Walking: Getting Around Portland

In This Section

Where to Walk – Your feet can take you to some fantastic places around town.

Walking Tours – Portlanders love to see — and show off — their city on foot.

A small, personable downtown with half-size city blocks (200 feet vs. the standard 400-foot monsters) and plentiful public spaces make Portland an ideal city to explore on foot. Discover the wealth of public art and fountains on your own, or pick up Portland walking maps at Powell's City of Books or the visitor information center at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

With the exception of the West Hills, home to Washington and Forest parks, and the east side’s volcanic cinder cones, which include Mt. Tabor and Rocky Butte, Portland is relatively free of steep inclines.

When you factor in Portland’s clean and convenient MAX light rail train — free to ride in the central city’s “Free Rail Zone” and just $2.40 between the airport and downtown — as well as the Portland Streetcar and extensive bus service, it’s easy to plan a car-free vacation here.