EXPLORE PORTLAND TOUR
HALF DAY TOUR

Activities: Hiking, photography, wildlife spotting, bird watching, iconic and educational sightseeing with naturalist interpretation
Interests: parks, sustainability, local culture, neighborhoods, bridges, books, ecology, geology, volcanoes, botany, local and natural history

Inclusions: Downtown hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified and knowledgeable naturalist guide, travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Jeep, morning tea and pastry, refreshments, all park entry fees and comprehensive naturalist commentary.

Escape Plan:

The Highlights

• Pearl District
• International Rose Test Garden*
• Bridges of Portland
• Iconic view from Pittock Mansion
• Washington Park
• Mt Tabor Park
• Alberta Street
• Mississippi Street (The Meadow)
• Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast Neighborhoods of Portland
• Powell’s Book Store
• Sustainability in Portland *seasonal

Portland, also known as The City of Roses, Stumptown, Bridgetown, Rip City, Little Beirut, Beervana or Beertown, is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest. Whether in Cultural District downtown or a transfigured warehouse in the trendy Pearl District, it is easy to see why Money magazine has called Portland the “Best Big City” in North America. Portland is known for its large number of microbreweries and micro distilleries, as well as its coffee enthusiasm. Rich in Northwest arts and heritage, the city and region are also noted for strong land-use planning, excellent public transportation and a progressive regional-government. We will start our day by enjoying tea and other refreshments while taking in the iconic views of Portland and surrounding volcanic peaks at the historic Pittock Mansion. The Pittock Mansion was home to two influential Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919 and is now a city park and treasured landmark.

Next we explore the neighborhoods! Portland is divided into four main quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. Each quadrant has its own distinct feel and unique attractions including art galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and performance spaces. While in the Missippi neighborhood we will visit The Meadow where you can sample confections, taste local wines and experience gourmet salts from around the world! Included in your guide’s narration will be the fascinating history of a few of Portland’s ten famous bridges. Some of the other neighborhoods we will be visiting include the Pearl Disctrict, Nob Hill and Hawthorne. Portland is proud of its parks and its legacy of preserving open spaces. Parks and greenspace planning date back to John Charles Olmsted, and today more than 8,100 acres of ecologically valuable natural areas have been purchased and permanently protected from development.

Today we will visit at least two of the following parks: Washington Park, Mt Tabor Park, McCall Waterfront Park and when the season is right, the International Rose Test Garden. Your naturalist guide will bring the parks alive by interpreting history, flora and fauna and spotting birds. We will also be visiting one of Portland's greatest treasures: Powell’s Books - the largest independent, new and used bookstore in the world! Portland has been referred to as the most environmentally friendly or "green" city in the United States and the second most in the world.Today your guide will be sure to share a few examples of how the city of Portland has become a leader in community sustainability!

Tour Length: 3.5 Hours
Tour Code: EV80
Pick-Up: Downtown Portland Hotels and Cruise Terminals
Departing: 8:00a
Returns: 11:30a
Difficulty: Easy
Offset your Carbon Footprint: Please ask for a quote
Season: Year Round
Tour Cost: $59.00 per escapist
Departs: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - and at private request

***This tour can be customized as a private tour or corporate retreat, call or email for a quote.

Thanks for Exploring the Pacific Northwest with EverGreen Escapes!

Make this a 1, 2 or 3 night escape and explore the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, Mt. St Helens, the Oregon Coast or spend a half-day paddling on the Willamette River or tasting wine on our Willamette Valley Wine Trail Experience.

Check out Calendar of Escape Routes for Scheduled Departures!