Outdoors in Portland, Oregon
written by strangelilgirl
on September 10th, 2008
(2 votes)
Every time I go to Portland I discover new things and find new favorite places while I’m there. My absolute favorite spot is Pioneer Square. Smack in the middle of downtown, this “outdoor living room" as it’s called can sometimes host flower festivals, be dressed up around the holidays, or simply provide a relaxed place to chill on some stairs or play hacky-sack with friends (it doesn’t hurt that there’s a Starbucks located at the square, too).
It costs no money to go and sit in this area, and is probably one of the places in Portland that I feel most alive in: it’s so easy to just exist when you are there, rather than be rushing to or from someplace or another.
During my last visit to Portland I discovered two new outdoor places that seem to have been made for nature-lovers and lomographers alike. One is called Multnomah Falls, and is found by taking a short but scenic 30-minute drive along the Columbia River Gorge. This spot houses the 2nd to the largest waterfall in the US that is found year-round. The trip there is free (unless you buy souvenirs in the gift shop or eat at the restaurant) and you’re able to either take the quick walk up to the bridge for an ideal photo spot (wear a jacket because you’re gonna get wet!), or make the 7-mile hike to the top of the mountain itself.
The other place I visited was the Japanese Garden. Entrance fees range between $5.25 and $8, and once in you can attend free daily guided tours. There are 5 different gardens altogether that total an amazing 5.5 acres! The tranquility found upon stepping inside is as instant as switching on a flash.
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