Exploring Portland and the
Pacific Northwest

Come for the conference, stay for a while!

Ever since Lewis and Clark chronicled their journey to the Northwest, visitors have been captivated by this unique corner of the country. Surrounded by mountains and refreshed by winds from the coast and Columbia River Gorge, the Portland region feels simultaneously protected and majestic—and very, very special.

That mountain you see off in the distance from your hotel? Easy to get to. The forest north of downtown? Just minutes away and full of trails through towering firs and cedars. Oh, and the river? You are welcome to stroll along the waterfront, east or west.

There are a million wonders to explore in Oregon. And if you come a few days early or stay a few days after the conference, here are a few ways to enjoy this wonderful region.

Go on an AZA Adventure

There are five fabulous zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks within a three-hour drive from Portland: Oregon Coast Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma, Wash.) Northwest Trek (Randall, Wash.), Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle). Check out the self-guided tour with directions or sign up for a pre-conference tour to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (and Oregon coast) on Saturday, Sept. 12, and/or a post-conference guided Amtrak tour on Friday, Sept. 18. Take a Tour!

Chill out at the Coast

An hour and a half drive from Portland gets you to one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Tall evergreen forests give way to pristine beaches that are all in the public domain. Sign up for a daylong pre-conference tour on Saturday, Sept. 16, or check out suggestions for coastal hiking trails, overnight accommodations and great seafood restaurants at MORE INFORMATION.

Head for the Mountains

Drive an hour and a half to the west, and you are on Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak. Forested trails and a volcanic ash mountainside attract hikers, birders and nature lovers when it’s not ski season. Stay overnight at Timberline Lodge, which is, well, right at the timberline and the base of the glaciers. More information at www.mthoodterritory.com.

Voyage to the Volcano

Our local active volcano (53 miles north of Portland), Mt. St. Helens, famously erupted in 1980. Although climbing and hiking in the immediate area has been limited, the visitors center is fascinating. Check it out at www.mountsthelens.com.

Watch Waterfalls

The Columbia River Gorge is literally overflowing with waterfalls. The gorge itself is 80 miles long and 4,000 feet deep in places, a natural wonder that cuts the only sea-level passage through the Cascade Range. It’s an easy and quick jaunt off of I-84 or the very appropriately named Columbia River Scenic Highway. Go to www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/ for additional information.

Visit Vineyards

Just to the south of Portland, take a sipping tour of the beautiful Willamette Valley, where the climate makes for some very special wines. Plan your route at www.oregonwine.org

Peruse Portland

It’s worth staying a few extra days just to hang out in Portland. Known for their creative spirit, Portlanders pride themselves on being just a little oddball and doing things differently than other parts of the country. Lots of ideas can be had at www.travelportland.com or its cheekier companion site, www.goseeportland.com, but here are some of our favorite Portland tips:

Portland’s vibrant neighborhoods, including downtown, bustle with pedestrians, chic restaurants, funky cafés, one-of-a-kind stores and friendly, laid-back residents. With its well-populated sidewalks and outdoor cafés, it has the feel of a European city.

Take advantage of downtown’s Fareless Square (free light-rail transportation) to enjoy tax-free upscale shopping or visit the Chinese Classical Garden, Waterfront Park and Saturday Market, a weekend-long bazaar that features local handcrafted goods.

Roll along the River

Just south of the convention center, the Eastbank Esplanade extends a mile and a half from the Steel Bridge to the Hawthorne Bridge, where it connects to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). Watch the sun set over the west hills during an evening stroll or run.

Washington Park Wonders

Overlooking downtown and Mount Hood in the distance, the lush and beautiful Washington Park is home to the Oregon Zoo as well as the Children’s Museum, International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, World Forestry Center and Audubon Society (where you can shop, meet birds and walk forested trails).

Go Gardening

Ornamental plants practically grow themselves in the Pacific Northwest and if you are a plant aficionado, you’ll want to save some time to explore the public gardens here. Get directions to the gardens at www.travelportland.com/visitors/gardens.html

Hiking

With over 40 miles of hiking trails through 5,100 acres of old-growth stands, Forest Park is the ideal place to hike or bike away from it all without leaving town. It’s also the largest park located within city limits. You can get to the trailheads by taking MAX light rail to the Washington Park station, which also is the station for the zoo. Trail maps are available at www.forestparkconservancy.org/trails