Outdoors
Portland is the perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure.
Home to a sprawling urban forest, dozens of verdant public parks, gorgeous gardens and a sparkling river running through the middle of the city, there’s never a shortage of ways to explore Portland’s outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of flowers, tranquil gardens, urban hikes, or just looking to get some fresh air, Portland has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking in Portland
Get out and explore the many trails and nature areas within and near the city.
Urban Walking Spots
Explore these verdant strolling destinations throughout the city.
Making the Outdoors Accessible to All
Visitors of all cultures, races, ethnicities and identities should feel comfortable basking in the magnificent natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, it’s not always so simple. Luckily, several fantastic organizations exist to help all people explore the great outdoors in and around Portland.
Friends on Bikes
Founded by Filipina cyclocross racer Gritchelle Fallesgon and Korean-born cyclist Molly Sugar, Friends on Bikes diversifies the cycling scene by connecting and hosting rides for women and non-binary people of color. Launched in 2017, this Portland-based group organizes monthly all-levels social rides, as well as “bike-packing” trips, workshops and happy hours. Follow Friends on Bikes on Facebook for details about upcoming rides and inspirational posts celebrating cyclists of color.
Latino Outdoors PDX
Dedicated to inspiring, connecting and engaging Latino communities in the outdoors, Latino Outdoors PDX organizes events and showcases how conservation roots have been ingrained in Latino cultura for generations.
PDX Climbers of Color
Through outings, skill session, and climb nights at local rock climbing gyms, PDX Climbers of Color levels the playing field by eliminating the social and economic roadblocks that typically make the sport inaccessible.
People of Color Outdoors
Portland’s Pamela Slaughter, the founder of the nonprofit People Of Color Outdoors creates safe and welcoming ways for Black, Indigenous and people of color to enjoy nature in and around Portland while learning about nature and the environment. Their educational events aim to create a safe space for those who have felt marginalized or even harassed while enjoying the outdoors.
Portland POC Hikes
Portland POC Hikes is a hiking group specifically for Black, Indigenous and people of color. Join their private Facebook group to learn about upcoming events.
Vive NW
Jorge Guzman immigrated to the United States from Mexico when he was 12 years old. However, he didn’t feel a strong connection to Oregon until he began surfing and snowboarding. Inspired by his experiences, Guzman founded Vive NW, a nonprofit organization that connects local Latinx communities with the great outdoors. The group hosts a wide range of dynamic events, including hikes, ski lessons, stand-up paddle boarding and snowshoeing excursions.
Wild Diversity
Wild Diversity provides safe and welcoming opportunities for people of color, low-income youth and those in the LGTBQ+ community to experience outdoor adventures. Events include all-level hikes and multi-day and backpacking trips. The group even offers scholarships for those who can’t afford the costs.
Seasonal Outdoor Fun
All four seasons in Portland offer their own unique set of fun events and experiences.
Outdoor Clothing and Gear
The great outdoors isn’t just a way of life for Portlanders, it’s also big business for local brands. For example, since its 1938 founding, Portland-based Columbia Sportswear has shielded adventurers from the elements with fishing vests and hats. Today, with the bug-repelling fabrics and wind- water- and cold-blocking garments available at Columbia Sportswear Flagship Store, they stay true to their tradition of pushing outdoor sports further.
Similarly, whether it’s on the track, turf or trail, Nike, based in nearby Beaverton, has powered athletes with sneakers, sportswear and a “just do it” attitude since 1964. The company has many local spots for gearing up, including Nike Portland, their downtown retail flagship that’s also a museum of the brand’s cutting-edge designs.
As an alternative outdoor store selling both new and used products, Next Adventure has launched the passions of many paddlers, climbers, snowboarders and even disc golfers, with an avid staff that puts their products to the test in the company’s own kayak and outdoor schools. Nearby, Seattle-based evo opened its second location in Portland’s historic Salvation Army building in fall 2014, where it offers more than 150 ski, snowboard, wakeboard, skate, surf and bike brands.
For timeless styles, the wares available at the Filson flagship store in the Pearl District will keep you warm and dry for decades. That kind of rugged, well-hewn quality is important since their coats and creels are the kinds of things that you can hand down to your children. Likewise, the merino wool goods from New Zealand-based Icebreaker will last a long time. Offering items ranging from base layers to neckties, the international company has made its U.S. headquarters in Portland, which offers the perfect city, climate and customers to put their gear to the test.
Other national brands with retail outposts in Portland include: Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Athleta, and The North Face.
Water Sports and Adventure
From waterfalls to the Willamette River, Portland offers endless opportunities for aquatic adventure.
Upcoming Outdoor Events
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Worst Day Of The Year Ride
The Worst Day of the Year Ride is a costumed bike ride benefiting the Community Cycling Center. On Sunday, March 24 — regardless of the weather — grab your friends, don your costume, and jump on your bike to honor this historically terrific day. After scoffing at the elements, participants return to the Lucky Labrador…
Hop Into Spring
Welcome spring with outdoor lawn games, magic shows, animal encounters and more at Hop into Spring. Hop into Spring is a celebration of the spring season geared toward the 10-and-under crowd. Free with zoo admission.
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Starting in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration on the first Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors and dealers, the celebration has grown to a monthly event of over ten thousand people, including art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be seen. Art galleries in…
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,, October and November, every Saturday 9 AM…
Trillium Festival
Welcome back Spring. The Annual Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek State Natural Area is an educational event for the whole community that celebrates the season of renewal in the forest and beyond. For 44 years, Friends of Tryon Creek has celebrated the return of the Trillium, an early-season perennial native to our local forests. This…
Earth Day Cleanup
SOLVE is excited to invite you to our statewide event this April, the Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. For over fifty years, SOLVE has been supporting the efforts of community leaders around the state who are motivated to take care of their special place in Oregon. This event has its roots in the…
Rhododendron Show & Sale
The Early Blooming Rhododendron Show returns to Crystal Springs. Presented by the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, this show focuses on rhododendron species and hybrid plants that are among the first to bloom. Note: This show is being presented on the second Saturday in April, rather than the first as in years past….
Bridge to Brews
The iconic Bridge to Brews race returns in 2024 At Waterfront Park, join the annual 8k and 10k walk/run over 4 of Portland’s iconic Bridges. After the race, there will be a beer/cider-tasting event on the waterfront. Sip on some of Portland’s best beer and cider while enjoying live music, games, and goodies from local vendors.
St. Johns Bizarre and Parade
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off Portland's summer street fair season. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts, and food to the crowds who traditionally attended the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, a portion of the business district in St. Johns is…
Mt. Tabor Art Walk
The Mt. Tabor Art Walk is a Portland tradition. This juried show and sale is a great opportunity to see quality visual art and meet artists in their studios and homes. Diverse media are represented, including photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, prints, metal arts, photography, glass, jewelry, book arts and mosaics. The Mt. Tabor Art Walk…
Rose Festival CityFair
Considered the "hub" of the annual Portland Rose Festival, CityFair fills Waterfront Park with carnival rides, concerts, food and fireworks for multiple weekends during the festival.
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.
Rose Festival Royal Rosarians Milk Carton Boat Race
A classic Rose Festival event and family-friendly community tradition dating back to 1973, the Milk Carton Boat Race is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Children and adults race and show off their handmade, human-powered boats that float only employing recycled milk cartons and jugs. Creatively constructed watercraft will compete in nine categories, with…
Mississippi Street Fair
Bustling North Mississippi Avenue closes down for a day of food, vendors, music and fun at Portland's largest street fair, Mississippi Street Fair. This year the fair will have the following: Three Music Stages, Kids Zone, Grandfathers Rib-Off Competition, Hundreds Of Vendors, Shopping and Dining,
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.
Parks and Gardens
Known as "The City of Roses," Portland is home to over 275 public parks and gardens.
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