Sunset in Seaside, standing at the promenade turnaround. Click the image to enlarge.
For more info on daytripping in Seaside by bus, read the article Beyond Portland: Spring Break Traditions in Seaside, Oregon.
Photo by Stephanie Paris
Explore Nature
One Pass to See Them All: Portland’s Best Cultural & Historical Sites, Museums, Gardens, and Attractions
Whether you’re visiting Portland from another city, or you live here and have a few days off to explore your own city, our friends over at Travel Portland can help you get the most bang for your buck while seeing some of the city’s most notable points of interest. They have created four different Attraction Passes that give you entry into all or a curated selection of Portland’s best museums, gardens, and cultural & historical sites. The passes are good for five days from the date of purchase, and can only be purchased online. The Attraction Passes cater to the needs of the traveler whether you want it all (the Big Pass) or just want a select few from the list (the Washington Park Pass, the Downtown Pass, or the Garden Pass). Continue reading
Beyond Portland: Spring Break Traditions in Seaside, Oregon
Falling in love with Seaside, Oregon was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. With its unique whimsical charm and old-timey character, it has become one of my family’s favorite weekend destinations. It’s the kind of place that has the ability to appeal to everyone due to the fact that there is just so much to do, see, eat, discover, and experience. It inspires us to explore, and we take great pleasure in devouring as much of Seaside as we can possibly fit into our multi-day stays. This includes expansive, open beaches, vintage and modern arcade games, boutique shopping, an indoor carousel, delightful restaurants, a 1.5 mile boardwalk affectionately nicknamed the “Prom,” and hotel accommodations ranging from large resorts to small beach bungalows. Incredibly, this treasured beach town in all its splendor is easily accessible by bus.
Our trip begins at Union Station in Portland, Oregon, where we choose the morning bus, departing at 9:30 AM (there’s also an evening departure at 6:20 PM). The scenic ride aboard the NorthWest POINT bus is a comfortable one, with reclining seats, foot rests, free wifi, and an on-board restroom. Once in Seaside, Continue reading
Winter Hiking on Mt. Talbert
Image courtesy of Google Maps
A funny thing happens when I mention the hike on Mt. Talbert: whomever I am speaking with tries to correct me by saying, “You mean Mt Tabor…” Nope. I mean Mt. Talbert, one of the many dormant or extinct volcanoes that dot the southeast region of the city. The fact that not many know about its existence inspired me to feature this little gem of a walk in the woods. Mt. Talbert is a forest-covered, 750-foot-tall, ancient, worn-down shield volcano located just a few miles southeast of Portland near Sunnyside, and resides within the Kellogg-Mt Scott watershed. With over 250 acres of conserved natural area, it is one of the most healthy wildlife habitats in the urban Portland metropolitan region.
Photo by Frank Paris
Mt. Talbert is seen by tens of thousands of commuters every day along Interstate 205, likely most of them not knowing that a beautiful park resides at the top. A network of 4 miles of trail covers the Mt. Talbert Nature Park. Even though the hiking trails are just feet away from neighborhoods and businesses, there is an abundance of wildlife that can be seen on this hike, including deer, western gray squirrels, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches and western tanagers. The forest is comprised of Douglas Firs and groves of Western Red Cedars and Oregon White Oaks. Continue reading
Fall Colors at the Portland Japanese Garden
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Autumn has descended upon the city of roses, and it’s time to celebrate one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest seasons. It’s time for brisk air, football, pumpkin lattes, fall markets, and of course, time to get out and enjoy those changing colors. Topping pretty much every list for best places to view fall color is the Portland Japanese Garden. October and November are perhaps the most breathtaking months of the year to see the Garden, when a multitude of native and Japanese trees put on a stunning fall color display.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Whether you visit with your sweetie for a romantic walk, journey alone for some peaceful meditation, or bring the family for a day of adventuring, the Japanese Garden is one of the most unique places to spend an afternoon. Kiddos are even provided with a special map of the Garden’s five distinct areas. There are a number of small statues and landmarks listed throughout the area to find while they explore. The objects range from easy to difficult to spot, though all can be found from the main trail.
Visit the Garden’s Hours & Admission page to check current pricing and hours of operation.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Accessibility by bus:
Monday through Friday only:
- SW Kingston & Japanese Garden Northbound: Stop ID 3276 – 0.07 miles away, Served by line 63
- SW Fairview & Kingston Eastbound: Stop ID 1633 – 0.09 miles away, Served by lines 63, 83
Daily service, if you don’t mind walking about a mile:
- W Burnside & NW 23rd Westbound: Stop ID 755 – 0.01 miles away • Served by lines 15, 18, 20
- W Burnside & SW St Clair Eastbound: Stop ID 718 – 0.06 miles away • Served by lines 15, 18, 20
For easy trip planning assistance, visit TriMet.org and enter your starting location and the Garden’s address (611 SW Kingston Ave.) for a detailed trip itinerary.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205 503-223-1321
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Article by Adam Sawyer and Stephanie Paris
Cover photo by Adam Sawyer
A Hike from Balch Creek to The Pittock Mansion
Photo by Frank Paris
The Balch Creek Canyon is one of the most beautiful urban canyons to be found anywhere. The transition from crowded city streets to peaceful canopied trail and flourishing canyon happens so quickly that you’ll find it hard to believe a bustling city is just steps away. Located in the Macleay Park section of Forest Park, the trail begins at the Lower Macleay Park Trailhead and soon joins up with the Wildwood Trail. Although the diverse trail system of Forest Park can take you on a number of unique adventures though the 5,100-acre park, one of my favorites is the heart-pumping trip through Balch Creek Canyon up to the historic Pittock Mansion.
Leaving from the lower trailhead at the terminus of Northwest Upshur Street, the trail begins smooth and paved as it enters the canyon. But the concrete soon ends, and the surroundings become more wild and lush as the canyon walls rise. The largest Doug fir trees in Portland are in this part of the park, as well as native cutthroat trout. Discovered in 1987, the small population of trout that reside in the creek helped solidify efforts to restore the health of the entire watershed.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
After 0.85 miles, you’ll come to a junction with the Wildwood Trail. Just past this turnoff you’ll find the Stone House, also known as “The Witch’s Castle.” Despite its medieval appearance, what remains here is the stone framework of an elaborate rest station, once with bathrooms, that was originally erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s (though what you tell the kids about the mossy, fern-covered tribute to spookiness is entirely up to you).
Continue straight along the path that follows the creek, cross over a footbridge, and soon the trail ascends up three long switchbacks to the Upper Macleay Park on Cornell Road, .54 miles from the Stone House. Follow the path around the parking lot and use the crosswalk to cross Cornell Road and pick up the Wildwood Trail on the other side. The trail continues steadily up hill to the Pittock Mansion parking lot.
Photo by Frank Paris
The Pittock Mansion holds historical significance, and the visual magnificence of the mansion and its grounds, including views of Portland’s skyline and Mt. Hood, offer a generous reward for your efforts.
Photo by Frank Paris
Touring the grounds is free, but for an extra treat, I highly recommend paying the small entrance fee to tour the inside of the mansion. The exquisite artifacts, furniture, art, and every other piece of the house has been carefully preserved, and the moment you step into the mansion, you feel as though you’ve stepped 100 years back in time.
Photos by Frank Paris
Once you’ve satiated your Downton Abbey fantasies, head back the way you came, and enjoy the lush forest as you descend back down the trail, across Cornell road, and down through the Balch Creek Canyon. The total hike is approximately 5 miles round trip, with about 900 feet of elevation gain.
How to get there by bus:
From downtown, board Line 15 at SW Washington & Broadway stop ID 6137. Alternatively, you can also take line 77 from the rose quarter transit center stop ID 2592. Whichever bus you choose, you’ll get off at NW Vaughn & 27th stop ID 8802. To get to the trailhead, walk east on Vaughn St., turn left on 26th Ave, right on Upshur St., and walk a short distance to the Lower Macleay Park Trailhead. Visit trimet.org‘s trip planning page and enter your starting location and use the ending location of stop ID 8802 to get your specific route and scheduled departures/arrivals.
Collaborative article by Adam Sawyer and Stephanie Paris
Beyond Portland: The seaside charm of Anacortes
Photo by Adam Sawyer
It is my firm belief that every city has its own charm. When the opportunity to travel to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island in Washington presented itself, I was not sure what to expect. But as always, I knew I could count on a great adventure, traveling my way up and down the west coast, riding rails and buses the whole way. The western Washington coastal town of Anacortes resides on the only one of the San Juan Islands connected to the mainland by a bridge, making an easy sojourn for those on wheels.
Photo by Stephanie Paris
The journey began from Union Station in downtown Portland, where the Amtrak Cascades train departs, and travels approximately six hours north to Mt. Vernon, Washington. Let me just say, if you have never been on a train, remedy that stat! It’s such a fun way to travel, and can turn your trips into more relaxing experiences. Once the train arrived in Mt. Vernon, I took the Skagit Transit line 615 westbound to our home for the next two days: the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
This was only my second stay at a casino, and although gambling is rarely a part of my life, I find the whole experience of a hotel with attached casino very entertaining. Our room was large and clean, and offered a beautiful view of Mt. Baker. Our stay happened to coincide with the Bite of Skagit, an annual fundraising event for the Skagit Food Distribution Center, which links farms to families in need to ensure that all residents have access to fresh local produce. At the event we sampled delicious food from various local restaurants, and the live music performed by the Shadow Creek Project Band made this an authentic summer experience. The casino’s restaurant, 13 Moons, got my vote for “best bite,” and on the evening that we chose to eat there, I had worked up my expectations as much as my appetite.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
We started with a couple cocktails and appetizers. The White Truffle Sea Scallops were so good they alone could have justified my trip to Anacortes. The Dungeness Crab Cakes came in a close second for dish of the night, and were fresh and flavorful. My entree for the evening was Wild Chinook Salmon, cooked to a soft medium, just the way I asked. All three dishes featured Native Catch seafood, which is all natural, wild, and sustainably harvested and processed by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The skit from Portlandia made it cliche, but I truly am interested in the origins of my food, and I love knowing that the local natives were the harvesting hands before the talented chef at 13 Moons made magic with the bounty.
Photo by Stephanie Paris
Another wonderful feature of the Swinomish Casino & Lodge is the Swinomish Golf Links course about a mile down the road from the lodge. It features an 18 hole par 72 course with views of Mt Baker and Fidalgo Bay. Never having golfed before, this links-style course with open, tree-lined fairways and approachable greens was perfect for me. Skagit Transit Line 513 got me there and back without a hitch.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
The next day we had planned to go whale watching with Island Adventures. Commuting by bus in a city where I am not familiar with the local transit system means that I have to plan my trips carefully and allow time-buffers so I don’t miss things like scheduled boat departures. I have found that this can actually enhance my travel experience by giving me more time to explore a particular area if I do end up being early and not needing the buffer. Taking Skagit Transit line 513 to line 410 got us there with plenty of time, and I was able to make some purchases in the gift shop, holding up my end of the deal I have with my boys when I travel without them. Once checked in, we walked to the docks for a pre-voyage talk with the captain, and then we boarded the vessel and set sail. If ever you find yourself anywhere near Anacortes, you must check out the Island Adventures whale watching trips. They guarantee whale sightings, and as promised, we saw whales from three resident pods as they swam and played, breaching multiple times throughout the morning. We also saw harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and even had a rare puffin sighting. It was sunny and clear, Mt Baker was out in all her glory, and it could not have been a more enjoyable experience.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
The charm of Anacortes certainly caught my attention. The only fault in the trip is that I was only there for 2 days. I would love to return and spend more time wandering through historic downtown, visiting some of the 50+ antique dealers, discovering more local dining hot spots, and I’d definitely get another scoop at Mad Hatter’s Ice Cream shop. But unlike ice cream, the end of a trip is always bittersweet – I hate to leave, but I love coming home. At least now I know how easy it is to go back.
Article by Stephanie Paris
The 4T Trail: A Quintessential Portland Experience
Portland’s 4T Trail is quite possibly the coolest city/forest/transit adventure in existence. The T’s of the 4T Trail stand for Train (MAX), Trail, Tram, and Trolley (Portland Streetcar). When combined, these T’s create an approximately nine-mile loop and a quintessential Portland experience. The 4T highlights some of the city’s best assets: urban parks and trails, stunning views of volcanoes and cityscapes, a tram ride, and our legendary public transportation. For all these reasons and more, the 4T makes for an excellent outing for adventurers of all ages.
There are four different trailheads, one for each T of the trip. And although you can begin the trip at any of the trailheads, I prefer to start and finish downtown, making the Train the first T segment of the trip. Before you begin your journey, you’ll want to purchase a TriMet Day Pass at one of the fareboxes located at any MAX stop. Put your ticket in a safe place, as it is valid on the Portland Streetcar as well.
Hop on a westbound MAX train, either the Red Line towards Beaverton or the Blue Line towards Hillsboro. Both will get you to your stop at Washington Park/Oregon Zoo. If you’re travelling with children, you might want to alert them of the awesomeness that you are about experience as you enter a tunnel that takes you deep beneath the zoo. At 260 feet below the surface, the MAX station at Washington Park is the deepest transit station in North America! Get off here and take the elevator up to the zoo parking area where you will begin the second T of your trip.
The Trail segment of the loop departs from the Washington Park MAX station and takes you on a 4.5-mile hike up to OHSU. Begin the hike by walking over to the zoo entrance, but not into the zoo. We’ll save that for another trip. Follow the sidewalk as it leads you downhill and out of the parking area. Remember to watch for the 4T signs. The sidewalk will lead you over Highway 26. Cross the eastbound onramp to the shoulder and take a left, hiking east down the onramp a short distance. Don’t be fooled by the unmarked boot path off to the right. Wait until you see the sign marking the 4T Trail and begin hiking up the Marquam Trail towards Council Crest. Even though you’re within city limits, you’d never know it by the lush beauty of this forest. Once you reach the summit of Council Crest, the highest point in Portland proper, soak up the views and take a well-earned breather before descending into the Marquam Nature Park. Follow the 4T Trail signs, which eventually lead you to Fairmount Blvd where you will turn right to take the Urban Shortcut to the Tram.
The Tram from OHSU is the third T segment of your journey. Hours vary, but the ride is free since you’re heading down. The ride is brief but breathtaking, especially on a clear day when the volcanic peaks are visible. Although the tram’s main purpose is the daily commute of hospital staff, it sure is a fun 5 minutes for those of us that don’t get to take the ride every day!
Once you exit the Tram, the OHSU Commons streetcar (Trolley) stop is just steps away. The streetcar signifies the end of hiking or standing, and your final T segment of the day, so take a load off. Enjoy the ride for ten full stops, exiting the streetcar at the Central Library (SW 10th & SW Yamhill). I love finishing at this downtown location because it is an optimal spot to grab lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a tasty bite, Elephants in the Park, located at Director Park (SW Taylor and SW 9th) is a crowdpleaser. If you want a sweet treat, try TartBerry for delicious self-serve frozen yogurt (SW 9th & SW Taylor). There are a number of options here, including the food cart pod at SW 9th and SW Alder, so you should be able to find many tasty ways to reward your day’s efforts.
For maps and detailed directions, please check out the 4T website.
(Original story by Adam Sawyer, adapted with permission by Stephanie Paris)
Portland By Bus 