Here is a list of some wonderful things to do in or around Portland, Oregon this Spring! Portland has something for everyone. If you like nature, hiking, and animals, or music, art, and basketball -Portland’s got you covered. If you’re looking for something else, you can head to the coast.
- View the Cherry Blossoms
Every Spring you can view the breathtaking cherry blossom trees blooming at the Waterfront and Japanese American Historical Plaza. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park is 1.5 miles of land along the Willamette River, right in downtown Portland. The Japanese Historical Plaza is located at the Waterfront and hosts a beautiful memorial to the Japanese people deported into internment camps in World War II. The Waterfront hosts 100 Cherry Blossom trees all lined up and ready to view. This is a great spot to ride your bike and take lovely photos. The trees typically bloom in the middle of March into early April. They bloom for around two to three weeks. You can also catch some cherry blossom trees at Washington Park, right next to the famous Rose Test Garden. Happy viewing!
2. Take A Hike
Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers wonderful hiking for any season. This lush forest is 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Tryon Creek features horse trails, biking paths, and 8 hiking trails! Tryon Creek is located near Lake Oswego, offering some nice shopping and dining nearby. Pittock Mansion is another great hike starting at Portland’s historic house museum, where you can check out the museum or the grounds of Pittock Mansion. The grounds are part of Forest Park with great access to hiking.
3. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
This colorful annual festival runs from March 22nd to May 5th. Come see 40 acres of tulips bursting with color, most of them being in full bloom around mid April. You can capture some amazing photos with their field of flowers and windmill. There are games for kids, food vendors, and you can purchase tulip bulbs.
4. Saturday Market
This year Portland is celebrating 50 years of the Portland Saturday Market! The event hosts local artists from around Oregon, and aims to create community. This open air market is located right in the heart of Portland and showcases Portland’s most creative vendors. Ceramics, Woodwork, Blown Glass, Paintings, Sculptures and more! The Saturday Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from March through December.
5. Spend The Day At The Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is located in Washington Park. Tickets must be bought in advance online. Enjoy this escape from the city for the day! You can take a train around the zoo on the Zoo Train, or come back in the summer when they have concerts at the Zoo. This open air and refurbished zoo is a wonderful spot while visiting Portland.
6. Explore Scappoose Bay
Scappoose Bay is about a 30-40 minute drive North of Portland. It is 85,000 acres of wetlands, small islands, and streams. Have fun Paddleboarding, Kayaking, hiking, bird watching, cycling, camping, and more! Scappoose Bay has it all for the perfect getaway.
7. Head To The Oregon Coast
Drive along the Oregon Coast for a scenic road trip. Heading to Lincoln City is about a 2 hour drive along Highway 101. In Lincoln City you can go whale watching, explore the tide pools at the beach, rent an Airbnb or beach house, and visit wonderful little shops and eateries. Or visit the marvelous Oregon Coast Aquarium! Head to Cannon Beach; about an hour and a half drive from Portland and view their majestic rock formations on the beach! Whichever way you go, the coast is always a good idea!
8. Bike Banks-Vernonia State Trail
This 8 foot wide hiking and biking path follows an abandoned railroad bed 21 miles between the cities of Banks and Vernonia, Oregon. This is a great scenic option for getting out into nature and viewing what Oregon has to offer.
9. See A Concert
There are so many amazing artists coming to Portland this Spring, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, X Ambassadors, Chris Tomlin, Pearl Jam, Celtic Woman, and many many more! Check out the Portland Theater list of concerts for this Spring!
10. Go To A Blazers Game
Come check out the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center downtown. The Moda center has lots of great food and a raffle during games. The atmosphere is great for celebrating Portland. The Blazers are playing in Portland until April 12th. Seeing Watching a game at the Moda center is always lots of fun!
There are so many things to do in Portland, Oregon and I hope this list gives you some ideas on your next adventure for Spring! Portland, Oregon is a great place for Hiking, eating, biking, and festivals. Happy Spring!
