Travel Tips
In town
Things to see
Powell's City of Books
Try not to get lost (or do) in Portland's famous bookstore. There's truly something for everyone here. Be sure to check out the rare book room!
Hopscotch
A whimsical and immersive art exhibit that is fun for all ages.
Portland Saturday Market
Not to be confused with a farmers' market, the Saturday Market is a weekly sprawling art market on the waterfront.
Council Crest Park
On a clear day in Portland, this public park is the spot to go with the best mountain views.
International Rose Test Garden
A free park with rows and rows of stunning roses perched on a hillside overlooking Portland. Free admission, just walk right in.
Portland Japanese Garden
Tucked away in the hills above the rose garden, the Japanese garden is a peaceful place for an afternoon walk. Paid admission.
Forest Park
This massive park is a full-on forest within the city limits. There's lots to explore with over 80 miles of trails. For a mellow hike, try the Lower Macleay Trail to the Stone House.
Places to eat
Best bagels around! (Keith won't be working but you should still go!)
Kachka
Russian - $$$
Our go-to fancy restaurant in Portland. The vareniki and the golubtsi are must haves! While you're at it, try a little house infused horseradish vodka. Accepts reservations of any size.
Mediterranean - $$
Enormous freshly baked pitas served with every meal. Full service and accepts reservations for larger parties.
Asian Fusian Comfort Food - $$
Cozy little order at the counter spot for small parties of 1-4. Excellent bentos, get the curry udon if it's on the specials board, that's Keith's favorite!
Burgers & Beers - $$
Our favorite burgers in Portland! Rotating slushie cocktails. Gets very busy in the evenings. Fair warning: pretty loud, pretty dark, no kids.
Thai Chicken & Rice - $
Limited menu, but affordable, quick, and comforting. Two locations on either side of the river. Get the namesake Khao Man Gai!
Thai Fried Chicken - $$
Keith's favorite fried chicken in the city. It's got a Thai spin and is served with curry and roti.
Chinese dumplings - $$
River views and yummy dumplings.
Mexican - $
Funky little food truck that is home to our favorite Mexican food in town. Heather goes for the carnitas and Keith gets hard chicken tacos.
Sri Lankan - vegan - $$
100% vegan, 100% delicious. We like the rotating daily rice & curry plate and the "beef" rolls.
In season
Apples
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Marionberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tomatoes
SW Park & Montgomery
Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm
NE Wygant & 7th
Sundays, 10 am – 2 pm
Out of town
The Coast
Cannon Beach - 80 miles
Quintessintial Oregon coastal town. Cute downtown strip, excellent beach access, breathtaking views at nearby Ecola State Park.
Seaside - 80 miles
Funky little town with carnival vibes and boardwalk activities. Get a corn dog and ride the bumper cars.
Astoria - 95 miles
Moody artistic town where the Columbia meets the Pacific. Duluth, MN vibes.
Tillamook - 75 miles
Town on the bay with a namesake cheese factory and dairy. Get an ice cream and watch cheese get made!
Hood River
Hood River Fruit Loop - 65 - 80 miles
35 mile scenic driving loop through Hood River Valley, with views of the mountain and 30+ possible stops at orchards, fruit stands, wineries, and breweries.
Town of Hood River - 65 miles
"Windsurfing capital of the world," Hood River is charming, picturesque, and packed with craft breweries and cute places to shop and eat.
Mt. Hood
Timberline Lodge - 65 miles
Stunning views from atop Mt. Hood. The off-season offers excellent hiking trails with a cozy lodge to put your feet up in after the trail.
Trillium Lake - 65 miles
Beautiful mountain lake a stone's throw from Timberline. Worth the stop for a picnic while you're on Hood.
Waterfalls
Multnomah Falls - 30 miles
Tallest and most photographed waterfall in Oregon. Easily accessible by a short paved path to the base of the lower falls. Option to hike to the top.
Waterfall Corridor - 30 - 45 miles
This 8.5 mile stretch of highway in the Columbia River Gorge provides access to 12+ waterfalls and countless hiking trails.
Vista House - 35 miles
Scenic overlook with dramatic views up and down the Columbia River Gorge.
Silver Falls - 60 miles
The Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2 mile loop hike that takes you past (and in some cases behind the cascade) of 10 different waterfalls.
COAST
Astoria
Seaside
Cannon Beach
Tillamook
HOOD RIVER & MT. HOOD
Hood River
Hood River Fruit Loop
Timberline Lodge
Trillium Lake
WATERFALLS
Vista House
Multnomah Falls
Waterfall corridor
Silver Falls State Park
WINE
Willamette Valley wine country