 With
moderate temperatures and varied and beautiful terrain,
Portland is the quintessential outdoor city. The magnificent
waterways overlook the Mount Hood glacier, a backdrop
that sets the scene for a spectacular visit at any
time of year. Forest Park offers 40 miles of wilderness
trails, streams and woods within the city limits.
Hiking, biking and exploring opportunities are always
close at hand. Smith and Bybee Lakes display stunning
wildlife and have great flatwater paddling in America's
largest protected wetland within a city. Just a short
drive away, is magnificent Multnomah Falls, the nation's
second-highest year-round waterfall. For a mellower
outdoors experience, visit one of the city's stunning
gardens: the Leach Botanical, Classical Chinese, Japanese,
or Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens.
Portland's
urban growth boundary, adopted in 1979, separates
urban areas (where high-density development is encouraged
and focused) from traditional farm land, where restrictions
on non-agricultural development are very strict. This
was atypical in an era when automobile use led many
areas to neglect their core cities in favor of development
along interstate highways, in suburbs, and satellite
cities.
 As
a result, one can see pastoral farmlands and old red
barns within 15 miles of downtown Portland, literally
across the street from large suburban developments
(where that street is the urban growth boundary.)
Opponents argue that this growth boundary has limited
growth and increased the costs of housing; proponents
argue that it has preserved valuable farmland, made
possible the popular farmer's markets in Portland,
and brought more efficient public transportation and
less traffic than similarly sized cities.
As the
population has grown, and undeveloped land inside
the urban growth boundary has dwindled, there has
been pressure to change or relax the rules. The rapid
growth of two major employers in Washington County,
namely Nike and Intel, contributed to this pressure.
The
original state rules included a provision for expanding
urban growth boundaries, but critics felt this wasn't
being accomplished. In 1995, the State Legislature
ordered cities to expand UGBs to provide enough undeveloped
land for a 20 year supply of future housing at projected
levels, and to complete the expansion by the end of
1999.
Once known as America's best kept secret, Portland
is now one of the country's hottest travel destinations.
Money magazine recently ranked Portland #2 among Big
Cities in which to live in the U.S., and its unique
and thriving festivals, outdoors and dining scenes
keep it consistently among the travel hotspots. Portland
has the personality of a small community and the activities
and vitality of a large city.
 Chances
are good that the city will be bustling with a festival
when you arrive. Favorites include the Rose Festival
in June, and The Bite of Oregon food and music fete
in August.
The always popular Oregon Brewers Festival in July
can be combined with a tour and sampling at one of
the many excellent, local microbreweries. Tours of
local vineyards and distilleries provide further tastings
of family- produced, distinctive wines and brandies
prepared by using the finest fruit and centuries-old
methods.
Whether
you travel around Portland by train, bike or on foot,
a clear and unobstructed view is guaranteed. Building
height restrictions prevent the beauty and majesty
of Mount Hood from ever being blocked. Speaking of
Mount Hood, with four ski resorts and North America's
longest ski season (including 90 summer days), this
11,235-foot peak is a mecca for skiers, ice climbers,
snowboarders and hikers. The surrounding wilderness
boasts spectacular trails for snowshoeing as well
as cross-country skiing. All of this is just an hour's
drive from Portland's city center. Long recognized
as a fisherman's haven, the Pacific Northwest is rich
with steelhead, trout and sturgeon.
Portland's
history unfolds and the past comes alive as the carefully
preserved landmark attractions are visited. Pittock
Mansion reveals the day to day activities of the original
Portlanders.
The Portland
Art Museum showcases impressive touring exhibitions
and permanent collections of American, European, Asian,
Native American and contemporary art. View area history
from an environmental point of view at the Hoyt Arboretum,
where trees and plants are protected and nourished
for the enjoyment of future generations. For families,
there is also the Portland Zoo, the Children's Museum,
and the Museum of Science and Industry.
 For
a change of pace, be sure to visit the numerous gourmet
coffee shops, Powell's City of Books with more than
a million volumes, the Brew 'N View Movie Theaters
where comfortable couches, pizza, and beer accompany
the movies, the local gardens and galleries: all of
which made Portland famous.
Finally,
don't leave Portland without sampling some fine local
fare. The region's renowned seafood, berries, pears,
cherries, hazelnuts, wild game and vegetables of all
kinds inspired noted chef and Portland native, James
Beard. This in turn laid the foundation for his lifelong
dedication to fine cooking, simple menus and fresh
ingredients. The tradition continues, and Portland
is known for its superb cuisine and exceptional dining.
Culture
and art; the Trailblazers and the Hawks; Mount Hood
with its tempting menu of year round outdoor activities;
fine wines, beers, and restaurants; farmers markets
and excellent shopping: these are just a few of the
many reasons to visit and enjoy Portland, Oregon.
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