Forest Park
The 5,100-plus-acre Forest Park in northwest Portland is the largest, forested natural area within any U.S. City. The park's 30-mile Wildwood Trail is part of a 40-mile system linking Forest Park to trails along the Columbia River to Gresham, Oregon. More than 112 species of birds and 62 species of mammals inhabit the park, including northern flying squirrels, black-tailed deer, mountain beavers and long-tailed weasels. Dogs may visit the park on leashes at all times.
Forest Park
NW 29th Ave. and Upshur St.
Portland, Oregon 97210
503-823-7529
portlandonline.com/parks
Outrageous Jetboat Tours
From June to September, Portland Spirit hosts three different "Outrageous Jetboat" tours along the Willamette and Columbia rivers. "Heart of the Gorge" takes visitors through the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks. "Historic Astoria" travels along the Columbia River for views of the Victorian homes, rolling hills and trolleys of nearby Astoria, Oregon. "Portland Bridges" explores 10 notable bridges along the Willamette River. Children ages 4 and up may ride along but must be at least 40 inches tall to board. All cruises depart from Waterfront Park's Salmon Street Springs Fountain in downtown Portland.
Portland Spirit
10 SE Caruthers St.
Portland, OR 97214
800-224-3901
503-224-3900
portlandspirit.com/outrageous.php
Shanghai Tunnels Tour
In 19th-century Portland, sea captains often arranged the kidnapping of able-bodied men and enslaved them aboard their ships, many of which were destined for China. This practice, known as "shanghaiing," utilized trap doors in saloons as well as an extensive network of tunnels beneath the city. Visitors can take 90-minute tours of these tunnels, offered by Cascade Geographic Society (CGS). Many people believe the tunnels are haunted, and CGS gives ghost tours upon request. Tours depart from Hobo's Restaurant in Old Town.
Shanghai Tunnel Tours
120 NW Third Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-622-4798
shanghaitunnels.info
Powell Butte Nature Park
An oasis for wildlife and flora in southeast Portland, Powell Butte Nature Park encompasses 608 acres of meadowland and forest. Visitors can explore an extinct cinder cone volcano near the head of Johnson Creek, or picnic along one of the park's three reservoirs. Extensive trails accommodate hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Wildlife thrives throughout the park and includes chipmunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, ring-necked pheasants, gray foxes and mule deer. The park is also home to many birds of prey within its groves of wild hawthorn and western red cedar. Leashed dogs may visit the park.
Powell Butte Nature Park
16160 SE Powell Blvd.
Portland, OR 97236
503-823-2223
portlandonline.com/parks
