Portland is acclaimed for its beauty, vitality and livability. Friendly people, moderate climate, varied recreation and magnificent scenery all add to the enjoyment of life in the Pacific Northwest. Portland has been voted the most bike-friendly city in the United States and has a well-coordinated mass transit system.
While Portland is known for rain, our showers are typically gentle and short-lived. The average annual rainfall is 42 inches. Temperatures in winter rarely fall below freezing, and summer days are marked by clear blue skies with high temperatures in the low 80s.
Forest Park, an old-growth urban forest with 74 miles of trails, is located just west of downtown. The Willamette River cuts through the city, and is popular for boating, water skiing and salmon fishing. An hour’s drive from Portland you’ll find Mt. Hood, which has the only year-round skiing in the United States as well as wonderful hiking and camping opportunities.
The world-famous Columbia River Gorge begins just 25 miles east of the city. The Gorge is home to dozens of hiking trails. We’re also home to Portland Trail Blazers basketball and major league soccer teams the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC.
The New York Times has described Portland as the new foodie paradise. From our innovative restaurants to our funky food carts, Portland offers everything from Southern food with a Northwest flair to plentiful vegan and vegetarian fare. Portland is home to dozens of microbreweries and hundreds of coffeehouses. The Willamette Valley has more than 200 wineries to choose from for a day of wine tasting and a picnic at a vineyard.
Portland is home to Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. From March to December, Saturday Market offers crafts, food and entertainment on the waterfront. The art galleries in the Pearl District are open in the evenings the first Thursday of each month. Local farmers markets can be found throughout Portland from April to October, with the largest market downtown on the park blocks.
Learn more at Portland Visitors Association or CitySearch.
