Portland in April
 

We are planning to go to Portland for 3 days (April 20-22). Could anybody suggest best things to do in 3 days up there.

Wide open question but here's a hack:

One day drive out the Gorge (along I 84) to see Multnomah Falls, etc see: http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/

If you like driving - continue on to Hood River and then south to Mt. Hood - and go up to my favorite - Timberline Lodge, and at least stop in the 2nd floor bar for a cold whatever - and look up through the big picture windows at the glacier. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/

The Rose Garden in Washington Park is also great - as is the nearby Japanese Tea Gardens, and also in the park is the Portland Zoo, which is fun. http://www.washingtonparkpdx.org/

And assuming good weather - strolling along the Columbia - on the eastern edge of downtown Portland - is nice.

Epicurian Walking tour of Portland -

The map of the free streetcar zone: http://trimet.org/fares/freerailzone.htm
If it is raining (quite likely) be sure to visit Powell's Bookstore. If you are flying in to PDX the Red line shown on the Trimet map comes in from the airport.
You can rent a car downtown and save by not paying the airport fee.
If you come for 3 days one time, I'll bet you will come back for a longer stay and see more of Oregon.

Adding to what's already been suggested:

- Cannon Beach, the most charming town on the Oregon coast, is only 90 minutes from Portland.
- What all but a few consider to be the heart of Oregon's wine country is less than an hour SW of the city.
- Portland is considered the brewpub and food cart capital of the country, and has some great restaurants. It wouldn't be hard to spend your entire time just eating and drinking your way around town.

And to clarify Tomsd's post:

- The International Test Rose Gardens are indeed beautiful. When the roses are in bloom. That won't be happening at the end of April. Should be blooms on trees and bushes in the Japanese Gardens though.
- The Columbia River is north of the city. I believe Tom is referring to the Willamette, which runs through the center of town. Pedestrian paths and bridges create a nice walking loop, affording views from both sides of the river.

islandaze: Thanks for the clarifications. Yes, it is the Williamette I was describing, and it's also fun to ride bikes along the river - and I think you can rent around there.

Here is one place: http://www.waterfrontbikes.com/

Also good point about no roses blooming in April. Forget that here in San Diego - as we already have numerous buds.

However, must take partial exception - and I still like the wineries down around Eugene and Southerlin/Roseburg - although they are more numerous up toward Portland. :)

Tomsd, what's probably the best winery around Eugene, King Estates, has suffered since John Albin left several years ago. It's still a nice place to visit and have a meal, but quality of the wine isn't close to that of the better wineries farther north. And comparing Eugene area wineries, which produce mostly pinot noir, to southern Oregon wineries is apples and oranges. Different wines.

And you may have missed my comment; "What all but a few consider to be the heart of Oregon's wine country..." That was made in deference to you, who I know favors Eugene area wineries.