05/06/2014
New post added at Living Portland - Portland Summer Activities
In a city where outdoor activities and sports reign supreme, this list of 10 Portland summer activities is just the tip of the iceberg! Start here and get out in the Rose City this summer.
Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island is only ten-miles outside of downtown Portland, but when it comes to summer activities, it feels worlds away. Pack up your car with summer essentials -- a picnic, lots of water, blankets to sit on, beach towels, bikes, frisbees, sunscreen -- and spend the entire day here... there is so much to do and see that even long-time Portland residents love exploring the beaches and trails. There aren't many resources on Sauvie Island, so come prepared. You can choose your own adventure once you get to the island -- bust out the bikes and check out the island or find a quiet beach, kick back in the sunshine and just relax.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Celebrating its 25th year in Portland in 2012, the Waterfront Blues Festival is held over an extended Fourth of July weekend, combining the best of everything summer has to offer -- live music, great food, Portland sunshine and a huge fireworks display over the Willamette River. You don't have to be a blues expert to enjoy this festival, but we're pretty sure that after spending the day immersed in it, you're going to be feeling the slow, smooth, soulful vibe that blues music gives off. If what you're really into is the fireworks for the Fourth of July, head down in the afternoon, enjoy lunch and grab a good seat -- it gets packed for the show and although every seat in the house has a pretty good view of the fireworks, spreading out a blanket to give yourself some room is certainly nice.
Hopworks Urban Brewery
It's a Saturday afternoon in Portland. The summer sun is shining and the hipsters are out doing things that would even make the creators of Portlandia proud. What could be better than sitting at Hopworks Urban Brewery, enjoying a fresh pint of a hoppy, organic IPA while catching up with your friends and pretending that summer will last forever? Hopworks is a Portland staple -- they draw in a large biker community (bicycles, not motorcycles, mind you) and create some of the most popular craft beers in the city. Plus, their brewery is just somewhere you want to hang out -- kicked back, no rush to be bumped from your table and plenty of beers to try to keep you going all day!
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival
We promise that there won't be any robbing from the rich to give to the poor at the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival, located just outside of Portland in Sherwood, Oregon. The festival happens each summer, typically towards the end of July, and is full of old world charm. There is no entrance fee for the festival itself, in the true spirit of Robin Hood, of course! Activities include a bit of a Renaissance twist such as reenactments, knighting ceremonies, archery contests, castle building competitions, food, music, a parade and more. Costumes aren't required, but you may feel left out if you aren't wearing one!
Oregon Coast Beaches
Need to escape the city for the weekend? The ultimate summer destination, when you live in Portland, is the Oregon Coast. It only takes about an hour to get to the beach, but you're going to want to spend more than just the afternoon exploring. One of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast is Cannon Beach, home to the famous (and huge!) Haystack Rock. When the tide goes out, you can walk out to the rock do check it out closeup. It takes some hardcore summer heat to warm up the water enough for any serious beach swimming, but if you don't mind a bit of a chill, splash away in the saltwater surf. And speaking of surfing, the Oregon Coast is a popular destination for surfers -- don't forget a drysuit or wetsuit -- you're going to need it!
Festival of Balloons
Up, up, and away! If you've never been to a hot air balloon festival, make the Festival of Balloons a priority for your summer to-do list. The festival is in Tigard, Oregon, just outside of Portland and considering the balloons launch before sunrise, you might want to consider making this an overnight getaway. Events last all day long, including a car show, beer garden, carnival and even a 5K Twilight Run/Walk. You won't want to miss an evening at the balloon festival either -- once the sun sets, they light up the balloons, which are now parked safely on the ground, giving the festival a gorgeous glow to enjoy the music, beer and fun! Balloon rides are not given during the festival, but you can make arrangements for a flight via the festival website.
Yurt Camping
We'd better start off by telling you what a yurt is, right? Technically, yurts are used by nomads in Central Asia -- they are a circular tent that has collapsible framework. When it comes to yurt camping in Portland, the best way we can describe it is a step up from tent camping -- you bring all your usual camping accessories, but without having to hassle with setting up a tent or hauling an RV. Oregon Parks and Recreation has yurts that you can rent all around the Portland area and Oregon and reservations can be made online.
Hood River County Fruit Loop
One of the most unique things you can do this summer is head east from Portland, towards Mt. Hood, and check out the Hood River County Fruit Loop. Along this established route you'll be able to stop at countless farms, orchards, fruit stands, cafes and more and stuff your face with some of the freshest, locally grown fruit you've ever had. The loop itself is 35-miles and besides being a delicious stretch of road, it's also a gorgeous one. The Apple Valley Country Store (pictured) is a must stop and you should make lunch at their BBQ place a priority. In addition, there are various fruit-themed festivals along the Fruit Loop throughout the summer -- check their website for detailed dates and locations. And most importantly, make room in your car to bring home some fruit for later!
Multnomah Falls
If you live in Portland, it's likely that you've been to Multnomah Falls for a little hiking and waterfall googling, but even if you've been a million times, make sure you head back up there this summer for another visit -- Multnomah Falls never gets old! If you're feeling adventurous, hike all the way to the top of the falls, which is another two-miles beyond the first viewpoint stop. It's not a light hike, but completely worth it for the view... and for the escape from the hoards of tourists who have stopped to check out the falls as well. The lower trails are paved and easy to maneuver and great for bringing a stroller, if you need to.
Portland Parks Summer Concert Series
The Portland Parks Department is, by far, one of the best things about living in Portland -- every summer they play host to free concerts in parks all around Portland and on a warm summer evening, when your house is too hot to be in, pack a picnic dinner and find that night's free park concert. While your house cools down, you can sit back and enjoy the sunset and some great music with your neighbors. Let the kids run around, kick off your shoes and dance in the grass and forget about anything else but having a good time! Check the Portland Parks website for details on the schedule for the Summer Concert series.
Portland Aquarium
The newest family-friendly attraction is open and ready for you to visit this summer! The Portland Aquarium, located just outside of the city in a renovated Black Angus restaurant in Milwaukie, opened in Winter 2012 to adoring fans of all ages. The aquarium is small, but full of life -- from fish to stingrays to their beloved octopus, there are places to touch the sealife as well as watch it swim by. Check out their "Sleep with the Sharks" program -- a slumber party at the aquarium that includes a behind the scenes tour, visits to the nocturnal animals, a movie and breakfast.
Willamette Falls Kayaking
It's summer in Portland -- the rain clouds have finally disappeared, your REI rain jacket is tucked safely in your coat closet and you've traded in your boots for flip-flops. Just because Portland isn't a beach town, doesn't mean that you can't get out on the water this summer. Jump on board a kayak tour with eNRG Kayaking for a little time connecting with your inner-water baby. Get started with a Portland classic -- a kayak tour to Willamette Falls. For $49 a person, the 90-minute tour takes you through historical spots along the river, with the grand finale of the falls! Reservations are required, so please contact eNRG in advance if you're interested in a tour. Children of all ages welcome -- children ages 8 and up can paddle on their own.
