Oregon

Travel to Oregon

Climate

Oregon's climate is generally moderate, divided into east and west by the Cascade Mountain Range. The mountains block the moist winds blowing in from the sea, which moderates the temperature and brings heavy rainfall to the western part of the state, where most of the main cities are situated.

The eastern part of Oregon has drier weather and more extreme temperatures. Average temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) in winter and 68°F (20°C) in summer along the coastal belt, to 25°F (-4°C) and 78°F (26°C) in the eastern part of the state. Heavy snowfalls are common in the Cascades in winter.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.90 EUR Euro	0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	108.90 JPY Japanese Yen	1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.99 CHF Swiss Franc
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar	25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound	0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.38 OMR Omani Rial	3.64 QAR Qatari Rial	1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar	8.29 SEK Swedish Krona	6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	45.83 DOP Dominican Peso	6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna	18.63 MXN Mexican Peso	586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc	3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar	22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira	110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar	1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat	11.19 BWP Botswana Pula
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	693.53 CLP Chilean Peso	478.10 AMD Armenia Dram	24.17 CZK Czech Koruna	19.98 MDL Moldova Lei	124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso	35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone	3.92 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	35.62 THB Thai Baht
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham	3.59 BRL Brazilian Real	4.05 RON Romanian New Leu	7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc	22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso	2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso	68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint	7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won	5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee	66.80 RUB Russian Rouble	15.60 ZAR South African Rand	2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar	2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira	46.62 PHP Philippine Peso	32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira	107.15 XPF CFP Franc	3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar	1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	1.38 BND Brunei Dollar	110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar	6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan	19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble
6.65 DKK Danish Krone	3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	67.26 INR Indian Rupee

Airports in Oregon

Portland International Airport (PDX)
Portland International Airport
http://www.flypdx.com

Location: Portland Oregon The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) from downtown Portland.

Time: GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (503) 460 4234 or toll free (877) 739 4636

Getting to the city: Portland's MAX Light Rail system serves the airport, connecting to the heart of the city. There's a travel time of around 40 minutes and trains depart roughly every 15 minutes. Taxis, shuttles, buses, and rental cars are also available. All transportation pickups occur on the airport terminal's lower roadway which is on the baggage claim and departure level.

Car rental: The Car Rental Center on the first floor of the parking garage includes Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Hertz offices. Alamo, Budget, and Thrifty have shuttles which take people to their premises off site.

Airport Taxis: There are a few taxi companies which serve the airport. They may need to be ordered by telephone for late night arrivals. Reputable providers include Broadway Cab Company and New Green Cab, amongst many others.

Facilities: The airport has several ATMs, a currency exchange bureau, and a shopping mall which includes restaurants, coffee bars, and pubs. There is also wifi, a postal service, an information desk, and a state-of-the-art conference centre.

Parking: Portland International offers ample parking options, including long-term and economy in close proximity to the terminal building. Valet parking costs about $10 per hour or $35 per day. Short-term parking starts at around $3 per hour and costs $27 per day. Long-term parking costs about $24 per day and economy parking is $12 per day.

Eugene Airport (EUG)
Eugene Airport
http://www.flyeug.com

Location: Eugene The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) northwest of Eugene.

Time: GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Getting to the city: Taxis and a door-to-door shared shuttle service called OmniShuttle service the airport. Rental cars are also available.

Car rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and National are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: There are a number of taxi companies registered to operate at the airport, including Budget Taxi, Cascade Cab Company, and Executive Taxi.

Facilities: Eugene Airport is small and facilities are limited. An ATM, two small eateries, a gift shop, an information booth, and an art gallery can be found in the terminal.

Parking: Short-term parking costs $1.25 per half hour, up to a daily maximum of $14. Long-term parking costs $2.50 per hour, up to a daily maximum of $12.

Portland Oregon

Situated at head point of the Willamette River, Portland was the major port on the American Pacific northwest coast during the 19th century. Although not the capital of Oregon, it's the state's largest city with a commercial centre straddling the river with neatly planned city blocks.

Recognised today as a fun city for tourists and nature lovers, Portland has miles of wilderness trails, woods, and waterways within city limits. They're all set against the backdrop of the Mount Hood glacier, with its well-loved ski resorts less than an hour away.

Portland is famous for stunning gardens, particularly the International Rose Test Garden where thousands of rose bushes from around the world thrive and bloom. They form the centre of the city's Rose Festival in June, one of the many unique events on the annual calendar.

Other events include the annual Oregon Brewers Festival, a July celebration of the dozens of local microbreweries, vineyards, and distilleries, and the Portland Jazz Festival. Portland's cuisine attracts even more, with the region renowned for its seafood, berries, pears, wild game, hazelnuts, and fresh vegetables.

Getting around in Portland Oregon

Getting around Portland is quick and easy on the city's award-winning light rail system, nicknamed 'MAX' (Metropolitan Area Express). It extends to the east and west of downtown, with a spur to the Portland International Airport.

MAX also connects to the popular attractions at Washington Park about 10 minutes from the city centre. Portland has a streetcar system connecting the downtown cultural district to the Portland State University, the Pearl District and Nob Hill.

The Tri-Met bus service covers the town centre and suburbs. Taxis are readily available, with regulated rates, and those who prefer to hire a car will find plentiful car rental companies.

Dining in Portland Oregon

The restaurants in Portland have developed a great reputation over the past few years, with fresh local ingredients being prepared in creative ways by ambitious young chefs. There is no end to dining options in Portland, with many small neighbourhood eateries proving to be hidden gems.

Portland cuisine tends towards organic, locally-produced foods. In keeping with the city's eco-friendly reputation, there's an abundance of venues that cater to vegetarians and vegans. There isn't any real dining district, so one of the main inconveniences may be simply finding the establishments.

However, both the Pearl District and Nob Hill neighbourhoods have a good selection of restaurants to please most tastes. A fun and budget dining option for travellers on the go is the army of food carts in the downtown area, with options including Mexican tacos, Korean barbecue, Belgian fries, and American hot dogs.

Climate in Portland Oregon

Portland has a temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct seasons. Winters, between December and February, are mild and wet, while summers, between June and August, are warm and comparatively dry. Summer temperatures average between 53°F (12°C) and 81°F (27°C), but temperatures can be substantially higher during heatwaves.

Winter temperatures average between 35°F (2°C) and 51°F (11°C). Spring and autumn are generally mild but unpredictable seasons. Rain is less common between June and September, but the weather is extremely wet between November and April.

Sightseeing in Portland Oregon

Known as one of America's greenest cities, Portland is flush with beautiful parks and gardens which grow alongside a river. On its backdoor sits mountains, ocean seascapes, and arid desert, making it the ideal base for those looking to experience the state's great outdoors.

The most celebrated scenic areas in the region include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Forest Park, Washington Park and Oneonta Gorge. There are also famous gardens, with favourites including the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

The city is a flouring centre for the arts and boasts one of the best public transport systems in the country. There may be tourist passes available, providing more affordable entry to some of the city's most popular attractions.

Portland Oregon Attractions

International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden is the foremost of the famous rose gardens of Portland, founded in 1917 during World War I. It began when hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from the bombing in Europe.

Since then, the garden has served as a testing ground for new varieties. Fountains, paths, and statues enhance more than 7,000 rose bushes, representing some 550 varieties. Trained volunteers offer free tours.

Highlights of the garden are the award-winning miniature roses planted along the centre aisle, the Shakespeare Garden in the southeast corner, and the Frank L Beach Memorial Fountain, designed and built by local artist Lee Kelly. The Rose Test Garden is the centrepiece of the Portland Rose Festival, held each spring in Portland.

---

Oregon Zoo

The award-winning Oregon Zoo is the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a vast variety of animals, including elephants, penguins, and polar bears. With the animals housed in their natural habitats, the zoo is an internationally recognised centre for wildlife preservation and research. Combined with a programme of summer concerts, a variety of seasonal events, and an old-fashioned railway ride connecting Washington Park, Oregon Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portland. It draws around a million visitors a year. Opening times vary depending on the season so it's best to check the official website listed below for details.

Website: www.oregonzoo.org

---

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Named the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids', this walled classic garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens found in Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China. It combines the elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to create balance and harmony.

The garden is both a living museum of flora and fauna and a cultural heritage garden, containing interesting specimens like Chinese paper bush, water daphne, and Chinese plum. The classical teahouse is located in the evocatively named Tower of Cosmic Reflections.

It offers a tactile experience of the art and culture of Chinese tea. This attraction adds variety to a garden tour of Portland and generally receives rave reviews. Opening times vary according to season.

Website: www.lansugarden.org

---

Pearl District

The trendiest neighbourhood in downtown Portland, the Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. The district was once a decaying industrial area, but today the old buildings have come alive with new purposes.

Old warehouses have been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops, and art galleries. Gallery walks occur on the first Thursday of each month.

The Pearl is also home to Portland's iconic Powell's Bookstore, arguably one of the finest in the entire country. The Pearl District is well worth a visit, especially for those interested in urban renewal and sustainable redevelopment.

Website: explorethepearl.com

---

Museum of Science and Industry

Affectionately known as OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children can undertake science experiments. The complex contains one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the country, as well as the Empirical Theater and the USS Blueback submarine. The museum also hosts a plethora of interesting temporary exhibitions, making it captivating for the whole family and a great Portland attraction for a rainy day.

Website: www.omsi.edu

---

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach in Oregon is the most famous and popular stretch of coastline known to Portland tourists. The dominant Haystack Rock is a 235-foot (71m) steep formation that is reachable on foot when the tide is low.

William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition first set foot on the sand in 1805. The same nine miles (14.5km) of beach, beautiful hiking trails, and tidal pools filled with sea life are there for new explorers to discover.

A tourist-focused beach town gives present day travellers quaint hotels, cottages, and restaurants. Cannon Beach hosts a number of popular events in the summer, including a sandcastle building competition in June.

The town's Fourth of July celebrations are also festive, including a parade and military flyover. Visiting the area during the events requires forward planning as accommodation is generally booked far in advance.

---

Mount Hood

Mount Hood, 67 miles (108km) east of Portland, is one of the most popular ski resort areas in Oregon. Dominating the Portland skyline, Mount Hood is a great place to get away from the city for a weekend ski break.

The mountain is home to three resorts: Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Skibowl, all allowing for both downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as night skiing. Mount Hood is also a much loved summer getaway from Portland.

It has a wide range of activities on offer, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and many good hiking trails. Several lakes, including Trillian Lake and Little Crater Lake, have camping facilities as well as water sports.

Website: www.skihood.com

---

Eugene

As one would expect from a city with a memorial statue of the 'Merry Prankster' Ken Kesey, Eugene is an offbeat place. It has students from Oregon University a well as people seeking out alternative lifestyles, from old school hippies to new age hipsters.

Despite its modest size, Eugene has a thriving arts community. There are also lots of outdoor sports opportunities available to visitors, with running, cycling, white-water rafting, and kayaking proving especially popular.

There are plenty of art museums in Eugene, and the region is also famous for its wineries. Some of them are just a short scenic drive away. Visitors are strongly encouraged to walk the streets of the city and to chat to some of the locals before enjoying the vibrant nightlife that's on offer.

Website: www.eugene-or.gov

---

Hoyt Arboretum

The Hoyt Arboretum is home to an outstanding collection of rare and exotic tree species. Located within Washington Park and about two miles west of downtown Portland, the 187-acre arboretum is nothing less than a living laboratory.

It boasts more than 10,000 individual trees and shrubs, from more than 1,100 different species. These include a few specimens of Dawn Redwood, a tree thought for many years to be extinct. The trees are arranged by taxonomy and geography, making them easy to identify.

The arboretum consists of 12 miles (19km) of walking trails, a visitor's centre that is open six days a week, an enormous picnic shelter, and a meadow. Guided tours are available Saturdays between June and September, for a small fee. Visitors of all ages will enjoy spending time in this urban oasis on the banks of the Willamette River.

Website: www.hoytarboretum.org

---

Airports in Portland Oregon

Portland International Airport (PDX)
Portland International Airport
http://www.flypdx.com

Location: Portland Oregon The airport is situated 13 miles (21km) from downtown Portland.

Time: GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (503) 460 4234 or toll free (877) 739 4636

Getting to the city: Portland's MAX Light Rail system serves the airport, connecting to the heart of the city. There's a travel time of around 40 minutes and trains depart roughly every 15 minutes. Taxis, shuttles, buses, and rental cars are also available. All transportation pickups occur on the airport terminal's lower roadway which is on the baggage claim and departure level.

Car rental: The Car Rental Center on the first floor of the parking garage includes Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Hertz offices. Alamo, Budget, and Thrifty have shuttles which take people to their premises off site.

Airport Taxis: There are a few taxi companies which serve the airport. They may need to be ordered by telephone for late night arrivals. Reputable providers include Broadway Cab Company and New Green Cab, amongst many others.

Facilities: The airport has several ATMs, a currency exchange bureau, and a shopping mall which includes restaurants, coffee bars, and pubs. There is also wifi, a postal service, an information desk, and a state-of-the-art conference centre.

Parking: Portland International offers ample parking options, including long-term and economy in close proximity to the terminal building. Valet parking costs about $10 per hour or $35 per day. Short-term parking starts at around $3 per hour and costs $27 per day. Long-term parking costs about $24 per day and economy parking is $12 per day.

Oregon Attractions

Overview

International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden is the foremost of the famous rose gardens of Portland, founded in 1917 during World War I. It began when hybridists sent roses from around the world to keep them safe from the bombing in Europe.

Since then, the garden has served as a testing ground for new varieties. Fountains, paths, and statues enhance more than 7,000 rose bushes, representing some 550 varieties. Trained volunteers offer free tours.

Highlights of the garden are the award-winning miniature roses planted along the centre aisle, the Shakespeare Garden in the southeast corner, and the Frank L Beach Memorial Fountain, designed and built by local artist Lee Kelly. The Rose Test Garden is the centrepiece of the Portland Rose Festival, held each spring in Portland.

Oregon Zoo

The award-winning Oregon Zoo is the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi, founded in 1887. It covers 64 acres and is home to a vast variety of animals, including elephants, penguins, and polar bears. With the animals housed in their natural habitats, the zoo is an internationally recognised centre for wildlife preservation and research. Combined with a programme of summer concerts, a variety of seasonal events, and an old-fashioned railway ride connecting Washington Park, Oregon Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portland. It draws around a million visitors a year. Opening times vary depending on the season so it's best to check the official website listed below for details.

Website: http://www.oregonzoo.org

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Named the 'Garden of Awakening Orchids', this walled classic garden in Portland's Chinatown is a replica of traditional gardens found in Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China. It combines the elements of water, stone, architecture, literature and plants to create balance and harmony.

The garden is both a living museum of flora and fauna and a cultural heritage garden, containing interesting specimens like Chinese paper bush, water daphne, and Chinese plum. The classical teahouse is located in the evocatively named Tower of Cosmic Reflections.

It offers a tactile experience of the art and culture of Chinese tea. This attraction adds variety to a garden tour of Portland and generally receives rave reviews. Opening times vary according to season.

Website: http://www.lansugarden.org

Pearl District

The trendiest neighbourhood in downtown Portland, the Pearl District is the place to see and be seen. The district was once a decaying industrial area, but today the old buildings have come alive with new purposes.

Old warehouses have been turned into desirable loft residences and the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars, upmarket shops, and art galleries. Gallery walks occur on the first Thursday of each month.

The Pearl is also home to Portland's iconic Powell's Bookstore, arguably one of the finest in the entire country. The Pearl District is well worth a visit, especially for those interested in urban renewal and sustainable redevelopment.

Website: explorethepearl.com

Museum of Science and Industry

Affectionately known as OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a feast of fun for young and old. It includes fascinating permanent exhibits dealing with maths, science and technology, and laboratories where children can undertake science experiments. The complex contains one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the country, as well as the Empirical Theater and the USS Blueback submarine. The museum also hosts a plethora of interesting temporary exhibitions, making it captivating for the whole family and a great Portland attraction for a rainy day.

Website: http://www.omsi.edu

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach in Oregon is the most famous and popular stretch of coastline known to Portland tourists. The dominant Haystack Rock is a 235-foot (71m) steep formation that is reachable on foot when the tide is low.

William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition first set foot on the sand in 1805. The same nine miles (14.5km) of beach, beautiful hiking trails, and tidal pools filled with sea life are there for new explorers to discover.

A tourist-focused beach town gives present day travellers quaint hotels, cottages, and restaurants. Cannon Beach hosts a number of popular events in the summer, including a sandcastle building competition in June.

The town's Fourth of July celebrations are also festive, including a parade and military flyover. Visiting the area during the events requires forward planning as accommodation is generally booked far in advance.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood, 67 miles (108km) east of Portland, is one of the most popular ski resort areas in Oregon. Dominating the Portland skyline, Mount Hood is a great place to get away from the city for a weekend ski break.

The mountain is home to three resorts: Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Skibowl, all allowing for both downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as night skiing. Mount Hood is also a much loved summer getaway from Portland.

It has a wide range of activities on offer, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and many good hiking trails. Several lakes, including Trillian Lake and Little Crater Lake, have camping facilities as well as water sports.

Website: http://www.skihood.com

Eugene

As one would expect from a city with a memorial statue of the 'Merry Prankster' Ken Kesey, Eugene is an offbeat place. It has students from Oregon University a well as people seeking out alternative lifestyles, from old school hippies to new age hipsters.

Despite its modest size, Eugene has a thriving arts community. There are also lots of outdoor sports opportunities available to visitors, with running, cycling, white-water rafting, and kayaking proving especially popular.

There are plenty of art museums in Eugene, and the region is also famous for its wineries. Some of them are just a short scenic drive away. Visitors are strongly encouraged to walk the streets of the city and to chat to some of the locals before enjoying the vibrant nightlife that's on offer.

Website: http://www.eugene-or.gov

Hoyt Arboretum

The Hoyt Arboretum is home to an outstanding collection of rare and exotic tree species. Located within Washington Park and about two miles west of downtown Portland, the 187-acre arboretum is nothing less than a living laboratory.

It boasts more than 10,000 individual trees and shrubs, from more than 1,100 different species. These include a few specimens of Dawn Redwood, a tree thought for many years to be extinct. The trees are arranged by taxonomy and geography, making them easy to identify.

The arboretum consists of 12 miles (19km) of walking trails, a visitor's centre that is open six days a week, an enormous picnic shelter, and a meadow. Guided tours are available Saturdays between June and September, for a small fee. Visitors of all ages will enjoy spending time in this urban oasis on the banks of the Willamette River.

Website: http://www.hoytarboretum.org