Portland, Oregon

Top Spots in and near Portland

  • Portland, Oregon

    Portlandia

    Portlandia, the iconic sculpture by Raymond Kaskey positioned above the entrance of the Portland Building in downtown Portland, Oregon, is the second-largest copper repoussé statue in the United States after the Statue of Liberty. This striking figure was designed to reflect the city’s seal, depi...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Mill Ends Park

    Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, holds the unique distinction of being the world's smallest city park, a title it earned in 1971 from the Guinness Book of World Records. Measuring just two feet in diameter, this tiny park is located in the median of Naito Parkway, and it’s easy for passersby t...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Waterfront Park

    4.5
    2.68 mi / 79 ft gain
    Looking for a quick run along the water in the heart of Portland? Look no further. This relatively flat 2.6 mile loop runs right along the Willamette and features great views of the city’s bridges, river, the downtown skyline, and all of the fun people enjoying this urban park. From the Salmon S...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Night Photography at the OMSI Dock

    4.5
    Starting at OMSI, walk towards the Hawthorne bridge, and away from the Tillicum bridge. After about a tenth of a mile, you will see a dock and the Hawthorne bridge. Walk down on the dock, or take pictures from above. For added adventure, walk under the Hawthorne bridge and take pictures from the ...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    International Rose Test Garden

    4.6
    The International Rose Garden located in Washington Park near downtown Portland is a must stop on your visit to the Rose City. The City of Roses, as Portland is known, won't let you down. Portland is host to the largest Rose Test Garden in the U.S. The 5 acre park, with over 7,000 rose bushes, an...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Portland Japanese Garden

    4.0
    2 mi / 50 ft gain
    While the Portland Japanese Garden is a popular place for tourists, it's also a favorite for Portland residents as it's located right in Washington Park close to trails and across from the Rose Garden. The Japanese Garden also just unveiled its Cultural Crossing expansion in April 2017, which inc...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Hoyt Arboretum

    1.4 mi / 148 ft gain
    Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate visitors, Hoyt Arboretum is a 190-acre park in the forest above Portland's NW area. It's only 15 minutes from downtown! There are 12+ miles of trails to explore, my favorite is the Redwood Trail that takes you through towering redwoods a...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Pittock Mansion via Wildwood Trail

    6 mi / 843 ft gain
    Pittock Mansion via Wildwood Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Portland, Oregon. Once the private home of the prominent Portland pioneer Pittock family, the Pittock Mansion is a 22-room architectural marvel designed by Edward Foulkes an...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Wildwood Trail in Washington Park

    5.0
    7.63 mi / 1503 ft gain
    Take the train to Washington Park and hike through Hoyt Arboretum. This will bypass a few miles of Wildwood Trail, but you won't miss much. In the arboretum, the trail twists and turns through the trees, will smaller trails jutting off to the sides, through other groups of trees (each trail is a...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Photograph Downtown Portland From Pittock Mansion

    4.7
    Pittock Mansion offers a one of kind view of downtown Portland. This is a historic site that allows public access throughout the day and night. Parking is available at Pittock until 9pm but if you wish to visit the grounds after hours you can park at the bottom of the driveway, walk around the ga...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion

    3.0
    4.7 mi / 965 ft gain
    Lower Macleay Park is one of most easily accessible trailheads in the city, especially during one of Portland’s rare snow years where even driving up to 500 feet of elevation can challenge your car. You can park within the park entrance cul-de-sac, around the intersection of Upshur St. & NW 2...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    The Witch's Castle

    0.98 mi / 128 ft gain
    The Witch’s Castle in Portland, Oregon, is a site steeped in a mix of historical significance and urban legend. Originally built as a ranger station and restrooms in the 1930s, the stone ruins are now known for their eerie ambiance and storied past.  The Witch’s Castle is accessible via a modera...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Leif Erikson Drive to Saltzman Road

    4.7
    11.47 mi / 1608 ft gain
    Leif Erikson Drive is a wide dirt road running through the heart of Forest Park that is closed to motorized vehicles…making it a magnet for those looking to add some relatively easy and scenic distance to their workouts. The road itself is nicely graded and well maintained. It has relatively goo...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Laurelhurst Park Loop

    1.17 mi / 125 ft gain
    The Laurelhurst Park Loop in Portland, Oregon, is known for its scenic beauty, ease of access, and dog-friendly paths. This urban trail features a peaceful loop around a serene pond, lush greenery, and towering trees, making it popular for leisurely walks, jogging, and family outings.  The par...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Paddle Around Ross Island

    5.0
    This is a great little adventure for those looking to get on the water, but who don’t have time to escape the city. Paddle the loop around Ross Island for a scenic workout and a relaxing picnic.To begin your loop, put-in at Sellwood Riverfront Park – it features easy parking and sandy beach at al...
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  • Portland, Oregon

    Mount Tabor Park

    4.3
    Sitting 400 feet above the city with views of Mt. Hood and Portland doesn't sound to bad right?? Mount Tabor is located in Southeast Portland and is a once active volcano. There are 196 acres of park for you to explore. In order to photograph the best pictures of Mt. Hood I highly suggest gettin...
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Camping and Lodging in Portland

Sunset Camp
Yacolt, Washington

Sunset Camp

Lazy Bend
Estacada, Oregon

Lazy Bend

Lockaby
Estacada, Oregon

Lockaby

Wildwood Recreation Site
Mount Hood Village, Oregon

Wildwood Recreation Site

Armstrong
Estacada, Oregon

Armstrong

Fish Creek (Or)
Estacada, Oregon

Fish Creek (Or)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Portland

The 10 Best Campsites near Portland, OR

The 10 Best Campsites near Portland, OR

Outbound

My Five Favorite Parks in Portland, OR

My Five Favorite Parks in Portland, OR

Adam Edwards

10 Must-Do Winter Adventures near Portland, Oregon

10 Must-Do Winter Adventures near Portland, Oregon

Outbound

The Best 7 Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Portland

The Best 7 Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Austin Jackson