Although we initially planned on a Fall wedding so our guests could enjoy the foliage, Summers in Portland are amazing from mid-June to September. In early June, however, temperatures may be a little unpredictable. It may rain, be a lovely 70 degrees, or it may be unusually hot in the 90s. Stay posted on the weather report!
From Portland, you can take many day trips around Oregon! One hour west takes you to many coastal towns, and one hour south can take you to a vineyard in the Willamette Valley. 25 Day Trips from Portland has helpful information and more adventure ideas.
Note: Portland addresses are divided up by the following: N, NW, NE, SW, and SE. For Example: NW Quimby, SW 11th, SE Division. Burnside divides Portland between north and south, and the Willamette River divides Portland east and west.
Things To Do in Portland
*Make sure places are open!
Also, no sales tax!
Powell’s Bookstore
1005 West Burnside Street
Portland, OR 97209
Powell’s Bookstore is the largest independent used and new book in the world!
Forest Park
Portland’s 5,200 acre urban forest with about 80 miles worth of hiking trails – both easy and hard.
Maribel’s favorite is the Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion for the views (it’s somewhat hard)
Forest Park Official Guide (View Here)
Forest Park Helpful Info (View Here)
Washington Park
Washington Park contains a variety of parks, gardens, and the Oregon Zoo!
Some special places to visit:
International Rose Test Garden
Hoyt Arboretum
Portland Japanese Garden
(View More)
Things To Eat & Drink
Eater PDX Recommendations
Portland is known for having amazing food.
You can start with Eater PDX’s restaurant list (View Here)
Donuts
Blue Star Donuts (View Locations)
Tip: Voodoo Donut is a tourist trap and locals only eat it after a night of drinking. It’s okay at best.
Huber’s Restaurant
411 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
Huber’s is Portland’s oldest restaurant known for turkey dinners, but the bar is the real star.
Get yourself a cocktail at the beautiful bar or order a Spanish Coffee
Food Carts!
Across the street from Huber’s you will find the Third Avenue Food Cart Pods with many choices!
Portland has a ton of food carts and street food all over the city (View Here)
Portland City Grill
111 SW 5th Avenue, 30th floor
Portland, OR 97204
Have Happy Hour while taking in the view of Portland! (View Menu)
Happy Hour Menu Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m; then 9:00 p.m. to close
Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to close
Breweries
Portland has bartenders, budtenders (dispensaries are everywhere), and beertenders.
Portland’s 20 Best Breweries (View Here)
Wineries
Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is about 50 miles from Portland. This region produces about 70% of Oregon’s wine and has mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, but many grape varieties are planted in the area. The Pinot Gris from this region is also a must. (Click Here)
Columbia River Gorge
The Gorge wine country spans about 40 miles with 40 vineyards. This region is known as the most scenic in Oregon. Check out the Syrah while you’re there. (Click Here)
Columbia River Gorge Trails
The drive from Portland to Maribel’s hometown of Hood River, Oregon, is stunning.
The eastbound one-hour drive through the Columbia River Gorge is full of waterfalls and places to go hiking.
The list below are hikes that are popular in the area. For a full list (Click Here)
Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s tallest waterfall. You can see it from I-84 while driving (View More) to Hood River.
You can also plan to park and stop to take in the view or go on a hike (make sure the trail is open!)
Tip: the exit going from Portland to Hood River will be on your LEFT.
Eagle Creek Trail
Overall a 25-mile hike with many stopping points (View More)
2-3 miles in you will see Punchbowl Falls. Most people typically do this hike for Punchbowl Falls.
Note: This trail has a cable trail alongside a cliff so you grab on to it and don’t fall down the steep cliff.
Not for those afraid of heights.
Wahclella Falls
Near Cascade Locks, Oregon.
Easy hike but mud may erode the pathway. A few steep areas. (View More)
Oneonta Gorge Trail
A hike to do on a hot day because you will get wet!
You will wade through water to get ot the waterfall.
(View More)