Guidebook for Portland
Parks & Nature
Largest urban park in the country with over 80 miles of hiking trails.
940 locals recommend
Forest Park
Largest urban park in the country with over 80 miles of hiking trails.
One of Portland's nicknames is the City of Roses, and this town has long been an incubator for the scented beauties. In 1917, the Rose Garden was born, and lives on as the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Within Washington Park you can walk among 7,000 luscious rose bushes. The garden is free, open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Also within the park is the The Portland Japanese Garden, a traditional Japanese garden occupying 5.5 acres.
627 locals recommend
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston Ave
One of Portland's nicknames is the City of Roses, and this town has long been an incubator for the scented beauties. In 1917, the Rose Garden was born, and lives on as the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Within Washington Park you can walk among 7,000 luscious rose bushes. The garden is free, open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Also within the park is the The Portland Japanese Garden, a traditional Japanese garden occupying 5.5 acres.
Located about 15 minutes from downtown Portland, it is the only state park within a metropolitan area. With 8 miles of hiking trails, 3 mile paved bike trail, & a paved all abilities trail there really is
something for everyone. There is even a nature center with
interpretive exhibits. This is a nice spot because many of the trails connect so that you can do a large or small loop depending on how much time you have.
137 locals recommend
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
11321 SW Terwilliger BlvdLocated about 15 minutes from downtown Portland, it is the only state park within a metropolitan area. With 8 miles of hiking trails, 3 mile paved bike trail, & a paved all abilities trail there really is
something for everyone. There is even a nature center with
interpretive exhibits. This is a nice spot because many of the trails connect so that you can do a large or small loop depending on how much time you have.
Oaks Bottom is a floodplain located along the east bank of the
Willamette River. There is an easy 2.3 mile, mostly level, loop trail,that takes you past wetlands, the Portland Memorial Mausoleum, a tadpole pond, and much more! You can access the Sellwood River Front Park from these trails as well as Oaks Bottom Amusements Park. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, deer, bald eagles, osprey, and lots of
other wildlife.
111 locals recommend
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
10830 Southeast Oaks Park WayOaks Bottom is a floodplain located along the east bank of the
Willamette River. There is an easy 2.3 mile, mostly level, loop trail,that takes you past wetlands, the Portland Memorial Mausoleum, a tadpole pond, and much more! You can access the Sellwood River Front Park from these trails as well as Oaks Bottom Amusements Park. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, deer, bald eagles, osprey, and lots of
other wildlife.
Take the lower macleay trail to Pittock Mansion.
This is a moderate 5 mile out and back (with a small loop) trail with about 900 feet in elevation gain. Hike through lush forest up to a Victorian-era mansion that has an expansion view of downtown Portland and Mt Hood.
14 locals recommend
Lower Macleay Trail
Lower Macleay TrailTake the lower macleay trail to Pittock Mansion.
This is a moderate 5 mile out and back (with a small loop) trail with about 900 feet in elevation gain. Hike through lush forest up to a Victorian-era mansion that has an expansion view of downtown Portland and Mt Hood.
Right off both the Historic Columbia River Highway and I84, Multnomah Falls is a destination for tourists from all around. The falls is an impressive 620 feet tall with two tiers. You can hike the 1.2 miles all the way to the top to look over the edge or just take in its beauty from below the Benson Bridge.
974 locals recommend
Multnomah Falls station
Right off both the Historic Columbia River Highway and I84, Multnomah Falls is a destination for tourists from all around. The falls is an impressive 620 feet tall with two tiers. You can hike the 1.2 miles all the way to the top to look over the edge or just take in its beauty from below the Benson Bridge.
Also off both the Historic Highway and I84, Latourell Falls is known not only for its 249 plunge but also for its great example of columnar basalt formations. You can take the short walk to the base, which is where the best views of the falls are, or you can hike up the trail to the upper falls. A 2.1 mile loop that is worth the 520 feet of elevation gain.
10 locals recommend
Latourell Falls Trailhead
Historic Columbia River HighwayAlso off both the Historic Highway and I84, Latourell Falls is known not only for its 249 plunge but also for its great example of columnar basalt formations. You can take the short walk to the base, which is where the best views of the falls are, or you can hike up the trail to the upper falls. A 2.1 mile loop that is worth the 520 feet of elevation gain.
A little bit farther down I84 take exit 40 to the Wahclella Fall
trailhead. Here you will hike alongside the river before starting a slight climb up. The trail to the falls is only 1 mile and a quick
and easy venture if you don't have much time. The falls flows between the rocks, down into a deep pool, a short trip worth taking.
6 locals recommend
Wahclella Falls Trail
Wahclella Falls TrailA little bit farther down I84 take exit 40 to the Wahclella Fall
trailhead. Here you will hike alongside the river before starting a slight climb up. The trail to the falls is only 1 mile and a quick
and easy venture if you don't have much time. The falls flows between the rocks, down into a deep pool, a short trip worth taking.
This state park stretches 9 miles along the coast between Seaside and Cannon Beach (both of those are great options as well, Haystack Rock is a know feature in the movie The Goonies). Although the hiking trails here may be the main attraction, through lush sitka spruce groves and grassy bluffs, this is always a beautiful area to relax with a picnic, go tide pooling, or simple watch for the many wildlife that frequent the park, such as elk, eagles, or if you're lucky even
whales.
90 locals recommend
Ecola State Park
This state park stretches 9 miles along the coast between Seaside and Cannon Beach (both of those are great options as well, Haystack Rock is a know feature in the movie The Goonies). Although the hiking trails here may be the main attraction, through lush sitka spruce groves and grassy bluffs, this is always a beautiful area to relax with a picnic, go tide pooling, or simple watch for the many wildlife that frequent the park, such as elk, eagles, or if you're lucky even
whales.
If you have the time to make it to the sleepy little bay city of
Astoria there is more to do and see than meets the eye. Near by is Fort Stevens State Park that has old bunkers and buildings that were used by the military defense installation from the civil war to world war II. If you decide to stay in Astoria you can climb to the top of the Astoria column, that looks out onto the city and the bay. You can eat award winning fish and chips, or go get a beer at Buey brewery, which is right on the pier where sea lions swim and call. Buey even has a floor window to see the sea lions below you.
133 locals recommend
Astoria
If you have the time to make it to the sleepy little bay city of
Astoria there is more to do and see than meets the eye. Near by is Fort Stevens State Park that has old bunkers and buildings that were used by the military defense installation from the civil war to world war II. If you decide to stay in Astoria you can climb to the top of the Astoria column, that looks out onto the city and the bay. You can eat award winning fish and chips, or go get a beer at Buey brewery, which is right on the pier where sea lions swim and call. Buey even has a floor window to see the sea lions below you.
Food Scene
Our favorite "expensive" restaurant in Portland. Food is incredible. You definitely need a reservation. If you like seafood and wine pairings this is your spot.
14 locals recommend
Roe
515 SW BroadwayOur favorite "expensive" restaurant in Portland. Food is incredible. You definitely need a reservation. If you like seafood and wine pairings this is your spot.
Great food and drinks. Same owners as Toro Bravo and Tasty & Alder. We love the octopus. Walking distance from the house.
72 locals recommend
Mediterranean Exploration Company
333 NW 13th AveGreat food and drinks. Same owners as Toro Bravo and Tasty & Alder. We love the octopus. Walking distance from the house.
Expect a wait but it's worth it! Brunch is great. Stumptown coffee is around the corner as you wait or share a donut at Bluestar donuts.
485 locals recommend
Tasty n Daughters
4537 SE Division StExpect a wait but it's worth it! Brunch is great. Stumptown coffee is around the corner as you wait or share a donut at Bluestar donuts.
Toro Bravo
120 NE Russell StSpanish tapas. Amazing drinks and food.
Ataula
Walking distance from the house. Tapas and great paella.
Our neighborhood sushi spot. All sustainable fish and definitely order the "hoke poke".
472 locals recommend
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveOur neighborhood sushi spot. All sustainable fish and definitely order the "hoke poke".
Olympia Provisions
107 SE Washington StGo here if you like meat!
Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside StGreat french restaurant.
Biwa
215 Southeast 9th AvenueHands down our favorite "go to" restaurant. Great food, Asian fusion.
If you want a great upscale interesting dining experience go here!
32 locals recommend
Castagna Restaurant
1752 SE Hawthorne BlvdIf you want a great upscale interesting dining experience go here!
Bollywood Theater
2039 NE Alberta StGreat spot for Indian street food!
Ava Gene's
3377 SE Division StGreat Italian food.
Aviary
1733 NE Alberta StEclectic food with an Asian flare. Nice outdoor dining spot.
Order the "shrimp toast". Great cocktails and very inventive bartenders that will make whatever you want. Cool atmosphere.
195 locals recommend
Expatriate
5424 NE 30th AveOrder the "shrimp toast". Great cocktails and very inventive bartenders that will make whatever you want. Cool atmosphere.
Not cheap but excellent food. One of the first real "Oregon Foodie" restaurants. Walking distance from the house.
39 locals recommend
Paley's Place Bistro & Bar
1204 NW 21st AveNot cheap but excellent food. One of the first real "Oregon Foodie" restaurants. Walking distance from the house.
Always packed for a reason. You can't go wrong stopping in for a few bites and a drink or dinner. Peruvian tapas and great cocktails and service.
183 locals recommend
Andina
1314 NW Glisan StAlways packed for a reason. You can't go wrong stopping in for a few bites and a drink or dinner. Peruvian tapas and great cocktails and service.
Walking distance from the house. Very casual and fun menu. Great fried chicken and interesting selection of inventive oysters.
13 locals recommend
The Waiting Room
2327 NW Kearney StWalking distance from the house. Very casual and fun menu. Great fried chicken and interesting selection of inventive oysters.
Walking distance from the apartment just in the Pearl District. Eclectic menu of small bites of food.
6 locals recommend
Bistro Agnes
527 SW 12th AveWalking distance from the apartment just in the Pearl District. Eclectic menu of small bites of food.
You must purchase tickets for this incredible dining experience. Plan ahead and check for release dates if you want to go when you are in town. The sushi experience is top notch!
8 locals recommend
Nodoguro
623 SE Belmont StYou must purchase tickets for this incredible dining experience. Plan ahead and check for release dates if you want to go when you are in town. The sushi experience is top notch!
Great woodfire pizza and beer. There is also one in Hood River if you are that way hiking.
98 locals recommend
Double Mountain Taproom
4336 SE Woodstock BlvdGreat woodfire pizza and beer. There is also one in Hood River if you are that way hiking.
Barista
1725 NE Alberta StOur neighborhood coffee shop just a few blocks from the apartment.
Great vegetarian and vegan food. Quick place to grab a healthy lunch or dinner. Delicious hearty "bowls" and a great smoothie list. Also connected to yoga pearl if you wanted to take a yoga class.
36 locals recommend
Prasad
925 NW Davis StGreat vegetarian and vegan food. Quick place to grab a healthy lunch or dinner. Delicious hearty "bowls" and a great smoothie list. Also connected to yoga pearl if you wanted to take a yoga class.