fort offers the chance to see what life in a frontier trading outpost was really like. In addition to barracks and mess halls, you can explore the officer's quarters and see the ongoing archeological investigations that are still uncovering new discoveries about life during the heyday of Fort Vancouver. More »

Gabriel Park

Another pleasant Portland park, Gabriel Park offers lots of nice trails that wander through trees and over rolling hills and creeks. Besides tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and volleyball courts for the sports minded, the 87 acre park also offers an off-leash dog park and a skate park. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available too. More »

General O. O. Howard House

One of 21 historic homes on Officer's Row, an area along the northern edge of Evergreen Blvd in Vancouver where officers serving at Vancouver barracks were housed with their families, this house is the former residence of General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War general who went on to be instrumental in reconstruction efforts. Howard University, which he helped found, is named for him. A prime example of late 19th century Italianate-style architecture, the house now functions as the visitor's center for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve and offers frequent historical exhibits. More »

George C. Marshall House

Named for its most famous resident, Nobel Peace Prize winner General George C. Marshall, this beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian home is decorated with 19th century furniture and offers a peek at the life in the 1880s heyday of Vancouver Barracks. During that period, the house was a center of social activity--after it was built in 1886, it became the house of the Barrack's commanding officer. George Marshall lived in the house much later, when he was Commander of the Department of Columbia in the late 1930's, before World War II and his subsequent ascent to become US Army Chief of Staff, then Secretary of Defense, and eventually Secretary of State. More »

George Himes Park

Natural and wild, the George Himes Park has only trails to explore--no playing fields, playgrounds, dog parks, or picnic pavilions to attract those in search of idle diversion on a sunny afternoon. A few picnic tables are all that disturb the pristine primitiveness of the 35-acre park--this is a place to lose yourself in the trees. Check out the bird life--and if you are around in the autumn, this is the place to enjoy the colorful fall foliage. More »

Glendoveer Golf Course

The two 18 hole courses at Glendoveer will both challenge your golfing skills, although the east course is considered more difficult because it is longer and has narrow fairways that are thickly lined with trees. The east course is 6,510 yards from the longest tees, and is a par 73. The west course, which is more open and has no water hazards, is 6,129 yards and is par 71. A covered, lighted, and heated driving range ensures that you can hit balls anytime of day or year. More »

Gresham History Museum

Housed in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gresham History Museum offers frequently changing exhibits on the history of Gresham and the surrounding communities. The museum takes its mission to gather historical documents and objects and to present them to the public seriously, and the museum provides real insight into the everyday lives of the pioneers that settled on the Oregon frontier. More »

Haggart Memorial Astronomical Observatory

Located on the campus of the John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center at Clackamas Community College, the Haggart Memorial Astronomical Observatory is open to the public on clear nights. What better way to spend a clear night in the Northwest than to gaze at the stars? The observatory features a 26-inch telescope in a 40-foot observation tower. Some of the objects that are commonly observed include the immediate solar system--the moon, planets, and satellites and the international space station--as well as more distant stars and deep space objects. More »

Hawthorne Bridge

Besides being the oldest bridge in Portland, the Hawthorne bridge, built in 1910, is also one of the oldest lift bridges in the world. It is also the lowest bridge in town, at only 53 feet above the water. This means that it often needs to be raised to allow ships to pass. The bridge's location near downtown Portland means that it is often featured in postcards with the Portland skyline in the background--and the view from the bridge is, in fact pretty impressive. More »

Hawthorne District

Hawthorne Boulevard is vibrant, quirky, green-minded, and most of the shops and restaurants are locally-owned. The best way to experience Hawthorne is to take a stroll into the central district, stopping in at the various shops. Some of the unique pieces you can find include many locally made items, from jewelry and gifts to hipster clothing and even locally and humanely raised meat in the dishes at some of the area restaurants. Hawthorne is famous for its cafés too, so be sure to take some time to sit back and relax at one of the many fair-trade coffee houses and enjoy an organic brew and freshly baked treat. The Hawthorne Street Fair in August draws crowds from the entire west coast. More »

Haystack Rock

Named for its recognizable shape, Haystack Rock dominates the beach scenery at the coastal town of Cannon Beach. The rock is 235-feet tall, made of basalt, and is protected as a precious natural resource by the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It's considered one of the tallest free-standing rocks in the world, and is definitely a sight to see. Visitors to the beach love to wander around the rock (at low-tide, of course) to check out the amazing tidepools scattered at its base. The tidepools are full of a colorful, diverse array of marine life, from sea stars to sea anemones to small crabs, so if you're looking for a place to experience a few animals of the Pacific, Haystack Rock is the fits the bill. Since the rock is a very protected natural environment, feel free to explore and appreciate the marine life here, but be sure not to collect anything to take home or step on the animals as you're walking. More »

Heceta Head State Park

This state park encompasses the adjacent Devil's Elbow State Park and is a good place to explore the coast and learn a little bit about the area's history. The main focal point of the area is Heceta Head Lighthouse, which has been around since the late 1800s and now functions as a bed and breakfast inn and historical interpretive center. The light itself is still in operation, and is one of the most powerful lights of any lighthouse on the Oregon coast, as it can be seen by ships at sea up to 20 miles away. Covering 545 acres, the rest of the state park features various hiking trails and picnic areas that are great locations for whale watching. There is beach access in the park, giving visitors an opportunity to walk on the sand and explore the tidepools that pepper the rocky shoreline. Many marine birds also make their home in the cliffs here, and if you're lucky, you'll see such varieties as tufted puffins, black oystercatchers, doublecrested cormorants, and others. More »

Heron Lakes Golf Course

Take your pick from two championship courses here, the Greenback and the Great Blue. Both were designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., and each offers different challenges for golfers. The Great Blue Course spreads out over 6902 yards from the longest tees and features fairways that wind through mounds and various water hazards. The Greenback Course stretches for 6645 yards, and although it is a bit more forgiving than the Great Blue, with wide greens and rolling fairways, it still makes for a fun and challenging game. Because the courses are built near the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the landscape is lush and green, and nurtures a wide variety of beautiful plant life. When you're done on the links, head over to the Heron Lakes grill for some refreshments and a bit of relaxation. More »

Historic Columbia River Highway

A drive on this historic stretch of highway will bring you back to the old days, when there weren't four-lane interstates, flattened highway corridors, or even metal guardrails. Construction began on the highway in 1913, as a result of visionary figures in the Northwest who wanted an easily-accessible way of touring some of the state's most scenic areas. An attorney named Samuel Hill and an engineer/landscape architect named Samuel C. Lancaster were the brains behind the project, and finally saw their "King of Roads" completed in 1922. The road's engineering details included (and still do, today) concrete bridges, stone-masonry guard rails, and winding cliff-hugging curves. This scenic highway will take drivers past many stunning waterfalls, steep treed valleys that make up the Gorge, and beautiful overlook vistas--all while following the path of the mighty Columbia River. More »

Hollywood District

Located in northeast Portland, the revitalized Hollywood District offers great shops, restaurants, and culture. Although it is constantly being revitalized, the neighborhood still retains much of its charm with beautiful 1920s buildings that grace the streets and community gatherings such as the Hollywood Farmers Market. You'll find a great mix of international restaurants here, as well, and many people come to this neighborhood just for that reason. From Mexican to Thai to German, there is cuisine here to suit any taste. More »

Hollywood Theatre

You can't drive through the Hollywood District without seeing this ornate theater. The exterior features elaborate carvings and architectural details, making it look almost like a Gothic church rather than a theater. The historic building opened in 1926, when magnificent film theaters were all the rage and silent pictures were popular. Originally, the theater showed both silent films and vaudeville acts, and the shows were accompanied by an eight-piece orchestra and a grand Wurlitzer pipe organ. Today, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is in a continual state of renovation to get it back to its old glory. Independent and documentary films are generally featured here, so if you're looking to see that new indie flick that just came out, head to the Hollywood. More »

Hood River

This small town in the Columbia River Gorge is arguably the mecca of outdoor recreation in the area. Hood River is especially well-known for its excellent windsurfing, and attracts thousands of "boardheads" from around the world each year to its epic windsurfing and kite boarding waves. The town is also located close to Mt. Hood and its surrounding national forest lands, which offer great skiing (both downhill and cross-country), hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering opportunities. In addition, there are many fruit orchards surrounding Hood River that make for great places pick up fresh apples, pears, and other produce seasonally; most of the orchards have farm/fruit stands near the orchards, so it's easy to drive along the back roads and gather up lots of delicious fresh fruit. More »

Howell Territorial Park

This 120-acre park on Sauvie Island provides a great place for visitors and locals alike to walk, picnic, and learn about early Portland history. The 1850s-era James Bybee farmhouse is located in the park and is is the perfect place to go to learn about some of the original settlers of the area and how they lived. When you're done exploring the outside of the restored house and the beautiful gardens around it, head over to the Pioneer Orchard, where you can take a look at traditional fruits cultivated by pioneers, such as apples (there are over 115 different varieties here!), pears, plums, and cherries. There are also nice rose gardens grown in the park, which provide a picture-perfect backdrop to that afternoon picnic. More »

Hoyt Arboretum

A living museum of trees with over 1000 different species, the Hoyt Arboretum is much loved by locals and visitors alike for its serenity and beauty. Located 2 miles west of downtown Portland, the arboretum is a valuable living laboratory of trees, helping to preserve tree species from around the world. Twenty-one trails lead through 187 acres of forest, with tree collections organized geographically and by taxonomy and labeled for visitors. A visitor's center provides other valuable resources: Knowledgeable volunteers to help you plan your visit and a small research library. More »

International Rose Test Garden

Portland's reputation as the "City of Roses" can be traced back, at least partly, to the efforts of one woman: Georgiana Burton Pittock, the wife of Henry Pittock, an early publisher of the Oregonian. In 1888, Pittock encouraged friends and neighbors to display their roses in an informal exhibition set up in her garden. Rose gardening became popular, and by 1905, so many Portland residents had roses planted at their curbs that during the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exhibition, the city became famous for having over 200 miles of streets lined with roses. Following an initiative to save European rose hybrids from being destroyed during World War I, several prominent Portland rose enthusiasts proposed establishing an International Rose Test Garden in 1917. Samples of rose species were collected from all over the world, and the garden was a resounding success and a source of civic pride. There are three main gardens in the test gardens: the Royal Rosarian Garden, the Shakespeare Garden (in honor of the Bard's love of roses), and the Miniature Rose Garden, which is a nationally and internationally recognized test garden for miniature roses. Both self-guided and guided tours of the garden are available, or you can just wander the paths that ramble amongst the fragrant floral displays. More »

Irvington/Broadway District

Between a lively strip of Broadway between 7th and 26th Avenues on the south and NE Fremont Avenue on the north, lies the historic, lush, and thickly treed residential neighborhood of Irving. This is a lovely area to wander, and many of the old mansions here are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The hip coffeeshops, bars, restaurants and shops of Broadway will likely draw you southward, however. The heart of the action is the intersection is 15th and Broadway. More »

Jamison Square Park

This lively urban park is named for William Jamison, who played an important role in the development of the River District, where it is located. The park features a fountain that represents Oregon's tidal pool ecosystems with a series of low pools into which water cascades. A pleasant place to spend a summer day, the park also features giant red granite sculpture of a brown bear, created by artist Maurice Saldaña. More »

Japanese American Historical Plaza

Located in Waterfront Park not far from the old Nihonmachi, or Japantown, the rock garden at the Japanese American Historical Plaza is a simple and powerful monument to Portland's Japanese Americans, who were displaced from their homes and confined in internment camps during World War II. Two columns as you enter the plaza show two contrasting images of Japanese American history--one shows the arrival of Japanese immigrants and the many generations that hold together Japanese American families. The other shows a family on the way to an internment camp under the gaze of an American soldier. At the center of the plaza is a large rock slab that lists the names of each of the internment camps. The chaotic patterns of pavement around the rock look like shattered glass, and represent how the internment camps shattered and disrupted people's lives. Other rocks around the plaza have short haikus about the Japanese Americans' experience. Cherry trees line the walk to the plaza. More »

Japanese Garden

This tranquil garden sits in the hills of Portland and offers a wonderful resting place for those looking to get away from the busy city. The garden encompasses 5.5 acres, and is split into five different styles, each in their own area. The Tea Garden features a Tea House and surrounding plants that harmonize with the peaceful rituals of the traditional tea ceremony. The Strolling Pond Garden is the largest piece of the garden, and features various ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and plenty of koi fish. The Flat Garden is an open, expansive space that carefully incorporates plants that represent the four seasons and are spread throughout the raked white-sand floor. The Natural Garden is the place to go to be completely enveloped in flora, as the plants and mosses here grow freely, creating an intimate space. Finally, the Sand and Stone Garden is perhaps the most striking, as it comprises stones placed throughout a carefully-raked sand floor--this garden is similar to Zen gardens usually found in monasteries. Your entire visit here will leave you feeling relaxed and at peace. More »

John B. Yeon State Park

This park showcases the gorgeous scenery of the Columbia River Gorge at its best. The biggest attractions at John B. Yeon State Park are two impressive waterfalls: Elowah Falls and McCord Creek Falls. Elowah Falls, with its 289 foot drop and awe-inspiring cliffs, is particularly worth checking out. Trails are uncrowded and easily accessed, making the park one of the best places in the Gorge area to hike. More »

Joseph Wood Hill Park

It is hard to imagine a more dramatic and impressive setting for an urban park. Located at the top of Rocky Butte, whose cliffs rise precipitously from the surrounding city, Joseph Wood Hill Park is three acres of level, landscaped parkland with the best panoramic views of Portland available anywhere. Elegant stone staircases lead up to a large navigation light in the middle of the park. This is an ideal place to get a sense of the city's geography: on a clear day, it is possible to see for a hundred miles in some directions. More »

Kelley Point Park

Located at the end of an isolated peninsula near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Kelley Point is a lovely, wild park that offers great views of the mountains around Portland. It also has an interesting history. Hall Jackson Kelly, the park's namesake, was a passionate advocate for the development of Oregon in the 19th century, and fought a bitter (and unsuccessful) battle to found a city on this flood prone tip of land during the territory's early years, when a number of smaller cities were all competing with Portland to be the main city in the area. More »

Ladd's Circle and Squares Park

An example of the enlightened and aesthetic urban planning that makes Portland such a unique city, this park is made up of five small parcels of land in Ladd's addition, a historic neighborhood designed by William Ladd, an early mayor of Portland who decided in 1891 to layout a neighborhood inspired by Pierre L'Enfant's design for Washington DC. Streets were laid out at a diagonals to the rest of the city's grid plan, and were centered around four diamond-shaped rose gardens and a circular central park. Don't let the fact that Ladd's Circle is essentially a large traffic circle deter you. The rose gardens are impressive and worth checking out--they contain close to 300 rose bushes in 60 varieties. A bike trail makes the park easy to explore on bike or on foot, although you can also simply drive by the rose gardens. More »

Laura Russo Gallery

A gallery that showcases the best of both cutting edge and more established Northwestern artists, the Laura Russo Gallery is the place to go for anyone who wants a good overview of the Portland art scene. The gallery displays art in a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to works on paper and fine art prints. Styles range from abstract expressionism to landscape. Monthly solo artist exhibitions are intermixed with group shows and other exhibitions. More »

Laurelhurst Park

This beautifully landscaped park was designed in 1912 by Emanuel Mische, who had previously worked with the Olmsted brothers, the preeminent American landscape artists who gained fame for designing New York's central park as well as profoundly influencing the design of American urban parks. Mische was the horticultural expert for the Olmsteds, and his expertise is reflected in the park's stately old growth trees and beautifully arranged floral displays. These days the park is best known for the many ducks who frolic in the three-acre lake, for the competitive pick up games at the basketball courts, and for the off-leash dog area that makes it a favorite place for residents to take their furry companions. More »

Lewis and Clark State Park

A lovely expanse of level, sunny parkland scattered with trees at the spot where the Sandy River empties into the Columbia, this park is named for the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark who camped in this area in November of 1805. The park has a nice swimming spot on the Sandy River, as well as hiking trails, boat ramps, picnic facilities, and restrooms. It's location on the western edge of the Columbia Gorge makes it a nice spot to begin or end explorations of the area. More »

Lincoln City

Lincoln City is strategically located on the Central Oregon coast, nestled between an almost 8 mile stretch of beautiful sandy beach and a large scenic lake and mountains. The Salmon River is located just to the north. A convenient place to get food, gas, and other services, the town is also a great place to arrange for activities like whale watching and fishing. The beach is a great place to wander, with countless tidepools to explore. More »

Lovejoy Fountain

This small paved urban park is named for Asa Lovejoy, a railroad developer who was one of the City's founding fathers. Lovejoy was from Portland, Maine and legend has it that he and another of Portland's founders, Francis Pettygrove, who was from Boston, flipped a coin to determine the fledgling town's name. Lovejoy won, and Portland stuck. The concrete fountain that is the park's centerpiece was designed by Lawrence Halprin, a San Francisco architect, and built in 1966. It is meant to capture the beauty of Oregon's many mountain streams. Water cascades over irregular steps into a placid lower basin. Nearby Pettygrove park, located about a half mile away, commemorates the other participant in the famous coin flip. More »

Macleay Park

This thickly forested park is located on a ravine and hillside and is contiguous to a vast swath of parkland that includes Forest Park and Washington Park. If you want a wilderness escape within the confines of the city, this is the place to find it. Like so many other Portland parks, Macleay Park has an interesting history. The original owner of the land, Danford Balch, ended up in the gallows after shooting the eldest son of his neighbors, the Stump family, for eloping with his daughter. The two families disliked each other, and the shooting was the tragic finale of a Romeo and Juliet-style love story. Balch Creek, which runs through the park, is named after the original owner. A wealthy Scotch developer, Donald Macleay, later acquired the land and donated it to the city to avoid paying taxes--the first significant gift of land for parks in Portland's history. The trails here can keep you going for hours, and when you are in the midst of this wildnerness-like setting, you would never guess you are only a mile or so away from the heart of urban Portland. More »

Mark O. Hatfield Trail

Also known as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, this paved trail follows the path of the old US 30 highway as it curves around cliff sides and through rock walls above the Columbia River Gorge. Incredibly scenic, the 5 mile trail provides the perfect way to take in the beauty of the gorge by bicycle or on foot. From the western trailhead near Hood River, the trail leads through a fir forest overlooking the river at the bottom of the gorge up to the Twin Tunnels, old tunnels that take you through a solid rock cliff, then through a semi-arid area scattered with ponderosa pine and impressive geological formations. The trail can also be accessed from the eastern trailhead, near Mosier. More »

Marquam Nature Park

Full of native Oregonian plants like douglas fir, western hemlock, and red cedar, Marquam Nature Park is a great place to get away from the bustle of the city and to get a taste of the natural beauty that Oregon is so famous for. A short trail leads through the park, and is connected to a much larger trail system: the Westside 40-mile loop, which runs from Sellwood to St. Johns. A shelter with some basic information is located near the trailhead. More »

McLoughlin House

As the Chief Factor (superintendent) of the British Hudson's Bay Company's operations at Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River, part of Dr. John McLoughlin's duties were to discourage American settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Mcloughlin openly defied his superiors on this matter, however. In fact, his kindness and generosity to pioneers of all nationalities earned him the moniker "The Father of Oregon" and American citizenship later in life. Today, his house remains identical to the way it was when he was alive in almost every detail. When it was built in 1845, the house was the most luxurious in all of Oregon, and a visit is a great way to get some insight into Oregon's history. Some of the original furniture remains, including a bed once owned by Merriwether Lewis. More »

McMenamins Kennedy School

If falling asleep in school has always been a dream (or nightmare) of yours, take a visit to the Kennedy School. The McMenamin brothers--local Oregonians with a knack for transforming old buildings into boutique hotels and restaurants--have reconfigured this historic school building so now it houses a 35-room hotel, restaurant, bars, brewery, movie theater, and outdoor soaking pool. The 1915 school sits in the northeast area of Portland, and is one of the most unique lodging options you'll have in the city. Each guestroom here occupies a former classroom, and most come complete with their original chalkboards, cloakrooms, artwork, and other school-inspired accessories. This hotel will be sure to awe and enchant any guest--as well as bring back those fond memories we all have of grade school. More »

Memorial Coliseum

Former home of the Portland Trailblazers NBA team, the Memorial Coliseum is now best known as the home of the Winter Hawks, a World Hockey League team. Probably the biggest attraction within the Rose Quarter after the Rose Garden (which is where the Trailblazers currently play), the coliseum has a storied past. No less than three NBA finals have been held at the Memorial Coliseum, and the venue also hosted the Davis Cup tennis tournament in 2007. More »

Milo McIver State Park

A beautiful and relatively unknown state park along the Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park offers such a wide range of activities that you could easily camp here for a week or more and still do something different everyday. Kayak on the Clackamas, ride horses, hike the many trails, or enjoy a game of Frisbee golf on the 27-hole course. One of the more interesting aspects of the park is the bat trail, which allows you to learn about the many fine qualities of those unfairly maligned mammals. An old barn located on the trail is now the home to a nursing colony of rare Townsend’s Big-eared bats. The park has 44 camper hookup campsites, and picnic facilities are also available. More »

Molalla River State Park

Located at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla, and Pudding Rivers, Molalla River State Park has a wild and untamed feeling. A great place to swim, dive, or explore the rivers by boat, the wetlands and marshes surrounding the rivers also provide an ecosystem for birds, amphibians, and mammals. The fishing is, not surprisingly, excellent, and the park has a boat ramp. Picnic areas, big grassy fields, and an off leash area for dogs make this a lovely place to spend the day. The Canby Ferry is also close by. More »

Mount Bachelor

Although it may be a bit of a drive from Portland, Mount Bachelor beckons with its acres of recreational activities in the Deschutes National Forest, beautiful scenery, and proximity to Oregon's premiere high desert-sports town, Bend. If you're visiting in the winter, you've got to head to Mt. Bachelor Village ski area, which features 3683 acres of skiable terrain, 71 different runs, and an annual base of 151-200 inches--all set on the beautiful slopes of 9065-foot Mt. Bachelor. When you're tired from all of that schussing, head inside to one of the resort's many restaurants and bars to warm up with some hot chocolate or piled-high nachos. The mountain also is home so great cross-country skiing, with 56 kilometers of groomed track and a wide variety of terrain covering more than 12 different trails. If you're visiting the mountain in the summer, there are many activities for you to try, including camping, hiking, rafting, biking, backpacking, and much more. More »

Mount Hood

As one of Oregon's most beloved landmarks, Mt. Hood towers at 11,237 feet, and is located about 50 miles southeast of Portland. It's the tallest mountain in the state, and is home to 12 different glaciers, including Palmer Glacier, which allows the mountain to offer some of the only year-round skiing in the United States. There are six different ski areas on Mt. Hood, each located on different slopes, and each offering varying terrain. Aside from skiing, snowshoeing, ice-camping, and other popular winter activities, Mt. Hood is a mecca of warmer-weather recreation, and draws people from across the country to enjoy its beautiful scenery. The mountain is located within Mt. Hood National Forest, and provides a great landscape for recreation enthusiasts to enjoy such activities as hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, and others. More »

Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort

With more than 2150 skiable acres, Mt. Hood Meadows is one of the most popular ski areas on Mt. Hood. There are over 85 different runs here, ranging from easy, rolling slopes for beginners, to challenging but fun intermediate routes, to adrenaline-pumping backcountry runs. The resort also offers 240 lighted acres for night skiing--perfect if you want to get a late start or if you just don't want to turn in when the sun goes down. There are also various dining options at Mt. Hood Meadows, from the quick and tasty Finish Line Pizzeria at the main lodge to the Mazot Eatery, conveniently located on the slopes so you can literally ski in, grab a bite, and continue skiing. The resort's nordic center is also world-class, and offers 15 kilometers of groomed track that wanders through Mt. Hood's beautiful forests and meadows. More »

Mount Hood National Forest

This sprawling national forest offers acres of pristine wilderness that make for great places for outdoor recreation. Crowned by the snowy peaks and cornices of Mt. Hood, the forest covers over 1,067,000 acres and stretches south from the Columbia River Gorge to Mt. Jefferson, some 60 miles away. Popular attractions in the forest include Timberline Lodge, Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, and others. The original reserve was outlined in 1893, and called the Cascade Range Forest Reserve, until it merged with another reserve in 1908 and was titled the Oregon National Forest. Finally, in 1924, its name was changed to Mount Hood National Forest to honor the 11,240-foot mountain. Visitors to the forest partake in a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, skiing, hunting, berry picking, and many others. It's located only about 20 miles east of Portland, making it a convenient and beautiful place to escape the busy city. More »

Mount Hood Ski Bowl

Although small, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl offers visitors a chance to experience Northwest skiing without the typical crowds of some of the other, larger resorts in the area. There are nine lifts available here, from surface lifts to double chairs, as well as 960 acres of skiable terrain. Visitors of any skiing ability will like the variety of terrain here, as well as the restaurant and cafe options for warming up after a day on the slopes. Ski Bowl also has one of the largest night-skiing areas in the country,as the majority of its runs (minus the back country areas) are lighted and ready to go for skiing after dark. More »

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

To commemorate this mountain's historic 1980 eruption, the U.S. government created this 110,000-acre national monument to remember, study, and enjoy the eruption and the area. The monument gives visitors a chance to see how landscapes adapt to a natural disaster--everything here (plants, animals, etc.) was left to naturally respond to the volcanic eruption. Each year, many hikers, backpackers, and campers take advantage of the protected Mount St. Helens monument and Gifford Pinchot National Forest; thanks to programs that help preserve the land, they are able to enjoy the more than 1200 miles of trails and 57 campgrounds located here. While you're here, be sure to stop by one of the visitor centers to learn more about the eruption, ecology, and recovery of the area. There are many interpretive displays and exhibits, first-hand accounts, and knowledgeable staff members on-site at both the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Visitor Center at Silver Lake, and it's well worth the time for any visitor to stop by to learn about the area's history. More »

Mount Tabor Park

This unique mountain is one of the only distinct volcanic cinder cones located within a city in the continental United States. Mt. Tabor was named after a mountain of the same name in Israel that's located near the city of Nazareth. It rises up 630 feet (192 meters) in southeast Portland and is home to a popular city park and a surrounding neighborhood. The park features a plethora of amenities, including an amphitheater, basketball court, horseshoe pits, nice playground, lighted tennis courts, and many walkable pathways. From the top, Mt. Tabor offers great views of the city and nearby Mt. Hood, making the drive or walk to its summit worth the trip. More »

Multnomah County Central Library

Centrally located in downtown Portland, this library will impress any visitor with its imposing presence and elegant appointments. The three-story Georgian style building originally opened its doors in 1913 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It underwent a round of major renovations from 1994-1997, but managed to retain many of its original features such as its impressive marble staircase and wood details. Today, the library maintains a collection of books that weigh in at over 875 tons and are spread throughout the building's 125,000 square feet of space. This is definitely the place to go if you want to find a good book to either take home or enjoy in one of the library's comfy reading corners. More »

Multnomah Falls National Park

This stunning waterfall in the Columbia Gorge plummets 620-feet from a cliff on Larch Mountain and is known as one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States. The falls is split into two "cataracts" (sections of the falls)--the taller, upper part, which tumbles from the top to a large pool, then drains over the next cliff to form the smaller lower falls. There is a stone bridge that crosses over the pool and the top of the lower falls; it's easily accessible, and is a great place to get a close-up of the thundering water. Hiking trails branch off from here, giving hikers access to the top of the upper falls (about 2.2 miles), as well as to the valleys and forests that surround Multnomah. There is also a lodge near the falls, which was constructed in 1925 out of local rock, and now serves as a restaurant, information center, and snack bar. More »

Multnomah Village

Located in southwest Portland, Multnomah Village is a great place to go for that quaint neighborhood feeling, as the area is stuffed with unique shops, restaurants, and independent music and book stores. The area was originally founded in 1910 as an outpost for the Oregon Electric Railway, which ran from Portland south to the city of Eugene. Finally, in the 1950s, Multnomah Village was annexed into the city of Portland, and the area has remained a popular neighborhood ever since. Take some time to wander the streets here, as there is a lot to see; pop into the Sip D'Vine shop to browse and taste their great wine collection, or head over to Healthy Pets Northwest to pick up some all natural doggie treats for your four-legged friend. Multnomah Village really shines during the holiday season, as the cozy downtown area gets decked out in festive lights and decorations, and there are various events going on, such as the annual Holiday Gala featuring local carolers, carriage rides, and of course, the obligatory visit from Santa. More »

National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

Since it was founded by the Servite order (also known as the Order of Friar Servants of Mary) in 1924, the Grotto has been a place of religious serenity and natural beauty. The centerpiece of the Sanctuary is a soaring natural grotto and altar carved from a sheer basalt cliffside, with a white marble replica of Michelangelo's Pieta perched on top of the altar. A beautiful, award winning rose garden and a number of other botanical gardens around the 62-acre sanctuary make the place an ideal spot for meditation and reflection. Chapels, a conference center, and a counseling centers are also available, and mass is said daily in addition to a number of special masses. More »

Newport

Newport sits on the Pacific coast, where the Yaquina River forms the Yaquina Bay and flows out into the ocean. The coastal town is home to a variety of attractions, including the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Rouge Brewery, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. If you're looking to walk and explore the local beaches, there are many to choose from around the Newport area, including Nye Beach, Cobble Beach, Agate Beach, Beverly Beach, and others. The Newport area is also a popular fishing and crabbing locale, and there are a variety of charter companies in town that offer both fishing and crabbing trips in the local bays and rivers. Head downtown to Bay Blvd if you're looking for great coastal shops, restaurants, and attractions. Many of the charter operations depart from this area, and many of the local salt water taffy shops, seafood restaurants, art galleries, and local fish canneries are located here, as well. More »

Niketown

Yes, it is an athletic store, but this Niketown is also a museum and a tribute to the company's origins. The mega company was started right here in Oregon, in 1971, when Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight (former University of Oregon track coach and athlete, respectively) teamed up to start a distributorship of athletic shoes, which quickly blossomed into their own shoe company selling their own innovative footwear line. Niketown in Portland is a great place to go to purchase athletic apparel and equipment, as well as wander around in awe at the modern architectural design and details of the interior. More »

Nob Hill Neighborhood

For the ultimate in trendiness, head to the Nob Hill Neighborhood of Portland. There are a plethora of unique shops, restaurants, and trendy boutiques lining the streets here, and if you're shopping, you'll be sure to find anything you may be looking for. For all things health and wellness, stop by the Blooming Moon Wellness Spa or Blush Beauty Bar where you'll be pampered with the latest products for skin and body. Stella's on 21st offers some great home, baby, personal, and garden accessories, all housed in a funky boutique shop staffed by equally as fun and funky employees. If you're looking to take a break from shopping, duck into one of the many tasty restaurants and bars in the area; Lucy's Table offers an intimate, romantic dining experience that pairs delicious local food with the best wines, or, head over to the Steppingstone Cafe for good food, a laid-back atmosphere, and a diner-like experience. More »

North Clackamas Aquatic Park

This aqua haven is a great place for both kids and adults to have fun and burn off some energy. There are four different pools here, including a wave pool (one of the only of its kind in Portland), lap pool, jacuzzi, and kiddie pool--plenty of options for everyone in the family to choose what's right for them. There are also three great water slides that are perfect for the older ones in the group who want some speed and thrills to go along with their swimming. The water park is located indoors, so it's a wonderful place to take the family on colder or rainy days. If it does happen to be nice and sunny outside, be sure to take advantage of the Aquatic Park's outdoor sun deck and outdoor sand volleyball court. More »

O'Bryant Square Fountain

This serene fountain sits in the center of O'Bryant Square and provides a peaceful place to rest in the middle of the city. The square was named after one of the city's original pioneers, Hugh Donaldson O'Bryant, who moved to Portland from Georgia in 1843. He was a carpenter by trade, and was also truly invested in his new city--so much so that he founded the city's first public library. Later, in 1851, he became Portland's first elected city mayor. The fountain that sits in the square was donated by Donald Card Sloan, who, in 1953, held the office of prime minister of the Royal Rosarians. There are over 200 rose bushes and other flowering plants surrounding the fountain, whose inscription reads: "May you find peace in this garden." More »

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Located near the Willamette River, this refuge provides the ultimate spot in the city for birdwatching. Some of the winged animals you'll see here include: quail, hawks, pintails, coots, kestrels, mallards, great blue heron, and many more. The area encompasses over 140 acres in a floodplain wetland, which gives it its unique ecosystem properties that support a wide variety of flora and fauna. Part of the refuge was once a sanitation landfill, and was made up of construction waste layered with soil. The property was transferred to the city in 1969 so the area wouldn't be developed and turned into an industrial park, and has been returned to its original state as a vital wetlands area that is fiercely protected by local residents and the city government. When you visit, be sure to bring along your hiking boots, as there are great trails that wind through the marshes and thick vegetation. More »

Oaks Park

This amusement park is located on the banks of the Willamette River and offers an entertaining time for all. There are rides and activities for every age, from cartoon-themed car rides for the younger ones to fast-paced thrill rides for the older, adventure-seeking ones in your crew. In addition to rides, there are other family-friendly attractions here, including a roller skating rink, carousel, go karts, bumper cars, and more. The historic park was originally constructed in 1905 by the Oregon Water Power and Navigation Company. It was designed as a "trolley park", meaning it sat along the streetcar route and beckoned passengers to stop and have some fun on their way. In 2005, Oaks Park celebrated its 100th anniversary, landing it in the ranks as one of the oldest continually-operating amusement parks in the country. More »

Old Town

This area of Portland was once the original center of the city, home to warehouses, brothels, dockyards, and businesses. Today, it still features much of its original architecture and character, but has definitely been transformed into a more livable neighborhood. It is bounded by the Willamette River to the east, NW Broadway to the west, and by W. Burnside St. to the south. The area includes many of the city's historic sites, such as Chinatown, Ankeny Plaza, Skidmore Fountain, and the Shanghai Tunnels. There are many unique restaurants and small shops in Old Town; be sure to stop by the independent Voodoo Doughnut shop to try some of their experimental flavors of your favorite holed pastries, and the Dan and Louis Oyster Bar (established in 1907) for some of the best oysters around. More »

Oregon Children's Theater

This renowned theater puts on a variety of high-quality children's plays each year, and is a great place to take the little ones for a dose of culture. Most of the performances are adaptations of classic children's stories (such as James and the Giant Peach), as well as more contemporary stories (such as Gossamer and Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood). Each play is performed by a professional acting troupe, complete with elaborate stage sets, imaginative costumes, and great lighting. The Theater also offers an Acting Academy for kids who are interested in the stage and becoming an actor. There's also a Young Professionals program available for those students who are more seriously interested in the career, and who are looking for advanced training and theater opportunities. More »

Oregon Coast Aquarium

The colorful, exotic underwater world is beautifully exhibited at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Once famous as the home of Keiko, the killer whale, the aquarium gives valuable insight into the oceanic eco-system of the Pacific Northwest. You can walk through underwater glass tunnels with sharks, rays, and large fish swimming above you and around you in the "Passages of the Deep" exhibit, while a large sea otter, sea lion, and seal exhibits allows you to see these playful and resourceful mammals in action. A jellyfish exhibit is both eerie and beautiful. The focus on the coastal environment makes for an informative and varied visit, and will definitely enhance your experience on Oregon's beautiful beaches. More »

Oregon Convention Center

The distinctive glass spires of the Oregon Convention Center make it impossible to miss, and help to fill the convention center with sunlight, giving the interior an expansively urbane atmosphere. The largest convention center in Oregon with almost 255,000 square feet of exhibit space, it has no less than 50 meeting rooms in addition to two grand ballrooms. Centrally located in downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River, the center is convenient to everything the city has to offer. If you are in town during the annual Rose Festival, make sure to check out the convention center, as it is filled with scent of tens of thousands of flowers--rose enthusiasts gather here to view the floats for the annual Grand Floral Parade. More »

Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area

Stretching for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast from Florence to Coos Bay, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a place of wild, solitary beauty. The only dunes on the Oregon Coast, they are sculpted by wind and water into extraordinary shapes. Created when the strong offshore winds blast into coastal mountain barriers, the dunes can tower as high as 500 feet above sea level, and provide a great place to hike, take in a sunset, or just play in the sand. Jeep expeditions into the dunes are also popular. The dunes create their own eco-system, and the wetlands, called deflation plains, created on the seaward side of the dunes are home to a unique collection of plants and animals. More »

Oregon Garden

The Oregon Garden is an 80-acre botanical sanctuary that showcases the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest with more than 20 individual themed gardens and related attractions. The mission of The Oregon Garden is to welcome and inspire all visitors with an appreciation for the extraordinary ecology of the Pacific Northwest, and to provide a meaningful educational experience for gardeners of all skill levels and ages. More »

Oregon History Center

Located in the heart of Portland's cultural district, the Oregon History Center is the place to understand how Oregon's past has shaped its present. Exhibits are lively and engaging, with historical artifacts, old maps, manuscripts, and more on display. The distinctive 8-story-tall trompe l'oeil images of historical scenes on the side of the building should clue you in that you are in the right place. The gift shop, which has a lot of Native American crafts, comes particularly recommended. More »

Oregon Maritime Center & Museum

Explore Portland's colorful history as a port city that has always been connected to the maritime world. The museum itself has numerous models, ships in bottles, and artifacts of maritime history, in addition to a research center and educational programs and lectures. The biggest attractions are three full-sized vessels that you can explore: the Sternwheeler Portland, the barge Russell, and the gill netter Moms Boat. For anyone fascinated by the world of boats and ships, whether child or adult, this is a museum that should not be missed. More »

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

For everything science, head to OMSI. You'll find exhibits that cover topics such as physics, geology, technology, human development, and natural science, to name a few. The museum is focused on providing a hands-on educational experience that will get visitors excited about science, so they feature great interactive exhibits such as a real US Navy non-nuclear submarine that visitors can climb on and explore to learn how submarines operate. In addition to the museum's six gigantic halls filled with exhibits, OMSI also houses both a great planetarium and a huge IMAX theater, both providing all of your senses with an all-encompassing film experience. In addition, the science outreach program at this museum is one of the largest in the country, offering comprehensive traveling programs, field trips, science schools, museum camp-ins, and much more. More »

Oregon Zoo

Portland's zoo is one of the oldest zoos east of the Mississippi River, and is one of the city's main attractions, bringing about 1.3 visitors each year to its exhibits. The zoo is dedicated to providing its animals with the most realistic, natural environments possible, and works hard to protect its animals and the lives and habitats of endangered species. There are over 200 different species to see here, including favorites such as Packy the elephant and his five friends, and the endangered Humboldt penguin group. You'll also want to check out some of the unique, lesser-known animals at the zoo, such as the naked mole rats and rare Visayan warty pigs. In addition to a commitment to the animals on site and around the world, the Oregon Zoo is also committed to protecting our environment, and has adopted many earth-friendly programs into its operations, such as 100% manure composting for their herbivores, and the service of ecologically sustainable foods at their restaurant. The zoo welcomes groups for educational tours and programs, as well as for zoo overnights, photography classes, and day camps. More »

Otter Point State Recreation Site

This coastal park offers great hiking opportunities coupled with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a look over the tall cliffs and watch the waves crash ashore, or marvel at the unique sandstone geographic features, formed by the whipping wind and wild waves. If you can make it down to the beach (some of the trails here can be a bit difficult), take some time to beachcomb, looking for unique shells and unassuming tide pools that offer an abundance of marine life worth taking a look at. Otter Point is a good place to go to get away from the crowds and just explore the natural, wild beauty of the Oregon coast. More »

Overlook House

This beautiful house sits on an acre of immaculately landscaped grounds and makes for a gorgeous venue that holds private events, community festivals and celebrations throughout the year, and is just a nice place to explore for the afternoon. The home was built in 1927 in a classic Tudor-style brick and stucco design, complete with 1920s-era elements that still give it charm today, such as wood work accents, beveled glass, and tiled fireplaces. Outside, the gardens offer a tranquil respite complete with various trees and flowering bushes, as well as a picturesque rose-covered trellis. Some of the events that are held here annually include a holiday craft bazaar, a Santa visit, regular children's puppet shows, yoga classes, Easter egg hunts, and many more. More »

Pacific Crest Trail

This epic trail spans 2,650 from Mexico to Canada through paralleling the Pacific coast and passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. The trail passes through a great variety of terrain, climates, and natural environments, making for a phenomenal tour of the great west. Historical and national sites are scattered throughout the trail and the scenery is outstanding. The Oregon stretch of the trail starts near Siskiyou Summit in the southern part of the state and stretches up to the Washington Border with plenty of volcanic peaks and natural wonders along the way. Traverse the entire trail or enjoy a scenic day hike. Either way, you'll be glad to have experienced it. Plan your trip with trail maps and further details online. More »

Pearl District

This area of Portland is a hotspot for urban renewal, and has undergone many renovations and changes since its days a run-down warehouse district. Today, those empty buildings have been converted into trendy shops, restaurants, art galleries, and condos, and the area is considered one of the most desired places to live for young professionals and others looking to enjoy city life. The name "Pearl District" came from a Portland art gallery owner, who said that the old warehouses in the region were like oysters, but the refurbished art galleries and lofts inside were like pearls--you weren't able to tell what was inside from driving by. That phrase was coined about 10 years ago, and the name has stuck. More »

Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens

This traditional neighborhood park in northern Portland dates back to the early 1900s and is comprised of Portland's first public rose garden, the city's second oldest playground, and the first community center. You'll especially want to make a trip to this park for the beautiful formal rose garden. Spread over two acres and consisting of nearly 9,000 plants, this garden is a great way to enjoy and appreciated over 65 varieties of roses and immerse in the colorful collection. The city's first official rose was cultivated in this garden, leading to the city being fondly referred to as the City of Roses. Make your way to the octagonal bandstand that dates back to 1913 for a pleasant view of the garden. Beyond the roses, this park features basketball courts, soccer field, a softball field and tennis court for the sports enthusiasts as well as paved pathways for strolling amongst the gardens, trees, and public art statues throughout the park. More »

PGE Park

Home to the Portland Beavers minor-league baseball team and the Portland Timbers professional soccer team, PGE Park is a popular sporting venue in downtown Portland. Formerly known and still sometimes locally referred to as Civil Stadium, the newly renovated PGE Park has been completely overhauled. The stadium is used today as a multi-functional facility where many local teams play and the stadium has been designed to be of use baseball, soccer, and football. Beyond the sporting events, music festivals and concerts and other events are regularly hosted here. Thanks to its convenient downtown location, the stadium is close to nearby restaurants and nightlife and features on-site amenities too. More »

Pioneer Square

Located in downtown Portland, Pioneer Square is a central square surrounded by shops, restaurants, and businesses. It functions as a gathering place, a place to go sit and relax, and a venue for many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The brick courtyard occupies a whole city block and was once the site of a school (1856-1883), the prominent Portland Hotel (1890-1951), a parking lot, and finally the current square (built in 1984). Many people visit the square each day, from visitors stopping to take photos of the popular city attraction to local businesspeople enjoying an outdoor lunch. In addition to its gorgeous downtown location, the square also features various art sculptures, waterfalls, public chess board-topped tables, and a towering weather machine that predicts the local weather each day at noon. More »

Pittock Mansion

This iconic Portland mansion sits in the western hills and was once the former home of some of Portland's original pioneers, Henry and Georgiana Pittock. They lived in the mansion from 1914 until 1919, but were influential in developing the city from the late 1800s through the early 20th century--Henry was a major player in many of the city's largest industries, and Georgiana was a key philanthropist and humanitarian. After their deaths (in 1818 and 1819), the mansion remained in the Pittock family until 1958, when the estate was slated to be sold. In 1962, the home was under the threat of demolition, due to damage it had sustained from storms and time. In 1964, the City of Portland decided that the mansion was historically significant enough to be saved, and it purchased the land and the house for $225,000. They restored the house, and reopened it to the public in 1965 for tours and private events. More »

Ponzi Vineyards

Ponzi Vineyards was founded in 1970 and is located in Oregon's prized wine country, the Willamette Valley. The award-winning vineyard is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and the White Riesling. Family owned and operated, the Ponzi family owns 100 acres of vineyard land offers visitors a lovely facility for tasting and dining. Step into the tasting room to sample the vineyard's greatest wines. The winery also operates The Ponzi Wine Bar in downtown Dundee, which features specialty wines by the glass, bottle, or case. One especially unique aspect to Ponzi Vineyards is their signature Vino Gelato made from frozen grapes--quite the delicious treat. More »

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest museums in the county and the oldest on the West Coast. Displaying more than 42,000 pieces in a 112,000-square-foot gallery space, this museum showcases a fine collection of art both historical and modern. While most of the gallery space consists of the permanent collection, the museum also plays host to a number of rotating exhibits and events. Located in historic buildings in Portland's cultural district near Portland State University and the South Park Blocks neighborhood, the museum is comprised of Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, and the Northwest Film Center. Collections here range from American, Asian, and Europe historical art to modern and contemporary art. The Native American Art and Northwest Art collections are of particular interest. More »

Portland Center for the Performing Arts

The Portland Center for the Performing Arts is the city's premiere event organization, and comprises five different theaters, including the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Newmark Theatre, the Keller Auditorium, Brunish Hall, and Dolores Winningstad Theatre. The Center puts on over 1,000 events and performances per year, and welcomes over 1 million visitors and spectators to its shows. Many of Portland's main performing organizations call the Center home, including the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and the Portland Opera, among others. If you're headed to a cultural performance during your visit to Portland, chances are you'll be treated to an event at one of the theaters operated by the Performing Arts Center. More »

Portland Children's Museum

Let the kids run loose at the Portland Children's Museum where there are plenty of activities and interactive exhibits for children to stay entertained in an educational setting. The museum is designed to be an interactive place of learning where kids can be inspired by creativity and discovery. Some of the fun exhibits include a theater where kids can perform their stories, a clay studio, The Garage where kids can dabble in eco-friendly construction with recycled arts materials, and there are many more exhibits tailored to different age sets and interests. The museum can be rented out for birthday parties and there are a variety of camps and classes to sign up for. Stop by for an afternoon of play and bring home some hands-on activities from the museum store. More »

Portland Farmers Market

This is the place to go in the city for the freshest, tastiest produce. The Farmers Market has been operating in downtown Portland since 1992 when a group of local citizens decided that they wanted to bring local produce from Oregon farms to the center of the city. It started as a small operation featuring 13 vendors, and has now grown to a large organization with four locations and sales over $5 million (USD). The Portland Farmers market is an all grassroots operation, and isn't funded by the government at all (as many farmers markets are)--they make their money to fund operations and staff through vendor fees, fund raising, and countless volunteer hours. In addition to the great food you can find here, there are also educational demonstrations that focus on food preparation, tastings, and cooking. More »

Portland International Raceway

Called PIR by locals, the Portland International Raceway is a large racing facility that hosts events such as drag racing, motocross, and NASCAR. The raceway is located just north of Portland at the Delta Park complex, which interestingly enough used to be where the city of Vanport was completely wiped away by a tragic flood in 1948. Today, though, PIR attracts thousands of visitors to the races held here throughout the year. The track reopened in February 2008 after undergoing some needed repairs and renovations, which included repaving the track with new asphalt, changing a few of the turns on the track's layout, as well as adding Formula One-style curbs. Check online for current races held a PIR, and head to the track for some excitement. More »

Portland Meadows

Head north of the city for a day at the races. Portland Meadows horse racing track is a great place to have some fun placing bets on the horses and maybe even win a few buck. Admission and parking at the racetrack is free, so even if you don't want to place risky bets, your time here will be well spent. Amenities here include a handful of eateries including the Turf Club, which offers a themed buffed every Sunday for live racing. The Clubhouse Cafe is a concession stand open during live racing days and the Clubhouse Grill is a restaurant open during live and simulcast racing from Saturday though Tuesday. Because race schedules vary by day of the week and season, be sure to look online or call before your visit to the track. More »

Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center

The massive Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center is the largest of its kind in the state. This popular venue hosts a variety of public events and trade shows throughout the year. With over 330,000 square feet of multi-use exhibition space, it's no wonder over 100 events here are held annually. The facilities here include meeting rooms, catering facilities, abundant parking, outdoor exhibition space, as well as convenient access to Portland's public transportation. The Expo Center is located north of the city in the Delta Park complex, just south of the Colombia River. More »

Portland State University

Portland State University is the Oregon's largest university in terms of student enrollment and is the only college located in an urban setting. PSU, as the university is most commonly referred to as, is located in Downtown Portland on the eastern bank of the Willamette River. Founded in 1946, PSU is a part of the Oregon University System, making it a public university. The beautiful campus has a very metropolitan feel as it is nestled right in the heart of Portland. The school is nationally recognized and has been ranked as one of the "Best in the West" and as a "College with a Conscience" by the Princeton Review for its excellence in academics. The campus frequently hosts events and performances open to the public. More »

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

This picture perfect State Scenic Viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Colombia River Gorge and the Vista House perched on the cliff in the distance. Located along the Colombia River Highway, Women's Forum is a great place to visit to take in the sweeping scenery and a bit of history by reading the informative plaques explaining the culture and history of the park's surrounding. While there are no amenities or facilities here, the view is surely worth the visit. More »

Portlandia

This landmark Portland sculpture is one of the largest hammered-copper statues in the United States (second only to the Statue of Liberty). It was constructed in Maryland in three parts and shipped to Portland by rail, then by barge, and assembled in the city in 1985. The design of the statue mimics the design of the city's seal, featuring a woman with a trident reaching down to welcome visitors to the Portland. Currently, the statue sits atop a platform on the third floor of the Portland Building; it is 36-feet (11-meters) tall, but if she were to somehow magically stand up, it's said that the statue would be over 50-feet (15-meters) tall. More »

Powell Butte Nature Park

This expansive nature park was once a volcano and today is home to the Portland Water Bureau's 50-million-gallon underground water reservoir and distribution system. Powell Butte Nature Park, which sits on nearly 600 acres of land, also features miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. The park is also a nature reserve and is home to a variety of wildlife including gray foxes, coyotes, mule deer, raccoons, and more within the open meadow, forested slopes and hills, and wetlands at Johnson Creek. Located east of the city, this accessible park is popular for its miles of trails and beautiful scenery. More »

Powell's Books

Although Powell's operates seven bookstores in the Portland-metro area, their flagship store, Powell's City of Books, is the shop to visit. It encompasses one entire four-story city block and has been called one of the world's greatest bookstores by various media outlets and authors who give readings there. The Portland icon opened in the early 1970s and was based on a (then) unique principle--placing new and used books together on the shelves to create a totally comprehensive collection. Powell's has been a success ever since, selling over 4 million books each year through its seven retail stores, as well as its popular website. Visiting the store is a must-do Portland experience, especially if you love to read, as the aisles are packed with almost any book you could want (including rare and limited editions). Inside, along with miles of bookshelves, you'll also find a coffee shop where you can stock up on snacks and caffeine, and a mezzanine, where you go to get organized in the gigantic building. Despite its 68,000-square-foot size, Powell's maintains that cozy used-bookstore feeling because it's split up into intimate, color-coded rooms and lounges that make it easier to navigate. More »

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club offers two highly esteemed 18-hole courses in a beautiful forested setting in North Plains, northwest of Portland. While the Witch Hollow course is closed to the public and members-only, the magnificent 18 holes at Ghost Creek are open to the public to enjoy. Designed by Robert Cupp, this course has been praised as one of them premier semi-private courses in the country. The rolling terrain and bubbling creek makes for a pleasant setting while the course offers challenges for the best of players. Both courses at Pumpkin Ridge have played host to national tours such as the US Women's Open and the Nike Tour Championships and have been included by both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine's Top 100 lists. Amenities here include the Ghost Creek clubhouse, which is open to the public and features a great restaurant for a post- or pre-game meal and drinks. More »

Rex Hill Vineyards

This winery is located in the prosperous Oregon wine country of the Willamette Valley, located southwest of Portland. The land at Rex Hill Vineyards was originally agriculture farmland since the 1920s and was later established as a vineyard in 1982. Rex Hill specializes in Pinot Noir and also a Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Visit the tasting room at the vineyard to sample their selection. After a change of ownership in 2007, the winery now focuses on biodynamic farming and sustainable business practices. Wine enthusiasts will be interested in the wine education classes that the winery hosts. More »

Rooster Rock State Park

Located east of Portland, Rooster Rock State Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities for locals and visitors. Here, you can enjoy boating, swimming, windsurfing, sunbathing, picnicking, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River. There are two separate beaches here, one that's further west, and one further east along the river; be warned that the one that's more east is a clothing-optional beach (one of the few in the state). The beaches are completely separated, so feel free to pick and choose the one that's more your style. Also, be sure to bring your Frisbees when you visit this park--there are two disc golf courses here, and both offer great challenges and great views. More »

Rose City Golf Course

The 18 holes of the Rose City course proves challenging with its long and narrow fairways, but remains a popular city course. Located just south of Portland's airport, this course opened in 1923 and was designed by George Otten. Featuring 6,520 yards and a par 72, this course also has a driving range, a small snack bar, and a pro-shop. More »

Rose Garden Arena

As part of the Rose Quarter complex of sporting and event venues, the Rose Garden Arena is the home of the NBA Portland Trail Blazers basketball team, the local National Lacrosse League expansion team, and the WHL Winter Hawks. The multi-purpose arena seats 20,000 spectators and opened in 1995. This arena is certainly Portland's finest and largest for events of all kinds, especially for sports. Complete with advanced acoustics and offering a great amenities, the Rose Garden is a popular place to catch the home team or a touring concert. More »

Rose Quarter

This 30-acre complex houses some of Portland's best entertainment and sporting venues. There are two main arenas here--the Rose Garden Arena and the Memorial Coliseum--as well as a theater, parking structures, an exhibition hall, various restaurants, bars, and a large central public plaza. The Rose Garden Arena can seat up to 20,000 fans, and is the home of the Portland Trail Blazers--the city's only major league professional sports team. The Portland Winter Hawks hockey team also play here at the Rose Garden (and sometimes at the Memorial Coliseum). The other team that calls the Rose Quarter home is the Portland Lumberjacks, a lacrosse team. The Memorial Coliseum seats 10,000, and hosts various sporting events and other happenings throughout the year. If you're in town for a concert or show you might end up at the Theater in the Clouds, which is located within the Rose Garden Arena, has seating for 6,500, and presents numerous musical performances and events. More »

Ross Island Bridge

The Ross Island Bridge stretches across the Willamette River in Downtown Portland while also carrying the Mount Hood Highway (Rte 26). Distinguished as being the only cantilever deck truss bridge in the state of Oregon, the bridge was designed by the revered New York bride designer, Gustav Linderthal, in 1926. The bridge is named after the nearby Ross Island, a small island in the Willamette River. While this bridge mostly carries vehicles, there is a pedestrian sidewalk on the north side of the bridge, but be forewarned that there is no barrier between the small walkway and the busy traffic. More »

SakéOne

SakéOne is one of the leading saké producers in the United States and one of the originals in the Pacific Northwest. While the rice wine alcoholic beverage is traditionally brewed in Japan, a group of saké aficionados gathered to create this now-established brewery. Located west of Portland in Forest Grove, SakéOne features a tasting room and interesting brewery tours. Come by to sample some of their premium and favorite sakés such as their Momokawa, Moonstone, G, or Murai Family and chose from a variety of tasty traditional or more exotic blends to take home. More »

Salmon Street Springs

This popular local attraction is the perfect place to take the kids to cool off on a hot day. Salmon Street Springs features a wide, circular base with fountains shooting up from the middle and from the sides. The fountain was dedicated in 1988, but it wasn't until 1989 when it was officially called "Salmon Street Springs"; contest was held to name the fountain, and the current title won. To operate the water streams, an underground computer puts them on programmed cycles and patterns, and can control all 137 jets at once. At capacity, the fountain can recycle up to 4924 gallons of water per minute, so there's plenty of water to go around for all of the kids who come here to play in the summer. More »

Saturday Market

This large market features everything from handmade baskets to t-shirts to ceramics. It's one of the largest continuously operating outdoor arts and crafts markets in the country, and is definitely a good place to visit when you're in Portland. Saturday Market was started in 1974 by two enterprising Portland residents who wanted a place where artisans and craftspeople could come together to sell their goods. Today, the rules for being a vendor here are strict--every product must be handmade, reviewed by the Product Review Committee, and passed by two different juries before a person can become an official Portland Saturday Market vendor. Each Saturday, the market attracts hundreds (even thousands, depending on the day) of shoppers and visitors to its over 400 vendors. If you get hungry while wandering through the stalls, stop by the market's delicious international food court, where you'll be treated to the tantalizing smells of yummy vittles such as Greek gyros, pizza by the slice, kettle corn, BBQ, and many other types of food. More »

Sauvie Island Wildlife Area

This 12,000-acre preserve area is operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and is one of the best places in the city to go for bird- (and other animal) watching, hunting, and fishing. During the fall and winter, the area is home to about 150,000 migratory birds, and over 250 different species can be seen on the island year-round. Some of the bird varieties you'll spot here include ducks, geese, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and others; you may also catch a glimpse of red foxes, beavers, and black-tailed deer, if you're lucky. There are plenty of hiking and nature trails that wind throughout the wildlife area here, so be sure to bring along your hiking shoes and binoculars when you visit. If you're here during the warmer months of the year, head over to the beach area of the island to go for a swim or just relax and catch some rays. Walton Beach, Willow Bar, and North Unit Beach are good options if you have the family in tow, whereas Collins Beach is a clothing-optional area that might not suit everyone in the group. More »

Sea Lion Caves

Located on the Oregon coast, the Sea Lion Caves give visitors a chance to check out sea lions in their natural habitat. The cave itself is one of the largest sea caves in the world, and it is filled with the echoing sounds of barking sea lions. The variety of sea lion that makes its home here is the Stellar Sea Lion--estimates say that there are about 80,000 of this variety in the world, and an average of 200 of them make the Sea Lion Cave their home. In addition to getting up close the sea lions here, you'll also be treated to views of many other marine animals, including ospreys and other types of reptiles and mammals. More »

Seal Rock State Park

This state park is named after the sizable off-shore rock formations that serve as a natural habitat for a community of seals, sea lions, birds, and other marine life. This state park features beach access, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Bring the family for a day at the beach exploring the tide-pools and look for historic plaques and signs that reveal the area's past. The park is located south of Newport on Oregon's Pacific coast and offers abundant trees such as shore pine and spruce with great views of the ocean and the rocky coastline. More »

Seaside

Seaside is more than just a day at the beach! Seaside was Oregon's first seashore resort and remains a popular year-round vacation and weekend destination. You will find delight in dozens of specialty shops, art galleries, antique stores, and sweet treats that surround the downtown streets. Walk, bike, or drive down Broadway from Highway 101 to the turnaround in the center of Seaside’s famous Promenade, where a sculpture designates the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Our 1.5-mile long ocean front Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The beach is wide and sandy, making it available for all kinds of activities--low rider beach bikes, beach volleyball, wave watching, sand castle building, kite flying, or hot dog roasting. Those young at heart will enjoy the carousel, arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars, and other thrilling water activities. Seaside has a plethora of culinary delights satisfying even the most discriminating taste buds, which include, among other things, family fare, fine dining, ethnic cuisine, and sweet treats. Of course you have to try the local Northwest fare (the clam chowder is a must around these parts)! Don't worry about playing too late, there are several places to stay at night, ranging from low key and laid back to high class luxury. More »

Sellwood Bridge

This truss bridge spans the Willamette River at the south end of Portland. Completed in 1925, the Sellwood Bridge is known for being the first bridge unable to move with a fixed span constructed on the lower Willamette River and was deigned by the esteemed New York bridge designer, Gustav Lindenthal. Enjoy great views of Downtown Portland to the north and of the meandering river to the south. While the bridge has extensive history in the community, it is in need of upgrades and renovation. The community-organized Sellwood Bridge Project is a long-term group working to improve the aesthetics and operations of the bridge. More »

Sellwood District

Often dubbed as Portland's Antique Row, the Sellwodd District is located in Southeast Portland along the riverfront. The shopping here is comprised mostly of charming antique boutiques that are housed in historic shops stretching along 13th Avenue for several blocks. If the shops here aren't enough, there are also three large antique malls near the corner of Bybee and Milwaukie. Beyond the antiques, Sellwood is a charming neighborhood with other locally owned shops and the homes in this area are beautifully maintained and are mostly in the Victorian, cottage, and Craftsman architectural style. This district makes for a great place to come and browse shops, try new restaurants, stroll, and feel the pleasant local vibe. More »

Skidmore Fountain

One of Portland's most iconic attractions, Skidmore anchors the Old Town area of the city, and reminds locals of Portland's storied past. In the late 1800s, a local druggist named Stephen Skidmore died and left $5000 in his will to construct a fountain that would serve men, horses, and dogs. His family and friends decided to raise the rest of the money it would take to construct the fountain, and Olin Warner was commissioned to design and build it. When it was dedicated in 1888, local brewer Henry Weinhard offered to pump his beer through the fountain, but the Fountain Committee declined the offer, and instead, the city pumped clean, drinkable water through its spouts. Tin cups formerly hung from the heads of the lions on the fountain, and people could fill them up for drinking; for the animals, the spouts are positioned low enough to drink from, or they would drink from the trough-like reservoir that caught the water. More »

Sokol Blosser Winery

If you are looking to take a day trip outside of Portland to the Willamette Valley, stop at the lovely Sokol Blosser Winery. Located in Oregon's wine country, this winery features a tasting room and picnic areas that are open daily. Friday through Saturday, tours are available, which give visitors a detailed tour through the vineyards and barrel cellar for a behind the scenes look at how the delicious wine is created here. The vineyard began when the first vines were planted in 1971 and since the winery has produced many award-winning wines. The facility was remodeled and renovated adding state of the art viticulture technology to produce even better wine, especially their Pinot Noir. During the Autumn months, the winery hosts special events both at the winery's tasting room and in different restaurants and venues locally. More »

South Park Blocks

This park stretches for 12 city blocks in a row and encompasses over eight acres in southwest downtown Portland at Portland State University. The block-sized individual parks are dotted with excellent bronze statues of historic Portland figures along with other displays of public art. The 12 South Park Blocks originally date back to 1852 when the blocks were donated for public park space. It wasn't until 1973 when the campus of Portland State University was redesigned and streets were closed off that the park became encompassed by the university. The tree-lined blocks also pass by attractions including the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon History Center, as well as many other architecturally interesting homes and historic buildings. One notable fountain here is the Rebecca at the Well Shemanski Fountain, located between SW Salmon and Main. Made of Sandstone, bronze, and of course water, the fountain is a beautiful sculpture within the South Park Blocks. More »

Spirit Mountain Casino

Located about 65 miles southwest of Portland in Grande Ronde, the Spirit Mountain Casino features over 90,000 square feet of casino gaming. This fun casino is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the casino fosters opportunities for economic self-sufficiency for the tribes. The large casino attracts thousands of visitors per year and amenities here include a large lodge for overnight accommodation, five different restaurants to chose from, and there are many live entertainment and special events taking place here regularly. More »

St. Johns Branch Library

This piece of Portland's history was a gift from Andrew Carnegie and opened in 1913. The St. Johns Branch Library has since been fully renovated in 2000 and offers a wide selection of books, periodicals, and audio materials. Located in the St. Johns neighborhood of North Portland, the building is made of brick with white columns at the entrance with a Southern Colonial design. More »

St. Johns Bridge

This bridge stretches across the Willamette River just north of downtown Portland, connecting Forest Park in the west and Cathedral Park in the east. Made of steel, the St. Johns Bridge is a suspension bridge that was completed in 1931 and was known as the largest of its kind in the world for some time. While it's no longer a world record breaker, this remarkable bridge is revered for many firsts in engineering accomplishments. The structure's style is often compared to that of San Francisco's Golden Gate, and with 400-foot steel tower and a span of 1,200 feet, this landmark is the tallest bridge in Portland. More »

Steel Bridge

The double-decked Steel Bridge crosses the Willamette River in downtown Portland. This bridge was completed in 1912 after replacing the original steel bridge built in 1888, which carried railroad cars. Today, the upper deck is used as a portion of the Pacific Highway West and the MAX Light Rail's vintage streetcars while the lower deck carries railroads as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge is unique in that it is one of the only dual-life bridges in the world and the engineering is designed so that the lower deck can be raised without disturbing the traffic of the upper deck, or both decks can be lifted together. Portland's Steel Bridge links Waterfront Park and the Eastbank Esplanade. More »

Story Garden

Located in Downtown Portland's Waterfront Park just south of the Burnside Bridge, the Story Garden is a children's play area. The garden features granite tiles that create a maze of playful images and stories, all geared toward children. The park is conveniently located near Old Town, making for a great place to bring the kids to let them play and relax in between toting them around the city. More »

Summerfield Golf & Country Club

The Summerfield Golf and Country Club is located within a retirement community in the town of Tigard, south of Portland, and just west of Lake Oswego. The 9-hole course was designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 1975. The public course has been recognized by Golf Digest for being one of the best executive courses in the state of Oregon. Amenities here include a driving range, on-staff pro, as well as a restaurant and lounge for pre- or post-game drinks. More »

Tears of Joy Puppet Theater

Tears of Joy Puppet Theater is a touring theatrical company that has a resident company at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. The group has been recognized nationally and has been awarded the Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, which is one of the highest honors in the American puppetry industry. Beyond its local productions, Tears of Joy travels around the country and abroad presenting in theaters, community centers, festivals, and schools. Children love the experience of the colorful and entertaining puppets and the group has been a big hit with families. Locally, the company puts on six productions each year, which totals over 100 performances. You can catch a Tears of Joy Puppet show at the Winningstad Theatre in Portland and at the Durst Theatre in Vancouver, Washington. More »

The Dalles

This historic town sits on the Columbia River and is known as the official "end of the Oregon Trail". Wagon trains that made it this far, and wanted to go further west, had to choose whether to raft down the tumbling river or to take the Barlow Toll Road around Mt. Hood, thus making The Dalles a stopping point for many pioneers. Today, the town of about 12,500 thrives as one of the largest producers of sweet cherries in the country--there are over 7,000 acres of cherry orchards in and around The Dalles, producing tens of thousands of tons of fruit that gets shipped across the world, most of it going to Asia. The town is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is a hot spot for windsurfing, hiking in the Columbia Gorge, skiing on nearby Mt. Hood, and rafting and fishing in the many tributary rivers nearby.
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Theater Of The Clouds

This 6,500-seat venue is part of the larger event center, the Rose Quarter. The Theater of the Clouds is a more intimate venue compared to the larger venues at this complex including the 20,000-seat Rose Garden and 12,000-seat Memorial Coliseum. Distinguished by large curtains and an acoustic cloud, the acoustic environment for live music here is ideal. Most of the popular bands and musicians make a stop at the Theater of the Clouds in Portland on their tour schedule. More »

Three Capes Scenic Drive

To really take in the spectacular scenery of the rocky Oregon coastline, take the time to cruise the Three Capes Scenic Drive. This striking stretch of road hugs the coast and provides miles upon miles of Oregon's natural beauty including wildlife refuges, bays, and three scenic capes as the name describes. The approximately 40-mile drive starts in the north in the city of Tillamook, crossing the Tillamook River and going past beautiful Tillamook Bay. Cape Meares, located about 10 miles west of Tillamook, features a State Park and a National Wildlife Refuge. Stop and hike along the Oregon Coast Trail, at the end of which is a viewpoint overlooking the Cape Meares Lighthouse. Cape Lookout also features a State Park and is named after a rocky headland that extends into the ocean. Hiking trails here are very scenic and there is a nice beach as well. Continuing down the Drive, you will pass the Sandlake Sand Dunes, and eventually make it to Cape Kiwanda State Park. The smaller of the three capes, Cape Kiwanda is located about a mile north of Pacific City and offers beautiful landscapes and beaches to explore. Make a day of this drive, being sure to stop along the way for hiking and stunning views at all of the State Parks as well as little towns along the way. More »

Three Nines Golf Course

These three golf courses are all located at The Resort at The Mountain, a high-end resort property located near the western highlands of Mt. Hood, about an hour southeast of Portland. Known as the Three Nines, these three courses each consist of nine holes, totaling 27-holes. The courses are open to resort guests, members, and the public for a daily fee. Beginners will enjoy the scenic fairways and more experienced players will appreciate the challenges found at the Pine Cone Nine, Foxglove Nine, and the Thistle Nine. You can plan an entire golf vacation getaway here by staying at the resort. Golf packages, specials, lessons, and tee times are available online. Amenities at the courses include a great restaurant, full bar, snack carts, and a pro-shop with rentals available. More »

Tillamook

This town is probably best known for its famous cheese production. Beyond the cheese though, is a charming town close to the Pacific Ocean, directly 74 miles west of Portland on the Oregon coast. This small town, which is also the county seat of Tillamook County, was named after a local Native American tribe of the same name. Tillamook is home to world-class salmon fishing, fishing from the three major bays, a large timber industry, and of course for its famous dairy production. The Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center is one of the most visited attractions on the entire Oregon coastline. Don't miss the beautiful Tillamook Bay, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Tillamook Air Museum. More »

Tillamook Air Museum

Come here to visit one of the largest collections of historic war aircrafts, all housed in a retired blimp hangar that is the world's largest wooden building. Visitors here will be able to see over 30 War Birds including the following featured crafts: P-38 Lightning, F4U-Corsair, P51-Mustang, PBY Catalina, and SBD Dauntless dive bomber. The hangar showcases some of aviation's most interesting planes. Aircraft enthusiasts will really enjoy climbing into the jet simulator. Extend your visit here by dining at the diner-like cafe and pick up a souvenir from the aviation gift shop, which offers great kids toys. More »

Tillamook Cheese Factory

This functioning cooperative dairy makes a great day trip from Portland. Visitors will learn about how the dairy runs, how cheese is made, and about the many varieties of cheese that are produced here. You'll even get to see the production room where the cheese is processed in huge steel vats, made into blocks, wrapped, and shipped. Be sure to make time when you're visiting to go through the tasting line where you'll get to sample a handful of different flavors of cheese, from pepperjack to vintage sharp cheddar to Tillamook's famous cheese curds. There's also a gift shop here, stocked with lots of food and country living-themed gifts, as well as an ice cream counter where you can purchase delicious, homemade ice cream cones. More »

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

This spectacular light house sits atop Tillamook Rock a mile offshore from Tillamook Head in the choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coastline. Because of its precarious location on a rock in the stormy sea, this lighthouse has been called "Terrible Tilly" or "Tillie" since the lighthouse was built in 1881. The lighthouse is no longer in operation, but served as a guiding light for ships for many years and originally housed keepers living quarters and a light in the tower that was visible as far as 18 miles out to sea. After its decommissioning, the lighthouse became listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, serving as a home for many different sea life and birds. Look for the lighthouse from Ecola State Park or Cannon Beach. More »

Timberline Lodge

This majestic ski lodge sits at about 6,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Hood, right at the timberline (where the trees stop growing). It was constructed in 1936 by workers in the Depression-era organization, the Federal Works Progress Administration. They used naturally-existing assets that could be found nearby, such as huge boulders and massive trees, to construct the 71-room lodge--it was a feat of great determination that proved the dedication of both Oregonian construction workers and the national government in a time of turmoil. The lodge attracts over 1.9 million visitors each year, who come to marvel at the construction and alpine atmosphere of the building, as well as stay in one of the many well-appointed guest rooms. The lodge is also located near the Timberline ski area, so guests can ski during the day, then come back to the lodge to enjoy a nice warm fire and dinner at one of the three-on site restaurants. If you're a movie buff, you might recognize Timberline for its famous theatrical appearances in the movie The Shining, as the lodge was filmed as the exterior of the film's Outlook Hotel. More »

Timberline Ski Area

This ski resort is located near Timberline Lodge on the Palmer Ice Field of Mt. Hood. Because of its location on an ice field, the ski area offers the longest ski season of any resort of North America, and is open 12 months of the year. There are 41 runs to choose from here, covering over 1,400 acres of skiable terrain. In addition to cruising down the mountain on Timberline's great runs, visitors can head to one of the six terrain parks located at the resort--it's easy to choose the one that's best for you, as they are all progression-based. If you get tired or cold on the slopes, head inside to the Wy'East Day Lodge, where you'll find well-stocked ski shops, a rental area, restaurants and eateries, cafeteria room, a lounge, and other skier services to fit your needs. More »

Tom McCall Nature Preserve

This preserve overlooks the Columbia River and offers great scenery and wildflower viewing (best during the spring blooming season, of course). There is an amazing diversity of both flora and fauna here, as the preserve lies in a zonal transition area--between the wet forested areas of the Cascade mountains and the drier grass prairies of eastern Oregon. The area is also home to interesting geographic features, including wide, sweeping plateaus, and unique earth mounds that are speculated to have formed from natural events such as lava flows, flooding, freezing, earthquakes, or volcanic ash. There are two different hiking trails to explore at the preserve; one that heads up the hills and summits at a beautiful meadow overlooking the Gorge, and another that loops around the bottom plateau through the mounds and fields that sit high atop the cliffs edging the Columbia River. More »

Tryon Creek State Park

Located just southwest of downtown Portland, Tyron Creek State Park is Oregon's only state park located within a metropolitan area. This is a widely used outdoor recreational area, popular with joggers, walkers, hikers, and cyclists alike. Bordered between Terwilliger Blvd to the west and Boones Ferry Rd to the east, the large park features many trails and is open year round for visitors and regularly hosts community events. More »

Tualatin Estate Vineyards

Located in the picturesque Willamette Valley, the Tualatin Estate Vineyards has been producing award winning and respected wines since 1973. The vineyard is located on a sprawling 145-acre property and has a public tasting room open on weekends only from March through December. Visit the winery to purchase their award-winning Estate Pinot Noir or sample one of their tasty chardonnays. Sweet dessert wines include a 2002 Semi-Sparkling Muscat and a 2001 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer. More »

Tualatin Island Greens

Located in the town of Tualatin, southwest of Portland, this golf center features an 18-hole scaled down putting course complete with water hazards, sand bunkers, and hills to emulate the challenges of a full-size course. The driving range here features 43 synthetic tree stations, 25 of which are covered and 12 of which are heated. If you are interested in picking up the game of golf, professional golf instructors are available for lessons. Stop by the Island Grill for lunch where you can buy a Meal Bucket Special that includes a meal, drink, and a bucket of golf balls for your day. This is a great place for family and friends to spend a day on the greens. More »

U.S. Bancorp Tower

Look for this Portland landmark that soars high in the Portland skyline. The U.S. Bancorp Tower is the recognized as the tallest building in the city and was built in 1983. Located in the heart of the city, the Tower beautifully reflects the surrounding light and can be seen from most places within the city. Locals have nicknamed this building "Big Pink" for its rosy color. The views from the building, which is mostly used for office space and is the Oregon headquarters for US Bank, are superb. More »

Union Station

You can't miss Union Station because of the landmark clock tower rising above the building, which was built by the Northern Pacific Terminal Company and opened in 1896. The station is located near the Pearl District of Portland and the western shore of the Willamette River. The beautiful interior is worth a visit alone, but the station is also home to an Amtrak station, offices populate the upper levels, the Greyhound bus station is located next door, making this station is a hub for transit throughout the city. Amenities here include ticketing agents, ticket machines, checked baggage during station hours, and a great restaurant and piano bar. More »

University Park Community Center

Built in the 1940s in conjunction with a federal housing project after World War II, this park and community center is a real gathering point for recreational activities. Located near the University of Portland, north of the city, the park features over 16 acres of sports fields and park space. The community center features indoor sporting areas, a gymnasium, fitness center, meeting and party rooms, and more. During more recent renovations in 2007, art sculptures were added to the center, providing a connection to local art as well as providing artistic motivation. Groups can reserve areas of the community center for parties or organized events, and the public is welcome to use the facilities for their pleasure. More »

Vancouver

Just across the state border of the Colombia River is Portland's neighbor to the north, Vancouver. As with Canada's Vancouver, located about 300 miles north of Washington State's Vancouver, both cities are named after the famous sea captain, George Vancouver. Vancouver's population is much less than Portland's, but shares a similar history of Native American heritage and British settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Washington State's fourth largest city has recently been involved in a city-wide renovation projects in an effort to revitalize the city. Like Portland, Vancouver's scenery along the river and with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, makes for many outdoor recreational activities. Because the city lies directly across the river from Portland, Vancouver is easily accessible as a side trip to any Portland visit and features some great attractions and events. More »

Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial

Located at the western edge of Washington Park between Hoyt Arboretum and the World Forestry Center, is the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A group of Oregon Vietnam Veterans were inspired after visiting the larger memorial in Washington, DC and after a group of volunteers made the idea a reality through fund raising, the memorial was dedicated in 1987. The artistic memorial features winding paths, beautifully landscaped lawns and flowers, and memorials listing the names of those lost to the war. The powerful outdoor memorial is a place to pay quiet respect and to honor the Oregon veterans and those who never escaped the war. More »

Vintage Trolleys

If you are in Portland on a Sunday afternoon (from March through December only), be sure to take a ride on one of the vintage trolleys. At the turn of the century, Portland had many San Francisco-style cable cars that ran throughout the city. By the late 1950s, Portland's once extensive streetcar and trolley system died out and was replaced by buses. In 1991, the trolley service was brought back to the city with a handful of working replicas of the original trolley streetcars. Today, visitors and locals alike can ride these replica trolleys on Sundays along the MAX light Rail line between Lloyd Center and SW 11th Avenue. The free trolley runs every half hour and a round trip usually takes about 45 minutes. More »

Vinzenz Lausmann State Park

This memorial park lies directly between town state parks, Wygant State Park and Seneca Fouts State Park, and is located along the Colombia River, near Mitchell Point about five miles west of Hood River. The park is named for Vinzenz Lausmann, after his family donated 126 acres of scenic park land to the state of Oregon. The hiking trails at this park are outstanding and offer stunning views of the Gorge. More »

Vista House

This historical structure rests atop a cliff 733 feet above the Colombia River and is known as the most photographed icon of the Colombia River Gorge. Built in 1916-1918, the Vista House was used as a comfort station offering travelers helpful facilities and a place to rest. After an extensive renovation and restoration project in 2005, the Vista House remains a popular place to for travelers to stop and marvel in the views as well as learn more about the building's historic past and interesting exhibits on the local area are featured. The octagonal building serves as a memorial to early Oregon pioneers and is still used as a comfort stop for travelers, offering facilities, a coffee shop, gift shop, and an overall great place to take a break while cruising down the Colombia River Highway. More »

Warm Springs Reservation

The Warm Springs Reservation is home to the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute Native American tribes. Here, the public is invited to visit the reservation, which offers a museum, cultural events, and abounding outdoor recreational activities. The reservation's land includes many of the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty with alpine lakes, canyons, desert, rivers, mountain peaks, and of course forests. The reservation offers plenty of attractions and amenities including an 18-hole golf course, a 25,000-square-foot casino, a mineral water spa with a full range of services, a hot springs pool, as well as shopping. For visitors looking to stay longer, accommodations here include rooms at the Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge, Village, RV park, and teepee camping. More »

Washington County Museum

For a historical look at Oregon's past, take a visit to the Washington County Historical Society & Museum. The small but informative museum features exhibits that aim to bring local history to life. Rotating exhibits touch on topics ranging from historical printmaking to the culture of local Native Americans to displays on crafts and artifacts. The museum offers the community events and programs throughout the year for community education and outreach. The museum, which is located on the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus, also offers a Research Library that is open and free to the public. More »

Washington Park

Portland's Washington Park is an oasis of green space featuring over 400+ acres of open space, forests of trees, gardens, playgrounds for children, sports fields, multi-use trails, and even some of Portland's favorite attractions. This sprawling park is located west of downtown and is home to the Oregon Zoo, the World Forest Center Discovery Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and Portland's Children's Museum, among others. Because of its many attractions and amenities, Washington Park is a destination of its own and can be visited many times over. The park is also one of the city's oldest. Since the land was purchased in 1871, the park has been enthusiastically designed, updated, and maintained. More »

Washington Park and Zoo Railway

This is not just a little zoo railway that simply runs around a tiny track next to the elephant enclosure--instead, it is a 30 minute narrow gauge train ride that provides (during summer months) practical transportation between the Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, the International Rose Test Garden, and the World Forestry Center. The train also runs a much shorter, one-mile zoo-only loop route in fall, winter, and spring that takes about 10 minutes. Three trains run on the track, all of them smaller replicas of real trains: the Zooliner, with a diesel engine, the 4-4-0 #1 Oregon, and the Oregon Express, both of which have steam engines. The railway also has the distinction of being the last railway in the country to hand process and cancel mail. The train allows you to take in the beautiful forests of Washington Park in comfort, and the trains are charming and practical. You have to pay the zoo entrance fee to ride the train, as the train is just inside the zoo entrance--you can also board the train from the station near the International Rose Test Garden and ride into the zoo. More »

Waterfront Park

This beautiful park stretches along the western bank of the Willamette River and offers locals and visitors a place to take a riverfront stroll or jog, relax on a bench, or play a game of tag in the grass. The 36.6-acre park has many features, including great public art sculptures and fountains, various memorials (such as the Battleship Oregon Memorial, the Police Memorial, and the Founders' Stone), the Japanese American Historical Plaza, and a cherry tree-lined Friendship Circle. If you're with the kids, head over to Story Garden to check out the tiled maze and sculptures that feature pictures and images of storybook themes and characters. There is also a popular riverside pathway here that runs along the shore of the Willamette River and is a popular place to walk or jog and watch the ships navigating the water. In addition to just being a great public park, Waterfront Park is also a popular Portland venue, as it plays host to various city events throughout the year, such as the Bite of Oregon Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival. More »

Waterstone Gallery

Located in the bustling art neighborhood of the Pearl District in Portland, Waterstone Gallery is owned by 15 artists. Art collectors and visitors, in turn, get to deal directly with the artists whose work is prominently featured throughout the gallery. Different mediums include contemporary paintings, sculpture, works on paper, among others. The gallery, which was established in 1992, offers rotating exhibits on a monthly basis. More »

Wildwood Golf Course

Located about 20 minutes north of downtown Portland off of Hwy 30, Wildwood Golf Course features 18 holes and 5,756 yards with a par-72. The course opened in 1991 and was designed by Bill O'Meara. This reasonably priced course is open to the public and offers players a bar, snack carts, a pro-shop with good rental rates, a driving range, and on-site staff pro is available. More »

Wildwood Trail

Winding through both Forest Park and Washington Park is the 30-mile long Wildwood Trail. This great trail is part of the larger trail system known as the 40-Mile Loop, which links many of Portland's multi-use trails. The Wildwood Trail is popular for its lush forest scenery and it passes by many of Portland's attractions including the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park, the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Portland Japanese Garden. the World Forestry Center, as well as the Hoyt Arboretum and many others. The terrain of this trail varies from flat to hilly and maps are available at the trailheads. While traversing the trail, look for trail markers, which are characterized as blue diamonds placed on the trees. More »

Willamette Falls

The impressive Willamette Falls are on the Willamette River nestled between the cities of Oregon City and West Linn. The large cascade flows over a wall of basalt and features a canal with a series of locks. The falls resemble the shape of a horseshoe and are about 40 feet tall and 1,500 feet wide, making it one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Starting in 2003, the community has put on an event called Lock Fest, which celebrates the history and heritage of the falls and locks and its significance on the community, while at the same time raising funds to keep the service of the locks in place. While visiting Oregon City or West Linn, a stop to admire the beautiful falls is a must. More »

Willamette Shore Trolley

This historic trolley runs between downtown Portland and Lake Oswego on a six-mile stretch of the historic rail line. The scenic ride follows along the shore of the Willamette River and passengers will pass by local parks, mansions, and bridges. Hop aboard the authentic red trolley for a fun mode of transportation between the two cities. The trolley service, which is run by the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, only runs from May through October and the ride from city to city takes about 40 minutes each way. More »

World Forestry Center

Learn all about the fascinating forests of the world here at the World Forestry Center. Established in 1964, this educational facility aims to inform the public about the fragile forests across the globe and the significance of their sustainable future. The expansive Discover Museum located in Portland's Washington Park features numerous hands-on exhibits that the whole family will love and feel connected to the forests and trees of the local Pacific Northwest and everywhere else. Beyond the recently renovated museum, the Center also owns and operates two tree farm forests and runs the World Forest Institute, which provides services within the forestry community. More »

Yachats

Located along Oregon's dramatic coastline, this small village sits between the Pacific Ocean and the forest mountains. Charming Yachats (pronounced "Yah-hots") offers a peaceful and laid-back village vibe. Just south of town is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and its Overlook is the highest point on the Oregon Coast offering sweeping views of the coastline. Here, there are 26 miles of hiking, beaches, and scenic spots. Other nearby and noteworthy attractions include the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves, both of which are about 14 miles south of Yachats. Follow the Yachats River Road up a nine-mile road to see the historic Yachats Covered Bridge dating back to 1938. Back in town, don't miss the Little Log Church Museum and of course all of the charm of the village and breathtaking beauty of the coastline. More »