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
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…
Portland 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
The 2020 Sunday Parkways bike rides have been canceled and events will be digital-only due to the coronavirus pandemic. See the Sunday Parkways Facebook page for details. Sunday Parkways heads to the historic North Park Blocks for a 7-mile route along Portland’s Green Loop. This ride will pass by multiple cultural hotspots, including the Portland…
Hood to Coast
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. 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….
Dahlia Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. 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…
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
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. 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
The 2020 Sunday Parkways bike rides have been canceled and events will be digital-only due to the coronavirus pandemic. See the Sunday Parkways Facebook page for details. 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…
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.