Things to Do Outdoors in and Around Sweden

Blanketed across the confluence of 2 majestic rivers and within an hour of both the Pacific Coast and Cascade Mountains, Portland and its lush environs have something for nearly every lover of the outdoors.

Hardcore funhogs can snowboard and run whitewater on the same day almost any time of year and still be back in the city for dinner. More contemplative types might prefer a hilly amble through Portland’s urban, but seemingly boundless Forest Park. Anglers can drop a line for wild salmon where the placid Willamette River runs beneath downtown bridges. There’s surfing at the coast, kite-boarding on the Columbia, and miles of bicycling on non-vehicular paths. Rock climbing, golf, skate parks, birding; you name it and you can find it somewhere in or close to Portland.

1. Ski and Snowboard Mt. Hood in Winter and Summer

Mt. Hood Meadows Resort has the edge on winter terrain. Timberline Lodge is the only place on the mountain where you can still ride lifts to ski and snowboard in the heat of summer. Mt. Hood Skibowl is the largest night skiing resort in the country. And, there are plenty of places to seek out backcountry ski terrain for those qualified to do so.  

2. Kayak Downtown

See Portland’s skyline in relative solitude by kayaking the broad Willamette River through downtown. Few large vessels ply the city center waterway; most ships and barges never venture past the commercial ports downstream. Instead, you may share this section of river with a couple of colorful Dragonboats (large paddle-powered race boats with Chinese-influenced serpent designs) or an occasional sailboat. Rent kayaks from Portland Kayak Company or Alder Creek (Alder Creek rents stand up paddle boards too). In summer, Portland Kayak Company runs guided kayak tours a couple miles upstream from downtown where you might see great blue herons, bald eagles or osprey in the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

3. Visit “The Gorge”

As the last of the metro area disappears from your rear view mirror while driving east on Interstate 84, you’ll be dwarfed on your right by the steep cliffs and promontories of the Columbia River Gorge. Take exit 22, snake up the hill to the town of Corbett, then head east (left) on the narrow Historic Columbia River Highway. The old 2-lane road provides access to short trails which pass beneath multi-storied ribbons of free falling water and to arduous daylong treks that reach sweeping vista points high above the river. If time is limited try the 2 1/2-mile loop hike to misty Latourell and Upper Latourell Falls. A few miles farther east on the road will get you to the trailhead for a hike up the scenic Wahkeena Trail to Devil’s Rest. You can marvel at expansive Gorge views from several points along the trail. Contact US Forest Service officials at theColumbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for information on routes and trail closures.