If you’re looking for a fun and affordable vacation spot, look no further than Portland, Oregon. Portland is a great destination for anyone looking for an adventure with a more natural feel – it has a number of interesting sites and activities to do so you’ll never be bored, and has a wonderful selection of places to eat and drink.
With its valleys, mountains, and museums, there is something for everyone, and it is home to a wide range of stunning natural features. Below are some great places, that you don’t want to miss on your visit to Portland, Oregon.
1. The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic area located in Oregon and Washington which offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Throughout the Gorge, there are hiking trails leading to waterfalls, viewpoints, and other interesting locations.
Portland is only about an hour’s drive from the gorge, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are also several small towns located near the gorge that offer restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
You can access the Columbia River Gorge by car, train, or bus and with its stunning views, it is one of the top things to do in Portland.
2. Latourell Falls
Ever wanted to take an amazing photo of a waterfall? Latourell Falls is an amazing waterfall to visit in Portland Oregon. It is one of the main attractions within the Columbia River Gorge and is well worth the trip if you’re spending time in the area.
3. Washington Park
Want to do something nature-based but stay closer to the town? Washington Park is an incredibly popular park in Oregon, let alone Portland. It’s a great place for a scenic walk, having a family picnic, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery without the sounds of the city. The park is also home to some of the city’s best attractions, including the Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Test Garden.
Within the park is a stunning arboretum and the park itself is lined with one of the largest urban forests known as Forest Park. So, a touch of the wilderness without the hike.
4. International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The garden contains over 10,000 rose bushes from all over the world, and visitors can admire them during the spring and summer months. The garden is open year-round, but some of the best times to visit are in late May and early June when the roses are in bloom.
Why is it called a test garden? Well, in World War 1, a rose hobbyist named Currey convinced the city to set up the garden to serve as a safe haven for hybrid roses that were grown in Europe and may have been wiped out, and it continues to be a testing ground for new hybrid species today.
5. Mt Hood
Are you a fan of mountains?
Mt Hood is one of the most iconic mountains in the United States and it’s located just a short drive from Portland, Oregon. There are many activities to do in the area, both in the summer and winter months, but just seeing the mountain itself is likely to take your breath away!
