Things to Do in Oregon

Choose from 35 Fun Things to Do in Oregon

Steel Bridge

Portland is a city of bridges, and each bridge has its own story. The Steel Bridge has the distinction of being the only double-decker bridge in the world with independent lifts and was opened in 1912, spanning the Willamette River connecting Northwest and Northeast Portland. It carries not only car traffic but also pedestrians, bicycles, light rail, and trains. It was originally built to replace an 1888 bridge which had the same name.

Both of the decks of the bridge can rise independently of one another, although at times both must rise to allow larger boats to pass underneath the bridge. With the railroad on the lower deck, however, it's possible to lift the lower deck for smaller boats without disturbing the car traffic on the upper deck.

Practical Info

The Steel Bridge is near Union Station in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. It's at the northern end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, making it a popular crossing point for walkers and cyclists who are making a circuit of the walkways on both sides of the river.

N Steel Bridge., Portland, Oregon 97212, USA

Daily

From $ 49

Portland Art Museum

Situated in the tree-lined Park Blocks neighborhood of downtown Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum is known for its large archives of Native American and First Nations artifacts as well as its exemplary collections of art from around the world. Here you’ll find everything from Van Gogh and Monet paintings to calligraphy from pre–Han Dynasty China.

The Basics

The Portland Art Museum has nine permanent collections along with a regular rotation of visiting works and exhibits. Permanent collections can be divided into American, European, and Asian art, as well as contemporary and modern art, Native American art, and Northwest art. The museum also has photography, graphic arts, and silver collections. Due to its central location in downtown Portland, it’s a popular stop on Portland city tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors are required to check backpacks and umbrellas.
Photography is allowed in the permanent-collection galleries but prohibited in special exhibitions.
The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can use either entrance.
The Portland Art Museum is closed on Mondays.

How to Get There

The Portland Art Museum's red brick main building is located on SW Park Avenue, between Madison and Jefferson Streets in downtown Portland, nine blocks west of the Willamette River. The nearest MAX light-rail stop is the Library/SW 9th stop, five blocks away, and many Tri-Met buses stop nearby. Note that downtown street parking is limited; skip the hassle of driving by taking public transit or booking a tour that includes transportation.

When to Get There

Although Portland is best visited in the summer, this indoor attraction is popular throughout the year and offers a selection of visiting exhibits, special programs, and family-friendly programs year-round. Admission is free from 5pm to 8pm on the first Thursday of every month.

Object Stories

Since 2010, the Portland Art Museum has been running a project called Object Stories, a changing collection of storytelling-driven exhibits that highlight issues relevant to the local community. Past topics have ranged from social justice and activism to living with disabilities. Exhibits are rotated every three to four months.

1219 Southwest Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA

Varies

From $ 49

Oneonta Gorge

Narrow Oneonta Canyon, located within the Pacific Northwest's mighty Columbia River Gorge, contains four massive waterfalls. Due to the wet climate, the Oneonta Gorge walls are covered in ferns, mosses, and lichens"”many of which grow only in this specific area. There are few trails, but you can walk along the river at the bottom of the gorge.

The Basics

Walk upstream from the river's outlet along the Columbia River Highway to see Lower Oneonta Falls, Upper Oneonta Falls, and Triple Falls. You can also hike down Horsetail Falls Trail to the bridge crossing over Oneonta Creek, which provides views of Middle Oneonta Falls.

Columbia River Gorge tours sometimes include a visit to Oneonta Gorge along with Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and Beacon Rock. Some combination tours combine a Columbia River Gorge visit with a hop-on hop-off tour of Portland.

Things to Know Before You Go

Oneonta Gorge is a must-see for nature lovers.
There is no trail through the lower gorge, so hiking here usually involves walking in cold water that can be anything from ankle deep to chest high, depending on the season.
If you plan on hiking, wear closed-toe hiking shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet.

How to Get There

Oneonta Gorge is located roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) outside of Portland, Oregon, just off Interstate 84. Public transportation to the site is limited, but you can take a taxi, rental car, or guided tour.

When to Get There

Since there is no trail and you will likely get wet while hiking along the riverbed, it's a good idea to visit during Oregon's warm summer months. To void crowds, opt for an early morning or weekday visit.

Must-See Spots near the Oneonta Gorge

Oregon's Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is full of waterfalls to explore, including Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Punch Bowl Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the area, making Columbia Gorge a popular scenic getaway from downtown Portland.

Portland, Oregon, USA

From $ 94

Vista House

Perhaps the most famous stop on the Historic Columbia River Highway, (and arguably its most scenic,) the iconic Vista House and rest stop was built as a tribute to early pioneers of Oregon lands. The observatory sits at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, offering sweeping views from its windows. Many stop in from the road to take in the surrounding cliffs, river, and fresh air, or watch boat traffic pass by through a telescope. When the weather permits there is also an outdoor balcony offering even greater views.

Eight panels of the house’s interior tell the history behind Vista House’s construction and use, as well as the geology of the gorge. Much of its interior is covered in Alaskan marble, and its dome is made of beautiful copper. The stone, octagonal structure was built from 1916-1918 and is now listed as an Oregon State Park and on the National Register of Historic Places. The beloved building and setting is widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

Practical Info

To reach Vista House, take exit 22 from I-84 toward Corbett. From the top of Corbett Hill, you’ll travel about three miles before you arrive. The house is open daily from mid-March through October, from 10 am to 4 pm. During the winter months Vista House is open weekends and holidays (depending on weather conditions.) It is about a 20 minute drive from Portland and is free to enter.

40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, Oregon, USA

Daily from 10 am to 4 pm. (Hours limited during winter months)

From $ 59

South Park Blocks

Park Avenue in downtown Portland has long parks at each end – the largest is at the south end, appropriately called the South Park Blocks. The area runs 12 blocks from SW Jackson St. north to SW Salmon St., and are one block wide along Park Avenue. The street is split into two one-way lanes, with the park filling the block in between. The South Park Blocks make up a central part of Portland State University's campus, and the park is the setting for a popular farmer's market from March through December.

There is a variety of public art on display throughout the park, with a different piece of art on every block. Among the artwork is a 1922 equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt, a 1926 statue of Abraham Lincoln, and a 1926 fountain that includes a drinking fountain for dogs.

The South Park Blocks have been a public park since the city was originally drafted in the 1840s-1850s, and the park was the first official greenspace in the new city.

Practical Info

In addition to Portland State University and the Portland Farmer's Market, other attractions on or around the South Park Blocks include concert halls and theater venues, restaurants, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Historical Society.

120 SW 5th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97204, USA

Daily

From $ 34

Pittock Mansion

Once home to Henry and Georgiana Pittock, Portland’s original power couple, the Pittock Mansion sits on 46 acres (18.6 hectares) of land and contains exhibits featuring artwork and artifacts from the early 1900s. The house is perched on a hill 1,000 feet (305 meters) above downtown and offers sweeping views of Portland and the Cascade Range.

The Basics

Inside the French Renaissance–style mansion you can peruse the rooms and admire artworks such as glass sculptures, paintings, and handcrafted tiles. Outside, stroll through the grounds (known as Pittock Acres Park) and explore a large network of hiking trails.

Many full-day and half-day Portland city tours include a visit to Pittock Mansion along with other local attractions such as Nob Hill, the Pearl District, and Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Small-group tours offer a personalized experience, while some excursions also include round-trip transportation from downtown hotels.

Things to Know Before You Go

Pittock Mansion is a must-see for art, culture, and history lovers, and for keen hikers.
Snacks, drinks, and period-inspired souvenirs are available for purchase in the museum store. Remember to enjoy your food before entering the museum.
The house has a designated wheelchair-accessible entrance and elevator, although the Gate Lodge is not accessible.
Parking is available on-site.

How to Get There

Pittock Mansion is located near Arlington Heights on NW Pittock Drive, roughly 15 minutes by road from downtown Portland. From downtown, take the Trimet 20-Burnside/Stark bus to Beaverton TC and walk half a mile (0.8 kilometers) to the mansion. You can also get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.

When to Get There

The mansion is open from February through December and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer is a lovely time to enjoy the grounds, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. During the Christmas season, the mansion’s festive holiday decorations are a must-see.

The Pittock Family Legacy

Henry Pittock’s business empire included the Oregonian newspaper, while Georgiana championed women’s rights and helped foster the city’s annual Rose Festival. In 1974, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now attracts over 800,000 annual visitors.

3229 Northwest Pittock Drive, Portland, Oregon 97210, USA

Varies

From $ 60

Rogue River

Flowing west from the Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s Rogue River spans nearly 200 miles. The Rogue River Valley has its place in the history of the western expansion and early settlement of the United States. Once inhabited by Native Americans and then gold prospectors and pioneers, the river is central to Oregon’s past and present. It is known today for its recreational activities: whitewater rafting, salmon fishing, hiking trails, and forested scenery.

The Rogue River was one of the first designated National Wild and Scenic areas. Biodiversity in the forests is high, with wildlife such as black beers, deer, osprey, river otters, and bald eagles calling its tall trees and rocky riverbanks home. The river’s rushing waters are scenically surrounded by pristine greenery. It remains mostly untouched — the United States Postal Service runs one of the few rural mail boat services here still.

Its forested canyon is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in the United States.

Practical Info

The Rogue River runs through southwestern Oregon, beginning near Crater Lake and flowing to the sea. The town of Rogue River is positioned on its riverbank.

Rogue River National Forest, Medford, Oregon, USA

From $ 80

Powell's Books

Encompassing an entire city block in downtown Portland, Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest independent new and used bookstore and a top attraction for book lovers visiting the city. Here you’ll find upwards of a million books, including rare finds, first editions, and autographed copies of bestsellers and little-known titles alike, all under one roof.

The Basics

Launched by Michael Powell in 1971, Powell’s has long been a Portland institution. Although there are multiple outlets, the flagship location in downtown Portland offers by far the best selection. Here you’ll also find a rare-book room and a coffee shop where customers are welcome to read books before buying. Many tours of downtown Portland stop here, though bibliophiles could easily dedicate an entire afternoon just to wandering the shop’s seemingly endless aisles.

Things to Know Before You Go

Powell’s City of Books is a must for bibliophiles.
The bookstore is divided into color-coded rooms (blue room, rose room, etc.).
If you have used books to get rid of, you can sell them for cash or store credit at any Powell’s location.
Powell’s City of Books is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Powell’s doesn’t just sell books: All locations also sell gifts, souvenirs, journals, and even chocolate.

How to Get There

Powell’s City of Books, the shop’s flagship location, is located on West Burnside Street, at the edge of the Pearl District in downtown Portland. The Portland Streetcar stops just outside, but it’s easy walking distance from most city center hotels. There’s also a small parking lot for shoppers and plenty of street parking in the neighborhood, though it can be hard to find a spot during the dinner hour.

When to Get There

Powell’s is a year-round destination, and it’s open late most nights, making it a good option for those looking for some late-night book browsing. It can get crowded on weekends and during the pre-Christmas rush. Regular readings and author events are held at the store throughout the year, usually in the early evening.

Other Powell’s

Although most people head to the flagship location on West Burnside, Powell’s also operates a few smaller outlets. There’s a small one at the Portland International Airport as well as a larger branch at Cedar Hills Crossing in the neighboring suburb of Beaverton. Powell’s also has a quirky scaled-down version of its main store on trendy Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and an adjacent specialty store, also on Hawthorne, focusing on cookbooks and gardening.

1005 W Burnside St., Portland, Oregon 97209, USA

From $ 34

North Mississippi Avenue

North Portland's Mississippi Avenue sits close to the border of Northeast Portland, and shares characteristics with both. Mostly, North Mississippi Avenue is today a hip and funky neighborhood in what was for a long time a forgotten part of the city.

Much of North and Northeast Portland have historically been home to Portland's African American population, but these days Mississippi Avenue is pretty well packed with hipsters. The street has a fantastic array of great restaurants and bars, eclectic shops, and even its own food cart pod.

There's a great (and tiny) music venue, a fabulous ice cream shop, a bar with hammocks instead of chairs on the back patio, and a retro barber shop. There's what one tour guide calls the "Goodwill for old houses," where renovating Portlanders can get old appliances and house fixtures discarded in someone else's remodel. There's a serious old-fashioned curiosities shop that defies all expectations, a shop that only sells light bulbs, and a few "Portlandia" filming locations along the street, too.

Each July, North Mississippi Avenue is home to the Mississippi Avenue Street Fair, and the area is also host to Second Thursday "“ the second Thursday of every month, when art galleries open new shows.

Practical Info

The section of Mississippi Avenue with the best concentration of places to shop, eat and explore runs from Fremont Street north to Skidmore. You can park anywhere along the street or in the surrounding neighborhoods and wander, or you can ride the #4 bus from downtown right to the heart of North Mississippi Avenue.

N Mississippi Avenue, Portland, Oregon, USA

Daily

From $ 85

Portland Chinatown

Dating back to the 1880s, downtown Portland's compact Chinatown isn't as big as what you might find in San Francisco or New York. However, it's still worth a visit for its restaurants, bars, photogenic entry gate, and its star attraction, the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

The Basics

Situated in Old Town on the edge of downtown Portland, Chinatown was once packed with Chinese businesses but today is home to more clubs and bars than anything else. Some traditional features remain, however, including an elaborate entry gate flanked by lion statues, on the corner of NW 4th Avenue and Burnside. The highlight of the neighborhood is the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which features beautiful traditional gardens and a tea room.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring an umbrella or a raincoat, as the weather can change quickly.
Parking is limited in Chinatown, though there is a large parking garage on the corner of NW 1st and Davis.
The entire neighborhood is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located in the Old Town part of Portland, Chinatown is easily accessed by public transit; take the MAX light rail to Old Town Chinatown. It's also within easy walking distance of a number of Portland attractions, including Powell's bookstore and the Portland Saturday Market.

When to Get There

Chinatown is accessible around the clock and can get raucous on weekend evenings, particularly during the summer months, when bars and clubs bring young revelers out in droves. Most visitors come during the day, when the Lan Su Chinese Garden is open; visit on a weekday to avoid local crowds.

Shanghai Tunnels

Deep beneath the streets of Chinatown are a number of subterranean passageways known as the Shanghai Tunnels. While the official take is that these tunnels were used to transport goods from the docks of the nearby Willamette River to local Old Town shops, local legend has it that drunk young men were kidnapped from local saloons, secreted through the tunnels, and smuggled onto ships where they'd be forced to work as sailors. The practice is known as Shanghaiing.

Chinatown, Portland, Oregon, USA

From $ 25

Washington Park

Washington Park is a sprawling woodland in Southwest Portland, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, and a series of gardens including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Cycling paths and walking trails wind throughout the park, providing a convenient nature escape.

The Basics

Stroll through Washington Park’s many trails, rent a bike to explore on two wheels, or bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic areas. Don’t miss the 64-acre (61.5-hectare) zoo, which houses more than 2,000 animals from North America, Asia, and Africa; the Children’s Museum with its 12-foot (3.7-meter) waterfall; and the Japanese Garden’s vine-draped arbors, curving bridges, and stone sculptures.

Washington Park is a top Portland attraction and therefore features on many city sightseeing tours, whether you want to explore on a full-day or half-day excursion. Small-group guided tours are available, and you can also see the park at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Washington Park is a must-see for nature lovers and families with kids.
Remember to bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Visitor facilities include restrooms, gift shops, picnic areas, and multiple information kiosks.
Wheelchair-accessible parking is available.

How to Get There

Washington Park is located roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Downtown Portland. Parking for cars is limited, especially during warm, sunny weekends. The city’s MAX Light Rail is a good public transportation option, and from May through September a free shuttle service runs on a loop through the park. Biking and walking trails also connect the park to Downtown Portland.

When to Get There

You can visit Washington Park year-round, but Portland’s weather is typically best from June through August. To avoid crowds, opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit.

Other Attractions in Washington Park

Besides the famous rose garden, Japanese garden, and arboretum, Washington Park also houses the World Forestry Center with exhibits exploring forests in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, tennis courts, and an archery range.

400 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA

From $ 34

Pioneer Square

Locally known as "Portland's Living Room," Pioneer Courthouse Square sits at the heart of downtown and takes up an entire city block.

Pioneer Square was officially opened in 1984. Prior to that, it had been the site of a hotel (built in 1890) and later a two-story parking garage. When a new and much larger parking garage was proposed in 1969, the idea of creating a public square instead gained momentum, and was the beginning of Pioneer Square. The square takes its name from the nearby Pioneer Courthouse, built in 1875.

One side of the square is a sloped staircase, akin to theater seating and perfect for the many concerts held in the square each year. There is a local TV news station at the square, an information center for the city's public transportation system, outdoor chess tables, and a 33-foot-tall weathervane sculpture that changes at noon each day to show the following day's forecast.

Today, Pioneer Square is home to a multitude of special events throughout the year, including the annual Christmas tree lighting, plays, and concerts, as well as festivals for food, beer, and art. Particularly during the summer, the square is typically quite busy.

Practical Info

Pioneer Square is bordered on the north and south sides by the streets with MAX light rail lines, and on the east side by the bus mall "“ so it's very well served by public transportation of all kinds. Travel Portland's official visitor center is also located in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

701 SW 6th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97204, USA

Daily

From $ 25

Willamette Valley

A short jaunt southwest from downtown Portland, the Willamette Valley is known by wine lovers worldwide for its delectable pinot noirs, often produced in small batches. This picturesque region is also dotted with tasting rooms and is a popular spot for wine-tasting excursions from Portland.

The Basics

The Willamette Valley has long been celebrated by those in the know, though it didn't actually get American Viticultural Area (AVA) status until 1984. With multiple smaller AVAs and more than 400 wineries, the valley stretches hundreds of miles. Numerous wine tours depart from Portland for those who want to sample wines without having to worry about driving.

Things to Know Before You Go

Oregon has strict drinking-and-driving laws. There are plenty of tours and driving services for those wanting to go wine-tasting safely.
Most wineries charge a small tasting fee, which is often redeemable against purchases.
Always bring rain gear: The weather can turn at any time (and does).

How to Get There

The Willamette Valley is the fertile stretch of land that flanks the Willamette River, from its confluence with the Columbia River south to Eugene, Oregon’s second-largest city. To reach the “wine country” part of the valley from downtown Portland, drive along Highway 99W. If you’re headed to wineries around Salem or Eugene, hop on Interstate 5 South.

When to Get There

The Willamette Valley is best visited in late spring through autumn, when the weather is comfortably warm and relatively dry. Summers here are particularly pleasant: There’s lots of sunshine, but it rarely gets oppressively hot. Note that while the area can be charming just before Christmas, especially in and around small towns such as McMinnville and Newberg, many Willamette Valley wineries and tasting rooms close for winter.

Beyond Wine

While wine is the big draw for most visitors to this region, there are plenty of teetotaler-friendly attractions in the area. The town of McMinnville is worth a visit for its good restaurants and old-timey feel, and there's a great indoor water park just outside town called Wings & Waves. The region also produces fabulous olive oil; stop by Red Ridge Farms near Dundee for a mill tour and lots of free samples.

Oregon, USA

From $ 84

Wahkeena Falls

Situated on the Oregon side of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Wahkeena Falls cascades 242 feet (74 meters) in tiers through lush green forest. It’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the area, not only because of its beauty, but also because getting to it requires only a very short hike.

The Basics

Located across a small stone bridge from the Columbia River Highway, this tiered waterfall is both easy to get to and beautiful (the name Wahkeena is believed to come from the Yakama term for “most beautiful”). The waterfall is a popular stop on Columbia Gorge tours, frequently visited in conjunction with nearby attractions such as Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls. A popular loop hike connects Wahkeena with Multnomah Falls, passing by Fairy Falls en route.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring rain gear: Rain is common in the gorge, even during the summer.
Although the hike is short, it requires walking on uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes.
The parking lot here fills up quickly. If you visit on a summer weekend, be prepared to park elsewhere and walk.

How to Get There

Wahkeena Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge, on the Historic Columbia River Highway, about a 45-minute drive from Portland via the I-84 freeway. If you can't find parking right at the falls, you may have better luck leaving your car in the parking area at nearby Multnomah Falls and walking the rest of the way.

When to Get There

The waterfall is open throughout the year, though it’s at its best in early summer, when snowmelt keeps the water levels high. This time of year is also relatively warm, though there’s still a much higher chance of rain than if you visit later in the season. Avoid summer weekends if possible, as the crowds can make traffic (and parking) a pain.

Wahkeena Falls, Oregon, USA

From $ 59

Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden, set within Washington Park, offers a 5.5-acre meander beneath vine-draped arbors, over curving bridges, past waterfalls and stone sculptures. Its five-garden layout was devised in the late 1960s by one of both Japan and America's most famous landscape designers, Takuma Tono.

Reflecting the philosophical focus of Portland's large Japanese community, the five distinct gardens here are meant to encourage tranquility and provide color throughout the year. There is an on-site tea house where occasional tea ceremonies are held, an airy gift shop with a large variety of wares from Japan and an ever-changing lineup of art and craft exhibits.

Practical Info

Throughout the year, 45-minute guided tours of the Garden are offered free with paid admission. April through October, tours are available at 10:45am, 1pm and 2:30pm daily. (10:45 am tours, however, are generally not offered on Mondays.) During the months of November through March, tours are offered at 1pm on weekends only.

Photo courtesy of user Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives via Wikimedia Commons

611 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA

Varies

From $ 17