Things To Do
International Rose Test Garden
Portland is known as the “city of roses" since it has an ideal climate for rose growing. This garden features over 10,000 roses, is a big local and tourist attraction, and is completely FREE! The flowers will be in full bloom in August. This is where Natalie (Sydney's sister) took the engagement photos :)
Powell's City of Books
This is largest independent bookstore in the world and one of Sydney and Davis's favorite places.
Forest Park
You can go for a hike in the heart of the city at Forest Park, the largest urban park in the nation. A few trails we would recommend: 1) Ridge trail has a great view of St. John’s bridge and has more of an incline 2) Leif Erikson is flatter and you could customize an out and back distance, the north end would get you closer to a St. John's bridge view.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Only 30-45min drive away from Portland with stunning hikes. A few trail recommendations: -Multnomah falls- The famous Oregon waterfall, make sure you get a visit reservation. Beautiful to just stop and look or do the Wahkeena Falls, Ecola Falls, and Multnomah Falls loop if you want to get to the top (better than just the out and back to the top). -Angel’s Rest- only 30 min drive away, steep but shorter with a beautiful view at the top of the gorge (better than the view at the top of Multnomah). -Wahclella falls- really close to Multnomah falls, only a 2 mile hike total. Very beautiful waterfall that would be easy to pop in to see after Multnomah. Great option for younger kids too. -Dog Mountain- more like an hour drive away on the Washington side of the Columbia. Steeper and longer, another beautiful view of the gorge. In the spring, they have beautiful wildflowers at the top.
Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai
Davis' favorite spot for a sweet treat.
Silver Falls State Park
About 1 hr drive away. You can do the trail of 10 falls where you walk under/next to 10 waterfalls over around 9 miles.
Salt & Straw
Multiple stores scattered across the city. Originated in Portland and has very yummy gourmet ice cream with unique flavors and house made cones.
Scottie's Pizza Parlor NW
Portland was named the top Pizza city in the US over NYC in a Bloomberg article by a renowned pizza expert (and this is obviously fact, not opinion)! Sydney's favorite is Scottie’s pizza- you can buy by the slice.
Ken's Artisan Pizza
Portland was named the top Pizza city in the US over NYC in a Bloomberg article by a renowned pizza expert (and this is obviously fact, not opinion)! Davis's favorite is Ken's pizza.