Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portland_Night_panorama_edit.jpg
Author: Fcb981


Portland is the largest city in Oregon and the second largest in the Pacific Northwest after Seattle. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, it is also the county seat of Multnomah County. With a population of 590,000 (2011 estimate), it is the 29th most populous city in the United States. The metropolitan area of Portland has a population of 2.2 million people.

Fremont Bridge, Portland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USACE_Fremont_Bridge_Portland.jpg
Author: Bob Heims, US Armp Corps of Engineers


Portland was established by William Overton in 1843, who shared the land claim with his business partner Asa Lovejoy. Overton later sold his share to Francis W Pettygrove, who won a coin toss with Lovejoy and got to name the name settlement after his hometown, Portland, Maine. The coin used in the toss is today on display at the Oregon Historical Society.

Portland's strategic location, with good access to the Pacific Ocean and to the hinterlands via the Willamette and Columbia rivers, helped to fuel its growth. It was the main port in the Pacific Northwest until the late 19th century, when its role was challenged by Seattle, which has a deepwater harbor.

Portland Japanese Garden
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portland_Japanese_garden_dry_garden.jpg
Author: Laurascudder


Portland today is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly cities of the world. The city enjoys a Marine west coast climate. Its summers are warm, sunny and dry, with temperatures averaging around 79.7°F (26.5°C) in August. There may be occasional heatwaves when temperatures rise to 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild and wet, with January temperatures averaging 39.9°F (4.4°C).

Visiting Portland, Oregon

You can reach Portland from the north and south on Interstate 5 and from the east on Interstate 84.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the main gateway to the city by flight. It is located about 9 mi (15 km) to the northeast of downtown Portland, and receives flights connecting it to major cities in the United States as well as to Vancouver, Toronto, Tokyo and Amsterdam.

Autzen House (on National Register of Historic Places), Portland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autzen_House_-_Portland_Oregon.jpg
Author: Werewombat

Places of Interest in Portland, Oregon

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