Do away with mainstream tourist traveling and embrace the way Portland should actually be experienced - on foot. Conducting walking tours with a difference, Know Your City tours highlight the city's quirks that make it so special. From special 'People's History of Portland Tours' that tell the story of this city from an outsider's lens to sing-along tours that make their merry way through Portland's musical riches, Know Your City has something for everyone. An expert, fun-loving guide is on board, making the experience more enjoyable. Private tours suited to your group's needs and expectations can also be arranged, on request. Tours run from May to mid-September, Thursday to Sunday. While the tours are free, a good tip is always welcome!

A serene sanctum lying to the east of downtown Portland, this picturesque city park is unusual in more ways than one. Built on the grounds of an old volcanic cone, the park is a natural wonderland where trails and paved pathways wind through rolling meadows and dense forests. The park is also home to an amphitheater, a dog park, a horseshoe pit and courts used for various other sports. A delight for the avid hiker, Mount Tabor affords splendid views of the city's diverse landscape. Although much of the volcano's cinder cone has been paved, a part of it still remains, letting visitors in on the long-standing history and geological marvel it cradles in its depths.

An oasis of greenery in the scenic environs of Northwest Portland, this municipal park's topography is defined by the slopes and opaque old-growth forests that are sustained by the Tualatin Mountains. A large establishment as far as urban parks go, these protected lands are spread over 5,100 acres (2,064 hectares) that are dotted with relatively-even pathways and trails for hiking and bicycling, which make virtually every nook and corner of the park easily-accessible. A landscape of diverse and complex ecosystems, these forests are home to the hairy woodpecker, Pacific jumping mouse, orange-crowned warbler, northern pygmy-owl among many others. A paradise for plant lovers, the park grounds are bejeweled with exotic Hooker's fairy bells, evergreen violets and English ivy.