West Hills

Oregon’s largest city, Portland, has a population of more than 630,000 residents. The vibrant and progressive city offers many opportunities for work, entertainment and relaxation. There are over 21 Farmer’s Markets, an exciting restaurant scene, several acres of parks, an array of museums and galleries and many universities including University of Portland, Portland State University, Lewis and Clark College and Reed College. Other notable communities in and surrounding Portland include:

• Beaverton
• Clackamas
• Forest Heights
• Happy Valley
• Hillsboro
• Northeast/ North Portland
• Northwest Portland
• Oregon City
• Sherwood
• Southeast Portland
• Southwest Portland
• Tigard
• Tualatin
• West Linn
• Wilsonville

Located in the West Hills, the 64-acre zoo is home to an extensive family of animal residents including elephants, giraffes, penguins, pythons, bears, lions, monkeys and more. Browse their exhibits and learn about the wonderful animals that reside here. The zoo also offers camps, classes, educational programs, concerts and the one and only Zoolights, which takes place every year during the holidays!

Adjacent to downtown Portland commercial area, Washington Park is one of Portland’s oldest, most iconic and beautiful treasures featuring more than 400 acres of trees, gardens, attractions, playgrounds and 15 miles of trails. Portland is known as the ‘Rose City’ largely due to this park, which includes many trails, picnic tables, Hoyt Arboretum, memorial sites, Children’s Museum, the Zoo, the Japanese Gardens and, of course, the famous International Rose Test Garden.

Known as the ‘Bridge of the People’, Tilikum Crossing is the largest car-free bridge in the nation. Reaching across the Willamette River and linking Portland’s central east side to the south waterfront, the bridge’s LED lights change in color and pattern depending on how fast and cold the river is running. It is a sight to behold!

As the city’s retail core, downtown Portland offers a plethora of dining and tax-free shopping options from Pioneer Place Mall to Northwest 23rd Avenue boutiques. Home to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where festivals frequently take place and the Portland Saturday Market flourishes with live music, specialty foods, and arts and crafts. Close by is Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the most visited spots in town, including a farmer’s market on summer Mondays, free concerts, movies and a lovely holiday tree-lighting ceremony. Portland’s famed food carts are just a block away from the courthouse, by Director Park, and offer a wide selection of delicacies. Enjoy the Portland Art Museum’s world class collections and take in a concert with the Oregon Symphony at the Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. There is something for everyone downtown!

Along the Willamette River, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park (named after past Governor, Tom McCall) features beautiful long green lawns, riverside paths and refreshing fountains, attracting many runners and cyclers. 36 acres in size, the park is bordered by RiverPlace to the south, the Steel Bridge to the north, Naito Parkway to the west and the Willamette River to the east. Summer festivals and events are popular, including the century old Rose Festival, the legendary Oregon Brewers Festival, Blues Festival, and the Fourth of July fireworks display!

Located in the heart of Portland, the Pearl has a reputation for urban renaissance and is one Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods. Home to the famed Powell’s’ City of Books and some of the best chefs, restaurants, art galleries, shops and boutiques, the Pearl is a destination all its own. Don’t miss the First Thursday Art Walk each month!

Located on the Willamette River, this local attraction is the oldest operating amusement park in the entire country. Known for its vintage charm, it offers a selection of rides, roller skating, picnicking, mini golf and more.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Technology is one of the nation’s leading science centers and main attractions in Portland. Located on the Willamette River on the east side of Portland. The attractions vary from world’s best science exhibits, the hands-on labs, the US Navy’s last non-nuclear submarine called the USS Blueback Submarine, the most technically advanced planetarium in the Pacific Northwest, Science Playground, motion simulator, the popular Empirical theatre and the new riverfront restaurant. There are special monthly events that occur including OMSI after dark for ages 21 and over and private events open for all ages.

A rich and diverse museum decorated to explore the arts and film. Founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest museums in the Pacific Northwest. The museum has an impressive collection of more than 42,000 objects that reflect the history of art from the ancient times to today. Offering more than 112,000 square feet of gallery space, the museum ranks in the top 25 museums in the country with the most gallery and exhibition space. Known for its permanent collections including Native American Art, European Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, to the museum’s special exhibitions that reflect film, photography and storytelling.

Showcasing over 1,000 music, dance, comedy, and educational lecture performances in Portland each year, this center is the 5th largest performing arts centers in the country. These performances include Broadway shows and theatre, the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet, Opera and more. Don’t miss Portland’s most photographed features, the Broadway Marquee of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, crowned by a 65-foot high “Portland” sign illuminated by 6,000 lights!