Portland is just a short distance from the spectacular Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls, windsurfing at Hood River, touring at valley wineries, skiing at Mt. Hood, fish watching at Bonneville Dam, and all the excitement of the Oregon Coast. Portland is known for its extensive park system of more than 200 parks. These encompass such areas as the elm shaded South Park Blocks in the downtown area and Washington Park, home of the Rose Test Gardens. Portland's Forest Park, at nearly 5,000 acres, is the largest park within a city in the U.S. Portland's park system offers leisure and recreation opportunities for everyone. Portland's award winning mass transit system is one of the most extensive and advanced int eh U.S., and includes buses and the MAX, an urban light rail line, as well as a downtown transit mall and Fareless Square, th downtown free-ride zone.
Short blocks make Portland a walker's paradise.
The public art and old fashioned statuary, along with many fountains, bridges and parks offer opportunities for leisure and contemplation for the casual sroller. For the more adventuresome walker, Forest Park has approximately 50 miles of trails. Nightlife opportunities in Portland are excellent and varied. On top of the list is the internationally-known Oregon Symphony. Portland also has many local pubs and brewhouses that feature jazz and blues.