About Portland

As the largest city in Oregon, Portland is situated on the banks of the Willamette River and benefits from its proximity to the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Portland was built in the Willamette Valley, a super-fertile area that was once a lava field. Because of where it is located, several mountain peaks can be seen from Portland, as can remnants of its volcanic past. On a clear day, Mounts Tabor in southeast Portland, Hood, Saint Helens -- the volcano that erupted in May 1980 -- and Adams can all be viewed from the city.

Portland is located about 90 miles from the Pacific Ocean in northwestern Oregon. The city is about 140 miles due south of Tacoma, Washington, and 110 miles north of Eugene, Oregon. Portland falls in the Pacific Standard Time zone and is 145 square-miles in area. On average, Portland’s hottest month is July, its coldest month is January, and its wettest month is December.

The city is located in three counties: Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington. The city has earned a reputation for being eco-friendly, and was named one of the “15 Green Cities” in the periodical Environmental News and Commentary. The city’s economy is largely based in manufacturing. Portland is either the regional or national headquarters for many name labels, including Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Nike and Precision Castparts. Portland is the port most often used to transfer wheat shipments. Each year, the city sees 13 million tons of wheat travel through its harbors.

Portland is home to several interesting museums and art exhibits. The Portland Art Museum showcases contemporary and modern art. The statue known as “Portlandia” stands in front of the Michael Graves’ Portland Building. This statue is the second-largest hammered-copper statue in the country, second only to the Statue of Liberty. Portland has also earned a reputation for producing high-quality microbrewery beer. The city has three professional sports teams: the Portland Timbers, a Major League Soccer team; the Portland Winterhawks, a Western Hockey League team; and the Portland Trail Blazers, a National Basketball Association team.

"The Rose City," Portland is known the world over for its annual Rose Festival in June and its International Rose Test Garden.

Lodging in Portland, Oregon, is comparable to any metropolitan area. Hotel 50 in downtown Portland has a contemporary vibe with an Eastern punch. Hotel Modera mixes Japanese lines and rich colors with Warhol sensitivity. For those not as concerned with high-end motifs, the usual blend of family friendly hotel chains are found throughout the city.

Written by Michael Paul Maupin