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 covered. Read on for our guides to getting outside, then head to our events calendar to find even more things to do outdoors in Portland.
Parks and Gardens
Known as "The City of Roses," Portland is home to over 275 public parks and gardens.
Camping in and Near Portland
Immerse yourself in nature with a camping trip near the city.
Yurt Camping Near Portland
Yurt camping near Portland offers a midway point between primitive camping and glamping with electricity, heating, windows and wooden floors.
Camping Near Portland
To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites located within an easy drive from the city.
RV Parks in and Near Portland
Whether you’re craving a woodland adventure, an urban exploration or just a great roadside view as you travel cross-country in your RV, Portland has it all – along with comfortable and convenient locations to park or set up camp.
Urban Walking Spots
Explore these verdant strolling destinations throughout the city.
Hiking in Portland
Get out and explore the many trails and nature areas within and near the city.
Explore Local Wildlife
Discover these wildlife natural areas and activities in Portland.
Wildlife Preserves
Experience nature not far from the city's hustle and bustle at these wildlife preserves.
Bird-Watching in Portland
Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.
Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary
The Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary is a great starting place for hiking Forest Park and (of course) bird-watching.
Seasonal Outdoor Fun
All four seasons in Portland offer their own unique set of fun events and experiences.
Columbia County
Water Sports and Adventure
From waterfalls to the Willamette River, Portland offers endless opportunities for aquatic adventure.
Upcoming Outdoor Events
Festival of Flowers
For more than 30 years, the Festival of Flowers at Pioneer Courthouse Square (in the heart of downtown Portland) has been one of city’s most renowned festivals. Every year, the Square works with a local artist or design firm to create a masterpiece of vibrant color utilizing more than 24,000 flowers and plant material, filling…
Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races…
Water Lantern Festival
Portland’s annual Water Lantern Festival is a beautiful experience where you’ll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water at Laurelhurst Park. This family-friendly event includes food trucks, pre-made floating lantern kits, markers, ascavenger hunt and more.
Festival of Balloons
Hot-air balloons take flight mere minutes from downtown Portland every summer.
Sunday Parkways: North Portland
UPDATE: The June Sunday Parkways event will be digital-only due to the coronavirus pandemic. See the Facebook events page for details. Join Sunday Parkways in this 9.5-mile loop of North Portland, which will pass by Arbor Lodge Park, Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, Kenton Park, McCoy Park and Columbia Annex. An accessible ride (by EveryOne…
Harefest
The annual Harefest music festival in Canby presents the Northwest’s best tribute bands performing on three stages over two days. The Harefest experience has been described by many attendees and performers as “adult summer camp” not only for the fun-loving, good-natured attendees, but also because of its rustic location and tent camping around the festival…
Oregon Country Fair
Delight in the Oregon Coutnry Fair’s world class entertainment, handmade crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises at every turn of the path. The Oregon Country Fair is nestled in a wooded setting 13 miles west of Eugene, Ore., and offers an other-worldly path ambience, parades and more. The Oregon Country Fair creates events…
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
Northwest String Summit
The annual Northwest String Summit celebrates Bluegrass, roots, and Americana sounds during its multi-day festival in North Plains, Oregon. Visit their website early to purchase tickets, as they usually sell out fast.
Oregon Northwest Merfest
Oregon Northwest Merfest is a festival for the entire family that brings awareness to conservation with a fun “under the sea” theme. Join Oregon Mermaids for a day of mermaids, pirates, sea-themed entertainers, puppet shows and ocean-themed yoga. Oregon Mermaids impart their love of the briny deep, its wildlife, the ocean beaches and conservation information…
Sunday Parkways: Gateway
Head to Gateway in Northeast Portland for Sunday Parkways’ 4.8-mile loop of the neighborhood. One of the shorter routes of the summer, Gateway’s Sunday Parkways is a great option for families and friends who want to walk (instead of bike) at the event. Parks along the route include Hazelwood Hydro Park, Gateway Discovery Park, Knott…
Bridge Pedal
THE 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on…
PDX Adult Soapbox Derby
The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.
Sunday Parkways: Green Loop
Sunday Parkways heads to the historic North Park Blocks forit s 7-mile route along Portland’s Green Loop. This ride will pass by multiple cultural hotspots, including the Portland Art Museum, North and South Park Blocks, Lovejoy Fountain, Portland State University and the city’s Central Eastside. To view the complete route (and find more rides), visit…
Hood to Coast
Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and walkers annually. The race fills up months in advance, but there’s no…
Dahlia Festival
Portland’s annual Dahlia Festival is a must-see for the dahlia lover, or if you just love flowers. View over 400 floral arrangements of dahlias and over 15,000 cut dahlia blooms on display in the three indoor display rooms. This is the largest display put on by one grower anywhere in the United States. The annual…
River Lantern Lighting
Join family, friends and neighbors to celebrate life together. The River Lantern Lighting brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one memorable night to celebrate community in Portland, Oregon. Every participant gets a lantern, candle, marker, beer or cider (over 21), snacks and live music.
Chapman Swift Watch
Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.
Portland Dragon Boat Festival
Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. The event features as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world who race in Taiwan-style dragon boats.
Cambia Portland Classic
The Portland Classic is the longest-running stop on the LPGA tour, and 2020 marks its 49th year. Watch world-class women golfers who are “keeping Portland diverse, legendary, strong and powerful.”
Sunday Parkways: Northeast Portland
Come out and enjoy the last Sunday Parkways of the season with this 7.6-mile ride in Northeast Portland! Enjoy the walking/biking boulevard of Ainsworth along with the neighborhood greenways of Going street, Holman street and Alberta Court. Parks along this route include Alberta Park, Woodlawn Park, Fernhill Park and Khunamokwst Park. To view the complete…
Portland Marathon
Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon is an excellent way to see a lot of Portland in one great run. The race starts and finishes at Waterfront Park, crossing four bridges and passing by some of the city’s most iconic…
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course.