Incorporated in 1851, Portland, Oregon grew through trade by water during the first 3o years of its existence and grew vastly during the California Gold Rush, like many west coast towns.
Today, this small city of just over 500,000 people offers all the big city amenities with a real small town feel, maintaining the charm of yesteryear with a modern twist and “keeping it weird!”
Dubbed the City of Roses, Portland offers something for everyone, no matter what you like to do.
The city is a walker’s paradise, with wide sidewalks and short blocks in the downtown core. Its eclectic neighbourhoods showcase the history of the city through architecture.
Portland is home to Washington Park which has beautiful gardens, including one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, museums, memorials, a zoo, and even some wilderness right in the city. Nearby Forest Park boasts over 80 miles of trails that allow hiking, running, horses and canine companions to enjoy the great outdoors right near the city. Mt. Tabor offers spectacular views of the city too. Peninsula Park Rose Garden is an urban oasis, and perfect for a pleasant stroll.
Restaurants of all kinds abound, from a vibrant food-cart scene that includes food from round the globe to upscale eateries, you can please your palate no matter what your budget or taste. There are craft breweries, distilleries and wineries to enjoy and this summer there are more patios than ever to sit back with a tasty beverage and a delicious bite. Public markets and farmer’s markets offer arts and crafts made by local artists and locally grown produce.
Getting around is easy. Portland has an excellent public transit system with MAX Light Rail streetcars, buses, a free shuttle that stops at all the major attractions and parks within the city, and miles of bike lanes too.
A nearby must-see is the Columbia River Gorge which is 30 miles from the city and has more than 90 waterfalls. It offers endless outdoor opportunities for adventure of all kinds
Portland facts:
- internationally known as the City of Roses, Portland has loads of beautiful gardens to enjoy
- there are 12 river crossings, eight of which are pedestrian friendly
- donuts are an art form here
- “Keep Portland Weird” is one of the official city slogans
- Portland is home to the largest independently owned book store in the world
- Portland has more micro breweries per capita than any city in the world
- Portland is home to the smallest park in the world and the largest forested park within city limits in the country
Weather:
Oceanic with Mediterranean influences — summers are warm to hot with cooler evenings. Rainfall is frequent the rest of the year
Getting here
From Seattle:
- Vehicle: Take the I-5 South, take Exit 302B for I-405/US-30 towards Beaverton/St. Helens, take the Exit towards Seattle/The Dalles/I-84/I5 North (3 hr, 19 min).
- Train: Take the Amtrak from King Street Station (3 hr, 30 min).
- Fly: Seattle airport to Portland Airport (50 min); Drive from the airport to downtown Portland – approximately 25 minutes
From Salem:
- Vehicle: Take the I-5 North to Exit 299 in Portland (56 min).
From San Francisco:
- Vehicle: Take the I-5 North to Exit 299B in Portland (10 hr, 50 min).
- Fly: From San Francisco Airport to Portland.
Map: Portland Oregon
Exploring the Arts in the Alberni Valley