NWHomePro.com - Sites & Attractions

Sites & Attractions:

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN
NW OREGON

EVENTS

Ballroom Dancing

Portland Scottish Highland Games

Rose Festival

St. Paul Rodeo

Sisters Folk Festival

Waterfront Blues Festival

Zoo Lights

PLACES
Bridal Veil Falls
Bush's Pasture Park
Canby Ferry
Champoeg State Park
Clackamas Town Center
Enchanted Forest & Thrill-Ville USA
Fort Vancouver
John McLoughlin House
Milo McIver State Park
Memorial Coliseum
Molalla River State Park
Mount Hood
Multnomah Falls
North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Oaks Amusement Park
Old Aurora Colony
OMSI
Oregon City Historic District
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Oregon Convention Center
Oregon Zoo
Peacock Lane
PGE Park
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pittock Mansion
Portland Expo Center
Rose Garden Arena
Silver Falls State Park
Wheatland Ferry
Wildlife Safari

SPORTS
Beavers Baseball
Collegiate Athletics
Hood-to-Coast Relay
Multnomah Greyhound Park
Portland International Raceway
Portland Meadows
Timbers Soccer
Trailblazers Basketball
Winter Hawks Hockey
Woodburn Drag Strip

RECREATION
Bicycling
Golf
Hiking & Camping
Resorts
Skiing
Tennis
Water Sports

CULTURE
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Clackamas County History Museum
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
Oregon Ballet Theatre
Oregon Children's Theatre
Oregon Symphony
Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Portland Center for Performing Arts
Portland Opera

Communities up and down Oregon's Willamette Valley are full of things to do and places to see all year round. What follows is only a partial list that includes the most popular sites and attractions. For information regarding other areas of interest, please send an e-mail so I can get you more information about what it is that you like to see and do.

EVENTS

Ballroom Dancing
Weekly dances are open to the public Sunday evenings from 7:30 to 10:00 in southwest Portland. Dances are open to all ages and skill levels, including non-dancers who enjoy watching. Group lessons are offered Sunday afternoons. Learn the tango, waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot, and more. Dances are at the Capitol Hill Community Center, 8936 SW 17th Ave., Portland (near the Old Pancake House on Barbur Boulevard). Map. Admission is $5 and includes DJ'd music and snacks. Phone 503-473-8947.
www.theBallroomDanceCompany.com.

Rose Festival
The Portland Rose Festival kicks off each spring with the selection of the festival's royal court and the Queen of Rosaria, then kicks into high gear with more than 80 events including a carnival, the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, hot-air balloon launch, Portland 200 Indy car race and the Rose Festival Air Show. The festival runs throughout June, with events taking place at locations around the Portland metro area. Call 503-227-2681 for more information.

Estacada Timber Show
Don't miss the lumberjacks as they square off in a series of events to prove who is the fastest, the toughest or the bravest of them all at Estacada's Timber Park, State Highway 211/224 approximately one-half mile north of Estacada. Map. Phone 503-699-0765.

Molalla Buckeroo
One of several rodeos during the 4th of July holiday weekend each year, the Buckeroo is the largest rodeo in Western Oregon and probably the most easily accessible to residents of the Portland metro area. Cowboys and cowgirls from around the United States and Canada compete in events ranging from bull riding to barrel racing at the Buckeroo Grounds, 815 Shirley St., Molalla. Map. Phone 503-829-6941.

St. Paul Rodeo
Another wildly popular 4th of July holiday rodeo, this event also features competitors from throughout North America, many of the same ones competing in the Molalla Buckeroo and other rodeos around the state this time of year. Held at the St. Paul Rodeo Grounds, 4th Street and Malo Avenue. Map. Phone 800-237-5920.

Waterfront Blues Festival
The best blues and jazz performers from around the nation jam at Waterfront Park, on Southwest Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) in downtown Portland, during this annual 4th of July holiday event that culminates in a brilliant fireworks display over the Willamette River. Money raised from the festival is used to fund the Oregon Food Bank, a charitable, non-profit group providing food to needy people and families around the state. Map. Phone 503-282-0555.

Portland Scottish Highland Games
The clans gather the third Saturday in July for this annual event at Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham. Map. Competitors from around the world face off in such events as the Scottish hammer throw, the kilted mile and the always spectacular Caber toss. The Games also features Scottish cultural fare including music, food, ale, livestock and souvenirs in addition to the traditional gathering of the clans. For more information, write to: Portland Highland Games Association, P.O. Box 82512, Portland, OR 97282.

County Fairs
County Fairs are in July and August in Northwest Oregon. The Clackamas County Fair, held at the fairgrounds, just off US Highway 99E in Canby (Map), generally runs the third week in August (the week before the Oregon State Fair begins). Call 503-266-1136 for more information about the Clackamas County Fair. For information about other county fairs around the region, call the respective county's fair office: Benton County Fairgrounds, Corvallis, Map, 541-757-1521; Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany, Map, 541-926-4314; Marion County, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem, Map, 503-585-9998; Multnomah County, Oaks Amusement Park, Portland, Map, 503-238-6622; Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall, Map, 503-623-3048; Washington County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro, Map, 503-648-1416; and Yamhill County Fairgrounds, McMinnville, Map, 503-434-7524.

Oregon State Fair
Running the twelve days up through Labor Day each year, the Oregon State Fair showcases the crafts and the people of Oregon. Enjoy carnival rides, musical events, art, cultural and farm displays, as well as top-quality horse racing and more. At the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, at 17th Street between Silverton and Sunnyview roads. Phone 503-378-3247.

Sisters Folk Festival
The tiny town of Sisters, high in the Cascade Mountains, holds this annual celebration of acoustic American folk music the 2nd weekend in September. Music ranges from Blues to Bluegrass and includes artists from around Oregon and around the nation. Sisters straddles US Highway 20 about midway between Bend and Detroit. Phone 541-549-4979. www.sistersfolkfestival.com

Oktoberfest
Mt. Angel residents welcome visitors from all over as they celebrate their Swiss and German heritage in this end-of-summer festival.. Held the four days ending the third Sunday in September, the occasion features food, music, dancing and, of course, plenty of beer. For more information, call the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce, 503-845-9440.

Zoo Lights
Celebrate the holiday season with thousands of lights, animated animal silhouettes and music by local school, church and professional choirs. Ride the decorated zoo train on a wondrous tour of holiday magic and light. Meet costumed characters. Nov. 30 - Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland. Phone 503-226-1561. www.oregonzoo.org

The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky's classic Christmas pageant reprises each December in Portland courtesy of Oregon Ballet Theatre. This one is fun for the whole family. Performances are at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, 1120 SW 10th Ave. Phone 503-222-5538. You can also catch the Nutcracker in Canby at the Canby Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 721 SW 4th Ave. Phone 503-266-2086.

Back to EVENTS

PLACES

Bridal Veil Falls Scenic Viewpoint
A scenic beauty to rival its somewhat more popular counterpart, Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls has the sixth-longest single drop in North America at 620 feet. Bridal Veil falls is in Multnomah County about 15 miles east of Troutdale, off Exit 28 from Interstate 84 (I-84). Follow the signs from I-84, then follow a mile-long trail to the falls.

Bush's Pasture Park
Home to the historic Bush House in Salem, the park contains 100 acres of beautiful gardens, trees and walking trails as well as tennis courts, a museum, an arts center and Willamette University's McCullough Stadium, home of the Bearcats. Built in the 1870s, Bush House is the former estate of pioneer publisher and banker Asahel Bush II. It still contains many of the home's original furnishings and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Follow Hwy 22 (Mission Street) east from I-5. The park is on High Street between Mission and Leslie streets, Salem. Phone 503-363-4714.

Canby Ferry
One of only a few such vessels left in the United States, the Canby Ferry hauls cars, truck and pedestrians across the Willamette River about midway between Oregon City and Wilsonville. The ferry operates year-round, except during high water. Take I-205 to the Southwest Stafford Road exit. Go south on Stafford Road. Turn left on Southwest Mountain Road. Phone 503-650-3030 or 503-655-8521.

Champoeg State Park
Situated on the east bank of the Willamette River between Canby and St. Paul, Champoeg was where the first American provisional government west of the Rocky Mountains was established in 1843. It also served as the site of a warehouse for fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company. With English influence in the area beginning to weaken, American settlers met at Champoeg (in present-day Marion County) to improve upon a loosely organized government formed two years earlier. The park includes a museum, conference center and day-use picnic area as well as an amphitheater and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Take the Aurora-Donald exit off I-5 and go west on Ehlen Road. Turn right at the stop sign at Butteville Road and left on Champoeg Road to 7679 Champoeg Road NE, St. Paul 97137. Phone 503-633-8170.

Clackamas Town Center
One of the state's largest indoor shopping malls. It features five major department stores, dozens of specialty shops, a food court, an ice-skating rink and a multi-screen cinema complex. 12000 SE 82nd Ave, Clackamas. Management Office Phone 503-653-6913. Security Office 503-653-6962.

Enchanted Forest & Thrill-Ville USA
A something-for-everyone amusement complex seven miles south of Salem on the east side of I-5. Enchanted Forest features a children's park with storybook sets and characters, a western mining town, haunted house and comedy theater. Thrill-Ville USA features "games of skill" and both classic and thrill rides including roller coasters, a water slide, bumper boats, go-carts, miniature golf, kiddy rides and more. 8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner. Enchanted Forest 503-371-4242 or 503-363-3060. Thrill-Ville USA 503-363-4095.

Fort Vancouver
The fort was founded on the north bank of the Columbia River in 1824 as a department headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company as the British trading firm sought to expand its domination of the fur trade throughout what is now Canada and the Northwestern United States. The fort's founder and director, Dr. John McLoughlin, moved the outpost about a mile and a half downstream from its original site in 1829. The US Army destroyed the fort in 1860 after the British abandoned it for Fort Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C. Congress declared Fort Vancouver a National Monument in 1948 and a National Historic Site in 1961. Aided by historians and archaeologists, the fort has been completely rebuilt with re-creations and artifacts from the original fort and is now run by the National Park Service. It is perhaps the most extensively researched historical and archaeological site in the Pacific Northwest and sits on more than 200 acres inside the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve. To get to the fort, take I-5 to the Mill Plain Boulevard exit in Vancouver, Wash. Go east on Mill Plain, and turn right on Vancouver Way. At the traffic circle, go east on Evergreen Boulevard, then follow the signs to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Phone 1-800-832-3599 or 360-696-7655, ext. 17.

John McLoughlin House
Designated a National Historic Site, McLoughlin House is the Oregon City, Ore., home of the man often referred to as "The Father of Oregon." The same Dr. John McLoughlin (b. 1784) who founded Fort Vancouver for the Hudson's Bay Company in 1824, retired from the company and settled in Oregon City in 1846. He built an elegant house for himself at the south end of town near the present-day Willamette Falls. McLoughlin was the prime benefactor to the first American settlers in the region and was for a time the only medical practitioner in the area. It was McLoughlin who, in 1829, claimed for the Hudson's Bay Company a large tract of land alongside Willamette Falls. In 1842, he platted out and named the land claim Oregon City. He became an American citizen in 1851, and served as Oregon City's mayor in 1852. McLoughlin later lost most of his own land to political opponents and died nearly broke in 1857. His home was moved to is present location at 713 Center St. in 1909, where it was completely renovated and restored to its original condition. It's open Tuesdays thru Sundays for tours, except in January when it's closed. Phone 503-656-5146.

Milo McIver State Park
Often referred to simply as "McIver Park," this overnight campground sits on the south bank of the Clackamas River across from the City of Estacada. In addition to seven miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, it features fishing in the Clackamas River, covered picnic areas, tent campsites, a fish hatchery and more. Information 1-800-551-6949 or 503-630-7150. Reservations 1-800-452-5687. www.oregonstateparks.org

Memorial Coliseum
The former home of professional basketball's Portland Trailblazers, the Coliseum is now part of the Rose Quarter complex and is used mostly as an exposition and conference center. 1401 N. Wheeler Ave., Portland. Main Office 503-235-8771. Event Hotline/Parking 503-321-3211.

Molalla River State Park
Top off a trip on the Canby Ferry with a day at the park. This day-use park at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla and Pudding rivers, near Canby, features group picnic areas and a boat ramp, as well as fishing, swimming and nature trails. Also features one of the largest nesting grounds for Blue Heron in the Willamette Valley. From Portland, follow the directions for the Canby Ferry (above). From Canby, take 99E north to Territorial Road and turn west. Turn right on Holly Street, then look for signs to Molalla River State Park. Information 1-800-551-6949. Reservations 1-800-452-5687. www.oregonstateparks.org

Mount Hood
The tallest peak in Oregon and third-tallest in the Pacific Northwest, Mt. Hood towers over Portland and the Willamette Valley. On a clear day, it can be seen from more than 70 miles away. The mountain is home to historic Timberline Lodge, built in 1937 of mammoth timbers and native stone by unemployed craftspeople hired by the depression-era federal Works Projects Administration. It now operates as a hotel and ski resort and stands as a tribute to Oregon's rugged past. Mt. Hood also boasts several Alpine and Nordic ski areas, as well as numerous other recreational opportunities. Information (toll-free) 888-622-4822. www.mthood.org

Multnomah Falls
Situated on Multnomah Creek where the creek approaches I-84, Multnomah Falls has its own exit off the freeway about 32 miles east of downtown Portland and 9 miles west-southwest of Bonneville. The two waterfalls that make up this attraction majestically plunge some 850 feet into the Columbia River Gorge, with a single drop of 620 feet, tied with Bridal Veil Falls for sixth-highest in North America and 19th-highest in the world. Although the falls provide one of Oregon's most popular tourist attractions, enjoying Multnomah Falls is still free, and souvenirs are available from a gift shop near the base of the falls. For the adventuresome, a viewing platform at the top of the falls is accessible by a seven-mile round-trip hike that begins at Wahkeena Falls. Visitor Center 503-695-2372. www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/

North Clackamas Aquatic Park
A year-round aquatic center near Clackamas Town Center (one of the state's largest indoor shopping malls). The publicly-owned aquatic facility features three water slides, a wave pool, a kiddie pool and a play area. 7300 SE Harmony Road, Milwaukie. Phone 503-557-7873. Recorded Message 503-650-3483.

Oaks Amusement Park
Named for the stately trees that surround it, The Oaks Amusement Park has been in operation since 1905, making it one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the United States. The facility features midway attractions (complete with a roller coaster, bumper cars, games, kiddie rides and more), a dance hall, several picnic areas, a roller skating rink and a museum featuring park history and memorabilia. The park sits on the east bank of the Willamette River at the foot of Southeast Spokane Street, near the Sellwood Bridge. The park operates weekends only in the spring and early fall, and daily throughout the summer, but is closed Mondays. The skating rink operates year round. Phone 503-236-5722. www.oakspark.com.

Old Aurora Colony
The City of Aurora, roughly midway between Portland and Salem in Marion County, was home to a small Christian communal colony established in 1856. The colony's 400 members shared labor and property and supported themselves with the sale of timber and agricultural products. The town now is home to the Old Aurora Colony Museum. The five-building museum complex at Liberty and Second streets includes an 1862 ox barn, an 1863 house, a log cabin, a warehouse and a machine shed, all furnished with period artifacts. Other colony dwellings exist today as antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Phone the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, 503-678-2288. www.cdds.com/chamber.htm.

OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry provides a hands-on opportunity for people of all ages to experience the natural world through science. OMSI was established in 1946 and is the oldest science museum in the Pacific Northwest. Its exhibits include a planetarium, a former US Navy submarine, laser light shows and numerous other exhibits. 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland. Phone 800-955-OMSI. www.omsi.edu.

Oregon City Historic District
Once a capital of the Oregon Territory, Oregon City was the first incorporated city west of the Mississippi River and plays prominently in the history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Numerous historic homes and buildings remain in present-day Oregon City, and some are open for public tours. Some of the more prominent buildings in the city's historic district include: the McLoughlin House, the Barclay House, the Stevens/Crawford House and the Ermatinger House. Phone Clackamas County History Museum, 503-655-5574, or Clackamas County Tourism Development Council, 800-647-3843.

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Visitors to the Oregon Coast Aquarium come from throughout Northwest Oregon and throughout the world. The aquarium includes numerous exhibits showcasing the marine life of Oregon's coastal area. Visitors to the aquarium's largest exhibit, "Passages of the Deep," can seemingly get right into the water with the aquatic life via a clear, acrylic tunnel that runs right through more than 1.3 million gallons of sea water. The aquarium sits near US Hwy 101 at the entrance to Newport Bay. Open every day except Christmas. 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR 97365. Phone 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org.

Oregon Convention Center
Situated on the banks of Oregon's historic Willamette River, the convention center is an award-winning destination for meetings, conventions and trade shows. A multi-million dollar expansion project that will double the convention center's floor space to 255,000 square feet is scheduled to be completed by April 2003. 777 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland. Phone 800-791-2250. www.oregoncc.org

Oregon Zoo
Formerly named for Washington Park, where the zoo has been situated more than 114 years, the Oregon Zoo was started when a Portland pharmacist donated his personal menagerie to the City of Portland in 1887. Today the zoo's collection contains more than 1,000 animals representing about 200 species, more than 50 of which are considered either endangered or threatened. The zoo is one of the state's leading paid attractions, hosting more than 1 million visitors annually. 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland. Phone 503-226-1561. www.zooregon.org

Peacock Lane
A Portland holiday tradition is the annual Christmas light show along Peacock Lane, one block east of Southeast 39th Avenue between Stark and Belmont. Every house on the street is decorated to the hilt, and you'll find nothing but good old-fashioned holiday spirit. It may seem like everyone in the city is there, but hit it at the right time of night, and you'll be aglow with holiday cheer. Park your car several blocks away and walk through the display--you'll see more and avoid the gnarly traffic that takes up a two-block radius. The later you go, the thinner the crowds. The lights are on from 6-11 p.m. nightly and from 6-midnight on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Map.

PGE Park
Known for decades as Civic Stadium, this Portland landmark became known as PGE Park after Oregon's largest utility, Portland General Electric, kicked in more than $1 million toward a major renovation of the facility. The stadium is home to Portland Beavers baseball and Portland Timbers soccer, and hosts other events ranging from high school football to outdoor concerts. It seats up to 23,000, and also is home to the NCAA Division I-AA Portland State University Vikings football team. 1844 SW Morrison St., Portland. Map. Information 503-553-5400, Tickets 503-553-5555. www.pgepark.com

Pioneer Courthouse Square
Borne out of a controversy in the mid-1980s over historic preservation in the city, Pioneer Courthouse Square is sometimes referred to as "Portland's living room." At Southwest Morrison Street between Fifth and Broadway, the square had been the site of a school, a hotel and a parking garage. It has since become a vibrant and lively gathering place for political rallies, street music and theatre, flower shows and other downtown community events. The square is the site of Oregon's largest annual New Year's Eve celebration, and the site of Portland's Visitor Information Center. The visitor center's 75-seat theatre provides daily shows and exhibits with information about Portland and the surrounding area. Administrative Office 503-223-1613, Visitor Information Center 503-275-8355. www.pioneersquare.citysearch.com

Pittock Mansion
Oregon's version of Hearst Castle, Pittock Mansion is the early 20th century home of Oregonian publishing magnate Henry Pittock. The home was completed in 1914 in a spectacular setting high above Portland. Now open to the public and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors to the mansion marvel at the home's fine craftsmanship and at the breathtaking view from the grounds. 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland 97210. Phone 503-823-3624. www.pittockmansion.com

Portland Expo Center
Expo is the region’s largest consumer and trade show venue of its kind. The 60-acre site includes 4 interconnected buildings with total exhibit space exceeding 330,000 square feet and parking for more than 3000 vehicles. The center added a new world class, 108,000-square-foot exhibit hall, Hall E, in 1997. Past Expo events have included RV shows, gun and knife shows, antique shows, manufacturers trade shows, art exhibits and more. 2060 N. Marine Dr., Portland 97217. Phone 503-736-5200. www.expocenter.org

Rose Garden Arena
Completed in 1995 to provide a newer and bigger venue for Portland's NBA professional basketball franchise, The Trailblazers, this indoor arena was built adjacent to the "Blazers" former home, Memorial Coliseum. Together, the two arenas and attendant offices, along with a few small retail outlets, make up The Rose Quarter. The Rose Garden cost about $252 million, paid mostly from private sources. The "Coliseum" generally hosts smaller events, such as conferences, trade shows and expositions, while The Rose Garden plays host to a variety of events from basketball and hockey games to rock concerts, and even rodeos. 1 Center Court, Portland. Phone 503-235-8771. Tickets 503-797-9617. www.rosequarter.com

Silver Falls State Park
With more than 8,700 acres of woods, trails and waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is the largest park in the Oregon State Park System. Located off State Highway 214 and along the banks of Silver Creek south of Silverton, the park was created in the early 1900s, mostly from the sweat of laborers from the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Projects Administration. The Silver Falls Lodge, built of native stone and timber, features two picturesque stone fireplaces and beautiful myrtlewood furnishings. The lodge was fully renovated in 1978, and today is used as a visitor center. Perhaps the most popular feature of the park is Silver Creek's South Falls, where visitors can hike a trail that takes them behind the falls as a rushing torrent of water plunges past them into the creek more than 100 feet below. The park has 105 overnight camping spaces, 14 cabins, a conference center, day-use picnic areas, hiking, mountain bike and horse trails and more. From downtown Silverton, go south on Water Street (State Highway 214) about 15 miles to the park's primary entrance. Map. Information 1-800-551-6949. Reservations 1-800-452-5687. www.oregonstateparks.org

Wheatland Ferry
About 600 vehicles a day use Oregon's busiest and oldest remaining ferry, the only crossing point over a roughly 25-mile stretch of Willamette River in rural Marion County between Newberg and downtown Salem. Started in 1844, the ferry operated free of charge to users until 1981, when the county began charging 50 cents per car. Today the ride is still free for pedestrians, but costs about $1 for cars (more for larger vehicles). The ferry operates from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and in the event of unfavorable river conditions. From Newberg, go south on US Highway 99W. Look for signs to Oregon Coast, and turn left onto State Highway 18. Follow signs for Dayton and State Highway 221. Go south from Dayton on Highway 221 (Third Street). Turn left on Wheatland Road Northwest, and follow to the ferry. From Salem, go north on I-5, exit at Brooks, and go west on Brooklake Road Northeast to Wheatland Road Northeast. Turn right, and follow to the ferry. Map. Schedule Information 503-588-7979. Wheatland Ferry web page

Wildlife Safari
In Winston, in southwestern Oregon about 6 miles south of Roseburg. Wildlife Safari is the Northwest's premier wild animal park. Visitors drive through the park and have an unobstructed view of dozens of wild and exotic species from around the world as the animals roam free and in their natural environment. Open seven days a week all year (except Christmas). 1790 Safari Road, Winston 97496. Map. Call or write for reservations: Toll Free 800-355-4848, Direct 541-679-6761, P.O. Box 1600, Winston 97496. www.wildlifesafari.org

Back to PLACES

SPORTS

Beavers Baseball
The Portland Beavers are the San Diego Padres' AAA minor league team, and are one of 16 teams in Minor League Baseball's Pacific Coast League. The Beavers' aspiring major leaguers play a grueling 145-game schedule over the course of about 152 days from early April through Labor Day. Their home is PGE Park (formerly Civic Stadium), just west of downtown Portland. Map. Information 503-553-5400. Tickets 503-553-5555. www.portlandbeavers.com

Collegiate Athletics
Northwest Oregon is host to several NCAA Division I athletic programs. The most notable in recent years have been the University of Oregon Ducks football team, 2001 Pac-10 Conference champions, and the Oregon State University Beavers football team, 2000 Pac-10 Conference champions. The Beavers, whose home is in Corvallis, finished their 2000 season ranked in the top 5 nationally by pulling off a big win on New Year's Day 2001 in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. The Ducks, whose home is in Eugene, ascended to the number 2 spot in the nation for the 2001 season after they executed a 38-16 drubbing of the 3rd-ranked Colorado Buffalos in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl. Portland State University, with its campus in downtown Portland, also hosts a successful NCAA football program, the Division I-AA Vikings of the Big Sky Conference. The University of Portland, a private, Catholic-sponsored institution, has an NCAA Division I basketball program, the Portland Pilots of the West Coast Conference. For ticket and location information for any of the sports these universities sponsor, click the desired link below:
UO Ducks www.goducks.com
OSU Beavers www.osubeavers.com
PSU Vikings www.goviks.com
UOP Pilots www.portlandpilots.com

Hood-to-Coast Relay
The "Hood-To-Coast," as it is affectionately known among participants, is the ultimate adventure run plus a fund-drive for the American Cancer Society. The event is the largest relay race in North America, the course for which stretches 195 miles, from the top of Mt. Hood to the City of Seaside, on the Pacific Ocean. More than 12,000 runners comprising more than 1,000 teams compete in this annual event, now in it's 21st year. More information 503-292-4626. www.hood-to-coast.com

Multnomah Greyhound Park
Long before Oregon charities were granted the legal privilege to use games of chance as fundraising sources, and long before voters in the 1980s approved a statewide lottery as a way to raise funds for economic development, Oregonians flocked to the horse and dog tracks for a legal means of recreational wagering. The dog racing season runs from early May through Mid-October at Multnomah Greyhound Park, Northeast 223rd Avenue and Glisan Street, Wood Village. Map. Phone 503-667-7700. www.ez2winmgp.com

Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway occupies the former site of the World War II era City of Vanport, which was destroyed by a flood in 1948. The US Army Corps of Engineers sold the site to the City of Portland in 1960, and the Portland "Jaycees" convinced the committee in charge of organizing the annual Rose Festival to use the abandoned roads of Vanport as a road race course. The first "Rose Cup" race was held here in 1961, starting a tradition that continues today. Now, the track hosts the annual CART-sanctioned Rose Festival 200 Indy car race, as well as dozens of other racing events including NHRA drag racing and involving vehicles from bicycles to Go Karts. PIR also is The facility is owned and operated by the City of Portland through its Bureau of Parks and Recreation and brings between $30-$40 million into the surrounding community each year. 1940 North Victory Blvd., Portland 97217. Map. Phone 503 823-RACE. www.portlandraceway.com

Portland Meadows
To see the power and majesty that make up live horse racing, go to Portland Meadows Friday to Sunday (and some Mondays) during the racing season. Portland Meadows occupies more than 100 acres in the East Delta Park area, just off I-5. The racing season runs from late October through April. The infield of the mile-long track doubles as a 9-hole golf course during the off season. The course is a great place for the casual golfer, a place where green fees range between about $6-$10 for 9 holes (depending on the day of week and time of day) and where there is no dress code. Golf Course - 901 N. Schmeer Road, Portland, 503-289-3405. Map. Race Track - 1001 N. Schmeer Road, Portland. 503-285-9144, Toll Free 1-800-944-3127. www.portlandmeadows.com.

Timbers Soccer
The Portland Timbers are one of 21 teams in the United Soccer Leagues professional A-League, similar to Minor League Baseball's AAA division. Many of the players for the nation's Division I men's league (Major League Soccer) are recruited from USL's A-League teams. The Timbers play a 32-game schedule running from late April through mid September. The Timbers home is PGE Park, just west of downtown Portland. Map. Information 503-553-5400, Tickets 503-553-5555. www.portlandtimbers.com

Trailblazers Basketball
The "Blazers," as they are affectionately known by fans, have several times come close to taking the world championship title since stars like Bill Walton and Dave Twardzik led the team to the championship in 1977. Now under a new general manager and making a number of changes to both their player and front office rosters, the team is poised to rebuild their championship program and provide a serious challenge to any team with hopes of taking the title. Blazer home games are played in the Rose Garden Arena, which opened in 1995. 1 N. Center Court St., Portland 97227. Map. Main Office 503-234-9291, Season Tickets 503-797-9600, Single-Game Ticket Sales 503-224-4400.

Winter Hawks Hockey
A member of the Western Hockey League of Canadian Major Junior Hockey, the Winter Hawks are one of the most successful organizations among the 56 hockey teams that compete in North America at the Major Junior level. This is the highest level of amateur hockey in the world, and the WHL is one of the biggest suppliers of talent for the pro teams of the National Hockey League. The Winter Hawks play 72 regular season games, 36 of them at home in the Rose Garden Arena or the Memorial Coliseum. The regular season runs from September thru March. Contact the team at Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Winning Way, Portland 97227. Map. Main Office 503-238-6366, Season Tickets 503-236-4295, Single-Game Tickets 503-224-4400.

Woodburn Drag Strip
One of two venues in NW Oregon sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association, the track regularly sees competition involving top alcohol dragsters, funny cars, super stock cars, motorcycles, junior dragsters and more. The heart-thumping, ear-drum smashing action runs from late March thru October and is well worth a trip to the track, which is conveniently located just a mile and a half west of I-5 at the Woodburn exit. 7730 Highway 219 NE, Woodburn 97071. Phone 503-982-4461. www.woodburndragstrip.com.

Back to SPORTS

RECREATION

Bicycling

Golf
Northwest Oregon boasts dozens of golf courses for players of all skill levels. Both public and private facilities abound. Whether you're a practiced professional or a casual hacker, you'll be able to find a course to suit your skill level and your wallet. Some of the favorite public courses throughout the area include Langdon Farms Golf Club, 24377 NE Airport Rd., Aurora, 503-678-GOLF; Stone Creek Golf Club, 14603 S. Stoneridge Dr., Oregon City, 503-518-4653; and Sandelie Golf Course, 28333 SW Mountain Rd., West Linn, 503-655-1461. Following is a list of links to information for other area golf facilities:
Public
w Ranch Hills Golf Course
w Guide to Oregon Golf Courses

Private
w Arrowhead Golf & Athletic Club
w Illahe Hills Country Club
w Oregon Golf Club
w Pleasant Valley Golf Club
w Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club
w Riverside Golf & Country Club
w Senior Estates Golf & Country Club
w Tualatin Country Club
w Guide to Private Golf Clubs in Oregon

Hiking & Camping

Resorts

Skiing

Tennis

Water Sports
Oregon has a reputation for having lots of rain. While that reputation is only partly correct, the state is a land of many lakes and rivers, plus hundreds of miles of coastline. Water sports, including fishing, waterskiing, sailing, whitewater rafting, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and many others, take place on some of the mightiest and most pristine waterways in the nation. Rivers like the Columbia, Willamette, Snake, Rogue, Deschutes, Owyhee and John Day wind their way through or along Oregon's diverse landscape. To find more information about your favorite water sport and where to find waterways in Oregon to enjoy that sport, visit the site of the Oregon State Marine Board.

Back to RECREATION

CULTURE

Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival was officially born on July 2, 1935 with a production of Twelfth Night. The Festival presented "The Merchant of Venice" on July 3rd and "Twelfth Night" again on the 4th. Reserved seats cost $1, with general admission of 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. Since then, the festival has grown in both size and acclaim, winning accolades from critics around the nation as it stages an eclectic mix of Shakespeare's classics and the works of more contemporary playwrights. In 2003, TIME Magazine rated the Festival # 2 among the nation's top five regional theaters. Each year the festival's actors take various roles in 11 works that play in rotation from mid-February thru October. Administrative Office 15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland, Oregon, Phone 541-482-2111; Ticket Sales P.O. Box 158, Ashland, OR 97520, Phone 541-482-4331. www.orshakes.org