Places to Visit in Portland

While the fishing in Portland is pretty incredible, there are numerous other things to see and do when you’re not on the water. I have spent almost my entire life in the Portland area and have visited all the attractions that I’ve listed below. Until I did some research I didn’t realize how unique some of these places are so I’ve shared that information below, along with links to everything. There’s plenty of time to check out a place or two after your fishing trip or spend a day or more exploring all that Portland has to offer.

Washington Park

Dating back to 1871, Washington Park is one of the oldest parks in Portland. Over the years it has grown to 410 acres and contains many of the well-loved treasures of Portland – the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden – as well as an ADA playground, picnic areas, and tennis courts.

International Rose Test Garden

The oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, featuring more than 10,000 roses. Pack a picnic lunch and check out the incredible skyline view, including Mt. Hood.

The Oregon Zoo

Opened in 1888, the Oregon Zoo focuses on conservation and education. You can spend a whole day enjoying all that the zoo has to over, including Elephant Lands, Stellar Cove, Predators of the Serengeti, and Birds of Prey.

Portland Japanese Garden

Proclaimed to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan,” by His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States. The garden contains an authentic Japanese Tea House, serene walkways, meandering streams, ponds, 8 different garden styles, and an incredible view of Mt. Hood.

Powell’s City of Books

The largest independent bookstore in the world with over a million books is open 365 days a year. You could easily lose yourself as you check out the 3,500 sections of books, but luckily there are maps and signs to help you navigate the the 68,000 square foot store which takes up a city block. Move from room to room (named for colors) as you explore more books than you imagined could exist in one location.

City Parks

Portland is home to numerous city parks and you might want to explore a few while you’re here. Two noteworthy ones are Forest Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, and Mill Ends Park, the world’s smallest park.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

The only Oregon state park within a major metropolitan area. Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a 665-acre day use area that includes 14 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 miles of horse trails (hikers are welcome, too), a 3-mile paved bike trail, and a 1/4 mile all-accessible trail. Take your choice of trail or loop depending on how easy or hard you would like your hike to be. There is also a Nature Center where you can learn more about the park and the incredible history of its land.

Portland Saturday Market

The largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country was founded in 1974. You won’t find another market like the Portland Saturday Market. Everything is handmade and sold by the person who made it, giving shoppers the unique chance to talk to the creator and often see them at work. The market is open on Saturdays from March through Christmas Eve, and is actually open the entire week before Christmas for its annual “Festival of the Last Minute”. If you’re visiting Portland, the market is a great place to find a piece of Portland to take home with you.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

The Columbia River Gorge is known worldwide for its windsurfing and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It’s a quick drive east on I-84 to hike in one of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest.

Mount Hood

Even better than getting a photo with Mt. Hood in the background, take a quick drive out Hwy 26 to visit the tallest mountain in Oregon while you’re in Portland. There’s camping, hiking, fishing, year-round skiing, and so much more depending on what time of year you’re here. It’s easy to include the Columbia River Gorge in your day trip by looping and coming back on I-84.

Let me know if you need any additional suggestions. I’m here to help make you fishing trip to Astoria the best that it can be.