Search 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. Read on for our guides to getting outside, then head to our events calendar to find even more things to do outdoors in Portland.
Know Before You Go
To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, effective Aug. 27, a statewide mask mandate is in place. Oregonians and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings, as well as crowded outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status. This rule does not apply to individuals actively eating or drinking.
Additionally, some event organizers and venues may require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test, for admission. Other events may be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Parks and Gardens
Known as "The City of Roses," Portland is home to over 275 public parks and gardens.
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.
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.
Water Sports and Adventure
From waterfalls to the Willamette River, Portland offers endless opportunities for aquatic adventure.
Upcoming Outdoor Events
Cambia Portland Classic
The Cambia Portland Classic features the world’s top women professional golfers at The Oregon Golf Club in West Linn, OR. It is the longest-running non-major tournament on the LPGA Tour and has raised over $18 million for local organizations since its inception. The 72-hole tournament features a $1.4 million purse and 500 points for the…
The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.
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.
Mid-Autumn Lantern Viewing Evenings
Join us for Evenings of Lanterns, Family Activities, and Illuminated Lion Dance Experience the true magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival when the nighttime arrives. Celebrate the festival with three evenings of traditional lantern viewings at Lan Su where the garden will be adorned with countless hanging lanterns along the roofline and floating waterlily lanterns in…
Mid-Autumn Festival
Join in the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at Lan Su. Zhong Qiu Jie (中秋節), a.k.a. the Mid-Autumn Festival, is considered one of the most important Chinese holidays. Traditionally taking place on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is usually on or close to the time of the “Harvest…
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…
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 125 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. Festival-goers can load up on boxes of Hood River…
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.
Shamrock Run
Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third-largest running event in the western United States.
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…
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
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