13 ways to see the best of Portland, Oregon

12.11.2024 - 00:45 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Portland is a city that embraces its wild side. From the farm-to-table abundance of its restaurants and markets to the forested trails that thread through its distinct neighborhoods, dramatic landscapes and natural treasures show up in all aspects of life here. And to fully appreciate how it all ties together in this city of roses and bridges, you have to spend time both indoors and out. 

Luckily, in Portland, it’s easy to switch between the two. You can go hiking in Forest Park, then sit down at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. You can lounge on a beach or sip an artfully crafted latte at a cozy cafe. Yes, it does rain for much of the year here. Yet even on the worst weather days, Portland will beckon you outside with its lush forests and gardens, then warm you up with its coffee, food, beer and uniquely Pacific Northwest experiences. 

Here are 13 of the best ones.

In Portland, 12 bridges span the width of the Willamette River – hence the nickname “Bridge City.” For a nice long walk or a breezy bike ride, count on crossing the river a few times for an introduction to the city. From the Burnside Bridge, you’ll spot Portland’s iconic white stag sign. A loop from the Burnside Bridge to the Tilikum Crossing Bridge – Portland’s newest river crossing and the only one that does not allow cars – will cover about 4 miles. For a 2-mile walk, start at the Hawthorne Bridge. Either way, you’ll pass Poet’s Beach and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. 

With over 80 miles of trails, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and it can be hard to decide which section to explore. Lower Macleay is a popular place to start – and for good reason: the trail is a gentle, mossy meander through an exquisitely green section of the park. You’ll follow the course of Balch Creek, with a handful of access points where you can dip your feet on hot days. Just under a mile into the forest, you’ll come to the Stone House, better known locally as the Witch’s Castle. While there’s no verified connection to witches here, the stone structure is a cool piece of architecture in the woods and a nice place to stop for a rest on a hike. 

Detour: From the Stone House, you can continue straight onto the Wildwood Trail for a challenging, 6-mile round-trip hike to Pittock Mansion, the home of an early Portland settler. On a clear day, you’ll catch one of the best views of the city, with Mt Hood looming over the skyline. 

Portland fashion is eclectic, casual and very often thrifted. It’s a reflection of the city’s quirkiness as well as a commitment to sustainability – for who needs fast fashion when you’ve got treasure troves of style, passed down through the generations? 

Hawthorne Ave in Southeast