car necessary when visiting Portland? (rentals, hotels, costs)

[tdatl]

I love visiting the Pacific Northwest, & it's likely Portland is up next. Do I need a car when visiting, or is most of what there is to see within the city itself accessible via transit (preferably rail)? I've looked at the TriMet maps, but without some overlay showing where things are, it's hard to know. I do plan on getting a car so we can head to the coast and to places like Mt. Hood, but I prefer to go without in cities, if possible, due to steep parking costs at hotels.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by tdatl

I love visiting the Pacific Northwest, & it's likely Portland is up next. Do I need a car when visiting, or is most of what there is to see within the city itself accessible via transit (preferably rail)? I've looked at the TriMet maps, but without some overlay showing where things are, it's hard to know. I do plan on getting a car so we can head to the coast and to places like Mt. Hood, but I prefer to go without in cities, if possible, due to steep parking costs at hotels.

You can do without a car if you're just sightseeing in the city. Most of what you'd want to see is in the downtown core anyway. The rose gardens, Washington Park, the zoo, the Classical Chinese gardens, the underground tour, Voodoo Doughnut, the waterfront, Saturday Market, Powell's Books, Northwest 21st/23rd... You can take a bus up to the Pittock Mansion I believe. Everything else I listed is accessible by streetcar/walking/MAX.

[Nell Plotts]

You will need a car to visit Multnomah Falls or Timbrline Lodge, places that a visitor really ought to see.

[CapHillboy]

I may be the odd tourist, but I think Portland is wonderful without a car. I've visited several times and, between public transportation, bike rentals, and my feet, i've never felt the need for a car. Probably I haven't seen the big Portland tourist attractions, but i've had a great time there every visit.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by tdatl

I love visiting the Pacific Northwest, & it's likely Portland is up next. Do I need a car when visiting, or is most of what there is to see within the city itself accessible via transit (preferably rail)? I've looked at the TriMet maps, but without some overlay showing where things are, it's hard to know. I do plan on getting a car so we can head to the coast and to places like Mt. Hood, but I prefer to go without in cities, if possible, due to steep parking costs at hotels.

What you're proposing is very do-able. (ie) See Portland via mass transit and foot and then rent a car for everything else.

Just make sure you pick a good central hotel.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

You will need a car to visit Multnomah Falls or Timbrline Lodge, places that a visitor really ought to see.

OP said s/he'd rent a car for those places.

[Azalea City Man]

Originally Posted by davefr

Just make sure you pick a good central hotel.

I didn't want to start another thread, as my question fits here. Do you (or anyone else) have a suggestion for a good central hotel - preferably for the somewhat price-conscious individual? We will be visiting for the first time next March and do not want to rent a car. We want to train, bus, or street car it up only. Thanks.