Perfectly Portland

Clean, Serene, and Completely Green, Oregon's largest city is a natural wonder

Written by Rachel Williford
Photos courtesy of The Portland Oregon Visitors Association

It may not be easy being green, but Oregon’s largest city sure looks great in the color. Portland’s natural beauty, bustling local scene, welcoming accommodations and epicurean delights make it a wonderfully accessible town with so much to offer – and it’s only a short plane ride or a scenic drive away.

Green Portland
Portland is known for its environmental efforts, natural attractions and lush green spaces. The city is also touted as a trendsetter in progressive urban planning and environmentally conscious public policy. Portland Parks & Recreation oversees the 5,000-acre Forest Park, America's largest urban wilderness, as well as 24-inch Mill Ends, recognized by The Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest dedicated park. Home to 37,000 acres of open space, it seems around every corner in Portland there is a grassy oasis to discover – even in the heart of the city.

In addition to its urban vegetation, Portland is a success story among “green” cities worldwide. Concrete conversions have turned four-lane highways into nature-friendly playgrounds; Portlanders have earned the distinction of recycling more of their waste than any other city in the US; eco-friendly transportation is showcased by the city’s light rail system, “car-sharing” systems, and miles of scenic bikeways; and sustainable building practices, such as the Oregon Convention Center’s “Rain Garden,” have earned Portland countless accolades in environmental circles.

Outdoor Adventure
Warm summers and rainy but temperate winters make Portland a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Golf, biking, hiking, skiing and fishing are just a handful of activities that draw nature and sports lovers to Oregon’s rich landscape. Two of Portland’s golf courses – Eastmoreland Golf Course and Heron Lakes Golf Course – have been rated among the nation’s top 75 public greens. To see Portland on two wheels, rent a bike from Fat Tire Farm and take a scenic ride over the city’s bike paths, spanning 246 miles. Nearby Mount Hood is a mecca for snow-sports enthusiasts, boasting the longest ski season in North America as well as four major ski resorts. The Pacific Northwest has long been touted as a fisherman’s retreat; waters are filled with steelhead, trout and sturgeon, and it’s not uncommon to hear locals bragging about a 30-pound catch!

Dining
Praised as much for its cuisine as its greenery, Portland is a great place to explore epicurean delights. In the Pear District, you’ll find sophisticated eateries such as candlelit Bluehour, known for Mediterranean-inspired meals and a luxurious Sunday brunch. Local staples abound in Northwest Portland, like the charming Moonstruck Chocolate Café, where handcrafted truffles made from local ingredients entice passers by. Loved for its distinctive bohemian style, Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is home to creative venues such as McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater & Pub, an Arabian-themed marquee that combines movies with pizza and artisan beer. For first-time visitors, North Mississippi Avenue is a tourist’s dream; a fusion of Italian, French and American cuisines creatively graces the menu at romantic Lovely Hula Hands, featuring unique offerings such as chanterelle and leek soufflé. Northeast Alberta Street will satisfy your artistic and cultured side; Townshend’s Alberta Street Teahouse, for example, steeps more than 80 loose-leaf teas from around the world, including soothing oolongs and fruit infusions.

Full-Day Excursions
Pick up some saltwater taffy and take the day, or the entire weekend, to explore Oregon’s coastline, a stretch of beaches peppered with historically famed towns like Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, and Tillamook, most famous for its cheese. Drive 10 miles west of Tillamook to Cape Mears, the first stop on the popular Three Capes scenic drive. After a day of sightseeing and sunbathing, sample some of Oregon’s finest cuisine, from fresh wild salmon to sweet Dungeness crab.

If your touring tastes call for a more leisurely pace with an educational theme, a drive through Oregon's wine country is one to savor. Most of the tasting rooms in the vineyards and wineries are open daily for sipping; call ahead to schedule a walk-through and sample reserve vintages. For a sight to behold, view wine country from above with a hot-air balloon ride through local companies such as Vista Balloon Adventures.

For in-town attractions, Portland is awash with entertaining sights. A 10-minute MAX train ride connects downtown to Washington Park, the perfect place to spend hours with the family. Across from the train station is the Oregon Zoo, home to elephants, polar bears and penguins as well as several endangered or threatened animal species. The Zoo Railway connects with lower Washington Park, where the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden are located – both dazzling additions to Portland’s downtown scene.

Whether you’re looking for athletic thrills, eye-opening scenery or educational road trips, Portland, Oregon, is a gem to be explored. When the summer heat becomes too much to bear, don’t forget this cultured oasis, brimming with fun, food, and plenty of fresh air.

Portland’s Summer Events

Ongoing – First Thursday of each month
First Thursday
Downtown and Pearl District
503.227.3840
www.padaoregon.org

April – December
Portland Farmers Market (three locations)
Wed: South Park Blocks at Salmon Street
Thurs: Jamison Square in the Pearl District
Sat: South Park Blocks at Portland State University
503.241.0032
www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

July 26-29
Oregon Brewers Festival
Downtown Portland
Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
503.778.5917
www.oregonbrewfest.com

July 28 – August 3
Portland Flamenco Festival
Portland, various locations
503.972.1178
www.portlandflamencofestival.com

Travel Log
Eastmoreland Golf Course
2425 SE Bybee Boulevard
503.775.2900
www.eastmorelandgolfcourse.com

Heron Lakes Golf Course
3500 N. Victory Boulevard
503.493.1128
www.filmaction.org

Bluehour
250 NW 13th Avenue
503.226.3394
www.bluehouronline.com

Moonstruck Chocolate Café
526 NW 23rd Avenue
503.542.3400
www.moonstruckchocolate.com

McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater & Pub
3702 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
503.236.9234
www.mcmenamins.com

Lovely Hula Hands
4057 N. Mississippi Avenue
503.445.9910
www.lovelyhulahands.com

Townshend’s Alberta Street Teahouse
2223 NE Alberta Street
503.445.6699

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Salmon Street
503.226.1561
www.oregonzoo.org

Portland Japanese Garden
Washington Park
611 SW Kinston Avenue
503.223.1321
www.japanesegarden.com

International Rose Test Garden
Washington Park
600 SW Kingston Avenue
503.823.3635
www.portlandonline.com/parks