Claim: Seth Rogen moved to the United States.

Portland -LRB- -LSB- ˈpɔrtlənd -RSB- -RRB- is a port and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County . It is in the Willamette Valley region of the Pacific Northwest , at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers . The city covers 145 sqmi and had an estimated population of 639,863 in 2016 , making it the 26th most populous city in the United States . Approximately 2,424,955 people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area -LRB- MSA -RRB- , the 25th most populous MSA in the United States . Its Combined Statistical Area -LRB- CSA -RRB- ranks 18th with a population of 3,160,488 . Roughly 60 % of Oregon 's population resides within the Portland metropolitan area .   Named after Portland , Maine , the Oregon settlement began to be populated in the 1830s near the end of the Oregon Trail . Its water access provided convenient transportation of goods , and the timber industry was a major force in the city 's early economy . At the turn of the 20th century , the city had a reputation as one of the most dangerous port cities in the world , a hub for organized crime and racketeering .   After the city 's economy experienced an industrial boom during World War II , its hard-edged reputation began to dissipate . Beginning in the 1960s , Portland became noted for its growing liberal political values , and the city has earned a reputation as a bastion of counterculture , which proceeded into the 21st century .   The city operates with a commission-based government guided by a mayor and four commissioners as well as Metro , the only directly elected metropolitan planning organization in the United States . The city government is notable for its land-use planning and investment in public transportation . Portland is frequently recognized as one of the world 's most environmentally conscious cities because of its high walkability , large community of bicyclists , farm-to-table dining , expansive network of public transportation options , and over 10000 acre of public parks . Its climate is marked by warm , dry summers and cool , rainy winters . This climate is ideal for growing roses , and Portland has been called the `` City of Roses '' for over a century . `` Keep Portland Weird '' is an unofficial slogan for the city .