Explore the Great Outdoors Like a Portlander – Rain or Shine

Jan 10, 2017, 7:34 PM UTC

There’s nothing more PNW than heading outside for some fresh air. Forget the umbrella – Portlanders layer up for unpredictable weather and enjoy views of Mount Hood and hiking lush landscapes rain or shine. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or rigorous hikes, playgrounds or paddles along the river, there’s a little something for everyone in all 145 square miles that make up Portland.

Smith & Bybee Natural Area.

A true native doesn’t mind getting a little wet, especially not at the Smith & Bybee Natural Area. Follow the trail through one of the largest urban freshwater wetlands in the country and you’ll find yourself in what happens to be one of Portland’s best-kept secrets. The nature preserve is situated between the Columbia Slough and the Columbia River, which makes for a calm kayaking spot. It’s good to have your camera ready – you might be in the company of otters, turtles, and bald eagles.

Hoyt Arboretum.

Hikers will find it all in Portland: Step into Forest Park, a lushly thicketed forest that stretches along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains. Here you’ll find soft surface trails perfect for a casual walk in the woods. Snap panorama shots of the largest wooded urban park in the United States: You can sign up for a free tour or wander through the forest yourself without really leaving the city. Located along a ridge in Portland’s west hills, Hoyt Arboretum conserves endangered species that will make a botanist’s dreams come true, as well as 12 miles of hiking trails sure to challenge the active hiker.

Cathedral Park/ Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade.

For urban dwellers, it is in fact possible to get away from it all without ever leaving the city. Head to the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, a gorgeous urban park with a floating walkway for pedestrians and cycling paths that sprawl along the shore of the Willamette River. Along your route, you’ll notice locally made public art between the Morrison Bridge and walkway as boats sail along beside you. Take advantage of the canoe launch and explore the riverbank. Located also on the Willamette River along the east shore, Cathedral Park offers dramatic views of St. Johns Bridge, Portland’s only steel suspension bridge. Imagine the splendor that Lewis and Clark beheld when they landed here (it’s believed that they did). Enjoy a leisurely stroll to Memorial Garden where a time capsule was sealed in 1980 and will not be opened until 2030.

Paul Bunyan statue.

For a kid-friendly adventure, explore Powell Butte Nature Park’s accessible trails. On these 608 acres of meadowland, you’ll find plenty of cycling and hiking paths in a picturesque, rolling setting. Spot horses along the equestrian trail, or challenge the kids to identify birds of prey along Johnson Creek’s wetlands.

Or visit a local legend and take a selfie with the giant Paul Bunyan statue. You can pose alongside this 31-foot-tall iconic logger built in 1959 to celebrate Oregon’s statehood during the Centennial Exposition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2009, you can check a tourist spot off the list and make a homemade postcard at once.

Mount Tabor.

Maybe you don’t think of hot lava when you think of Portland, but you can explore dormant volcanic remains on Mount Tabor. Though the lava fields have been dormant for more than 300,000 years, you can still see remnants of volcanic debris in the park all the way up to the outdoor amphitheater. Find the bronze statue of Harvey W. Scott, former editor of The Oregonian newspaper, if you’re interested in local history, or take a leisurely stroll along one of the many walking paths near the reservoirs. You’ll find another worthwhile view at Rocky Butte. This extinct volcanic cinder cone butte is a popular destination for Portland climbers. Routes range in difficulty and there is no official walking trail, but if you succeed in reaching the summit you’ll catch a gorgeous view of Mount Hood from the top on a clear day, or the city skyline at night.

Photos by Susan Seubert

Smith & Bybee Natural Area

5300 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR

N Quadrant

Miles from downtown: 10

Forest Park

NW Germantown Rd & NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR

NW Quadrant

Miles from downtown: 5.5

Hoyt Arboretum

4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221

N Quadrant