PORTLAND AREA ATTRACTIONS
International Rose Test Garden
Visit one of the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the country-for free. The International Rose Test Garden, just minutes from downtown Portland in Washington Park, has 7,000 rose bushes, spectacular views of the city. The garden is open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Local tip: During summer, visit in the early evening when it's cooler and less crowded. Information: (503) 823-3636; www.portlandparks.org/gardens/introsetestgarden.htm.
World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
All new hands-on, interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family are waiting to be explored at the Discovery Museum. You can get harnessed in and hoisted up 45 feet to see a bird's-eye-view of the forest, or take a wet-free raft ride in Class IV rapids. Climb underneath the forest to see the life below, or try your smoke jumping skills! Round out your adventure with video journeys to Siberia, China, South Africa and Brazil to learn about trees of the world. Come explore, discover and grow at the Discovery Museum! Museum and gift store open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Five minutes from downtown Portland via Hwy. 26 at Washington Park, 4033 S.W. Canyon Rd, Portland, OR; (503) 228.1367; www.worldforestry.org.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Imagine a place where you can journey to the outer reaches of the galaxy, feel the power of an earthquake, climb aboard a real submarine, uncover a fossil, enter the world of virtual reality, or travel the globe in a five-story high IMAX® domed theater. You can also enjoy a view of the city while dining at the OMSI Market Café or find the perfect gift at the Science Store. With more than 200 hands-on exhibits, there is something for everyone in the family. Touch, explore, question and discover at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), located on Portland's waterfront. Open year-round. OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave. Portland, OR; (503) 797.4000; www.omsi.edu.
Oregon Zoo
Located at 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR. Since the late 1800's, the Oregon Zoo has been promoting conservation with exhibits including: Howard Vollum Aviary, Africa Rainforest, Africa Savanna, Amazon Flooded Forest, South American Forest, Asian Elephants, Bears, Cats of the Amur Region, Trillium Creek Family Farm, Elk Meadow, Insect Zoo, Penguins and much more. A trip young and old alike will enjoy! For more information and directions visit www.oregonzoo.org.
River Cruise Dining on the Portland Spirit
Offering a wide variety of cruises, including dinner, lunch, brunch, Friday "Early Escapes", sightseeing and Jetboat rides, this is a must for the water lover. For more information, pricing and reservations visit: www.portlandspirit.com. These excursions promise to serve delicious Northwest Cuisine, be relaxing, beautiful and entertaining so make your reservations and enjoy sunset on the water or sightseeing during the day.
GREAT TRIPS FROM PORTLAND
Oregon Coast (200 miles)
Your exploration of Oregon's beaches begins by heading west on Highway 30 to the Oregon Coast's northernmost tip, Astoria. The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria holds the distinction of being on the National Historic Trust's 2004 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Restored Victorian-era homes dot the hillsides while fresh seafood markets, restaurants and shops pepper the town. Downtown's Hotel Elliott is one of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America, while the nearby Liberty Theater has been featured on HGTV's Restore America series. Other historic sites include the Flavel House Museum; the towering 125-foot Astoria Column, with its breathtaking views and murals depicting Oregon's early history; and the reconstructed Fort Clatsop, where living history demonstrations depict Lewis and Clark's 1805-'06 winter encampment.
Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood (169 miles)
Experience the soul of the Columbia, the grand river of the American West. This waterway cuts through the Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area, an 80-mile stretch between Portland and the town of Biggs, where basalt bluffs rise
1,500 to 4,000 feet above the water. One of the most awe-inspiring ways to experience the gorge is to take Exit 17
from Interstate 84 and proceed along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Frequent turnouts afford breathtaking views
of many of the 77 brilliant waterfalls that tumble from the glaciers and snowfields of Mount Hood, including Multnomah
Falls, Oregon's tallest cataract and America's second highest year-round waterfall.
In the nearby town of Hood River, "the Aspen of windsurfing," windsurfers from around the world congregate on an idyllic
stretch of river, their concentration broken only by winds that often exceed 30 mph. If water sports aren't your speed,
more leisurely options abound: Enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery aboard the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge or the historic Mt.
Hood Railroad; or play a round of golf at Indian Creek or Skamania Lodge. Head southwest from Hood River on highways 35
and 26, driving toward Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest peak. Portions of Highway 26 parallel the historic Barlow Road - the
original track taken by pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail.
Oregon Wine Country (20 miles)
Similar in climate and latitude to the major French wine growing areas, the Willamette Valley boasts gently rolling hills with vineyards, ranches and vegetable farms making for a beautiful drive. Wineries are located in the areas of Washington, Dundee and Newberg, OR and are part of a leisurely trip through the countryside.