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Portland, Oregon, is one of the top destinations in the U.S. for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for world-class hiking, biking, and kayaking, or just crave a city packed with urban parks where you can catch your breath, the City of Roses is for you.
I talked to some locals to get their picks for the best places in and around Portland when you want to convene with Mother Nature. Here’s what they said.
Author's Note: One of those locals is my sister, Michelle, who has lived in Oregon for more than a decade and currently calls Portland home. She took her sweet time getting back to me with recommendations ... she was away on a camping trip.
Whether staying in Portland or venturing out into surrounding areas, flying into Portland International Airport (PDX) is the way to go. It is Oregon’s largest airport, but its design makes it feel more like an easy-to-navigate regional hub than a massive international departure point.
PDX introduced some gorgeous natural touches to the terminal in 2024. Nature lovers will get a kick out of the indoor trees, plant walls, and general airiness of this airport. As of mid-2025, there was still some construction, though. That could mean more walking than usual depending on which concourse you’re looking for.
Portland has a solid public transit system, including the MAX Light Rail, buses, and loads of bike lanes. Much of the city is very walkable, too. Many of the neighborhoods are packed with personality, so treat yourself to a stroll when the weather is fine.
That being said, Portland is a sprawling city. If you’re planning to take a day trip out of Portland or want to explore some of our favorite nature spots, you’re going to want your own car.
Downtown Portland and the Pearl District are most often recommended for first time visitors to the city. If that sounds appealing and you have the budget, The Ritz-Carlton in Portland opened in late 2023 and guarantees an experience like no other.
If, like us, you don’t have the bank account for a multi-million-dollar penthouse (or even one of the hotel’s more modest rooms), you’re in luck. The Flock food hall, located at the luxury hotel, serves tasty treats all day at a more everyman budget. Get more dining recommendations in our Where to Eat and Drink in Portland blog.
Mid-range accommodations can be found at McMenamins. It’s a regional chain of pubs and historic hotels with some quintessentially Portland (read: quirky) character.
On the outskirts of Portland in Troutdale (a good option if you want to explore the Columbia River Gorge) is McMenamins’ Edgefield. A favorite of my sister’s, this property started as a country farm more than a century ago. Today, the hotel is just one part of an estate measuring more than 70 acres and includes a brewery, winery, spa, golf course, live music space, and more. It’s also pet-friendly and less than 30 minutes from downtown Portland and the airport.
Other McMenamins options include the Crystal Hotel in the Pearl District, if you want to be closer to the heart of the city, and The White Eagle Saloon & Hotel.
There are more than 200 parks in Portland. Depending on which one you visit, you can see a number of mountain peaks on the horizon. You might even be standing on a volcano (see Mt. Tabor Park below). There are also rivers, lakes, forests, sustainability-focused neighborhoods, u-pick farms, and a whole host of events that get you outdoors and up close with Mother Nature.
One of the best day trips from Portland is a drive through the Columbia River Gorge with stops along the route like Multnomah Falls, Vista House, and Crown Point. Take advantage of roadside pull-offs. On a clear day, especially, the views of the gorge are nothing short of spectacular.
Most people who start their journey in Portland tend to stick to the Oregon side of the river, but you can do a full loop, driving back via Washington State.
If you don’t have a car or would rather let someone else do the driving, book a spot on the Waterfall Trolley. It’s a hop on/hop off tour aboard an old-fashioned-style trolley that makes about 10 stops so you can enjoy the views and hike at your leisure.
Be aware that a timed use permit is required at Multnomah Falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's just $2 per ticket and is intended to control the crowds at this popular Oregon destination.
If you’re a hiker, the higher you go on the trail at Multnomah Falls — the switchbacks provide intermittent views of the falls on one side and the river on the other — the fewer people you’ll have to compete with for space.
Built more than 100 years ago, the Bonneville Dam remains one of the best places to see fish, birds, and other wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Tours are available — the hatchery hosts more than 1 million people each year — and if you time your visit right, you’ll “catch” the salmon making their way upstream on the fish ladders.
The hatchery is also home to the 70-year-old Herman the Sturgeon. He’s living out his retirement years in a massive viewing tank, so don’t leave without saying hello.
Forest Park is quite possibly one of the best urban parks you’ll ever find. It’s certainly one of the largest, covering more than 5,000 acres and featuring about 70 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, or just catching your breath in nature.
You’ll be hiking in the Tualatin Mountains with Downtown Portland to your southeast and the Willamette River along the northern border. If you’re feeling ambitious, Michelle recommends picking a trail that runs from one end of the park to the other. You could easily cover 30 miles in one direction. “You don’t find a lot of trails like that in the city.”
Just to the southeast of Forest Park is Washington Park. It’s a little less rugged, which makes it great for families. Stop by the Oregon Zoo (be sure to say hello to Maple and Filbert, the resident beavers), stroll through the International Rose Test Garden, appreciate the immaculate precision of the Portland Japanese Garden, and explore a bit of history at the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, all without leaving the park limits.
If you can’t get enough roses or the International Rose Test Garden is too busy for your taste, head to the Piedmont neighborhood’s Peninsula Park. It features the city’s oldest rose garden. Peak blooming season is mid-June through October, but there’s more than enough nature to enjoy any time of year.
Less than an hour north of Portland is Sauvie Island, an idyllic site for kayaking, biking, birdwatching, and otherwise enjoying time outdoors.
But that’s not all. “It has a lot of farms and is popular for pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the fall,” says Michelle. All that produce at Portland farmers' markets comes from somewhere, after all.
And if you’re there in July and early August, pick-your-own marionberries should be on your bucket list. Similar to blackberries, they’re a local favorite, especially for baking and jams.
When you’re looking to merely meander through a park; take one of a handful of trails, none of which measures longer than three miles; or throw out a blanket and enjoy a sunset picnic atop a volcano, Mt. Tabor is where you want to be. In the summer, you might also catch an outdoor concert.
On a clear day, you’ll see Mt. Hood in the distance. Panoramic views of Portland to the west are more common and beautiful in their own way.
About two hours from Portland is the Hood River Valley, packed with outdoor activities that sometimes get overlooked in favor of Mt. Hood itself. Drive the 35-mile scenic Fruit Loop on the north side of the mountain. This route features dozens of wineries, fruit farms and stands, and cideries that give it its name.
Every season brings a unique treat: strawberries in early summer, blueberries in mid- to late summer, pears and apples later in the summer, pumpkins as fall approaches, and flowers like lavender from June through September. Even if you aren’t picking your own flowers or fruit, many of the farms have their own stores and also sell pies, jams, and cut flowers for drying.
For an experience that’s a little out of the ordinary, try exploring the Hood River Valley on two-person railbikes. You'll pedal your way along a retired scenic railroad (with some battery assistance). A guide leads you over bridges, through forested groves, past vineyards, and to The Fruit Company for a short factory tour.
South of Portland, about 90 minutes by car, is Silver Falls State Park. As the name implies, the main appeal of this park is its waterfalls. Some you’ll have to work for, hiking five to 10 miles to bask in their misty beauty, while others are just a short walk from day-use areas.
RV hookups, tent camping sites, and cabins are available as well as a limited number of horse camps in the summer.
It may not be your typical day trip for nature lovers, but a tour through Willamette Valley wine country isn’t a bad way to relax after a long weekend in Portland full of activity. Some estimate the valley has 700 wineries, meaning your toughest decision will be where to start.
The Willamette Valley stretches from Portland down to Eugene, about 150 miles south. To cover the most ground (and get the most tastings, safely), you may want to book a tour. Choose from private tours via a limo, hop on a shuttle, or even choose a cycling wine tour. Willamette Valley Wine has a helpful listing of wine tour companies, as well as maps if you’d rather explore on your own.
Portland loves festivals, and the locals’ idea of a good time can be somewhat out of the ordinary. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly events in and around Portland.
On certain Sundays throughout the summer, Portland closes the streets in a particular neighborhood and turns the area into a bike ride-meets-street fair event. If you happen to be in town during Portland Sunday Parkways, it’s worth a stop, even if you don’t have a bike. Loads of families are out and about, and you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to live like a local.
Yes, it’s that Oregon Trail game. You don’t have to ford any rivers, and we’re pretty sure you won’t get dysentery. But this 5-kilometer race does offer a fun way to cross Portland’s scenic rivers and enjoy the great outdoors in one of the country’s most pedestrian-friendly cities. The race is usually held in May.
As if a flashback to your elementary school days with the Oregon Trail computer game weren’t enough (at least if you’re a millennial like me), you can relive your more youthful days at the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Real grownups construct some truly unique cars and race them in Mt. Tabor Park every August. Some cars are fast, others are just hilarious.
It’s 90 minutes to two hours by car from downtown Portland to the beach. Cannon Beach is on the shorter end of that range, which is great if you want to check out the Sandcastle Contest, held in June.
Get there on the day of the event to see some truly impressive sand constructions; if you wait until the next day, the tide will have washed the masterpieces away. Contestants range from Sand Fleas (6 years old and younger) to masters and teams. There’s also a bonfire with live music, so grab a blanket and enjoy this community festival on the beach.
Farther down the Oregon coast is Lincoln City, home of an annual kite festival, also typically held in June. This event at the D River State Recreation Site features not only show kites and professional performances, but also a chance to make your own kite, games, and more.
For the City of Roses, be sure to pack waterproof gear and prepare to dress in layers. Compared to some other parts of the United States, Portland has relatively mild weather. Temperatures rarely hit extremes. You can expect plenty of rain, especially from November through April.
Basic waterproof gear to toss in your luggage includes boots, jackets, pants, hats, and backpack covers. A little rainy weather never slowed down a true Portlander, so don’t be surprised when everyone carries on with business as usual, regardless of precipitation.
The average highs in July and August, which are the hottest months, are about 80° Fahrenheit. Average lows December through February hover just above freezing. Because of this, I’ve always found that layers are your best option when deciding what clothes to pack for Portland.
When British guidebook author Alfred Wainwright reportedly said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” he wasn’t talking about Portland ... but he could have been.
If you get to Portland and find you’ve forgotten something or simply want to restock on good outdoor gear, you’re in luck. First, there is no sales tax. Second, some of the leading outdoor stores were founded in the region. And third, it’s super easy to find recycled or refurbished goods.
Here are some of our picks:
Travel insurance for outdoor activities, even if you’re from the U.S. and heading to Portland, can be extremely valuable. Your flight to Oregon is cancelled, a delay causes you to miss some ski time, you’re injured on the trail — all those things could set you back financially if you don’t have travel insurance. And that’s not even talking about the risk of injury during physical activity.
Visit SevenCorners.com or talk to a licensed agent to find the best travel insurance for your trip to Portland, and be sure to ask about coverage for adventure activities.
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