Portland Parks It

Portland Parks It

Portlander artists are known for their innovation when it comes to creating work reflective of the region. One such artist, Brian Mock, takes the art form of recycled work to a whole new level, creating curvaceous women's figures and jumping salmon nearly 7 feet tall out of welding recycled nuts, bolts, forks, and hinges. Curious onlookers are left to ponder what better fate might have met Aunt Thelma's toaster other than the dumpster. Mock's work is represented by two area galleries: Mark Woolley in Portland and Shanahan Gallery in Astoria. To view the work and learn more about how the Northwest's sustainable movement has been applied artistically, visit www.brianmock.com.

Some of the best things about Portland aren't inside the city's restaurants or museums but outside in its parks. If the weather cooperates—and in Portland that isn't always a given—you need to do as city residents do and head outdoors.

When looking toward the hills on the west side of town it's hard to miss the tree-blanketed 5,155 acres of Forest Park. Six times the size of New York City's Central Park and deemed the nation's largest urban wilderness, Forest Park a car-less haven for runners, hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to more than 60 mammals, including elk, deer, and bobcats, and more than 110 bird species.

Another popular park is Washington Park—one of Oregon's oldest, acquired in 1871—which has picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails; located within the park are Hoyt Arboretum and the International Rose Test and Japanese Gardens. Waterfront Park is right downtown and lies on the west bank of the Willamette River. This local favorite hosts many of Portland's major annual festivals and concerts such as the Rose Festival and Waterfront Blues Festival.

A few other natural havens outside of the downtown area attract nature lovers: Mt. Tabor Park, actually an extinct volcanic cinder cone, has miles of trails meandering through its trees toward the top, where impressive downtown and Mt. Hood views are the reward. The other is Laurelhurst Park, a wonderful mix of large shady trees and open green spaces. There are plenty of enclaves for sunny afternoon picnics, and paths for admiring nature and for allowing kids to run around.

If you have kids in tow you'll appreciate that, in addition to plenty of outdoor parks, there are scores of indoor family-friendly activities. Landmark destinations to spend a few hours or an entire day are the Oregon Zoo—adjacent Portland Children's Museum and World Forestry Center Discovery Museum—and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (fondly referred to as OMSI), on the east side of the Willamette River across from downtown. Each museum has fascinating permanent and touring exhibits sure to keep kids learning and loving the fact they're on vacation.