Tell me about recreational areas near Portland (St. Helens: home, neighborhoods)

[Pathwalker]

Just curious about all the different kinds of public areas near Portland where someone can go to hike some trails, ride on a paved biking path, take photos of stunning scenery (with lots of evergreens), and maybe walk/relax along a rocky stream with some footbridges in a gorge. I'd be particularly interested in the more rugged areas, with lots of rocky outcroppings and cliffs.

Is there an abundance of those kinds of places within - oh, say 25-75 miles of Portland? This would greatly help me in making a decision about where I want to move.

Thanks.

[diggitydot]

Check these out:

Beacon Rock State Park
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp...=Beacon%20Rock

Multnomah Falls
http://trips.stateoforegon.com/multnomah_falls/

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/

This one might be a little further than 75 miles, but is a really great trail:
Pacific Crest Trail
http://www.pcta.org/about_trail/overview/oregon.asp

Mt. St. Helens
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/

Those are just some of the things to do nearby. If you widen your area out a bit, here are some .

Willamette Valley Wineries
http://www.willamettemwines.co/ (broken link)

Oregon Coast
http://www.visittheoregoncoast.com/

There are a ton more, but these are a good place to begin...

Enjoy!

[tiffela74]

lol, I think youre going to be pleasantly overwhelmed w/the amount of areas you have described. Even within Portland, we have Forest Park which is breathtaking and HUGE. We have a lot of parks, forests, trails, streams, rivers, waterfalls, etc. I think you'll be quite happy w/it all.
BTW, if youre into riding your bike (Im guessing bicycle, not moter?) there is also an abundance of trails specifically for that in/around Portland. Its a very bike/pedestrian friendly place. You'll find our pubic transportation is quite inexpensive and will take you to many many wonderful places.
Tiffany

[Pathwalker]

I've looked at some of the sites diggitydot listed, and I was really amazed at some of what I saw. It definitely looks like I could get lost by exploring the area. (That's a good thing. ) I love to get out and about, grabbing my camera so I can take pictures of different places from unique angles. Looks like I would never get bored around the area. I need a new place to call home - not just some place where I live. I just want to be sure Portland is a place where that could happen.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by WCRob

I've looked at some of the sites diggitydot listed, and I was really amazed at some of what I saw. It definitely looks like I could get lost by exploring the area. (That's a good thing. ) I love to get out and about, grabbing my camera so I can take pictures of different places from unique angles. Looks like I would never get bored around the area. I need a new place to call home - not just some place where I live. I just want to be sure Portland is a place where that could happen.

You won't have any problems finding something to do in the Portland area. Very cool stuff to do and see. Especially if you're a nature nut or history buff. But there's also a good mix of indoor things to do, too. Great indie music scene, fantastic art galleries, huge mix of activities for all different tastes.

[Pathwalker]

You know one of the things that got me looking at Portland? I was watching Rachel Ray's "$40-A-Day" episode where she visited Portland, and she went to a restaurant (some sort of "station") where she was able to sample various locally brewed beers and they looked SO good. She had lunch at some eatery downtown, and showed scenes of Multnomah Falls. It was so much prettier than I'd ever imagined Portland to be, and I'm a real nut for unique shops and dining experiences. So I'm also really interested in knowing what kind of restaurants serve up some great dishes, and if there are any unique shopping areas where you can walk and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by WCRob

You know one of the things that got me looking at Portland? I was watching Rachel Ray's "$40-A-Day" episode where she visited Portland, and she went to a restaurant (some sort of "station") where she was able to sample various locally brewed beers and they looked SO good. She had lunch at some eatery downtown, and showed scenes of Multnomah Falls. It was so much prettier than I'd ever imagined Portland to be, and I'm a real nut for unique shops and dining experiences. So I'm also really interested in knowing what kind of restaurants serve up some great dishes, and if there are any unique shopping areas where you can walk and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds.

For cool shopping, look for the area around PGE Park. NW 23rd, I think. There's a very eclectic group of shops around there.

http://www.viamagazine.com/weekenders/portland04.asp

There's also a spectacular Jewish Deli near there, too. Kornblatt's is almost always busy because the food is SOOOOOO good.

mod cut

Here are some other, funky shopping places in Portland:

The Pearl District
http://pearldistrict.com/pearl-district-shopping.html

Hawthorne District
http://www.portlandguide.com/neighbo...e-district.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthor...rtland,_Oregon

Portland's Saturday Market
http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/



Portland is home to MANY fantastic restaurants. Everything from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall Ma & Pa type places. A good place to get a rough idea where to start is with the indie Portland newspaper, The Willamette Week. It has the skinny on most all the food/drink/entertainment/politics/news in the area. Here's the link to their main page: http://www.wweek.com/

[Pathwalker]

Great links. Thanks. The Pearl District looks cool. Seriously, you've really helped me a lot with all the info. I appreciate it.

[parasol]

Anyone know if it's possible to get to Multnomah Falls from downtown Portland without a car?