Best Activities in Portland
Portland makes it easy to stay active and still feel like you’re part of something bigger. With hundreds of miles of bike lanes, forested trails, and riverfront views, the city invites you to move through it at your own pace — on two wheels, on foot, or even in a kayak. Stop to smell the roses (literally) in the West Hills, pick your own berries on Sauvie Island, or spend an afternoon thrifting for treasures with a past. Whether you’re chasing birds, vintage jeans, or a moment of zen, Portland has you covered.
Heavenly Falls in the Japanese Garden. Courtesy of David Alvarado, Travel Portland.
Portland Japanese Garden + International Rose Test Garden
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Tucked into Portland’s West Hills, the Japanese Garden pairs meandering paths and sculpted landscapes with a serious focus on sustainable design. Architect Kengo Kuma’s LEED-certified expansion uses local materials, green roofs, and efficient design to show how architecture and nature can work together. The Cultural Village includes a tea café, gallery, and classrooms. Just next door, the International Rose Test Garden explodes with 10,000 blooms — a very different kind of drama, but worth the walk.
The oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the U.S. Courtesy of Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland.
Walk or Hike through Forest Park
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With 70 miles (113 km) of trails, aptly named Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, cyclists, equestrians, and hikers alike — leashed dogs are even allowed to enjoy its splendor. Located in the city’s northwest corner, this 8-mile-long (13 km) conservancy covers 5,156 acres (2,086 ha), providing a respite from urban life, supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species and acting as a natural air purifier.
Lower Macleay Trail. Courtesy of Travel Portland.
Explore Sauvie Island
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Spanning 24,000 acres, Sauvie Island sits north of Portland at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. It’s one of the city’s fruit baskets, growing fruit and veggies on small farms, and is also a go-to destination for bird-watching, cycling, kayaking, and swimming (yes, there are clothing-optional spots— this is Portland, after all). Visit during summer for U-Pick forays to the fruit farms to haul away heaping baskets of organic strawberries and marionberries, or during fall for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and general merriment.
Sauvie Island Fall Festival. Courtesy of Topaz Farm and Julia Varga.
Go Thrifting and Vintage Shopping
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If you’re looking for a souvenir or something to take home that just screams “Portland,” it doesn’t get more Rose City than hitting up a vintage shop or antique store. Thrifting and hunting for vintage finds is a classic Portland pastime, with some 50 vintage spots around town plus tons of thrift shops, consignment stores, and antique outlets.
Here, everything from clothing and decor to furniture and artwork can get a second life and escape the landfill. At the Memory Den vintage mall, you’ll find goods from over 180 vendors. Artifact and Lounge Lizard are two other good choices if you’re on the hunt for vintage furniture, while House of Vintage and Hollywood Vintage are apparel extravaganzas.
Portland abounds with thrift shops. Courtesy of House of Vintage.
Tour the City by Bike
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With over 400 miles of bikeways, cycling is a quintessential Portland activity and an eco-friendly way to get around town. Biketown rentable bikes are available all over the city. Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you can take part in events like the summer-long Pedalpalooza cycling extravaganza or the Bridge Pedal.
