Portland & the Metro Area

Portland is Oregon's largest city and the heart of a metro area of roughly 2.5 million people, set where the Willamette meets the Columbia. It is known for its food scene, independent shops, craft beer and quick access to forest, mountain and coast.

The Portland metro area sits in northwestern Oregon on both banks of the Willamette River, just south of the Columbia River and the Washington border. The city is divided into quadrants and neighborhoods with distinct characters, from the galleries and restaurants of the Pearl District and Alberta Arts to the quiet streets of the West Hills. Beyond the city lie Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham and Lake Oswego. Washington Park holds the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden, both with views toward Mount Hood on clear days. Forest Park, among the largest urban forests in the United States, has dozens of miles of trails a few minutes from downtown. Powell's City of Books fills an entire city block, and the food carts and breweries are a reason to visit on their own. The Saturday Market along the waterfront runs on weekends. Portland works well without a car. The MAX light rail and TriMet buses connect Portland International Airport (PDX) to downtown, and Amtrak Cascades stops at Union Station. Oregon has no statewide sales tax. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when days are dry and mild; winters are wet but uncrowded. The Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood are each about an hour away, which makes Portland a good base for day trips.