Winter in Portland: what not to miss?
Hello guys!
Me and my husband are in Portland for the holidays, and we want both company and advice to look around. What is not to miss around here? I found lots of lists online, but most of them do not consider the season... We are into good food and drinks, live music, outdoor activities, cheap shopping... any recommendations?
Thanks!
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If you're in Southeast at night, check out Peacock Lane. It's between Stark and Belmont, one block east of 39th. All the houses are historical, and the neighbors all collaborate on a crazy lights show during the holidays. There's hot cider and cocoa and lots of people, it's fun.
Is it still on after Christmas? We have been through there but it was really crowded and we were on a hurry, but I would love to go back if it is still on next week!
I'm new to Portland as well but I've heard that if you catch them while it's snowing, the Japanese Gardens are breathtaking. a loop around the gardens on foot followed by a cup of cocoa or coffee from a local shop might be just the ticket.
We went there a few days back, and it is really incredible, but unfortunately no snow. After, we went for some tea and donuts! ;)
If you have bikes OR just rent some (on-demand bike rental https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/57983), then there's this on Christmas morning... http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/#25-6118
I haven't been to either of these, so regrettably cannot testify from personal experience, but I've heard good things from many others in the 18 years I've lived in Portland: https://thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights/ ...and... http://www.oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights
Also this, while it's snowy up there right now... http://www.mthoodadventure.com/winter/sleigh-rides
Great tips, thank you! Well, we love biking, although we have never done it over a cold winter like this. I'll look into it!
The Pittock Mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and on a clear day the views from the top of that hill are splendid:
This year (2017), from Feb. 1 - 4, you can check out the Portland Winter Light Festival on either side of the Tilikum Crossing. Most of the displays are on the west end of the bridge, near OMSI. It's magical, and free, and Portland Streetcar also offers free rides for the festival weekend from 5 pm to closing (the A and B loops have a stop at OMSI). More info: http://pdxwlf.com
Thanks Cadence! It is on our to-do list!
You should definitely rent some snowshoes and go snowshoeing up on Mount Hood. White River Canyon is an incredible View on a sunny day. We are going up today as a group of friends if you and your husband like to join us last minute. Also on Facebook there are rideshares up to Mount Hood that you can participate in. Good luck!
Hey Mike! Well, we intend to go skiing/snowboarding there next week (we are in a group of 6). How do we get to the snowshoeing? Is there a starting point we could look into online, like an agency or rental shop? Today there is no chance we can go, because we will have Christmas overnight as it is tradition in Brazil, but thank you so much for the invite! If you are around next week maybe we can tag along on something else, then? Our family is not very adventurer, but we are and would love to do some hiking/snowshoeing/cycling.
Well I'll be going again Monday or Tuesday. You can rent snowshoes from the Mountain Shop in Portland or Otto's in Sandy on the way to the mountain. Places you can park and start snowshoeing from the parking lot include White River Canyon. If you look that up you'll find information on it. It's on Mt. Hood a few miles before Mt. Hood Meadows. If you guys want to come Monday or Tuesday let me know!
Hi Marina. I'm really into lights (who isn't? with our cloudy winter they're the real cheer!). So check out ZooLights and Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto. They're geared towards families, but could be fun for young group of friends. If you can, come back in Feb for the 2nd Annual Portland Winter Light Festival. Last year my mind was blown! Also, wait until the dark and jump on the Portland Aerial Tram. It offers great looks over the town.
Thanks, Pavel. Well, it's impossible to come back this February, but maybe next time. I've been wanting to ride the Aerial Tram, so thank you for the tip!
If you have access to a car, try Bagby Hot Springs. It's a real adventure. You hike through the forest for 45 minutes and then soak in wood tubs that have been plumbed to the hot springs. You'll need a forest parking pass, I think, and the week days are less crowded. Here's a link to more information. https://www.yelp.com/biz/bagby-hot-springs-estacada
Come back now, it's nice out.
Saturday Market (under the Burnside Bridge) has a festival of the last minute...lots of cheap, hippy crafts, food carts and people watching. It is however also a homeless hangout so stay in the populated areas. OMSI has adults-only nights every month, a nice inside activity. You can ice skate year round inside the Lloyd center mall. You could check out some of the McMenamins properties many like the Kennedy School has multiple restaurants and bars, game rooms and movie theaters. The Portland Farmers Market (best in the country) runs year-round on the PSU campus downtown, they'll have winter veg for sale along with crafts and food carts. We also have a healthy pop-up indy store scene leading up to christmas.
Checkout zoolights and lights at the Grotto, Peacock lane. Another place to go on a cloudy winter day is to the columbia river gorge. It looks so mystic with all the clouds and fog.