| Portland, Oregon is a city of opposites. Encompassing the charm of hometown America, yet incorporating the excitement of the biggest cities in the world, "the City of Roses" is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the West. Portland is approximately 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and is filled with lush greenery and sparkling waterways. Portland's many museums and galleries, historic Old Town, Saturday Market, theatres, and Waterfront Park will keep visitors occupied for days.Portland is just a short distance from valley wineries, skiing at Timberline Lodge, and all of the tranquility and beauty of the beach.Portland's famous city park system includes more than 240 parks, such as the elm shaded South Park Blocks in downtown, Washington Park, and Portland's most exciting park, Forest Park, which is the largest wilderness park within city limits in the U.S. From the approximately 5,000 acre Forest Park to miniscule 24 inch Mills End Park, Portland's park system offers leisure and recreation opportunities for the whole family.Portland boasts one of the most extensive and advanced mass transit systems in the country, including buses and the MAX, an urban light rail line, as well as a downtown transit mall and Fareless Square, the downtown free-ride zone.Portland was designed to be seen on foot, as evidenced by the short blocks, public art, and old fashioned statuary, along with many fountains, bridges and parks. For the more rugged hiker, Forest Park has approximately 50 miles of trails. |
