Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon, the largest city in the state, is a vibrant metropolis known for its lush landscapes, progressive culture, and eclectic neighborhoods. Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Portland lies near the northern border of Oregon, adjacent to the state of Washington.

The area now known as Portland was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, and Molalla. Their ancestral lands spanned across what is now the greater Portland metropolitan area. Portland is part of the Pacific Northwest, a region that includes parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. Within Oregon, it lies in the Willamette Valley, known for its fertile soil and agriculture.

Portland’s landscape is defined by several key features:

  • Willamette Valley: The city lies within this fertile valley.
  • West Hills (Tualatin Mountains): A range of hills west of downtown that provide stunning views of the city and are home to Forest Park.
  • Eastside: The relatively flat area east of the Willamette River, which includes most of the city’s neighborhoods.
  • Boring Lava Field: An extinct volcanic field east of the city.
  • Columbia River Gorge: A scenic canyon north of Portland.

Portland spans three counties:

  • Multnomah County (primary)
  • Washington County (western portions)
  • Clackamas County (small southern portion)

The Portland metropolitan area, often referred to as the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area, includes seven counties across Oregon and Washington. Major cities in this area include:

  • Vancouver, WA
  • Beaverton, OR
  • Gresham, OR
  • Hillsboro, OR
  • Lake Oswego, OR
  • Tigard, OR
  • Milwaukie, OR

Portland’s city governance does not utilize a ward system; instead, it is managed by a city commission government. The city is divided into 95 precincts for voting purposes.

Portland has numerous zip codes, including:
97201 (Downtown), 97202, 97203, 97204, 97205, 97206, 97209 (Pearl District and Northwest), 97210, 97211, 97212, 97213, 97214 (Inner Southeast), 97215, 97216, 97217 (North Portland), 97218, 97219, 97220, 97221, 97222, 97223, 97224, 97225, 97227, 97229 (Northwest and West Portland), 97230, 97231, 97232, 97233, 97236, 97239, 97266

Portland is known for its diverse neighborhoods, including:

  1. Pearl District
  2. Downtown
  3. Northwest District (Nob Hill)
  4. Old Town Chinatown
  5. Goose Hollow
  6. South Waterfront
  7. Sellwood-Moreland
  8. Hawthorne District
  9. Alberta Arts District
  10. Mississippi Avenue
  11. St. Johns
  12. Hollywood
  13. Laurelhurst
  14. Irvington
  15. Kenton

Portland boasts numerous parks and green spaces, including:

  • Forest Park (one of the largest urban forests in the United States)
  • Washington Park (home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden)
  • Mt. Tabor Park
  • Laurelhurst Park
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • Tryon Creek State Natural Area
  • Powell Butte Nature Park
  • Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Portland Rivers:

  • Willamette River: Runs through the heart of the city
  • Columbia River: Forms the northern border of Portland

Portland includes several enterprise zones that encourage business development through tax incentives, such as:

  • East Portland Enterprise Zone
  • North/Northeast Enterprise Zone
  • Rivergate Industrial District

Things Unique to Portland:

  • Urban Growth Boundary: A land use planning tool that controls urban expansion
  • Extensive bicycle infrastructure: Portland is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US
  • Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests within city limits in the United States
  • Portland Aerial Tram: Connects the South Waterfront district to the main Oregon Health & Science University campus
  • Numerous bridges: Portland is nicknamed “Bridge City” due to its 12 bridges crossing the Willamette River, including the iconic St. Johns Bridge and the modern Tilikum Crossing
  • Food Scene: Renowned for its food carts, microbreweries, and farm-to-table dining
  • Sustainability: A leader in green building and urban planning, with extensive bike lanes and public transit options
  • Cultural Events: Home to events like the Portland Rose Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival, and the Oregon Brewers Festival

Portland’s geography contributes significantly to its character, blending urban development with natural beauty and offering residents and visitors a unique mix of city life and outdoor activities. The city’s commitment to preserving green spaces and promoting sustainable urban planning has shaped its physical landscape and continues to influence its growth and development.