Portland and the Pacific Northwest

Visiting PortlandPortland, home of Oregon Health & Science University, is a city of bridges, hills, flowers and forests. The Columbia River separates Portland from Washington, its neighbor to the north. The Willamette River runs through the city and provides many opportunities for recreational diversions.

Portland is Oregon's largest city, with a metropolitan area population of nearly two million. The area offers entertainment in the arts and theater, museums of art and science, restaurants, night life and sports. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound in Portland and the Pacific Northwest. Nearby rivers and lakes invite swimming, boating, and other water sports. Mountains and ocean beaches, all within a 90-minute drive, attract campers, hikers, cyclists, skiers and climbers.

Despite its reputation for dampness, Portland's average precipitation, 37 inches, is less than Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston or Seattle. The 37,000 acres of park land in the metro area, including the 5,000-acre Forest Park, benefit from the rain and provide a lush environment that promotes relaxation.

Portland is well known for its abundant offering of outdoor activities due to the close proximity of the Columbia River Gorge, the Mt. Hood forest system and the Oregon beaches - all within a short drive. Outdoor recreation is fostered by Portland's sunny summer and fall days, averaging 70-80 degrees with low humidity, and moderate winter days rarely dipping below 32 degrees.