Top 8 Family Outdoor Activities in Portland

Founded in 1888, the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River is located just minutes from downtown Portland and is home to 2,000 animals from more than 230 species – which means you can get up close to everything from an African pygmy hedgehog to a Visayan warty pig. But the star at this conservation zoo has to be its Elephant Lands habitat, home to a growing elephant family. The habitat includes diverse landscape areas and play structures, as well as opportunities for visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Easy access to some of the nation’s most spectacular scenery often puts hiking near the top of the agenda for many Portland visitors. Latourell Falls, the closest waterfall to the city and also one of the prettiest, sits on a looping trail less than 4 km in length. A bit farther, 40 minutes from downtown, the gentle Punchbowl Falls hike features stunning namesake falls and a popular swimming hole.

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest – not to mention the joy of roasting marshmallows over a campfire – spend a memorable night under the stars. There’s no better place to play on a hot summer day than the cool, clear waters of the Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park, an oasis for swimmers, kayakers, rafters and floaters just 32 kilometers from downtown. No tent? No problem – family-friendly yurts and deluxe cabins provide cozy overnight options.

Oregon’s pristine waters make it a paradise for fishers, boaters and adventure-seekers alike.  Just 20 minutes east of Portland, the gentle Sandy River attracts a mix of inner-tubers, kayakers and rafters, but anglers come for the abundant populations of winter steelhead, trout and salmon. You can also reel in a big catch without leaving the city: The Willamette River is one of only a handful of U.S. rivers to offer salmon and steelhead fishing in a large metropolitan area.

Portland has more than 483 kilometers of bike lanes, paths and low-traffic streets designated as “bike boulevards,” making cycling one of the best ways to see the city — and not just for experienced bike-commuters. During the Providence Bridge Pedal (typically held in August), nearly 20,000 cyclists ride over iconic Portland bridges closed to traffic. For little legs, try the 23-kilometer, seven-bridge ride or the 5-kilometer Kids Pedal.

The majestic, snow-capped Mt. Hood on Portland's eastern horizon offers year-round family fun. In the winter, three ski resorts provide skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities a snowy playground of varied terrain. At Mt. Hood Meadows, the mountain’s largest resort, 85 runs range from a beginners-only “fun zone” to double-black-diamond bowls, while cross-country skiers can kick and glide 14.5 kilometers of both groomed at set tracks at the adjoining Nordic area.