Portland, Oregon, USA

overview

Lonely Planet describes Portland as a city with a “thriving culture, with a dash of sleaze and the world’s greatest bookstore.” With more inner-city parks than most cities have parking, and more brewpubs than burger joints, it’s no wonder Portland is among the fastest growing cities in the US. The city sits at the junction of two great rivers (the Willamette and the Columbia), and is ringed by vast forests and ancient volcanoes (St. Helens, Adams, Hood).

Perennially near the top of the USA’s “most liveable cities” list, Oregon’s largest city acts as a magnet for young-at-heart go-getter types, where investment bankers wear Birkenstocks, coffee shops double as boardrooms and everybody, but everybody, is outdoors on the weekend.

For visitor information:
http://www.pova.org/visitors/
www.travelportland.com
www.myportlandonline.com

Weather

Portland sits between two mountain ranges, the Coast to the west bringing rain from the ocean and the Cascade to the east, which stops weather from inland reaching the city. Rain falls are heaviest between November and March, snow falls seldom and winter temperatures, with lows averaging less than 10°C (50°F), are generally mild. June to September are the warmest months in Portland, averaging above 20°C (68°F). However, be prepared for summer hot weather as well; if Mother Nature’s moods are flighty you would wind up with 90° days, and soft warm nights.

WHAT TO PACK

Sunscreen, if you wish to be outdoors. As for clothes, anything goes in the summer – from shorts and sandals, to jeans and sundresses. Most restaurants are casual, but you should check with either the specific restaurant or the concierge at your hotel before making reservations.