Portland Travel Guide

Why You Should Add Portland to Your RTW Trip Itinerary

aseper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:25:23 +0000

Many travel lovers dream of just taking off on an extended trip around the world. For most, this is just a pipe dream. It’s something that they think is an impossibility unless they are nearing the retirement age. But we’re hear to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a dream. No matter what your situation, there is the possibility of going on your own extended, RTW trip. You just need the proper motivation and tools to make your RTW dreams a reality.

The key to making long-term travel real is making it your top priority. This is no different than any major life decision you may make. Funding a college education, buying a house, and even buying a car are honestly the same thing as traveling the world. When people decide to buy a house, they buckle down, they re-prioritize, they get on a tight budget, and they start saving. Going on a round the world trip is no different. How much money you will need for a RTW trip is different for everyone.

Once you realize that this is a possibility and it starts becoming real, then the fun begins – the planning. Where to go on a long-term trip is not an easy task to tackle. The world is a huge place, and there are plenty of great places to go. But lots of people bypass cities in the US, either because of the high cost or because you’re American and you figure that you can travel here any other time. While that is true, the best thing about going on an extended trip is the time you have. We have been wanting to go to the Pacific Northwest for years now, and we still haven’t made it there. Looking back, I wish now that we would have added a city like Portland to our RTW itinerary.

Adding in a place or two at home, to either the beginning or end of your trip, is something that all RTW travelers should at the very least contemplate. It can ease you into your trip by not providing culture shock and get you used to being on the road, or it can be a great place to re-adjust before ultimately going home. So if you are planning a trip around the world, consider starting or ending your trip at home. It could be just what the doctor ordered.

Photo credit: 1

Portland in February

Olivia — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:56 +0000

By the time February arrives each year, it’s usually about the time we start dreaming of a ~~quick~~ extended getaway to a warm or tropical location. Thankfully, February in Oregon usually brings a taste of spring with February Fakeout (yeah, that’s when the sun is shining and the weather rises above mid 50s and then promptly returns to drizzly and cold for the next three months).

So here’s what you need to know about being in Portland in Feburary, from what the weather is like to events and things to do.

WEATHER

February in Portland is still on the chilly side, with average lows in the mid 30s and highs in the low 50s. The good news? We’re working our way back up to more sunlight — by month’s end, we’ll have over 11 hours of daylight, and it’ll seem like spring is right around the corner.
>> Learn more about: weather in Portland

FEBRUARY EVENTS/CONCERTS

Feb 2: First Thursday
Feb 3-4: Portland Seafood & Wine Festival – explore Oregon’s seafood and wine offerings
Feb 9-25: Portland International Film Festival – enjoy three weeks of film at 11 venues across Portland.
Feb 12: Worst Day of the Year Ride – take to the streets with 4,000 Portlanders on an 18-mile ride around town.
Feb 14: Valentine’s Day – (expect prix fixe meals almost everwhere!)
Feb 17-26: Portland Jazz Festival - enjoy jazz at various venues across Portland during this 11 day festival
Feb 18: Zwickelmania – this free state-wide event, hosted by Oregon Brewer’s guild, allows you meet the brewers and sample their favorite beers.
Feb 18: Portland’s Mardi Gras Ball
Feb 24: Showcase of Wine & Cheese – this annual event benefits Boys & Girls Club of Portland
Feb 26: Hillsdale Brewfest – McMenamin’s annual brewfest at their first brewery

THINGS TO DO

Thanks to the leap year, you have one more day this month to enjoy Portland! If the events above didn’t spark any ideas for things to do this month, consider OMSI After Dark (this month it’s Bridgetown Baconfest), or hit up Science Pub at Bagdad or Mission Theater. Wanting to get outdoors? February is still a great time to ski Mt Hood.

What’s your favorite thing to do in February?

Photo by: portland_mike

Nomading Film Festival Winter Recess in Portland + Win Tickets!

Olivia — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:42 +0000

Travel is all about making meaningful connections, so combine that with a good story and film (and beer!) and we’re there. Last summer, Nomading Film Festival debuted in New York City, and this January they’re hitting the west coast for their first Winter Recess.

We believe that stories caught on film, while traveling, are some of the most entertaining, educating, beautiful, and authentic. These are stories which should be shared, acknowledged, and awarded. Traveling shapes us. Traveling defines us. Traveling connects us. —NoFF

NoFF Winter Recess

Dates: Saturday, January 28, 2012
Time: noon to 4pm
Location: McMenamins Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St, Downtown Portland
Cost: $9, first beer on the house
More information

The After Party Benefit is across the river at Boothster, where $5 (with a Winter Recess stamp, $10 without) will get you a night of free beers and dancing, all for a good cause — four good causes, actually. Starts at 8pm.

NoFF Intro

Win Tickets!

The guys over at NoFF have offered up one pair of tickets to Winter Recess ($18 value). So just leave a comment below and we’ll pick a winner on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

See more Portland January Events

Portland in January

Olivia — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:14 +0000

January always feels so fresh and clean, doesn’t it? (Yes, it’s also typically the second rainiest month in Portland.) But with a new year comes new resolutions and ideas to explore more. So get out and see something new this month!

WEATHER

January is typically the coldest month in Portland, with average lows in the mid 30s (yeah, pretty much freezing) and highs in the mid 40s. And since the first month of the year brings in one of the most rainy months, be prepared for chilly weather.
>> Learn more about: weather in Portland

JANUARY EVENTS/CONCERTS

Jan 5: First Thursday
Jan 6-8: River City Music Festival – Bluegrass, acoustic, and Americana music festival
Jan 7: Winter Market opens – the Portland Farmers Market winter market runs through Feb 25
Jan 12: Backcountry Film Festival – Portland premiere
Jan 15: Buckman-Kerns Brewfest – 2nd annual event, celebrating your favorite east side breweries
Jan 19-29: Fertile Ground Festival – a citywide art festival, including staged readings, and performance art.
Jan 20-22: ChocolateFest – Sample chocolate, in support of the World Forestry Center
Jan 22: Chinese Lunar New Year
Jan 26-29: Portland International Auto Show – including the ECO center, electric car ride and drive, and a family day.
Jan 28: Nomading Film Festival Winter Recess

THINGS TO DO

With January comes the post-holiday blues, so kick the year off by visiting all those Portland places you haven’t been to yet. Think: Pittock Mansion, Chinese Gardens, The Grotto (also has a nice indoor viewing area looking North), and enjoy some indoor time with what’s left of seasonal ale or a warm latte. Up for an outdoor adventure? January is one of the best months to ski/board Mt Hood. And if you’re looking for a quick getaway, consider the coast, (with Cannon Beach being one of the closest trips), where you can watch a storm roll in from the comfort of your hotel. January is also a good time to catch the tail end of whale watching season, as the gray whales head south.

What’s your favorite thing to do in January?

Getting from Portland to Crater Lake

Cristina — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:51 +0000

Portland is one of the greenest cities in the entire world, known for its scenic beauty , microbreweries and lively music scene. It’s also very close to gorgeous locations within Oregon state, such as Crater Lake, is located in Southern Oregon within Crater Lake National Park. It is the deepest lake in the USA and is well known for its blue color.

Quick summary

The fastest way to get to Crater Lake is by plane via Medford. Flights start at $80* one way. Buses are cheaper , with fares from $56.50 one way but take much longer. However, you still need to either rent a car in Medford or take a taxi for the last leg of the trip (about 89 miles). The only direct way to travel from Portland to Crater Lake is by charter bus or rental car.

Flights from Portland (airport code: PDX) to Crater Lake

The closest major airport to Crater Lake is Portland International Airport (PDX), which is also the biggest airport in the state. It is located about 211 miles from Crater Lake.

Smaller airports serving Crater Lake are: Klamath Falls Kingsley Field (LMT) , located 29 miles from the lake and Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR), located 53 miles away.

Klamath Falls Kingsley Field (LMT) gets limited commercial service, but flights from Portland are available and are run by United Express. The flight time is 1h 8 min. In February 2012, expect to pay from $105 one way on either United or Continental. In March 2012, single fares start at $120 one way on the same airlines.

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is located 3 miles from downtown Medford and only handles domestic flights. Service to/from Portland is run by Horizon Air. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from $80 one way on Delta or Alaska Airlines.

>>read more about Airfare to Portland

Buses from Portland to Crater Lake

Greyhound offers buses to Medford but from there you are left with a rental car or taking a taxi. Buses depart Portland at 6:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The travel time to Medford is 6h 15 min – 7 h 20 min. The advanced purchase fair is $56.50 one way and the web only fare is $58.05 one way. From Medford, catch the buses at 2:30 a.m., 4 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. The travel time and the fares are the same.

Charter buses are also available and you can travel directly to Crater Lake from Portland. Metropolitan Shuttle is one of the companies offering such services.

Driving from Portland to Crater Lake

You can rent a car in Portland and drive the 245 miles to Crater Lake in about 5 hours. This is the shortest route, via I-5 S and OR-58 E. Another option is a longer route via I-5 S and OR-138 E (takes about 5 ½ h).

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Note: *at the time the article was written

Photo credit

Getting from Portland to Astoria

Cristina — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:11 +0000

Portland is one of the greenest cities in the entire world. Dubbed the “City of Roses”, Portland is known for its scenic beauty , microbreweries and lively music scene. It’s also very close to gorgeous locations within Oregon state.

Astoria is a small town on the edge of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It is well known for being the terminus for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first transcontinental expedition to the Pacific Coast by the United States.

The closest airport to Astoria is Portland International Airport (PDX), the largest airport in the State. It handles flights from Europe, Asia, other countries in North America, as well as domestic flights.

Quick summary

You can only travel by land between Portland and Astoria. If you don’t fancy driving a rental car, then catch the bus. The travel time is about 2 ½ h and the fare is $18* one way.

Buses from Portland to Astoria

Greyhound offers two buses per day between Portland and Astoria. Buses depart Portland at 9:10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The travel time is about 2h 40 min. The refundable single fare is $18.00. On the way back, catch the bus from Astoria at 8 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The travel time is about 2 ½ h. The same fares apply.

Driving from Portland to Astoria

You can rent a car in Portland and drive the 98 miles to Astoria. The travel time is about 2h 10 min. Take Interstate 30 from Portland via Longview. A longer route goes via Interstate 26.

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Note: * at the time the article was written

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Getting from Portland to Bend

Cristina — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:57 +0000

Portland , also known as the “City of Roses” , is one of the greenest cities in the entire world. It is known its scenic beauty , microbreweries and lively music scene, along with the excellent food and variety of ways to enjoy the nature.

Bend is located between the Cascade and Maury mountains and is a well known travel destination year round. It is an excellent vacation destination for those who enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, and generally spending time in nature. The city is best enjoyed on bicycle, thanks to the many lanes and walking paths available.

Quick summary

The fastest way to travel between Portland and Bend is by plane (40 minutes). But it’s cheaper (from $55* one way) to travel by bus.

Flights from Portland (airport code: PDX) to Bend

Portland is served by Portland International Airport (PDX), the largest airport in Oregon. It is located within the city’s city limits and has direct connections with Europe, other countries in North America, Asia , as well as domestic connections to major hubs in the USA. The airport is hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

Bend is served by Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) , located about 15 minutes from the city of Bend. A variety of low cost carriers operate on the airport. Flights to/from Portland are run by Alaska Airlines and United Express. The flight time is 40 minutes. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from $80 per person one way on Delta or United.

>>read more about Airfare to Portland

Trains and buses from Portland to Bend

There isn’t a direct train service from Portland to Bend, but it’s possible to travel by train and bus:

Portland to Chemult by train : Coast Starlight leaves Portland daily at 2:25 p.m. and arrives in Chemult after 5 h 43 min.

Chemult to Bend by bus: buses depart Chemult at 8:10 p.m. and arrive in Bend after 1h 35min.

The ticket (train and bus) costs $86 per person, one way.

On the way back, catch the bus in Bend at 10:55 a.m., change to another bus in Albany at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Portland at 5:25 p.m. The total travel time is 6 h 30 min and the ticket costs $55 per person, one way.

Greyhound also offers bus connections between Portland and Bend, but with a stop in Salem. The bus leaves Portland at 6:30 a.m and arrives in Bend after 4h 10 min. The advanced purchase fare is $63.00 one way and the web only fare is $62.10 one way. On the way, catch the bus in Bend at 10:55 a.m. or 3 p.m. The travel time is 4 h 30 min or 6 h. The same fares apply.

Driving from Portland to Bend

You can rent a car in Portland and drive the 162 miles to Bend. The drive time is about 3 ½ h. There are three possible routes but the shortest is via US-26 E and US-97 S. The same travel time (but longer distance) can be obtained via I-5 S, OR-22 E and US-20 E.

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Note: * at the time the article was written

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Getting from Portland to Eugene

Cristina — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:29:38 +0000

Portland is also known as the “City of Roses” and is one of the greenest cities in the entire world. Known for its scenic beauty , microbreweries and lively music scene, Portland is also a favorite city among tourists.

Eugene is the second largest city in Oregon , located about 50 miles from the Oregon Coast. It is also known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities and the arts scene. A variety of fairs and festivals take place here every year.

Quick summary

Whether you travel by train or bus, the travel time and the fares are similar (although bus fares are slightly cheaper).

Flights from Portland (airport code: PDX) to Eugene

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the largest airport in Oregon and is located within the city’s city limits. It has direct connections with Europe, other countries in North America, Asia , as well as domestic connections to major hubs in the USA. The airport is hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

Eugene Airport (EUG) is located about 7 miles from the city center and offers only domestic flights. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from $80 for a single ticket on Alaska, Delta, United or Continental. The flight time is 36 minutes.

>>read more about Airfare to Portland

Trains from Portland to Eugene

Amtrack offers two trains between Portland and Eugene: Coast Starlight and Amtrak Cascades. The single fare on both is $25.

Coast Starlight departs Portland daily at 2:25 p.m. and arrives in Eugene 2h 38 min later. The Amtrak Cascades departs Portland daily at 6:15 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. The travel time is 2h 35 min for both connections.

On the way back, catch the Amtrak Cascades from Eugene at 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Coast Starlight departs Eugene daily at 12:44 p.m. The same fares and travel times apply.

Buses from Portland to Eugene

Greyhound offers four buses per day between Portland and Eugene. Buses depart Portland at 6:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m. , 6:15 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The travel time is 2h 25 min – 3 h 15 min. The web only fare is $22.00 one way. On the way back, catch the buses from Eugene at 5:50 a.m., 7:40 a.m. 12:15 p.m. and 6:35 p.m. The travel time is 2 h 25 min – 3h 10 min. The same fares apply.

Amtrack also offers buses between Portland and Eugene. The single fare is also $25. Buses depart Portland daily at 11:30 a.m., 3:35 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The travel time is 2h 30 min – 2h 35 min. From Eugene, catch the buses at 11:35 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. The same travel times and fares apply.

Driving from Portland to Eugene

You can rent a car in Portland and drive the 110 miles to Eugene via I-5S. The drive time is about 2h 12 min.

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Getting from Portland to San Francisco

Cristina — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:43:03 +0000

There is a reason people leave their hearts in San Francisco. One of the most-visited and scenic cities in the world, San Francisco’s bustling and vibrant bay-side streets were once home to the counter culture and are now filled with everything from the trendiest restaurants to hip boutiques and historic cafes. With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, fog filled neighborhoods, the seals and clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, authentic Chinese food in Chinatown, and the historic cable cars winding up and down the city’s hilly streets, San Francisco is a dynamic and interesting city with endless opportunities for travelers to explore and experience this Northern Californian city.

Getting There: Quick Summary
The cheapest and fastest option for traveling between Portland and San Francisco is by plane. Single fares start at $95* and the travel time is about 2 hours. There are no direct bus or train connections.

Portland (airport code: PDX) to San Francisco by plane

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the largest airport in Oregon and is located within Portland’s city limits. PDX has direct connections with Europe (Netherlands), other countries in North America, Asia (Japan), as well as domestic connections to major hubs in the USA. It is hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three airports:

San Francisco International (SFO) is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It offers flights within the USA and is a major getaway airport to Europe and Asia. It is the second busiest airport in California and the 10th busiest in the USA. It is hub for United Airlines and a base for Virgin America. Flights to/from Portland are operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Sky West Airlines. The flight time is 1h 51 min.

Oakland International (OAK) is located 4.6 miles from Oakland and about 12 miles from San Francisco. It is focus city for Southwest Airlines. Flights to/from Portland are operated by Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Norman Y.Mineta San Jose International (SJC) is located about an hour south from San Francisco. Flights to/from Portland are operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Southwest Airlines.

Regardless of when you plan to fly in 2012, expect the following prices:

PDX – SFO : from $95 one way on American Airlines or Delta

PDX – OAK: from $95 one way on Alaska Airlines, Delta or American Airlines

PDX – SJK: from $105 one way on Delta

>>read more about flights to Portland

Portland to San Francisco by bus

Greyhound offers buses between Portland and San Francisco, with transfer in Sacramento, CA. The total travel time is between 17h 50 min and 21 h. Buses leave Portland at 6:30 a.m. , 12:40 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The advanced purchase fare is $103.00 one way and the web only fare is $101.70 one way.

On the way, catch the bus from San Francisco at 1 a.m., 4 p.m., 5:45 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. The same fares apply.

Portland to San Francisco by train and bus

Amtrak offers a train connection from Portland all the way to Emeryville, CA. From there, you need to take the bus to San Francisco. The Coast Starlight departs Portland daily at 2:25 p.m. and the travel time to Emeryville is 17h 50 min. The bus to San Francisco leaves at 8:25 a.m. the next day and the travel time is 1h 5 min. The combined ticket costs $153.

Alternatively, you can travel by train from Portland to Oakland (Jack London Sq) in 18h 16 min. The single fare is $153. From Oakland, take the bus to San Francisco. The ticket costs $9.23 (web fare only) and the travel time is 20 min.

Portland to San Francisco by car

You can rent a car and drive the 653 miles between Portland and San Francisco on I-5, but if you’re going to make the drive, you may as well head a little bit further west to US 101 and drive the breathtaking Oregon & Washington coastline route. It’s an added 100 miles or so, but worth it and you can even stop to see some redwoods on the way. It should take about 10 1/2 hours by I5 or around 17 hours on 101 (probably the best to take 2-3 days to enjoy the trip).

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Note:* at the time the article was written

Photo credit, and razvan.orendovici

Christmas in Portland

Olivia — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:00:48 +0000

While most of the people who travel to Portland for Christmas are probably visiting family (let’s face it: Portland is an amazing city, but not exactly a huge holiday destination), there are several Christmas events in Portland which can be fun to get involved in whether you live here or are just visiting. Here are a few of the highlights.

Christmas Tree Lighting

On the day after Thanksgiving, Portland’s official Christmas tree is lit in Pioneer Courthouse Square. In addition to the flicking of the switch, there’s usually music and a little merriment.
Date: Friday, November 25, 2011
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave, Downtown
Cost: Free
More information

Christmas at Pittock Mansion

Portland’s Pittock Mansion gets dressed up for the holidays each year, generally with a theme in mind, and even though the historic home is no longer lived in the Christmas decor makes it feel warm and inviting. Find out what this year’s theme is, and check ticket prices.
Date: Monday, November 21 – Monday, January 2, 2012
Time: 11-4pm daily
Location: Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr 97210
Cost: $9 adults, $6 youth age 6-18
More information

Winter Wonderland at PIR

Portland International Raceway turns into a festival of lights during the holidays as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi” takes over the racetrack. Find out more about the hours and prices (as well as tips on when the crowds are smallest) at the official website.
Date: Thursday, November 24 – Monday, December 25, 2011
Time: 5-9pm on Sunday – Thursday, 5-11pm on Friday – Saturday
Location: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd
Cost: $16 per car
More information

Oregon Zoo Lights

The Oregon Zoo transforms during the holidays with light shows and light sculptures, and it’s certainly not just for kids.
Date: Friday, November 25 – Sunday, January 1, 2012
Time: 5-8pm on Sunday – Thursday, 5-8:30pm on Friday – Saturday
Location: Oregon Zoo
Cost: $9 adults, $6 children age 3-11
More information

Christmas at the Grotto

The Grotto’s real name is “National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother” and it’s both a Catholic Shrine and botanical garden. During the Christmas season, it gets lit up in spectacular fashion and is often the site for choral and other concerts as well.
Date: Friday, November 25 – Friday December 30, 2011
Time: 5-9:30 nightly
Location: The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St 97220
Cost: $8 adults, $4 children age 3-12
More information

The Singing Christmas Tree

What could be merrier than an enormous singing tree? It’s a popular Portland tradition that’s been going since 1962.
Date: Thursday, December 1 – Sunday, December 4, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Keller Auditorium, 222 Southwest Clay St 97201
Cost: from $12
More information

Christmas Ships

Each year since 1954 there’s been a Christmas Ships Parade on both of Portland’s rivers where boat owners decorate their vessels with lights – sometimes rather intricately designed light shows – and cruise the waters for spectators’ enjoyment. The schedule varies each year (and is different for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers), so check the official Christmas Ships website for more details about this year’s event, including the best places to catch the show.
Date: Thursday, December 8 – Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Time: usually starting around 7pm, depending on the day/river
Location: Willamette River & Columbia River
Cost: Free
More information

Crafty Wonderland

If you’re looking to hit up some Portland craft, be sure to put the Crafty Wonderland Extravaganza at the Oregon Convention Center on your calendar, or visit the Pop-up shop on SW 10th Ave anytime in December.
Date: Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, December 11, 2011
Time: 11am – 6pm
Location: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd 97232
Cost: Free
More information

The Lights on Peacock Lane

Since the 1920s, every house in this quaint little southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. For best results, park and walk in.
Date: Thursday, December 15 – Saturday, December 31, 2011
Time: 6-11pm
Location: Peacock Lane (between SE Stark St & SE Belmont St, one block east of SE 39th)
Cost: Free
More information

SantaCon

Feel inclined to dress up like Santa and run around town finding mischief? Santacon is for you.
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time: noon
Location: Downtown
Cost: Free
More information

Photos by: drburtoni, Pittock Mansion, craig1black, Matthew Sanzone, jesse.millan, sam_churchill, Crafty Wonderland, megaul, Singing Christmas Tree, the Grotto. Originally published December of 2007.

What’s your favorite Christmas event in Portland?