Outdoor Activities in Portland
Lovers of the great outdoors rejoice! Portland has more than 300 parks, including 5,200-acre Forest Park, one of the nations largest urban parks. Whether you just want to touch grass and have a picnic, or go for a challenging hike in the woods, there are plenty of options to get outside and experience nature in Portland.
The city and it's suburbs are loaded with trails, greenways, and bike paths that provide excellent opportunities to get out and exercise. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is also great for lovers of water sports like stand-up-paddling, kayaking, swimming and boating. Looking for a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day? Join all the cool kids at the Kevin Duckworth Memorial Dock or the Audrey McCall Beach and Dock.
If you are looking to get out of the city, a quick drive will land you in the lush rainforests of the Cascade or coast ranges, the high desert of Central Oregon, or the beautiful, rugged Oregon coast. Just 45 minutes to the east, the Columbia George is an incredible river canyon that features scenic roadways, hiking trails, and several waterfalls including Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls.
Oregon is home to 11 national forests, 21 national wildlife refuges, and 361 state parks. Whether you like camping, glamping, or going off the grid on a backpacking trip, you can make it happen in Oregon. For those of you that prefer to hit the slopes and cozy up to a warm beverage in the lodge, Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor offer several ski areas with terrain parks for snowboarders.
Autumn Bridge, Portland Japanese Garden
Multnomah Falls
Brookings, Oregon
Mt. Hood from Trillium Lake
Silver Falls State Park
Mt. Hood
Crater Lake
Devil's Punchbowl - Newport, Oregon
Vista House, Columbia River Gorge
Experience Nature in Portland
-
![]()
Hiking in the City
The Oregonian’s 20 best places to hike in the city of Portland.
-
![]()
Guide to Camping in Oregon
Travel Oregon’s comprehensive guide to camping in our beautiful state.
-
![]()
Water Activities in Portland
Travel Portland’s suggestions for getting out on the water.
