Portland, Oregon in July

[sk!mom]

Oh travel experts, please share your wisdom once again- Portland, Oregon for a week in July. The group will be two recent high school grads and their 4 active, outdoorsy parents.

What are the must dos for this part of Oregon?

Thanks for any and all tips and suggestions.

 

[low-key]

Portland is rated as one the best Hippie Towns in America

 

[bcla]

Columbia River Gorge - especially the area around Multnomah Falls.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30026

McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale:

https://www.mcmenamins.com/edgefield

Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=34143

 

[E&Cmom]

The Oregon Coast is about an hour and a half away and worth a visit.

I only spend a couple of days in Portland after 5 days on the coast ( Cannon Beach). It was during a heat wave and my kids were very small so we didn't do much ouside things n Portland itself. I wanted to do the Zoo and Rose & Japanese Gardens but due to heat ended up at the children's museum instead.

I enjoyed walking along the Riverwalk and exporing the Pearl district particularly Powell's book store.

 

[MillauFr]

If you like Pinot Noir there are some great wineries southwest of Portland. We enjoy staying at the McMenamins Hotels.

 

[earfulofmagic]

Go visit Mt. Hood!!! Hiking galore!

Definitely enjoy walking the various neighborhoods in SE, NE, North Portland, E Burnside, downtown, etc. So much good food to be had, so little room in human stomachs.

Also, I know I'm in the minority in this opinion, but it's hot in July. It's not Florida-July-weather where it's muggy and rainy, but it will be dry and there probably won't be any cloud coverage most days. Last summer was fine temp-wise, but the summer before was excruciating. Be prepared! (It's normally fine at night, for what it's worth.)

+1 to McMenamins hotels

I like the Columbia Gorge as well. This is one nice and nearby day hike you could do: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Triple_Falls_Hike

I know this probably isn't high on your radar, but tax-free shopping

If you have a rental car, you could do a fun day trip with Astoria -> Tillamook / Oregon Coast -> back to Portland (long day trip, though), or split that into two days for more beach time. Such beautiful forests to drive through for this...

Pittock Mansion is nice to visit just to see the view of Portland. You don't need to do the inside visit, just to peer out from the cliff. On that note, riding the skytram at OHSU might be fun, but it's like a 15-minute experience. It's just another way to see the whole city.

Don't waste time at VooDoo Donuts if there's a long line (or, at all really...)

Also, there's all kinds of canoeing/kayaking/whatever down the Willamette River; it's not always all that busy boat-wise, but it can get busy in summer with other kayakers etc. You could also kayak up to Willamette Falls (but not actually UP them; you can get very close), which isn't far outside of the city. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willamette_Falls

You might visit Saturday Market downtown (open Saturdays and Sundays) along with any plans for walking around downtown. Also, biking or walking the east side esplanade is nice in a walking-in-a-city-by-the-river way. Little statues and such along the esplanade that relate to Portland history, info plaques on aquatic life etc.

I'll post back if I think of anything else! There are some good Portland/Oregon guidebooks out there that should help you narrow it down, esp hiking guidebooks. Almost too many in fact

Have a fabulous trip!

 

[bcla]

+1 to McMenamins hotels

They have a lot more than just hotels, although the properties with hotels are the most interesting because of the scale of their design. I think the majority of their locations are neighborhood pubs. I didn't have the time to go to Edgefield on my last trip to Portland, but Kennedy School was near the airport.

 

[earfulofmagic]

They have a lot more than just hotels, although the properties with hotels are the most interesting because of the scale of their design. I think the majority of their locations are neighborhood pubs. I didn't have the time to go to Edgefield on my last trip to Portland, but Kennedy School was near the airport.

I live in Portland - I know! I thought about mentioning the Bagdad theater or Edgefield, but OP said outdoorsy and I figured maybe they were not looking for a lot of city-ish stuff.

But, now that it's mentioned... Edgefield has a lot of cool photo opportunities with the murals and stuff inside. Very nice place to visit.

Saw Wonder Woman at the Bagdad this last weekend. Such a lovely theater

ETA: oh, I see now. I glanced over and thought your first post suggested staying at a McMenamin's hotel, then said my +1 bit. my bad.

 

[earfulofmagic]

One last thing - too bad you'll miss the World Naked Bike Ride!

http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/05/world_naked_bike_ride_announce_2.html

it's a "fun" experience to forget the day it's happening, unwittingly drive by the route and be stuck for an hour

 

[bcla]

I live in Portland - I know! I thought about mentioning the Bagdad theater or Edgefield, but OP said outdoorsy and I figured maybe they were not looking for a lot of city-ish stuff.

But, now that it's mentioned... Edgefield has a lot of cool photo opportunities with the murals and stuff inside. Very nice place to visit.

Saw Wonder Woman at the Bagdad this last weekend. Such a lovely theater

ETA: oh, I see now. I glanced over and thought your first post suggested staying at a McMenamin's hotel, then said my +1 bit. my bad.

I was thinking for someone "outdoorsy", it's their location with the most open air surroundings. It would also be between Multnomah Falls and Portland.

 

[Diznotyzed]

Willamette River Jet Boats are a fun way to see some of the area. If it's a warm day prepare to get wet, though!

 

[earfulofmagic]

I was thinking for someone "outdoorsy", it's their location with the most open air surroundings. It would also be between Multnomah Falls and Portland.

Yeah... I guess I'm working with the thought that outdoorsy usually means outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, camping etc. Edgefield does have some great outdoors concerts in the summer, though.

But, another thing to keep in mind. Multnomah Falls is a 5-10 minute walk to the bridge, it's not a "hike." So you can easily stop there going to or back from a Gorge trip. Vista House is also a nice, quick stop (kind of similar to Pittock Mansion in activity) to see the Columbia River up high. http://www.vistahouse.com/

You might consider taking the scenic byway going to or from the Gorge: http://columbiariverhighway.com/, it takes longer, but is a nice drive at least once

 

[bcla]

Yeah... I guess I'm working with the thought that outdoorsy usually means outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, camping etc. Edgefield does have some great outdoors concerts in the summer, though.

But, another thing to keep in mind. Multnomah Falls is a 5-10 minute walk to the bridge, it's not a "hike." So you can easily stop there going to or back from a Gorge trip. Vista House is also a nice, quick stop (kind of similar to Pittock Mansion in activity) to see the Columbia River up high. http://www.vistahouse.com/

There's a good deal of hiking in the area though. My wife and I went to the overlook, which took about an hour and was certainly more than a walk from a parking lot. And of course there are several waterfalls there. Maybe it's not hardcore hiking, but I enjoy everything from paved trails to primitive trails.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5227099.pdf

 

[sk!mom]

OP here. Thanks for all of the responses. I mentioned outdoorsy because hiking, biking, kayaking, and any other outdoor activity would be top of the list. However, museums, restaurants, live music, and any other suggestion is welcome also. Really just anything that is a must see/must do in Portland and that area.

This is a fun loving group so really any suggestion is welcome. The only exceptions might be places that require being 21 as there are two 18 year olds. But even then, they might venture off alone and the parents might take in a bar or two.

 

[bcla]

OP here. Thanks for all of the responses. I mentioned outdoorsy because hiking, biking, kayaking, and any other outdoor activity would be top of the list. However, museums, restaurants, live music, and any other suggestion is welcome also. Really just anything that is a must see/must do in Portland and that area.

This is a fun loving group so really any suggestion is welcome. The only exceptions might be places that require being 21 as there are two 18 year olds. But even then, they might venture off alone and the parents might take in a bar or two.

I'm guessing you want to explore Portland itself to some extent. Powell's was mentioned. They also have a thriving food truck/cart scene.

I think Edgefield would be fine. I believe 18 doesn't need to be accompanied by an adult, but they of course can't have alcohol. This is Edgefield. It's the former Multnomah County Poor Farm, where those without work could find a place to stay and eat by working the farm. For years it was shuttered an about to be demolished. It was turned into a hotel/restaurant/bar complex complete with a par 3 golf course, brewery, and winery. This is a very big chain, but this is definitely their signature property.

Even if it's not hardcore hiking, I think Multnomah Falls is something that should be on a Portland area bucket list.

I suggested Mt St. Helens because it's iconic, but it's a bit further away. Mt. Rainer National Park might even be better if you're willing to stay overnight. But that's going well into Washington compared to MSH.

 

[bcla]

Other options might include a drive to Seattle. It's less than a 3 hour drive.

 

[earfulofmagic]

OP here. Thanks for all of the responses. I mentioned outdoorsy because hiking, biking, kayaking, and any other outdoor activity would be top of the list. However, museums, restaurants, live music, and any other suggestion is welcome also. Really just anything that is a must see/must do in Portland and that area.

This is a fun loving group so really any suggestion is welcome. The only exceptions might be places that require being 21 as there are two 18 year olds. But even then, they might venture off alone and the parents might take in a bar or two.

You might like to visit the Portland Art Museum (PAM) downtown. They have somewhat large collections of PNW and Native American art in addition to modern/contemporary, Western (and more) collections. It's very easy to spend a half day or longer there. OMSI is on the east side and also very cool.

I think someone up near the top mentioned the Japanese Gardens; the Lan Su Chinese Garden (in Chinatown) is also a beautiful visit.

And.. though there's so much to choose from at Mt. Hood and surrounding mountains, if you feel like a very long drive, Crater Lake is awesome. But because it's so far, maybe bookmark it as a reason to come back again

Forest Park is close and has a lot of trail to cover.

It might be fun to walk the Shanghai Tunnels.

A visit to Ground Kontrol could be cool if you are interested in arcades, and folks under 21 are allowed til 4:30 PM. Lots and lots of vintage arcade games.

Aaaand walking Tilikum Crossing (bridge) is a nice way to view Portland-at-large, too

 

[bcla]

And.. though there's so much to choose from at Mt. Hood and surrounding mountains, if you feel like a very long drive, Crater Lake is awesome. But because it's so far, maybe bookmark it as a reason to come back again

It's a very long drive. Mt Rainier is actually closer.

Another thing to think about is that you're typically not allowed to pump your own fuel in Oregon. There might be some new rule for rural areas though. It felt odd to me when I was told that I couldn't touch the pump. I don't know if everyone tips, but I guess a dollar would be OK.

 

[Diznotyzed]

This is the view from Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach, which is about an hour and 45 minute drive west of Portland. It will be much cooler on the coast than inland.

 

[Diznotyzed]

It's not standard to tip your attendant just for pumping gas.