Portland City Tour Details
This style of fountain (left) is unique to Portland. The iconic "Benson Bubblers", are found in the DT area. They were donated by Simon Benson, a lumberman and civic leader, in 1912.
Our City tour focuses on the SW & NW. Northwest is the smallest sector, since the river cuts away half of it, but this doesn't stop it from being busy. Inner-NW neighborhoods that wrap around SW downtown are pretty popular: Old Town, Pearl District and Northwest District. The West Hills creep into NW for a little bit, but almost immediately give way to Forest Park (2/3 of our tour), a 5000+ acre mass of forest. Most of the area along the river in northwest is industrial ("port"-land).
Initial itinerary:
Your tour begins or ends in SW downtown Portland, and includes Old Chinatown, Old Town, the Skidmore and Yamhill historic districts (both listed as one of Portland's National Historic Districts/Places) to name just a few. With your personal guide, you will learn about Portland's beginnings in the early-1800s when Native Americans and Lewis & Clark traveled through here along the Willamette River, which Lewis & Clark described as, "the Willamette can serve a man of war or ship of any burthen." Apart from the historical architecture and Portland's oldest building*, our tour takes you to Chinatown, the old North End and Burnside street, Portland's own Skid Road and takes the visitor into the story of Portland & Portland's seedy past. Discussing such subjects as 'blood money', 'white slavery', gambling & drug dens and Portland's notorious Crimping & Shanghaiing Trade & the infamous Portland Underground that survived from 1850-1941. This part of the tour is eliminated for our 'family-oriented' tour option.
The tour continues through the Pearl District and the Goose Hollow residential neighborhood into Forest Park and Washington Park with extended stops of about 30-45 minutes at our standard stops. including the famous International Rose Test Garden and about 30-60 minutes each at the tranquil Japanese Gardens or Chinese Gardens, and the Pittock Mansion.
Portland Historical Background
*Portland during the flood of 1894. Photo courtesy of Oregon Historical Society, #43943.
This style of fountain (left) is unique to Portland. The iconic "Benson Bubblers", are found in the DT area. They were donated by Simon Benson, a lumberman and civic leader, in 1912.
Our City tour focuses on the SW & NW. Northwest is the smallest sector, since the river cuts away half of it, but this doesn't stop it from being busy. Inner-NW neighborhoods that wrap around SW downtown are pretty popular: Old Town, Pearl District and Northwest District. The West Hills creep into NW for a little bit, but almost immediately give way to Forest Park (2/3 of our tour), a 5000+ acre mass of forest. Most of the area along the river in northwest is industrial ("port"-land).
Initial itinerary:
Your tour begins or ends in SW downtown Portland, and includes Old Chinatown, Old Town, the Skidmore and Yamhill historic districts (both listed as one of Portland's National Historic Districts/Places) to name just a few. With your personal guide, you will learn about Portland's beginnings in the early-1800s when Native Americans and Lewis & Clark traveled through here along the Willamette River, which Lewis & Clark described as, "the Willamette can serve a man of war or ship of any burthen." Apart from the historical architecture and Portland's oldest building*, our tour takes you to Chinatown, the old North End and Burnside street, Portland's own Skid Road and takes the visitor into the story of Portland & Portland's seedy past. Discussing such subjects as 'blood money', 'white slavery', gambling & drug dens and Portland's notorious Crimping & Shanghaiing Trade & the infamous Portland Underground that survived from 1850-1941. This part of the tour is eliminated for our 'family-oriented' tour option.
The tour continues through the Pearl District and the Goose Hollow residential neighborhood into Forest Park and Washington Park with extended stops of about 30-45 minutes at our standard stops. including the famous International Rose Test Garden and about 30-60 minutes each at the tranquil Japanese Gardens or Chinese Gardens, and the Pittock Mansion.
Portland Historical Background
*Portland during the flood of 1894. Photo courtesy of Oregon Historical Society, #43943.
Tour Map showing our tour area & downtown/old town (SW Portland): the Pittock Mansion, Japanese Gardens/Rose Garden & the aerial tram in the south. We don't necessarily see everything listed below (Please let us know of any sites or areas of special interest.)
Scroll to 1/2 way down this page to Out-of-Vehicle OPTIONAL STOPS
Scroll to 1/2 way down this page to Out-of-Vehicle OPTIONAL STOPS
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Listed below are our standard sights or out-of-vehicle stops as an option. Some of our standard sights downtown sights include:*
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Click for Pano
Above image: Author: Cacophony
2 stops are 1st & Stark St. & the Skidmore Fountain
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Now on to the "respectable" quarter...
A panoramic lithograph of Portland published in 1888 as a fold-out insert in The West Shore magazine. This is a magnificently detailed sketch of Portland life (in the "respectable" quarter, of course) in the late Victorian age, replete with details of gentlemen on high-wheel "ordinary bicycles" and buggies driving around. (Image: Library of Congress)
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Image: Author: Ajbenj
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Out-of-Vehicle Standard Stops or Options
(Choose 2-3 of the 5 below, or as time allows)
(Choose 2-3 of the 5 below, or as time allows)
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A panoramic view of the Itnl. Rose Test Garden*
Photo: Author: PiccoloNamek |
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Japanese Gardens |
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View from Summit
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NOTE: If you would like a docent-guided tour at either or both the Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion, Chinese Garden or Rose Garden; please notify us. See below for details.
For more out-of-vehicle options; see OPTIONAL STOPS below.
Hours, Cost & Additional Info.
Hours, pricing & info is subject to change without notice.
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Rose Garden - International Rose Test Garden
Portland is known as the City of Roses... Roses love Portland...Portland loves roses. It's a marriage meant to be. The rose garden was started to preserve rose species during WWI. History: Portland's International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the U.S. and one of the finest in the world. Chosen by the American Rose Society, it won this distinction in 1917 in competition with other cities competing for the same honor. In 1888, Georgiana Burton Pittock, wife of pioneer publisher Henry Pittock, invited her friends and neighbors to exhibit their roses in a tent set up in her garden. Thus began the annual rose show for Portland Rose Society. This famous garden has nearly 10,000 rose plants and over 400 varieties. The primary purpose of the garden is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties, all in the test garden named by numbers...Learn More. GUIDED TOUR? If you would like a guided tour of the Rose Garden; before your tour (preferred) or at the beginning, let us know you would like a guided tour and we will try to arrange it. 1 hour - Complimentary DAILY MEMORIAL DAY - LABOR DAY 1PM GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE ($5 PP) CALL 503-823-3664 (Map for self-guided tour in gift shop) Gift shop open 7 days a week Spring hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fall hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Winter hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The store is CLOSED January & February Rose Test Garden Website - More Info. The 1st guide to roses was written around 300 BC...Read More Rose Facts. * Wikipedia GNU Free Documentation License applies |
Picnic spots with views
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Japanese Gardens - (recommended 1 hour)
美しい日本庭園をチェック！私は申し訳ありませんが、我々は日本語トランスレータを用意していません。
Photo by Shitij Bhargava
The Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty that has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Even in Japan it would be difficult to find a garden of this quality, says Sadafumi Uchiyama, a national garden consultant. It’s not just the ability to stroll though five formal garden styles, contemplating raked sand and a tea house built with pegs, or the unique hillside setting bound by Doug firs. It’s not even the “borrowed scenery” of Mount Hood or the “hide and reveal” philosophy scattered among winding pathways, plantings and stones. What allows this garden to exist here, in this form, has more to do with Portland’s subdued culture, the moist climate and a commitment to livability. “Let me say it like this,” offers Uchiyama. “Can you imagine finding this in Texas? ...Learn More.
Japanese Gardens events
Japanese Garden Hours:
Summer Public Hours (March 12-September 30)
Monday: Noon-7pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-7pm
Last General Admission is at 6:30pm
Winter Public Hours (October 1 – March 11)
Monday: Noon-4pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Admission is:
GUIDED TOUR? If you would like a guided tour of the Japanese Gardens or the inside of the Pittock Mansion; let us know before your tour (preferred) or at the beginning and we will try to arrange it.
Tour times are subject to volunteer availability, but are generally available:
Visitor Policies:
To maintain a beautiful and tranquil environment for all, please note:
美しい日本庭園をチェック！私は申し訳ありませんが、我々は日本語トランスレータを用意していません。
Photo by Shitij Bhargava
The Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty that has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Even in Japan it would be difficult to find a garden of this quality, says Sadafumi Uchiyama, a national garden consultant. It’s not just the ability to stroll though five formal garden styles, contemplating raked sand and a tea house built with pegs, or the unique hillside setting bound by Doug firs. It’s not even the “borrowed scenery” of Mount Hood or the “hide and reveal” philosophy scattered among winding pathways, plantings and stones. What allows this garden to exist here, in this form, has more to do with Portland’s subdued culture, the moist climate and a commitment to livability. “Let me say it like this,” offers Uchiyama. “Can you imagine finding this in Texas? ...Learn More.
Japanese Gardens events
Japanese Garden Hours:
Summer Public Hours (March 12-September 30)
Monday: Noon-7pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-7pm
Last General Admission is at 6:30pm
Winter Public Hours (October 1 – March 11)
Monday: Noon-4pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Admission is:
- Summer Prices (May 1-Sept. 4)Adult: $16.95
Senior (65+): $14.50
Student: $13.50
Youth (6-17): $11.50
Child (5 and under): Free
Members: Free - Winter Prices (Sept. 5-April 30)Adult: $14.95
Senior (65+): $12.95
Student: $11.95
Youth (6-17): $10.45
Child (5 and under): Free
Members: Free
There is a $10.00/person charge for using a tripod for anyone who is not a Garden Member.
Group rates may apply with 15 or more persons.
GUIDED TOUR? If you would like a guided tour of the Japanese Gardens or the inside of the Pittock Mansion; let us know before your tour (preferred) or at the beginning and we will try to arrange it.
Tour times are subject to volunteer availability, but are generally available:
- 2pm and 4pm May 1st through Labor Day
- 12pm September 4th through April 30th.
Visitor Policies:
To maintain a beautiful and tranquil environment for all, please note:
- The Garden is a smoke-free environment. Cell phone and electronic game use is not allowed.
- Please, no food or drink in the Garden except water. There is no restaurant or cafe on site.
- Pets are not allowed. (Trained assistance animals for visitors with disabilities are welcome.)
- Accessibility: Disabled permit parking is available. May-September, a free shuttle bus assists visitors from the parking lot to the Admission Gate. Wheelchairs are not provided.
- Personal, non-professional photography is allowed. Portrait photography is not allowed.
See all photo policies - Garden facilities are not available for weddings, wedding receptions, or commitment ceremonies.
Pittock Mansion
Next we drive through the Arlington Heights residential area and the Hoyt Arboretum.
We then enjoy a picturesque ride and stop at the Pittock Mansion, where lumber baron and newspaper magnate Mr. Henry Pittock made his home. "What's most charming about the Pittock Mansion is the ease with which you can pretend it is your very own summer home. 'Richer than God' at the time, Henry was the publisher of the Oregonian at the turn of the Century and built the palatial castle in 1914. With a regal red tile roof, wrap-around decks, and a sprawling, well-kept lawn, the place is perfect to commandeer as your very own summer retreat (and picnic!)" *. There's no better place in town for picnics, bird watching, experiencing the change of seasons or surveying Portland's ever-changing skyline (right). From here, you will view Mt. Hood & Mt. Saint Helens (on a clear day) and the location of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition World's Fair, the 1st on the Pacific Coast and held the World's Largest Log Cabin, the size of a football field. Each gigantic Oregon Doug Fir was 54 ft high and 6 ft across, 52 in all.
The Pittock mansion is no ordinary, take-it-or-leave-it tourist attraction---it's a must see...Learn More
Permanent & Rotating Exhibits
A strange twist of fate allows us to see this mansion today.
* Mercury Spring Eatin' Guide 2003
GUIDED TOUR? If you would like a guided tour of the Japanese Gardens or the inside of the Pittock Mansion; let us know before your tour (preferred) or at the beginning and we will try to arrange it. View chart (in yellow) below for detailed tour times.
1 hour - Complimentary w/admission
503-823-3623
DAILY
(Feb. 1st-Nov. 19th)
11:30AM
12:45PM
2:00PM
Call to confirm times
The view from the mansion may include:
For Japanese Garden & Pittock Mansion Guided Tour Times, see chart below (in yellow).
Admission is:
Next we drive through the Arlington Heights residential area and the Hoyt Arboretum.
We then enjoy a picturesque ride and stop at the Pittock Mansion, where lumber baron and newspaper magnate Mr. Henry Pittock made his home. "What's most charming about the Pittock Mansion is the ease with which you can pretend it is your very own summer home. 'Richer than God' at the time, Henry was the publisher of the Oregonian at the turn of the Century and built the palatial castle in 1914. With a regal red tile roof, wrap-around decks, and a sprawling, well-kept lawn, the place is perfect to commandeer as your very own summer retreat (and picnic!)" *. There's no better place in town for picnics, bird watching, experiencing the change of seasons or surveying Portland's ever-changing skyline (right). From here, you will view Mt. Hood & Mt. Saint Helens (on a clear day) and the location of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition World's Fair, the 1st on the Pacific Coast and held the World's Largest Log Cabin, the size of a football field. Each gigantic Oregon Doug Fir was 54 ft high and 6 ft across, 52 in all.
The Pittock mansion is no ordinary, take-it-or-leave-it tourist attraction---it's a must see...Learn More
Permanent & Rotating Exhibits
A strange twist of fate allows us to see this mansion today.
* Mercury Spring Eatin' Guide 2003
GUIDED TOUR? If you would like a guided tour of the Japanese Gardens or the inside of the Pittock Mansion; let us know before your tour (preferred) or at the beginning and we will try to arrange it. View chart (in yellow) below for detailed tour times.
1 hour - Complimentary w/admission
503-823-3623
DAILY
(Feb. 1st-Nov. 19th)
11:30AM
12:45PM
2:00PM
Call to confirm times
The view from the mansion may include:
- DT Portland
- Columbia & Willamette Rivers
- Mt. St. Helens
- Mt. Rainier
- Mt. Adams
- Mt. Hood & the Cascade Mountains
Stop by and try out one of their new interactive elements!
"Their World in 3-D"
- Feb 1–June 30 11–4PM Daily
- July 1–Sept 7 10–5PM Daily
- Sept 8–Dec 31 11–4PM Daily
- Jan 1–Jan 31 CLOSED
- Thanksgiving CLOSED
- Christmas Day CLOSED
For Japanese Garden & Pittock Mansion Guided Tour Times, see chart below (in yellow).
Admission is:
- $11 Adults
- $10 Seniors (age 65 & over)
- $8 Youths (age 6-18)
- 5 & under - Free
Chinese Gardens - (recommended 1/2 - 1 hour)
檢查出美麗的中國古典園林！
Imagine it's 16th century China, and you're standing in the entry courtyard of the private home and garden of a wealthy family. The garden around you is their spiritual utopia, a peaceful and soothing place designed to help them escape the problems of everyday life while also inspiring them through interplay of architecture, plants, poetry rocks and water surrounding them.
Our Classical Chinese Garden (a substitution stop on request) Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures. encloses a full city block and is the largest and most authentic of its kind outside China. Hundreds of years of symbolism, tradition and horticulture come together at the Garden of Awakening Orchids, which gained worldwide attention before it even opened here five years ago. Built by Chinese artisans in Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, and assembled by 65 Chinese craftsmen, it is, in essence, a Ming Dynasty work of artistry air-dropped into Old Town. It is complete with inlaid pebbled walkways, carved porticos, serpentine walkways, a bridged lake, and open colonnades set off meticulously arranged landscape of plants, water, stone, poetry and buildings with impressive plant life that includes rhododendrons discovered only recently in Asia. Much more than just a beautiful garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. Once inside the garden's walls, you'll feel as if you've traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer—by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland. And who wouldn’t love a place with a tea-house known as the Tower of Cosmic Reflections?
The yin and yang of the Garden take you to another place and time. 我很抱歉，我們不提供有一個中國的語言翻譯器
See the:
Chinese Garden Hours
*Public tours are based on docent availability and are subject to change without notice. Upon your arrival at Lan Su, please ask garden staff for the next available tour times. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Thank you for your understanding!
檢查出美麗的中國古典園林！
Imagine it's 16th century China, and you're standing in the entry courtyard of the private home and garden of a wealthy family. The garden around you is their spiritual utopia, a peaceful and soothing place designed to help them escape the problems of everyday life while also inspiring them through interplay of architecture, plants, poetry rocks and water surrounding them.
Our Classical Chinese Garden (a substitution stop on request) Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures. encloses a full city block and is the largest and most authentic of its kind outside China. Hundreds of years of symbolism, tradition and horticulture come together at the Garden of Awakening Orchids, which gained worldwide attention before it even opened here five years ago. Built by Chinese artisans in Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, and assembled by 65 Chinese craftsmen, it is, in essence, a Ming Dynasty work of artistry air-dropped into Old Town. It is complete with inlaid pebbled walkways, carved porticos, serpentine walkways, a bridged lake, and open colonnades set off meticulously arranged landscape of plants, water, stone, poetry and buildings with impressive plant life that includes rhododendrons discovered only recently in Asia. Much more than just a beautiful garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. Once inside the garden's walls, you'll feel as if you've traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer—by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland. And who wouldn’t love a place with a tea-house known as the Tower of Cosmic Reflections?
The yin and yang of the Garden take you to another place and time. 我很抱歉，我們不提供有一個中國的語言翻譯器
See the:
- Tower of Cosmic Reflections
- Hall of Brocade Clouds
- Courtyard of Tranquility
- Scholars Study & others
Chinese Garden Hours
- November 1 - March 14 (Winter): Daily - 10:00am - 4:00pm
- March 15 - October 31 (Summer): 10:00am - 7:00pm
- $9.50 for adults ($6 per ticket for purchases of 10 or more tickets. To purchase discounted tickets or find out more, please contact Clara Taylor at [email protected] or at 503.228.8131, ext.1008.)
- $8.50 -- Seniors (age 62 & over)
- $7.00 -- Students (age 6-18 and college students with I.D.)
- $28 -- Family Pass (two adults, two students)
- Children five and under are free
*Public tours are based on docent availability and are subject to change without notice. Upon your arrival at Lan Su, please ask garden staff for the next available tour times. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Thank you for your understanding!
Docent Guided Tours
Japanese Garden/Pittock Mansion Guided Tours (options)
Want an guided tour at one or two tour stops? Allow My Chauffeur to plan your tour times to accommodate your docent guided tour(s)!
My Chauffeur recommends a guided tour at one or both of the Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion the Chinese Garden or all 3. Our concierge will make these arrangements for your group, if possible. Otherwise, self-guided tours are possible anytime. Please convey your interest in an docent-guided tour at tour booking.
Want an guided tour at one or two tour stops? Allow My Chauffeur to plan your tour times to accommodate your docent guided tour(s)!
My Chauffeur recommends a guided tour at one or both of the Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion the Chinese Garden or all 3. Our concierge will make these arrangements for your group, if possible. Otherwise, self-guided tours are possible anytime. Please convey your interest in an docent-guided tour at tour booking.
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Guided Tour Times at our 2 standard tour stops +
the Chinese Garden NOTE: If you would like a guided tour
at the Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion and/or
Chinese Garden, please notify us ASAP. Otherwise, a self-guided tour may apply. |
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Japanese Gardens Tour (about 9 acres-moderately
hilly) |
Pittock Mansion Tour (about 1 acre-no
hills) |
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1 hour - Complimentary with admission Public tours are generally 45 minutes to
one hour, outdoors, and on foot. Visitors may join or leave the public tour
at any time—no reservations necessary. The self-guided tour offers visitors the
opportunity to experience everything the site has to offer at their own pace.
Maps are available at the main entrance. The recommended time for a
self-guided tour is 60 minutes. |
1 hour - Complimentary with admission Public tours are generally 45 minutes to
one hour, indoors, and on foot. Visitors may join or leave the public tour at
any time—no reservations necessary. The self-guided tour offers visitors the
opportunity to experience everything the site has to offer at their own pace.
Maps are available at the main entrance and interpretive panels guide
visitors throughout the Mansion, Gate Lodge, and grounds. The recommended
time for a self-guided tour of the Mansion and Gate Lodge is 45-60 minutes. |
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Public Tours Daily For the most up to date list of tour times and
to confirm availability, call 503-542-9306
on the day of your visit. For more information about Public Tours, contact
the Tour Coordinator at [email protected] or call 503-223-9233. Docent-Guided Public Tours are usually offered at the
following times, however all tours are subject to volunteer guide
availability. Japanese
Garden (May 1st – 1st Monday in Sept-Labor
Day) 2pm and 4pm (1st Tuesday in Sept - April 30th) 12pm Private Group Tours - Groups of 10 or more can arrange
to have a private guided tour of the Garden with a trained volunteer guide.
Reservations for Private Guided Tours must be made at least three weeks in
advance of your desired tour date. REQUEST IT |
Public Tours Daily For the most up to date list of tour times and
to confirm availability, call 503-823-3624 on the day of your
visit. Docent-Guided Public Tours are usually offered at the
following times, however all tours are subject to volunteer guide
availability. Pittock Mansion (Feb. 1st - Nov. 19th) Mansion is closed January’s. From Nov.
20th-Dec. 31st; self-guided tours only are available) 11:30am | 12:45pm | 2:00pm Free Grounds Tour (guided) Available Memorial Day
through Labor Day Saturday’s 11-1pm |
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Chinese Garden Tour 1 hour guided tours are available several
times a day at the Chinese Garden and are generally offered at: Top
of the hour @ 11am | 12Noon | 1pm | 2pm Times change daily and seasonally. See your upcoming times HERE. In the winter, tours are typically offered
at: 12Noon | 1pm | 2pm Before your tour (preferred) or at the
beginning, let us know you would like a guided tour and we will try to
arrange it. The recommended time for a self-guided tour is 30-60 minutes. |
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Out-of-Vehicle OPTIONAL STOPS -
(In place of or in addition to stops above, we encourage substitution or additional stops to suit your interests.)
Please let us know at the beginning of or before your tour (preferred). Additional time/cost may be required.
Exhibits include:
An 1854 Concord Coach - The original & oldest (1854) Abbot & Downing Concord Wells Fargo stagecoach (pictured above).
Stagecoach driver’s seat
A working telegraph
In the Wells Fargo History museum one can experience an early Wells Fargo office with everything from actual nuggets of gold, a working telegraph and an original stagecoach.
Adult Presentations Include:
A working telegraph
Crime Scene Investigation: Officers in Pursuit
Diversity presentations
Riding the Rails with Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo and Steamers thru Oregon
Wells Fargo and the Gold Rush
Wells Fargo and the Pony Express
Wells Fargo in Oregon
Book a Tour:
Thank you for your interest in a guided tour!
Please be aware that if you wish to visit us at your own leisure, without a guide, you are welcome to do that anytime without an appointment. We are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed on bank holidays). Tour is free.
Ready to book?
Please call (503) 886-1102
*The distinctive red and gold Concord stagecoach inside was built in 1854 and is the oldest coach in the fleet. It was considered to be the finest passenger vehicle of its time. The rounded wood body rested on a unique suspension and led overland passenger Mark Twain to call it "a cradle on wheels."
This coach, Abbot-Downing #306, had a long career carrying mail between Halifax and Nova Scotia, Canada until 1890. It had the honor of carrying two British royals--the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) in 1860; and Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) in 1951.
It also was involved in a scrap or two.
The inside job at Pendleton:
In 1880, a fellow named H.P. Page, an official with Wells Fargo, was riding to Portland on this company stage (or one like it) that was delivering a big chunk of money.
The coach en route to Portland from this little city would have followed roughly the same path that Interstate
84 takes today.
On the way, Page went into the boot of the Concord stagecoach to take a nap on the mail sacks … or so the jury chose to believe when it acquitted him. The prosecution tended to think he was doing something other than snoozing in there.
Whatever the real story was, what mattered most was that the shipment of gold was somehow abstracted from the coach on its way to Portland. Oh, and one other detail: The coach didn't stop anywhere on the way. The gold simply disappeared en route. It's hard to imagine any way that could have happened, other than Page chucking it out the window into a bush along the route.
Page, acquitted, found himself marked as untrustworthy and left the area and was never heard from again. But some folks think he stashed the loot somewhere in Umatilla County to retrieve it later, after his notoriety had ebbed a bit, and never made it back. Maybe it’s still there. Or, maybe the whole thing is a Tooth Fairy-class fantasy. Who knows?
Purchase tickets upon boarding, $10 per adult; under 2 are free; cab rides as available are $20.
Please let us know at the beginning of or before your tour (preferred). Additional time/cost may be required.
- Food Carts - Don't leave Portland without trying at least one of the city's famed food carts. And cart "pods" offer the chance for the most window shopping. SW 9th/10th between Alder/Washington (parking lot) is the highest concentration, probably 25 to 30 carts. Indian, Soul Food, Thai, German, Mexican, Espresso - (website_1; website_2) - Food Cart Tours (12 Noon Daily. Reservation Required. $60/person. Do this tour before, during or after your City tour.)
- Wells Fargo History Museum (CLOSED) - Free. Highly recommended! Learn how Wells Fargo connected Oregon communities by stagecoach* and steamboats on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Enjoy the museum on your own, or set up a free guided tour.
Exhibits include:
An 1854 Concord Coach - The original & oldest (1854) Abbot & Downing Concord Wells Fargo stagecoach (pictured above).
Stagecoach driver’s seat
A working telegraph
In the Wells Fargo History museum one can experience an early Wells Fargo office with everything from actual nuggets of gold, a working telegraph and an original stagecoach.
Adult Presentations Include:
A working telegraph
Crime Scene Investigation: Officers in Pursuit
Diversity presentations
Riding the Rails with Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo and Steamers thru Oregon
Wells Fargo and the Gold Rush
Wells Fargo and the Pony Express
Wells Fargo in Oregon
Book a Tour:
Thank you for your interest in a guided tour!
Please be aware that if you wish to visit us at your own leisure, without a guide, you are welcome to do that anytime without an appointment. We are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed on bank holidays). Tour is free.
Ready to book?
Please call (503) 886-1102
*The distinctive red and gold Concord stagecoach inside was built in 1854 and is the oldest coach in the fleet. It was considered to be the finest passenger vehicle of its time. The rounded wood body rested on a unique suspension and led overland passenger Mark Twain to call it "a cradle on wheels."
This coach, Abbot-Downing #306, had a long career carrying mail between Halifax and Nova Scotia, Canada until 1890. It had the honor of carrying two British royals--the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) in 1860; and Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) in 1951.
It also was involved in a scrap or two.
The inside job at Pendleton:
In 1880, a fellow named H.P. Page, an official with Wells Fargo, was riding to Portland on this company stage (or one like it) that was delivering a big chunk of money.
The coach en route to Portland from this little city would have followed roughly the same path that Interstate
84 takes today.
On the way, Page went into the boot of the Concord stagecoach to take a nap on the mail sacks … or so the jury chose to believe when it acquitted him. The prosecution tended to think he was doing something other than snoozing in there.
Whatever the real story was, what mattered most was that the shipment of gold was somehow abstracted from the coach on its way to Portland. Oh, and one other detail: The coach didn't stop anywhere on the way. The gold simply disappeared en route. It's hard to imagine any way that could have happened, other than Page chucking it out the window into a bush along the route.
Page, acquitted, found himself marked as untrustworthy and left the area and was never heard from again. But some folks think he stashed the loot somewhere in Umatilla County to retrieve it later, after his notoriety had ebbed a bit, and never made it back. Maybe it’s still there. Or, maybe the whole thing is a Tooth Fairy-class fantasy. Who knows?
- — Oregon Rail Heritage Center — The Oregon Rail Heritage Center's collection has three steam locomotives! The center provides for the preservation and public enjoyment of Portland's historic locomotives, railroad equipment and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history.
Purchase tickets upon boarding, $10 per adult; under 2 are free; cab rides as available are $20.
OHSU Aerial Tram -
Image: Author: Cacophony
SOARING VIEWS OF THE CITY—SEE 'THE VIEW' ON A CLEAR DAY! Hop on for a fun & exhilarating ride—and some of the best scenery (right) that our city has to offer. The tram ascends 500 feet from the river front area to Oregon Health & Sciences campus in the hills. From there, you'll enjoy Portland's horizon, the waterfront, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and the many bridges along the Willamette. $4.70 pp RT or one-way is free. Available for either the walking or driving tour options. Let us know before your tour whether you want one-way or RT. "A staggering view!" - Seattle Times
HOURS
The tram operates load-n-go. Including travel and boarding time, cabins typically depart every 6 minutes. A trip is 4 minutes each way. Visit the upper terminal and nearby patios and cafes for as long as you wish. The tram is typically crowded weekdays 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. We recommend visiting any time we're open on weekends. Weekdays, a great time to beat the crowds is 10am to 3pm or 6pm to 9pm.
Weekdays: 5:30am to 9:30pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed (Sunday service resumes May 20, 2018)
CLOSED on the following days in 2018:
· January 1st, New Year's Day
· January 15th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
· February 14th, close early at 8:30pm
· February 15th through Mon. Feb. 19th, 5 day closure for maintenance (more info)
· May 28th, Memorial Day
· June 23rd to July 30th, 5 week closure for maintenance (more info)
· September 3rd, Labor Day
· November 22nd Thanksgiving Day
· December 25th, Christmas
Image: Author: Cacophony
SOARING VIEWS OF THE CITY—SEE 'THE VIEW' ON A CLEAR DAY! Hop on for a fun & exhilarating ride—and some of the best scenery (right) that our city has to offer. The tram ascends 500 feet from the river front area to Oregon Health & Sciences campus in the hills. From there, you'll enjoy Portland's horizon, the waterfront, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and the many bridges along the Willamette. $4.70 pp RT or one-way is free. Available for either the walking or driving tour options. Let us know before your tour whether you want one-way or RT. "A staggering view!" - Seattle Times
HOURS
The tram operates load-n-go. Including travel and boarding time, cabins typically depart every 6 minutes. A trip is 4 minutes each way. Visit the upper terminal and nearby patios and cafes for as long as you wish. The tram is typically crowded weekdays 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. We recommend visiting any time we're open on weekends. Weekdays, a great time to beat the crowds is 10am to 3pm or 6pm to 9pm.
Weekdays: 5:30am to 9:30pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed (Sunday service resumes May 20, 2018)
CLOSED on the following days in 2018:
· January 1st, New Year's Day
· January 15th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
· February 14th, close early at 8:30pm
· February 15th through Mon. Feb. 19th, 5 day closure for maintenance (more info)
· May 28th, Memorial Day
· June 23rd to July 30th, 5 week closure for maintenance (more info)
· September 3rd, Labor Day
· November 22nd Thanksgiving Day
· December 25th, Christmas
OTHER POSSIBLE TOUR OPTIONS (SUBSTITUTIONS OR ADDITIONS) INCLUDE: Your Portland City tour includes...your personal tour concierge to customize/plan your perfect tour!* Do these additions before, during or after your City tour. Check out the Family-oriented Tour, Standard Additions, Museums (some are great for kids & young adults), Portland Neighborhoods, Eats, Coffee & More Tour Recommendations. . . all below. Adults & Family-Oriented Tours *additional costs may apply if your substitution(s) or addition(s) extend your tour length beyond the standard 4 hours.
Eat & Sip Chocolate The use of Cocoa, the key ingredient in all quality chocolate, can be traced back as far as 2600 years. Today, chocolate is primarily enjoyed as an edible product of cocoa and sugar, but it wasn’t always this way. Originally, chocolate was used in drinks or porridge-like dishes. The history of chocolate can be divided into three main periods:
Here's our list of Chocolatiers - Portland Chocolate Tour at Creo's or Woodblock
- From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Drop in any Wednesday to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary. "Safety Saturday" Every Second Saturday of the Month - From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Drop in during open hours to see the exhibits and learn about safety for you and your family. No appointment is necessary.
Purchase tickets upon boarding, $10 per adult; under 2 are free; cab rides as available are $20.
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Peculiarium Museum
Urban Wineries
The Grotto
Image: Author: InSapphoWeTrust |
Family-Oriented: (Click HERE)
Eats:
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Portland-A Foodie City
You’ll burn plenty of calories on your adventure, so don’t be shy with our downtown food carts or eateries: 
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Request a picnic basket & lawn cover from My Chauffeur for a special lunch at either the Pittock Mansion or the Rose Garden.
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Neighborhoods
Find Portland's personality in these unique districts.
(We've arranged the following areas in order of [what we perceive to be] descending popularity):
(We've arranged the following areas in order of [what we perceive to be] descending popularity):
- Downtown - For one neighborhood, downtown Portland has more going for itself than any other neighborhood (as it should). Take the MAX to Pioneer Square, grab food at the food carts on 9th or on 5th and eat your food at Ira Keller Fountain, drink beer at Tugboat (SW Broadway and Ankeny), Donkey Kong at Ground Kontrol, relax in the South Park Blocks, check out the views from the 9th floor terrace at the Mark O Hatfield Courthouse or in the cupola at the old courthouse at Pioneer Courthouse Square, walk along Waterfront Park, stop by some book stores by Burnside, drool on some old cool toys at Billy Galaxy (Burnside and 9th).
- Pearl District -
Every city has to have at least one hopelessly gentrified warehouse district. The Pearl District has gone through all the stages and is now packed with galleries, hi-rise apartment buildings, expensive and inexpensive food, and the Streetcar. Buy a sandwich at Pearl Bakery (NW 9th and Couch), enjoy the view from the 9th floor of the Ecotrust Building, eat some killer breakfast at Bi-Ways Cafe (NW Glisan between 12th and 13th). - NW Portland - Nob Hill -
The NW District, or "Nob Hill," as the business owners like to call it (in direct reference to San Francisco's Nob Hill...) is a mostly residential neighborhood that has 2 strong commercial streets: NW 23rd and NW 21st.
NW 23rd (sometimes called "trendy-third") is full of shops that sell stuff that you don't need to buy (candles, wrapping paper, bracelets, incense), a couple of restaurants that aren't worth the wait, and a lot of Starbucks to hang out at. 23rd is a place to be seen, a place where people cruise. In front of the main Starbucks, they park their motorcycles and hang out in front of them with lattes in hand. Suburban housewives put their sunglasses above their forehead as they shop at Kitchen Kaboodle. I find myself taking the bus to 23rd and then immediately walking away from it... If you don't want a headache and you don't want to spend a lot of money don't go to 23rd.
21st is a little different. More restaurants and bars and less shopping. The drunk suburbanite factor can get a little serious on a weekend, but not half as serious as 23rd. Coffee Time is a popular late night coffee shop at Irving St (but you couldn't pay me to go in there). You'd be better off in the basement, back room, front porch, or patio at Anna Bannanas. Taj Mahal's Indian lunch buffet is $10 and damn fine (at Lovejoy). Get a half sandwich and cup of soup at Kens Artisan Bakery at Flanders.
On the whole, the commercial streets don't have a lot that interests me (and therefore, you). The neighborhood is architecturally rich though (especially varied east of 23rd, see link below). Try Couch Park (between NW Glisan, Hoyt, 19th and 20th) out for size; take a walk on the Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park (entrance at 29th and Upshur), sleep cheap at the NW District Hostel (18th and Everett). Upper Thurman and Vaughn Streets (west of 23rd) have made a start: get a sandwich at Food Front Co-op (at 23rd place and Thurman) and rock the chimichanga + margarita at Acapulco's Gold (Vaughn at 25th). - Historic Homes Neighborhoods:
- Irvington - The Irvington neighborhood in northeast Portland began as an exclusive suburb planned by visionary developers many years before the city adopted zoning rules. The neighborhood—generally bounded by Northeast 7th, Fremont, Northeast 24th, and Broadway—is primarily a residential district, characterized by Queen Anne, Period Revival Bungalow/Craftsman, and Prairie School architectural styles built primarily between 1900 and the 1930s.
- Laurelhurst - The Laurelhurst neighborhood in Portland is an historic twentieth-century neighborhood of residences and parkland, with origins in the nineteenth century. It was developed along streetcar lines as an exclusive residential suburb and now, only forty blocks from downtown Portland, its unique street pattern and housing stock remain distinctive features of the city's landscape.
- Ladd's Addition - Ladd's Addition is a streetcar-era neighborhood in southeast Portland with a street and park plan that is unique among neighborhoods of comparable age in the United States. The plan for the neighborhood, which is located between Southeast Hawthorne and Division Streets and Southeast Twelfth and Twentieth Avenues, has been protected and preserved without significant change since it was platted in 1891.
- Hawthorne District -
SE Hawthorne BLVD is Portland's powerhouse linear commercial street. Bars and pubs of varying chic-ness, movie theaters, cheap and expensive food, tattoo parlors, laundromats, vintage clothing and furniture, antiques, record stores, futons, grocery stores, knickknacks, book stores, coffee shops, head shops, salons. The most popular part is between 32nd and 39th. This is where the knickknacks concentrate, but Powells also has a location around the way, the Baghdad Theater is a rockin' pub-theater, and the Hawthorne Hostel is somewhere in the early 30s. From 12th to 22nd, it's a little more mellow: mostly restaurants and bars and less jerk-off businesses like in the 30s. On the other side of 39th to about 47th, the rents are cheaper (I'm guessing) which leads to head shops, taverns, and antique stores that defy darwinism.
I'd check out ABCDEFGHIJKL (largest used magazine retail in the US, at 33rd), Imbibe (get the omelet w/brie during the Sunday brunch) at 22nd, get coffee at Tiny's (at 12th) and play shuffleboard at the Watering Trough (between 48th and 49th). BAGDAD THEATER - Alberta - Add equal parts eyesores and slick business, mix thoroughly. By "eyesore" I mean boarded up buildings, empty parcels overgrown with weeds. By "slick business" I mean vegetarian restaurants, vintage clothing outlets and coffeeshops. Hot with the artists too (cheap rent), and lots of galleries. On the last Thursday of each month all the galleries open at night ("last Thursdays," like downtown/Pearl's "first Thursdays"). La Serenita is a very popular and very cheap Mexican Restaurant (at 28th). Vita Cafe has more street credibility than any other veggie restaurant in town (at 31st). Good food (mostly vegetarian) and not-so-bad-coffee at Star E Rose (at 24th). Bumpin' at varying levels between 10th and 30th.
- Mississippi Avenue - Boutique browsing, musical pursuits, Eat & Drink, Nightlife...
- Oldtown-Chinatown -
Sometimes called Chinatown by those who forget that there aren't any Chinese people there (although a half dozen Chinese restaurants concentrate by the Chinese gate at 4th and W Burnside), Old Town is a neighborhood of stark contrasts. It sports a huge concentration of social services and, as a result, is one of the only (if not the only) neighborhoods in PDX that is sketchy after dark. At the same time, loads of popular bars and clubs take advantage of the cheap rents just blocks from downtown and many buildings have been converted into $1k/sq.ft. lofts. If you go drinking there, you can have everything from chic clubs w/expensive lighting to some depressing dives with alcoholic rates (like 7AM specials).
Voodoo Doughnut (just south of Burnside on SW 3rd) is open from 10PM to 10AM, making it an important late night stop (link: voodoodoughnut.com). Darcelle's nightclub (NW 3rd and Everett) hosts Portland's premiere burlesque drag queen show and holds down a half century tradition of electing an empress every year (hosted by Darcelle's in Washington Park every August).
History lesson: 19th century tunnels under Old Town connected the bustling port to warehouses so goods could be transported directly from a ship to a warehouse. With the presence of numerous dives, drunk men were often "Shanghaied" (i.e. kidnapped and sold to ship captains for slave labor) by falling through trap doors, having the s___ beat out of them, and then being transported to the ship via the tunnel. Between the 1890s and the end of WWI, Portland had a reputation for being the scariest place on the west coast for a sailor and the shanghai capitol of the world. You can tour the tunnels with some paranormal investigative unit (who apparently takes this seriously) on Halloween (link: Portland Underground FAQ). Hobo's & The Boiler Room are good places for this. ("Hobo's Restaurant (120 NW 3rd). This unique antique Old Portland bar of yesteryear includes the ornate mirror from a former "Red Light" establishment (that was tactfully labeled in the old City Directory as a "woman's boardinghouse"). This 1880's Victorian-era historic building creates an ideal setting for enjoying food or drink. All of this, coupled with the fact this was a former shanghaiing and "white slavery" joint --- known back then as "Lasso Saloon" --- makes it the perfect place to gather after your tour and have a meal or a place to toast the old shanghaiers and their infamous and colorful maritime history. The Boiler Room nightclub next door is a spot where shanghaiers once grabbed so many victims that Portland's reputation boasted of being the "Worst Port in the World", and where you can view photographs of the infamous catacombs of the past. This is a great place for a drink or a light snack, but, a word of caution: A trap door in the floor is reportedly still operational and yearns for those good ol' days.")
Technically Old Town is bordered by W Burnside, the North Park Blocks, and the Willamette River. However, many of the buildings and businesses a few blocks south of Burnside and east of 4th have a notably similar aesthetic. - Belmont - SE Belmont St has a dense strip of stuff between 33rd and 35th. The second run Avalon Theater and adjoining Wunderland nickel arcade are at 35th. Laughing Planet has kinda pricey vegan burritos. Pied Cow is a popular coffee night spot w/ a garden-patio-thing. Damn close to Laurelhurst Park.
- Clinton-division -
SE Clinton St at 26th is an old streetcar stop developed into an uber-hipster intersection. The Clinton Theater ($6, I think), does the whole Rocky Horror Picture Show in drag thing. Dot's Cafe is the best place on the eastside to get that punk-rock-service (a black clad diner w/a bar). Noho's has some damn fine Hawaiian food. I think there are a couple independent record shops and vintage clothing stores too. - Sellwood-Westmoreland
- Central Eastside
- Lloyd District
- Sandy BLVD - Although I made a specific point of leaving "auto-oriented" streets out of the picture I happen to really like NE Sandy and, consequently... In the Central Eastside, it's mostly auto dealerships and stuff like that but stop by Sandy Hut at 14th for free shuffleboard and cheap brew. The Hollywood District (39th-47th) was apparently downtown's biggest competitor way back. [don't eat Chinese food in the Hollywood District] The Hollywood Theater (at 41st) is art-house enough to have a newsletter (link). Farther up in Rose City Park (47th-60th) is where the food really starts. Violet Cafe's breakfast is no joke (at 52nd), Du's Grill is absolutely the best teriyaki shack in town (at 54th), Chaba Thai is seriousness (at 58th). The Roseway District (60s) has a bunch of Vietnamese Restaurants but I have yet to find one that really kicks my ass.
It's pretty much fast-food and Laundromats after that...
River Cruises
Downtown Dinner Cruise
Photo: Author: Steve Morgan
Quite simply, a Portland Spirit dinner cruise is the perfect night out. A vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. An evening filled to the brim with festive cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board, entertainment, and live performances. For a party of two to a small group of friends or co-workers, or a grand affair for up to 300+ guests, this is the ultimate Portland experience.
View an interactive map of the Portland Dinner Cruise route.
Sample Menus
Portland: Nightly year-round
Boarding 6:30pm
Cruising 7:00pm-9:30pm
$68 Adults
$63 Seniors and Children
Downtown Lunch Cruise
Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Portland! This two-hour cruise on the Willamette River is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, or entertaining out-of-town guests.
View an interactive map of the lunch cruise route. Sample Menus
Monday-Saturday Noon-2:00pm
$38 Adults
$33 Seniors
$19 Children
Photo: Author: Steve Morgan
Quite simply, a Portland Spirit dinner cruise is the perfect night out. A vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. An evening filled to the brim with festive cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board, entertainment, and live performances. For a party of two to a small group of friends or co-workers, or a grand affair for up to 300+ guests, this is the ultimate Portland experience.
View an interactive map of the Portland Dinner Cruise route.
Sample Menus
Portland: Nightly year-round
Boarding 6:30pm
Cruising 7:00pm-9:30pm
$68 Adults
$63 Seniors and Children
Downtown Lunch Cruise
Come aboard and enjoy the most entertaining lunchtime experience in Portland! This two-hour cruise on the Willamette River is perfect for an afternoon getaway, a birthday, office party, or entertaining out-of-town guests.
View an interactive map of the lunch cruise route. Sample Menus
Monday-Saturday Noon-2:00pm
$38 Adults
$33 Seniors
$19 Children
Coffee
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Image: Author: Visitor7
Drip City (Portland) has you covered with coffee with over 40 roasters. Start your day off with a perfect pour-over, delectable coffeehouse eat or even high-octane caffeine cocktail at one of the city's best small-batch 3rd wave roasters ("Third Wave" refers to the trend of considering coffee as an artisanal food stuff, like wine or chocolate and putting an emphasis on direct-sourcing single-varietal beans)
If you are choosing your own roaster, we recommend picking one near or in the same neighborhood as your hotel.
Upper Left Roasters - Creatively topped toasts 1204 SE Clay St.
Cup & Bar - Coffee, chocolate and cookies (cookies sell out by noon most days) 118 NE MLK
Coco Donuts - Coco's makes some of the best donuts in town, and they brew their own coffee. 2735 NE Broadway
Water Ave. Coffee & Kitchen- Industrial vets who run a nationally renowned barista training program which offers some of the best service in town. 1028 SE Water Ave.
Stumptown - ("Nothing beats Stumptown"; Ethiopian pour-over or cold-brew nitro recommended). One of the pioneers of the 3rd wave coffee movement back in 1999 which offers free coffee tastings Friday's @2pm at the HQ location (60-90 minutes). Dt location @ SW 3rd ave. HQ @ 100 SE Salmon St. Original location @ 4524 SE Division St.
Heart - Lighter Scandinavian-style coffee allows the fruit flavors to stand out, with Finnish pastries 537 SW 12th Ave.
Courier - Pour-overs filtered through 24 Kt gold and homemade treats like rum-spiked caneles. And their beans are hand-addressed and delivered by bike. 923 SW Oak St.
Case Study - Across from Central Library, this coffeehouse exudes a studious vibe with farm-direct beans and exquisite house-made syrups like bourbon caramel 802 Sw 10th Ave.
Ole Latte - 2 food carts that roasts their own beans and pull shots on a La Marzocco, and they have pastries. SW 5th & Harrison and SW 10th & Alder
Deadstock Coffee - Dapper & Wise Coffee and the NBA 408 NW Couch (themed coffeeshop)
Happy Cup - Inside City Hall and pairs caffeine with philanthropy by supporting and employing adults with disabilities.
CENTRAL EASTSIDE:
Coava - 3rd wave icon that offers 2 daily roasts and 2 espresso roasts - no-more, no-less. And was featured in Jerry Seinfelds "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee". 1300 SE Grand ave.
Water Ave. Coffee & Kitchen- Industrial vets who run a nationally renowned barista training program which offers some of the best service in town. 1028 SE Water Ave.
Ristretto Roasters - Given a longer roast, their brews are a little richer than most. A Portland favorite for over 10 years at their sleek Eastside cafe which doubles as a perfect perch for Portland biker watching. 555 NE Couch
See See Motor Co. - Stumptown Coffee and Harley Gear. All are welcome even those who don't have a hog. 1642 NE Sandy (themed coffeeshop)
Bit House Saloon - Heat up with Calrissian Nudge, a HOT & boozy blend of New Deal Vodka, espresso liquor and Water Ave coffee. Or try the vanilla coffee stout, served boiler-maker style with plantation rum. 727 SE Grand Ave.
Expatriate - The David Howitt Cocktail conveniently blends coffee and cocktail into a cool, frothy sipper made with bourbon, egg, creme de cacau, cinnamon syrup and Extracto cold brew. 5424 NE 30th Ave.
MORE TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Boarding at 4:45pm, cruising 5:00pm-6:15pm
Adults $28
Seniors $28
Kids $28
If you are choosing your own roaster, we recommend picking one near or in the same neighborhood as your hotel.
- COFFEEHOUSE EATS:
Upper Left Roasters - Creatively topped toasts 1204 SE Clay St.
Cup & Bar - Coffee, chocolate and cookies (cookies sell out by noon most days) 118 NE MLK
Coco Donuts - Coco's makes some of the best donuts in town, and they brew their own coffee. 2735 NE Broadway
Water Ave. Coffee & Kitchen- Industrial vets who run a nationally renowned barista training program which offers some of the best service in town. 1028 SE Water Ave.
- COFFEE
Stumptown - ("Nothing beats Stumptown"; Ethiopian pour-over or cold-brew nitro recommended). One of the pioneers of the 3rd wave coffee movement back in 1999 which offers free coffee tastings Friday's @2pm at the HQ location (60-90 minutes). Dt location @ SW 3rd ave. HQ @ 100 SE Salmon St. Original location @ 4524 SE Division St.
Heart - Lighter Scandinavian-style coffee allows the fruit flavors to stand out, with Finnish pastries 537 SW 12th Ave.
Courier - Pour-overs filtered through 24 Kt gold and homemade treats like rum-spiked caneles. And their beans are hand-addressed and delivered by bike. 923 SW Oak St.
Case Study - Across from Central Library, this coffeehouse exudes a studious vibe with farm-direct beans and exquisite house-made syrups like bourbon caramel 802 Sw 10th Ave.
Ole Latte - 2 food carts that roasts their own beans and pull shots on a La Marzocco, and they have pastries. SW 5th & Harrison and SW 10th & Alder
Deadstock Coffee - Dapper & Wise Coffee and the NBA 408 NW Couch (themed coffeeshop)
Happy Cup - Inside City Hall and pairs caffeine with philanthropy by supporting and employing adults with disabilities.
CENTRAL EASTSIDE:
Coava - 3rd wave icon that offers 2 daily roasts and 2 espresso roasts - no-more, no-less. And was featured in Jerry Seinfelds "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee". 1300 SE Grand ave.
Water Ave. Coffee & Kitchen- Industrial vets who run a nationally renowned barista training program which offers some of the best service in town. 1028 SE Water Ave.
Ristretto Roasters - Given a longer roast, their brews are a little richer than most. A Portland favorite for over 10 years at their sleek Eastside cafe which doubles as a perfect perch for Portland biker watching. 555 NE Couch
See See Motor Co. - Stumptown Coffee and Harley Gear. All are welcome even those who don't have a hog. 1642 NE Sandy (themed coffeeshop)
- COFFEE COCKTAILS:
Bit House Saloon - Heat up with Calrissian Nudge, a HOT & boozy blend of New Deal Vodka, espresso liquor and Water Ave coffee. Or try the vanilla coffee stout, served boiler-maker style with plantation rum. 727 SE Grand Ave.
Expatriate - The David Howitt Cocktail conveniently blends coffee and cocktail into a cool, frothy sipper made with bourbon, egg, creme de cacau, cinnamon syrup and Extracto cold brew. 5424 NE 30th Ave.
MORE TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
- Willamette Jet Boats or Portland Kayak Co. - VIDEO
- Explorer Portland Bridges Cruise See the City Of Bridges from a whole new view. Local historians will guide you on this river tour of Portland’s famous bridges. Travel from the St. John’s to the Sellwood Bridge while enjoying the colorful history of Portland’s ten landmark crossings -- each spanning the beautiful Willamette River and a new chapter in bridge engineering and design.
Boarding at 4:45pm, cruising 5:00pm-6:15pm
Adults $28
Seniors $28
Kids $28
- White Water Rafting - The Clackamas River runs through mountain forested nature and is located only ½ hour from the greater Portland area! In addition to being one of the most scenic rivers in all of Oregon, there is no better river for those living in or visiting the Portland area for fun, adventure, and convenience. VIDEO
- Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood - Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon's most popular tourist attractions, drawing nearly two million visitors every year. Considered an architectural wonder, it is still being used for its original intent - a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for everyone to enjoy. Sixty miles east of Portland, located above the village of Government Camp, Timberline offers year-round skiing and snowboarding, overnight lodging, dining, and numerous options for outdoor activities. Free guided tours of the lodge are available daily throughout the summer season. Self-guided tours are always welcome.
