Portland State University Visitors Guide - Flipbook - Page 11
THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND
Get Outside
Portland is 90 miles from the Pacific
coast & 90 miles from Mt. Hood
1.
MULTNOMAH
FALLS
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Distance: 2.4 Mile Loop
Distance From PSU: 32 Min. Drive
Perhaps the most iconic destination for
Portland visitors, Multnomah Falls features
a 542-foot, two-tiered waterfall nestled into
the mossy forest background — conveniently
located adjacent to Interstate 84. There’s a
popular trail climbing to various viewpoints
of the waterfall, and for those looking for a
less-adventurous option, an overlook with
stellar views is accessible just past the historic 1925 stone lodge.
THOUSAND ACRES
2. (Sandy River Delta Park)
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Distance: 1,400 Acres Of Walking Trails, OffLeash Dog Park
Distance From PSU: 20 Min. Drive
Known as a dog-lovers paradise, Thousand
Acres features acres of open field, wetlands,
trails, not one but two rivers, a bird blind
and nearby space for mountain biking and
horseback riding. There’s plenty of parking
and the park is a mere three-minute drive to
the Sugarpine Drive-In, which pays homage
to the historic drive-in and serves a mean ice
cream cone.
3. LOWER
MACLEAY
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Distance: 2 - 4 Miles Out-And-Back
Distance From PSU: 25 Min. Streetcar Ride
Located in nearby NW Portland, PSU
students can get to this hike for free using
the Portland Streetcar. An easy 2-mile stroll
along a soothing stream through Forest
Park, one of the largest urban forests in the
United States. Turn around when you get
to Witch’s Castle or add another 4 miles to
historic Pittock Mansion, one of the best
views in Portland.
4. LATOURELL
FALLS
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 2.4 Mile Loop
Distance From Psu: 45 Min. Drive
If you want to ditch the crowds at Multnomah Falls, take a short hike to this double
waterfall instead. Latourell Falls is the closest
waterfall hike to Portland — you barely need
to leave your car to access the 224-foot lower
falls, but the full 2.4-mile loop to the upper
falls is worth every step. Take the scenic
route along the Historic Columbia River
Highway and get panoramic views of the
Columbia Gorge at the Vista House.
5. SILVER
FALLS
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Distance: 8 Mile Loop
Distance From PSU: 90 Min. Drive
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in
Oregon in the largest park in the state. You’ll
see 10 breathtaking waterfalls, walk through
lush, Pacific Northwest forest, and stretch out
your legs on this 8-mile loop. This is a long
hike, but it’s well maintained and the elevation
gain is moderate. You can park at one of the
many entrances and take the shorter 4- or
2-mile loops. Then you’ll have time to stop in
Woodburn for some excellent Mexican food.
Visitor Guide
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