This 24.5-mile (39.5 kilometer) trail leads you through the city. Starting at the World Forestry Center, the trail strings together some of Portland's best nature attractions, Hoyt Arboretum, the Audubon Society and Forest Park. The terrain depends on what portion of the trail you tackle, from the very hilly area of Washington Park to the more gradual ten northern-most miles of the trail. Maps are available at the trail head. For outdoor lovers, a hike along these trail comes most recommended, as you are sure to capture scenic vistas along with occasional encounters of exotic plants and birds.
Henry Pittock, founder of Portland's Oregonian newspaper, built this spectacular mansion in 1914 and lived there until his death in 1919. This stately mansion was created in the style of a French Renaissance chateau and boasts three floors plus an incredible view of the city. The mansion is now a museum and showcases local history through artifacts and exhibits. Guests can tour the mansion and even book space for private functions.
Resembling a community garden you would find in Suzhou, Portland's sister city, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful green space near the bank of the Willamette River. The garden is complete with winding pathways, gorgeous plants, a lovely tea-house and a gift store. You can take a tour to get insider knowledge of the garden and try to come during one of their many interesting events, including exhibitions and lectures. This place is a must-visit for its unique beauty. You can even hire this garden for private events such as weddings and receptions.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers halls dedicated to earth science, life science, computers, chemistry, traveling exhibits and hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, the Empirical Theater, a submarine to tour, a motion simulator ride and a cafe. The museum, through its various games and interactive displays, offers an opportunity to exercise the grey cells and leave with more knowledge and information.
Portland Japanese Garden includes waterfalls, koi filled ponds, a wisteria arbor and even a tea-house that was built in Japan with ancient construction techniques. It features five unique gardens. The Strolling Pond contains the five-tiered stone pagoda lantern given to Portland in 1963 by Sapporo, Portland's sister city in Japan. Many events are observed in the gardens, including Children's Day, the Tanabata Star Festival and the Obon Spirit Festival. Garden curators also offer classes in Japanese culture and gardening techniques.
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.
Raptor Ridge specializes in hand-crafted wines, the Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made in small quantities and sold by fine restaurants and wine shops throughout the West. The 27 acre estate is beautiful, and you might be able to spy a bird or prey while you're there. Tours are available by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
Fly over beautiful vineyards and luscious hillsides of the Tualatin River Valley. Your crew handles the balloon expertly and tells tales of ballooning and local history. Vista Balloon Adventures is dedicated to customizing your experience, so go ahead and discuss your dreams with them. A tour includes brunch after the voyage. The flight is about an hour long, but the whole affair lasts about three and a half hours.
Tour the Oregon wine country with the experts. Tours start at your doorstep, and you can choose to visit any of five different wine communities in the Portland area, with meals that accent the wines and feature Oregon fare included with each tour. Visit wineries that are not usually open to the public and taste rare wines. Most tours are for groups of eight to 10 people, and prices vary by tour so be sure to check the website to create the ideal trip for you and your wine-loving friends.
Learn more about precious forests at this center owned and run by the World Forestry Center. Located about a half-hour out of the city on wooded Parrett Mountain, Magness Memorial Tree Farm offers many forest-related activities. Hike on any of three trails (including a wheelchair-accessible paved path), view demonstrations of woodland management, or climb the 60-foot fire tower. A great place to picnic, the facility also rents cabins and hosts a camp for kids.
This 24.5-mile (39.5 kilometer) trail leads you through the city. Starting at the World Forestry Center, the trail strings together some of Portland's best nature attractions, Hoyt Arboretum, the Audubon Society and Forest Park. The terrain depends on what portion of the trail you tackle, from the very hilly area of Washington Park to the more gradual ten northern-most miles of the trail. Maps are available at the trail head. For outdoor lovers, a hike along these trail comes most recommended, as you are sure to capture scenic vistas along with occasional encounters of exotic plants and birds.
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!