Like many Portlanders, I have seen a great deal of changes over the years, not all good (and that’s putting it mildly). I have a plan to fall back in love with Portland I’m taking note of all the cool things about this city that I call home. In all honesty, when I began my search, I was more than a little smug. I thought I knew all the places to go and sites to see, but it turns out, I was wrong. Being from Portland sometimes means that you’re the last to know. At least, this is the case for me. I have been wrapped up in the day-to-day grind of family, real estate, meal planning, grocery shopping, finding the “new norm” after a pandemic, laundry, repeat and I forgot that I needed to look up and notice how incredible this city is. I began to search for some of the amazing and bizarre events and attractions in Portland and around the state and it’s a gold mine for keeping you on your toes and living up to it’s nickname, “Keep Portland Weird”. Come with me as I take you on a tour of all the cool things you can do in this vibrant city!
I found that The Society Hotel (with two locations in Portland and in Bingen, OR) has a great list to start. It will take you all over Oregon!
Feel free to go to the website here or see the full list below.
NW
The Northwest is where a lot of the people are, and so many of Portland’s great hideaways are tucked into this bustling neighborhood. Discover what’s happening in NW Portland at:
- Steam Train at the Oregon Zoo
- Deepest Subway Station in America
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Fountain at Jamison Square
- Tanner Creek Park
- Upper Macleay Trail to the Audubon Society
- Washington Park Archery
SW
The Southwest neighborhood of Portland is home to some of the city’s great natural wonders, but is also a great place to discover the hidden gems that ornament our town. Some of our favorite places to take friends and visitors are:
- Bishop’s Close Garden at Elk Rock
- Willamette Trolley to Lake Oswego
- Wooden Boat Show on Lake Oswego
- Tryon Creek State Park
- Late Night Happy hour at Jake’s Crawfish
- World’s Smallest Park
- Portlandia Statue
- OSHU Tram Ride
SE
Culture, flavor, and curiosity reign in Portland’s Southeast quadrant. Get in on the action and become part of the community by experiencing all the Southeast has to offer, including:
- Adult Soapbox Derby on Mount Tabor
- Rose Gardens in Ladd’s Addition
- Powell Butte Mountain Biking
- Basketball in the Caldera & Sunset Summit at Mt. Tabor Park
- Oaks Bottom Park
NE
A blend of urban lifestyle, tree-lined streets, and parks, and shops make up the Northeast neighborhood of Portland. The Northeast has no shortage of unique escapes and secret amenities you have to explore, including:
- Burnside Bridge Skate Park
- The Grotto & Rocky Butte Park
- Cycling Along Marine Drive with bikes from Folding Bike Hut
- Island Café on Hayden Island
- 42nd Avenue Beach on the Columbia
- &Historic Homes Tour in Irvington
N
North Portland (that’s “NoPo” for short), is a haven for man-made curiosities and outdoor adventure. Check out the many attractions NoPo has to offer, including:
- Columbia Slough Trail
- Smith and Bybee Lakes Trail
- Cathedral Park
- The Paul Bunyan Statue
- Occidental Brewery Tasting Room
- Dog Bowl Park on Willamette Blvd
- Bamboo Tower at Bamboo Craftsmen
- Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park
- Disc Golf at Pier Park
- Berry Picking & Summer Evening Concerts on Sauvie Island
- 2nd Run Theatres: Hollywood, Laurelhurst, Roseway
GORGE
Behold the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the greater Portland area’s most awe-inspiring geological features. As part of your gorge experience, explore and experience:
- Oneonta Gorge
- Ponytail Falls
- Multnomah Falls to Waakeena Falls Loop
- Latourell Falls
- Mosier Tunnels
- Hamilton Mountain
- Cape Horn Overlook & Trail
- Bonneville Dam & Fish Ladders
- Swimming Hole Past Tunnel Falls on Eagle Creek Trail
- Fruit Loop Milkshakes at Apple Valley Country Store
VALLEY
The heart of the Willamette Valley is where so much of the organic, agriculture living that Portland is known for thrives. Take part in the rural retreats the valley has to offer, including:
- St. Paul Rodeo
- Oregon Country Fair
- Aurora Mills Salvage
- Wheatland Ferry
- Bald Peak State Park
- Momokawa Sakery in Forest Grove
- Bamboo Garden in Hillsboro
COAST
Portland is but a short road trip away from the majesty and coveted shores of the Pacific Northwest, where the coast calls out and never lets you go. With various parks, trails, and excursions, the coast has tons to explore, including:
- Indian Beach at Ecola State Park
- Ship Watching in Astoria
- Wading out to Proposal Rock in Neskowin
- The Sand Dunes at Pacific City
- Tillamook Air Museum & Hangar
- Saddle Mountain Hike
MOUNTAINS
For more geological splendor, visit the mountains of Oregon, and their many attractions. With stunning vistas and towering summits, the earth is alive here in Oregon. Experience it all, including:
- Palmer Glacier
- Opal Creek
- Breitenbush Hot Springs
- Mirror Lake on Mount Hood
- Canoe Rides on Lost Lake
- White River Canyon
EASTERN OREGON
Eastern Oregon is home to so much of the natural wonder our state has to offer, be sure to journey inland and take in the sights and sounds of our neighbors to the east, including:
- Tram Rides at Wallowa Lake
- Painted Hills
- Smith Rock
- Cascade Lakes
- Climbing South Sister
- Breweries in Bend
KEEP IT WEIRD
Portland is known for keeping it weird, and there is absolutely no shortage of outlets for you to let fly your freak flag. Eccentricity is just what the doctor ordered to cull you from your shell and rediscover the person within. There’s plenty of ways to keep it weird in Portland, including:
- The 24 Hour Church of Elvis
- The Carpet at Portland Airport
- The Blood Donut at Voodoo Doughnut
- Baby Ketten Karaoke