Portland, Oregon DUers, I am coming to your beautiful city next week
I will be there for 4 days. What should I see? Where should I go?
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Last edited Sun Jun 16, 2013, 06:13 PM - Edit history (1)
Portland isn't chock full of touristy "sites" like some other cities, but it's a great city to walk around in, stumble across little cafes and such. The "park blocks" downtown have our art museum and a farmer's market on the weekend. There is also a science museum called OMSI right on the river on the east side of the Willamette.The Japanese and Chinese gardens are both beautiful. NW 23rd near Lovejoy is the hub of a restaurant/shop area. A lot of people like to hang out on SE Hawthorne (a sort of hippy/alternative street -- although that could describe almost any street in town). If you want to get a nice overview of the city and mountains (assuming it's clear) take the OHSU tram up the hill. We have a Chart House restaurant that provides another great view (they have a nice happy hour menu). The Portland City Grill also has great views. There are jet boats and such that go up and down the Willamette for a river-view perspective. Washington Park is huge and has the Rose Garden, the zoo, and a few other attractions, as well as plenty of hikes. If you want to get out of town just a little way, Sauvie Island is a rural island in the Columbia River very close to the city. There are a lot of u-pick places there (strawberry season is divine here).
And, yes, Voodoo Donuts (there are two different locations). My daughters swears by the "dirt" donut. There will most likely be a line.
I'll probably think of a few more things after I post this ...
Have a good trip! 
Downthread the Colombia River Gorge is mentioned. The number one tourist site in Oregon is in the Gorge -- Multnomah Falls. It's a fairly easy drive (maybe 40 minutes) east of the city on I-84.
Looks like everyone has covered things pretty well.
If you like books, check out Powell's City of Books, downtown, on 10th and Burnside (Burnside divides the town - North from South- so Burnside is always only East Burnside or West Burnside. The Willamette River divides the town-East from West. Powell's is on West Burnside, although they also have stores on Hawthorne and one at the Portland Airport.
A nice view over the city can be had from the top of Rocky Butte (East side of Portland), Mt. Tabor Park (also East side), and Council Crest ( West side).
Their is also a stern-wheel boat which does tours of both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, including the Columbia Gorge. The Gorge is a must see, if you have time and access to a car. Multnomah Falls Lodge is a huge tourist draw, even for the locals. Another great trip would be to Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge.
This week we are having mild weather, temps in the 70's, with an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Cascade Mountain range. It is supposed to dry out and warm up some this next weekend, but be prepared for anything weatherwise. Weather in the Pacific Northwest is very changeable. Portland is only 90 miles from the sea, in a straight line.
Have fun on your trip.
