Exploring The Many Faces Of Portland, OR
I can barely believe it’s been almost 3 weeks since we got to Portland. Of course between kitty stuff and other stuff the time has flown by. By Sunday (RV Gods willing) “the beast” will be back on the beautiful OR/WA coast and settled-in for a month of rest and figuring out what the **** we are going to do the rest this season.
This will be the first summer in 7 years that we haven’t planned ahead and to be honest it’s a little unsettling, but with lots of issues still open on various fronts we just can’t finalize anything yet. It’s not the way we usually like to travel but it is what it is. And besides, we have beach-time coming, so I’ve got faith the ocean will soothe our souls and give us the answers we need. It typically does.
In the meantime I’ve been busy solo-exploring the vast craziness that is Portland, OR.
This is not my first rodeo here, and definitely not my first solo time either. We’ve been to Portland probably 5 or 6 times over the past 7 years, either because we were passing thro’ or because one of us was traveling home to either Miami or Europe. It’s an easy airport to fly out of, and there’s a clean, friendly RV park just ~6 miles away (we always stay at the same place -> Columbia River RV Park), so it’s a super convenient place to stop.
But there’s more to Portland than just convenience.
Like all big cities the traffic sucks (totally) and there’s too much noise and too many people. But if you dig a little deeper and avoid all that (hint -> don’t drive any of the major hwys after 3PM), you’ll find layers of complexity that make this place intensely interesting. Portland hides lots of green (an astonishing amount of green in fact), it harbors a deep affinity for food trucks, coffee and beer, it’s a hot-pot for the creative arts and it enjoys a culture that’s accepting of pretty much everything and everyone that is different.
This is a city where, within 15 minutes, you can be hiking on your own in a dense forest and then, 15 minutes later, you can be dining at a fancy Peruvian restaurant downtown. And no-one would bat an eye if you did either one of those in your 20-year old hiking outfit or your fancy cross-dress and high heels. Portland prides itself on “keeping it weird” and they just don’t care. It’s a message I can relate to.
I’ve already written multiple posts about this area, including my “top 5 awesome things to do in Portland” and a multi-post series on the fabulous (next-door) Columbia River Gorge. This time around I really didn’t do much new. Instead I just re-immersed myself into all different faces of this city that I love so much:
Exploring Green -> Being avid hikers, Doggie and I LOVE all the green around town. There are over 200 parks, gardens and recreation areas within the city itself and we explore at least three or four of them a week. We’re big fans of off-leash Sandy River Delta (pretty much doggie heaven on earth), and totally enjoy getting lost in the vast greeness of Forest Park and Washington Park. Last week I went on a 4-mile hike in the woods just 20 mins from our RV park and only saw one other person. How many other big cities offer that?
Exploring Biking Trails -> Portland doesn’t call itself “bike city” for nothing. With over 315 miles of bikeways you’d be hard-pressed to not find a trail you like. I’m too much of a wuss for thro-city biking (cars make me nervous), but I really love Marine Drive right by our RV park, especially since most of it (once you get to the airport) is completely separated from the main road. Yesterday I caught a break between rain-clouds and spent a happy hour pedaling at lazy Nina-pace along the river. A pretty darn perfect afternoon, if you ask me.
Exploring Food -> Whenever I’m here I throw myself into the immense bucket of deliciousness that is Portland food. Coffee everyday (because they’re serious about coffee here, and it is seriously good), food carts (over 600 of these in town!!), beer (lots of interesting options around town), Salt & Straw Ice Cream (a place everyone should visit at least once in their lives) and just general…well…food stuff.
Over the past few weeks I think I’ve had around 12 Stumptown Mocha’s (yes, I’m well buzzed), eaten several rounds of Thai Food, visited Culmination Brewing (awesome!) and even enjoyed a superb vegan restaurant (Harvest At The Bindery, delicious!) with local buddies. Plus, as a fresh food junkie I couldn’t miss the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market by Portland State University. A cool spot with tons of cool, local veggies & meats to go with it.
Exploring Neighborhoods -> Portland is not just one town, but several individual neighborhoods loosely sewn together into one big, multi-faceted quilt. Each neighborhood has it’s own distinct vibe and the best way to enjoy them is simply by walking around. From the hip vibe of Pearl District to eclectic Hawthorne or the arts district in Alberta, my fav thing to do is just jump in the car, head on down and check them out. Seriously, just do this.
That, in a Portland nut-shell is what I’ve been up to. Almost 3 weeks of completely uneventful, accident-free exploration. Oh and the BEST news of all? Hubby has finished most of his tasks in Miami and is coming home this week, just in time for the big move to the coast. Whoo hoooo!!! This was faster than we originally expected and a sign that maybe, just maybe things are starting to fall in place. Paws and fingers crossed…
Related Posts:
- 5 Awesome Things To Do In Portland, OR
- Blasts Of Color Amidst Grey – Portland, OR
- Columbia River Gorge Part I -> Wildflowers, Lost Lakes & Fruity Loops
- Columbia River Gorge Part II – Biking, Breweries & Waterfalls!
- RV Park Review – Columbia River RV Park, Portland, OR
Welcome back to Oregon. As a third generation Oregonian I think this is a special place too.
I started full time last summer and just spent my first winter in Az, and southern CA. Had to start back north in February as I was missing the rain.
As most of my kids and grandkids live on the east side in Gresham area I make my home at Mt Hood Village in Welches when I am in the area.
Another great park on the Columbia River is the Columbia Riverfront RV Park in Woodland,WA. A little spendy for 1 night ($45) but worth it as I needed to do laundry and other chores and having a spot facing the river was worth it. I got to watch several big ships go by that evening.
Love reading your blog and comments and reviews.
Columbia Riverfront always gets nice reviews, although it’s a bit further from town. We haven’t stayed there, but know friends who have.
Nina
It was fun to revisit Portland in your post and beautiful photos. We lived 2 blocks from Tom McCall Park while I worked at OHSU and would walk to the weekly festivals there. It is a special place.
Sweet! I really enjoy all the local festivals and events they have around town. Always something interesting going on.
Nina
Portland is also one of our favorite big cities — so many fun things to do! The Saturday Farmer’s Market next to Portland State is one of the best we’ve seen, anywhere. And yum, Salt & Straw. That last photo of yours is especially gorgeous, Nina. Talk about perfect light! Glad to hear that Paul will soon be back home with you. Wishing you peaceful times ahead.
Yup I LOVE the farmers market here. Amongst the top 2-3 markets in Oregon IMHO. I went last week-end and had a blast.
Nina
We passed through Portland last Oct. but didn’t stop. Sounds like we missed a great place. Maybe next time.
Great photo post storm.
We enjoy your blog.
I’d definitely stop and check it out next time. And if you’re not “big city” people, I’d recommend going just 30 miles East of town and staying on the Columbia River Gorge. Wonderful place with tons of hiking, and it’s just next door!
Nina
We are workamping at Bonneville Lock & Dam in the Columbia Gorge, hope you have or get a chance to visit.
What a great gig!! We’ve wanted to visit Bonneville Lock & Dam for a while, but just have never made it out there. Don’t know if we’ll be able to make the drive this time around (the remainder of my week here is filling up fast), but it’s on the list for the future.
Nina
If I can just make it there for one more pint of Salt & Straw’s “Pear and Blue Cheese” ice cream, I can rest easy! Meanwhile, I hope you will enjoy some on my behalf. 😉
All their flavors are to die for, but I have to admit that Pear and Blue Cheese is particularly delicious.
Nina
Having lived in the Portland area for over 30 years, you are finding lots of the fun spots that make Portland Portland. I’ll be flying to Portland to visit my family on June 11 and will spend the weekend of June 16-19 doing a Columbia Gorge Volksmarch weekend. I signed up for five 10k walks and on 5k walk over four days. If you feel like hiking some gorgeous trails to interesting destinations, come on over to Portland and walk/hike with me!
Fun!!! I’ll be working on the coast (Cape D State Park) all of June so I don’t think I’ll make it back to Portland that month, but sounds like a total blast. Enjoy!
Nina
Well darn wish we knew you were here…. We are also here in Portland, but our rig is broke down, major leak in the main air tank, and it has been at McCoy Freightliner since last Thursday, It really has been a bummer because we have not been able to venture far not knowing when our MH is going to be fixed. Our original plans were to stay at Kelso/Longview Elks and then drive out to “Point D” and shake your hands….. Oh well one of these daze our paths will cross…. Almost met up with you guys a few years ago in Brookings but Paul had health problems and you had to cancel……..
Safe Travels Lee and Shelia
Goodness, so sorry to hear about your break-down. It’s never fun when plans are way-laid like that…and for almost a week too! Hopefully your rig gets repaired and back on the road soon.
Nina
Your photos are beautiful. The last one should be made into a puzzle. It would be so difficult.
Love the way you think! I was a huge jigsaw puzzle girl back in the day. Haven’t really done any while RVing, but I’ve always loved them and found them relaxing. You’re so right too…that would be a difficult one!
Nina
I loved your images both through word and picture. I have traveled to most of the large cities in America and lived in a few. After 28 years in Saint Louis I had enough of big city living. But the one city I love the most and keep in my thoughts is Portland. Many of the same reasons you do, I love the quirk and the choice of foods, and absolutely their airport is the easiest large city to fly out of hands down. How many airports have light rail that goes literally to the back door of the check-in counter? All the bridges, rivers, and Parks make this a mecca for any scenery lover. Thanks for giving me another dose of my favorite city, hope to be back up that way this summer.
Totally agree! We’ve lived in many big cities over the years and don’t enjoy them as much as we used to (these days we’re more into smaller towns), but we STILL love Portland. It’s just so accessible, easy and has such a nice mix of everything.
Nina
Love the tour, Nina! Nothing better than a town where you can wear your North Face zip offs into a nice restaurant…although I guess I would give my Midwestern roots away by glaring at someone wearing high heels on a mountain trail. 🙂
Jim
Yeah, I can’t say I’m a high heels gal anymore (not since my corporate days anyway), but I’m definitely a hiking outfit fanatic. My closet really doesn’t have much else in it!
Nina
Portland is somewhere we want to visit. We didn’t get that far south in Oregon this year. I’m so glad Paul is returning from Miami, and I hope everything works out the way it’s supposed to. Travel safe.
I just wanted to let you know that I rarely comment but regularly read and enjoy your blog. I am sure that there are many others like me. I just felt the need to let you know of your silent fans. I pour over each article and save many of them as we anxiously await our departure date of Nov.1,2019…. The day after my hubby can retire
Thank you for the lovely comment! I certainly value each and every one of my readers whether they comment or not, but I love hearing from folks. It’s heart-warming to know that I’m inspiring others on their own journey 🙂
Nina
Thanks for the RV park recommendation. There are things I’ve wanted to attend in Portland, but the drive is too far without taking the trailer (or something) to stay over. I’ve considered Stub Stewart, but just too far out of town. Columbia River looks just right. Thanks. Also, recently stayed at Cape Blanco due to your postings and loved it. I was headed to a different park when the sign suddenly appeared and I locked the brakes and made a hard right (a little exaggeration). Glad I did.
Soooo glad you enjoyed Cape Blanco. I have to admit Columbia River RV Park is a very different experience. Typical side-by-side RV park. But it’s clean, friendly and in a great location to explore the city. Weekly rates are awesome too.
If you want more “green” you can always check out Champoeg Stare Park south of Portland. It’s further from town, and always seems to be booked solid but it gets awesome reviews.
Nina
Lovely photos of a beautiful place:) Hope you and Paul find answers for the summer in the ocean breeze:)
This is one of few cities I’m looking forward to exploring in our future travels. Seeing all the options, the different neighborhoods, and of course all the yummy places to partake…..we definitely need to spend some time there. Glad Paul is able to get back in good time, a relief on several levels I’m sure. Our planning has had some “delays” as well which I’m hoping to remedy late next week. Beautiful closing shot!!
I have to admit I really, really like this city. And it’s a bonus that there’s convenient RV parks nearby (not always the case in big towns). So much to explore…and I always discover something new each time. Foodie paradise too!
Nina
Hi Nina,
Glad you are enjoying Portland. I grew up in Salem south of there but have spent a lot of time strolling around the “big city” of Oregon. We are currently parked in Pier 38 RV Park in Astoria. As you said, it is very basic. But the views and the location can’t be beat. The sea lions are all over the docks and boy are they noisy! I guess they will be leaving soon to move south(at least some of them). What a cacophony all day and night. It soon becomes background noise. We will be in Port Orford by the time you get to Cape D but thanks for the heads up on this park. We are off to explore Astoria. Keep Portland Weird.
Very happy to hear you’re enjoying the area! The barrel-aged stout at Fort George has been calling my name for months. Can’t wait to get back out there!
Nina
Yep, one of our faves too! We’ll be there at the end of August and I can’t wait!
Portland is very weird in such a wonderful way!! Glad you balanced out the 12 mochas with a few brews. Hope your kitty is responding to the treatment and that your time at Cape Disappointment will be as nourishing as it always seems to be for you and your 12 paws!
Thank you Imkelina. So far kitty is responding well so we’re hopeful. We’re definitely looking forward to being back on the coast.
Nina
You have such a great eye in your photograghy! I really enjoy the pictures! What kind of camera due you use? My husband and I just started full-time rving a month ago and can’t wait to visit the pacific northwest!
Thanks! Blessings:)
Thanks! I have a pocket camera that I use for most of my pics, and then also a DSLR that I use for fancier pics. You can read about my full set-up here:
My Camera & Photo Gear -> The Full WheelingIt 2016 Set-Up
Nina
Hi Nina, If you are still in Portland you should try Pok Pok”s Thai food. Truly a great restaurant and worth the wait. The “Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings” are amazing. Portland has good eats all over town with such a great variety.
We stayed last time in Portland on Sauvie Island. Some great farms out there and the little RV park that we stayed at was Reeder Beach Resort. Nothing fancy but we faced the Columbia and a nice little beach just below us. Happy Travels
Yummy!!! I looove good Thai Food. We often order from Pon Thai (they’re less than 1 mile from the RV park & they deliver directly to your site!), but I’m always looking for other good recommendations. Thanks!
Nina
Although we came close to moving to Portland several years ago, we have not explored it like you have Nina. Would love to go back and just be a total foodie. So glad to hear Paul is soon to be back with you and the kids and that you have been accident-free since his departure. That is quite a feat for you! I just adore that last photo…simply divine!
Portlandia, here i come! 😀
Never had the opportunity to check out Portland, looks like an awesome place!