Portland Rated a Top 15 City (Rainier, Adams: garden, best, cities)

[BLAZER PROPHET]

For a big city, Portland is pretty.

15 Coolest North American Cities - MSN Travel - Slide Show

[subsound]

I really like that picture they use, I so need to hit the Japanese gardens. I hear it's at it's best when it's a bit misty out.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by subsound

I really like that picture they use, I so need to hit the Japanese gardens. I hear it's at it's best when it's a bit misty out.

Ya know, I've never been there, but like you I'm going to go soon.

[juggler]

It's also best to go on a weekday evening to avoid the crowds. When I went a few years ago, there were only about 5 other people in the entire garden. Beautiful!!! Haven't been in the winter, however - might be nice and uncrowded then.

I take all MSN lists with a grain of salt. What was their criteria for determining the 15 "coolest" cities? Some Joe Schmo in the advertising department pick 15 cities that he'd heard about?

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by juggler

I take all MSN lists with a grain of salt. What was their criteria for determining the 15 "coolest" cities? Some Joe Schmo in the advertising department pick 15 cities that he'd heard about?

I think it was a combination of natural beauty & history.

[cdelena]

Originally Posted by juggler

It's also best to go on a weekday evening to avoid the crowds.
...

I agree. Have been to the Japanese Garden numerous times and it is best when you can really experience the serenity of the place. Early during a weekday would be my choice. One of the real features of the city.

[tigerlily]

Personally, I would not list Las Vegas as being cooler that either Austin or Portland.

[bukuloo]

That picture is nice, but I assume there are more "breath-taking" views that could have been used...what are some of your favorites??

[Neal2009]

I think the only other view that could have been used is the famous view of Mount Hood from the rose gardens. I think this is the view you see on many postcards of Portland. I think they wanted to represent Portland with another picture this time.

I think the best view of the city, which cannot be captured in one single picture is from Pittock Mansion. From there you can see all of downtown, the wilamette, and in the distance Mt. Hood, Mt. St Helens, Mt Rainier and Mt Adams. On a clear day it is simply breathtaking. I would be interested to hear if there are any other views which I haven't seen :-)

[Leisesturm]

Well, for what it's worth, there is a viewpoint about ~1/2mi. in on the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park. You see more of East and West Portland than from the Rose Garden complex. Several mountains are identified on a brass plaque below your viewpoint. I like it. Have seen it several times but last week was the first time it was clear enough to see Mt. Hood... ... jaw dropping.

H