Portland (Oregon)The city of
Portland, situated at the navigable head point of the
Willamette River, was the major port on the
American Pacific northwest coast during most of the 19th century. Although not the capital of Oregon, it is the largest city in the State and its commercial center straddles the Willamette River with its neatly planned city blocks.
Portland is today recognized as a fun city for tourists, essentially designed for outdoor living with miles of wilderness trails, woods and waterways within the city limits, set against the backdrop of the
Mount Hood glacier
with its ski resorts, less than an hour away.
The city is known for its stunning gardens, particularly the International Rose Garden where many thousands of rose bushes from around the world thrive and bloom. Roses form the center of the city's Rose Festival in June, just one of the unique festivities that fill Portland's annual calendar. The other most popular event is the Oregon Brewers Festival, held annually in July, which celebrates the dozens of local micro-breweries, vineyards and distilleries in heady style.
A further attraction of Portland is its superb cuisine and exceptional dining opportunities. The region is renowned for its seafood, berries, pears, hazelnuts, wild game and fresh vegetables, which are all put to good use by some inspired local chefs.
All things considered it is not surprising that Portland is rated as an ideal place for modern travelers to stop and smell the roses.
Getting Around: Getting around Portland is quick and easy on the city's award-winning light rail system, nicknamed 'MAX' (Metropolitan Area Express), which extends to the east and west of downtown with a spur at the International Airport. MAX also connects to the popular attractions at Washington Park in about 10 minutes from the city center. Portland has a streetcar system connecting the downtown cultural district to the
Portland State University, the Pearl District and northwest '
Nob Hill' area. The 'Tri-Met' bus service also covers the town center and suburbs. All forms of public transit are free in a 330-square block downtown, known as the 'Fareless Square'. Taxis are readily available with regulated rates.
Climate: Portland has a temperate climate with an average of 155 days of rain a year. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are warm and drier. Rain is generally rare between June and September, but the weather is extremely wet between November and April. Temperatures seldom drop as low as freezing point in winter, and summer highs are pleasantly comfortable with the odd heat wave and plenty of sunshine.
