Portland Oregon's largest city is encircled by vast forests, dominated by ancient volcanoes and situated at the confluence of two great rivers - the Columbia and the Willamette. It's a cosmopolitan settlement with an easy-going, can-do spirit and a small-town ambience, despite a population of 1.5 million. Perennially near the top of the USA's `most livable cities' list, Portland is known nationally for its progressive politics, relaxed pace and its love of the outdoors and the environment. Downtown Portland is an urban success story - vital, bustling, tree-filled and gregarious. A cap on building height has kept even the most modern areas human-sized and comfortably proportioned and plenty of the architecture is extremely innovative. Northwest is the trendiest district, with plenty of boutiques, galleries, great coffeehouses, and those famous brewpubs; the funkiest neighborhoods are in the inner Southeast where `alternative' has become almost mainstream. Portland's highlights include the Old Town, an ungentrified area of 1890s architectural gems that has become popular in recent years as a movie set for period dramas; Portland's Chinatown which has been thriving since the 1880s; the carnival atmosphere at the huge weekend Saturday market near the lovely Skidmore Fountain; the Oregon Maritime Center and Museum which charts Portland's long history as a seaport and shipbuilding center; the Portland Art Museum's exhibit of Northwest Native Indian carvings; and the country's only showcase devoted to the art of promotion - the American Advertising Museum.
Demographics
Population: 1.7 million. Portland is the largest metropolitan area in Oregon. Location:Northwestern Oregon, where the Columbia and Willamette rivers meet. The metropolitan area is made up of six counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill in Oregon; and Clark County (Vancouver) in Washington. Elevations: 2ft above sea level to 11,235 feet atop Mt. Hood. Climate: Mild High: 70-90 degrees in the summer High: 35-45 degrees in the winter. Rainfall:37 inches a year, Snowfall: 2 inches Parks: 9,400 acres of parks Largest urban wilderness (Forest Park, over 5000 acres). Sports: Many spectator sports, from the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers to the WHL's Portland Winter Hawks.There's professional indoor soccer--the Portland Pride. We have baseball--the Portland Beavers. There are also running events, bicycle and car races, pro/am golf tournaments, horse and greyhound dog racing. Culture: Numerous art galleries and museums. Portland boasts a world-class symphony, ballet and opera, as well as a number of theater groups and jazz clubs. Other Attractions: The Oregon Zoo Oregon Museum of Science & Industry Japanese Garden International Rose Test Gardens Rose Festival Parades Portland Classical Chinese Garden - NW 3rd and Everett, Portland, OR 97209 503.228.8131 Newspaper - The Oregonian Oregonian Web Site Cost of Living - Compare two cities at this web site: Cost of Living Web Site Taxes: No sales tax. State Income tax is progressive up to 9 percent. Car registration is $30/two years (whether you drive a Rolls Royce or a VW). Property tax varies by county, but is approximately $13-$16 per $1000 of assessed value.
Crater Lake National Park
- 90 Miles East of Grants Pass. (541)594-2211
Fantastic Arial view of Crater Lake (222K)
- Parks -
Metro Parks and Green Spaces - 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232. (503)797-1846.
Oregon Parks and Recreation - 2501 S.W. First Ave., Ste 100, Portland OR 97201. (503)731-3293 E 5290.
Portland Parks and Recreation - 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ste. 1302, Portland, OR 97204-1933. (503) 823-2223.
- Visitor Contact Information -
