We all know – the summer season is upon us and times are tough. Kids are out of school, the weather is nice (if not unbearable), and at least a hundred other reasons are compelling you to get out of the house and do something!
Here are some suggestions for things to do if you live in or near, or happen to be visiting, Portland Oregon.
Visit the Riverfront. Portland isn’t known as the River City for nothing. The Willamette divides downtown in two, with many larger streets bridging across the river. Along the Riverfront through the downtown area, Portland has spent major money and effort revitalizing the space to be very friendly for pedestrians, joggers, bikers and bladers. A well-groomed cement path runs alongside the river on the east and west banks, replete with interesting landscaping, benches, and sculptures. Pedestrian and bike paths span the bridges, completing what’s known as the Waterfront Loop. A section of the path in the north east quadrant – known as the Eastbank Esplanade – dips down and floats atop the surface of the river – nice and cool on a hot day. The west bank is framed by Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, as well as a shopping and dining area to the southwest known as RiverPlace.
Along the Riverfront, you may pass the following Portland landmarks:
• OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) There is a fee for admittance to its many exhibits and educational films, but the exterior area is always hopping with families strolling and biking, the views of the city are amazing, plus the submarine exhibit (located in the river itself) is an interesting backdrop.
• Portland Saturday Market Runs Saturday 10 – 5 and Sunday 11 – 4:30, with 350+ vendors of food, clothing, jewelry and accessories, art, toys, multi-cultural items, and more. Most items are locally crafted. Performers are also regularly featured at two different venue stages, plus street performers (including a notorious Jimmy Hendrix impersonator) congregate in various locations. Admission (window shopping and people watching) is free.
• Oregon Maritime Museum There is a fee for admission, but the antique paddleboat is moored and viewable from the banks of the river.
• Tom McCall Waterfront Park A green space area with paved trails running along the west bank of Willamette River in downtown Portland. It includes many sculptures, memorials, a fountain, and is the host to a multitude of free and paid events. Check online for information about special events and concerts.
• Salmon Street Springs Fountain This is a public fountain in which kids and adults alike can be found frolicking throughout the summer. Two main ground-based fountain patterns liven up this section of the Riverfront, located in Gov. Tom McCalll Waterfront Park near Salmon Street. See the “Fountain tour” section for more details.
• RiverPlace Esplanade Ground level of a newer condo development located above the marina, RiverPlace Esplanade features cafes and shops of many accessibility levels, from casual/inexpensive to fine dining. At least two purveyors of locally-manufactured ice cream dot the promenade, and the Newport Bay at Riverplace, a seafood restaurant, floats on the river itself. A beautiful garden ties the Riverplace with the University district, which features new development buildings, more restaurants and landscaping, and an unusually-situated campus. Oregon Health and Science University is split into a riverside campus, and tied to a hillside upper campus area by a municipally-owned and operated aerial tram.
Portland Rose Gardens Located in three different parks within Portland, the most famous being the International Rose Test Garden, situated atop the western half of the downtown area in the amazing Washington Park. Portland Rose Gardens was started from influence of Georgiana Pittock, wife of early Portland mayor and publisher of the Oregonian George Pittock. In 1888, she invited her friends and family to exhibit their roses in a tent in her garden, launching the Portland Rose Festival, which is still celebrated today. Her actions also helped Portland receive one of its other famous titles, that of the Rose City.
This garden is the oldest public garden of its kind in the United States, and world renown for housing a rare and expansive collection of unique and beautiful roses. Admission to all parks is free.
Pittock Mansion Although a fee is charged for admission to the mansion, part of an amazing day can be spent wandering the grounds and caretaker’s quarters at no charge. On a clear day, the massive front lawn provides amazing views of the city, rivers, and famous area mountain peaks including Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and even Washington’s Mt. Ranier. Pittock Mansion is located off Burnside just after it enters the Washington Park area. Bring a picnic lunch!
Portland’s Municipal Fountains and Downtown Fountain Walking Tour A interesting and unique activity is a visit to one or more of Portland’s many Municipal Fountains. Ranging from small to enormous, each is an unique piece of art, with the benefit of amazing cooling properties and the soothing nature of running water. The Skidmore Fountain, located between SW Burnside and Ankeny, 1st and Front, is Portland’s oldest piece of public art, while The Dreamer, located in Pettygrove Park on SW Third between Market and Harrison, features a large modern sculpture by Manuel Izqierdo made of malleable brass. Make a day trip in the car, or download Portland’s Downtown Fountain Walking Tour map for a fun way to explore Portland.
Powell’s City of Books More than just a bookstore, this sprawling building takes up an entire city block, and has become one of the more famous landmarks in Portland. Find just about any type of publication, plus amazing gifts and trinkets, loiter in the café. People watching brings a glimpse of Portland’s rich social diversity.
Washington Park This enormous expanse, located on the western slope above the downtown SW Portland area, encompasses many other, amazing attractions. The park itself, however, has an amazing amount of beautiful landscaping, pathways, benches, playgrounds, and forest paths to explore. Take your hiking shoes and plan at least a day to climb around and enjoy the tamed and wild nature of Washington Park.
Sites located within park:
• International Rose Test Garden (mentioned earlier) – FREE
• Portland Children’s Museum – paid admission
• Oregon Zoo – paid admission
• Portland Japanese Garden – paid admission
• World Forestry Center Discovery Museum – paid admission
• Hoyt Arboretum – FREE
• Washington Park and Zoo Railway – paid admission
• Children’s Park – FREE
• Oregon Holocaust Memorial and Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial – FREE
Other activities include:
• Hike or run through the forest on miles of trails, which originate in the park
• Summer concerts in the Washington Park Amphitheater
• Tennis courts and archery range
• Shop at several specialty stores located at various park sites
• Enjoy the park’s works of art
• Take the MAX (Portland Transit’s light rail system) to the underground Washington Park/Oregon Zoo Station, located 260 feet beneath the park
Pioneer Courthouse Square Located in the heart of SW downtown, this location is surrounded by unique stores and shopping malls, historical buildings, and the hustle and bustle of the busiest walking area in Portland. The square itself hosts many concerts, street performers and other activities.
Portland Farmer’s Market An organization with many locations, dates and times. The most popular markets are the Downtown and PSU markets. In addition to local produce, the markets contain baked goods, performers, and other local vendors.
Springwater Corridor A former rail corridor now hosts a multi-use paved trail beginning in the south east area of the Willamette River in downtown Portland (near OMSI) at SE Ivon ST, running along the river bank, then moving east along Johnson Creek and connecting a multitude of public parks, eventually ending in Boring, OR. For the most part, this trail is separated from public roads, encompassing wetlands, buttes, agricultural fields and pastures, residential and industrial neighborhoods, and with plenty of opportunity for viewing wildlife. When completed, this path will run over 21 miles and complete a 40-mile loop running through cities and bedroom communities south and east of Portland. Walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters are all welcome; dogs are allowed on leash, however owners should be aware they will frequently encounter people and wheeled vehicles.
Multnomah Falls Proclaimed to be the most photographed waterfall, this majestic falls drops 620 feet from its origin. Located about twenty minutes east of Portland off I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge, attractions include several breathtaking viewpoints. At the ground level, benches, viewpoints and other rest amenities are located. Up a short, moderately graded paved trail is a bridge spanning the waterfall gorge near its point of impact. Above, a more strenuous trail switches up the mountain for a view of the falls from above, as well as the gorge. Restrooms, a snack stand, restaraunt and gift shop are also at the location.
Something to remember is the MAX, Portland’s light rail system, is a low-cost and reliable way to see most of the city. Originating at the Portland Airport, spurs currently run through the major downtown points of interest, with junctions into the two major subdivision areas of Portland (Beaverton/Hillsboro and Clackamas/Gresham).
These are only a few of the many free activities available in the Portland area. Enjoy your summer!
