Recreation In and Around Portland
Portland is located in the scenic Willamette Valley. Although the city itself is urban and offers many cultural attractions and entertainment opportunities, one of Portland's greatest attributes is that it is located among beautiful wilderness areas, including massive expanses of pristine forests, scenic rivers, hills and mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Opportunities abound for nearly any outdoor activity. In fact, in 2006 Portland was named the Best U.S. city for walkers by Prevention Magazine, as well as the Best U.S. city for cyclists by Bicyling Magazine.
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The Oregon Coast is a ninety-minute drive to the west. Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and Lincoln City are some of the many great places for hiking, exploring tidepools, reading, beach combing, horse riding, scuba diving (in a wet suit), fishing, and surfing.
The Columbia River Gorge, National Scenic Area is a 45-minute drive to the east. Here you can observe or compete in world-class windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing. The Gorge also offers outstanding rock-climbing, although the more daring types may opt for the famous Smith Rock.
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Mt. Hood has year-round downhill skiing with slopes ranging from beginner to the highly advanced double-black diamonds for experts. Popular nearby ski resorts include: Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Mt. Bachelor.
Visit one of the over two hundred Oregon Wineries, offering world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Or, if you prefer, play first-class golf at the elite Bandon Dunes.
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Portland's own Forest Park is the largest urban wilderness in the United States. Less than a mile from downtown (and only a short walk from our office), it provides a runner and biker's paradise with over 50 miles of trails through dense old-growth forest.
Other stunning trails in Waterfront and Washington Park make it no surprise Portland was named one if the top 10 running cities in the nation.
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