Quick Details
Highlights: Downtown Portland & Pearl District | Washington Park | International Rose Test Garden or Hoyt Arboretum | Pittock Mansion Grounds | Lan Su Chinese Garden
About the Tour
With the Willamette River down the center and the Columbia River above, Portland is often more enthusiastically known by its nicknames such as “Bridgetown,” “Brewtopia,” and “City of Roses.” Nestled at the base of a volcano and bundled snugly by old growth forests, this city boasts a landscape beyond a basic urban environment. We will immerse you in the town’s history and discover how the once little-known fishing village has now become a popular international destination. Come see the wonderful city that Wildwood Adventures calls home and get a taste of the charm that Portland offers to its explorers!
For tour availabilities beginning in April, this half day tour pairs really well with the half day Gorge Waterfalls Tour for a full day of adventures!
Typical Itinerary
This is a half day tour, typically offered from 9AM – 12PM or 1PM – 4PM. Please note, the tour route and sights may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It is always our goal to provide you with the most interesting adventure possible.
We’ll start our tour in historic downtown Portland as we make our way to the Park Blocks. This area boasts museums and a collection of performing arts centers among other intricacies. From here, we’ll cross the Willamette River on our way towards Ladd’s Addition, the oldest planned neighborhood in Portland. On our way to Washington Park, we’ll pop back across the river as we swing by Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as Portland’s Living room.
Our first stop will be in the International Rose Test Garden, earning Portland one of its proud titles as “City of Roses.” As the oldest official continually running public rose test garden in the United States, it features over 650 unique rose varieties across 10,000 bushes. During the winter season, when the rose garden is not at its peak, we will substitute this stop with a stop at the Hoyt Arboretum, where we will learn about the trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest!
Onward to Pittock Mansion. Saved from demolition in 1964, the mansion now resides as a historic house museum with expansive gardens and a manicured lawn. Our guests will have ample time to explore the exteriors of the mansion and Gate Lodge while enjoying the scenic gardens and breathtaking city view.
From here, we’ll explore more of Portland’s most famous neighborhoods, including Nob Hill and NW 23rd Avenue, the Pearl district (where we will find another Portland landmark: Powell’s Books, the world’s largest new and used book store!) and the historic Chinatown district.
Our last stop on the tour will be the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden, one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China! As most of the plants featured are indigenous to China, guests will have the opportunity to view many beautiful species otherwise not seen in the Pacific Northwest as we stroll through the gardens. From here, we make our way back to downtown Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! We are super excited to share these Portland treasures with you!
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Yes! Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the tour. The snacks and beverages will vary depending on the time of day. Bottled water will always be available.
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Oregon’s weather, although very temperate, can sometimes be unpredictable. Bringing along a rain jacket and wearing multiple layers is typically the best option for almost anywhere in Oregon. Umbrellas will be available on the tour.
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We will be exploring in a large van. This luxury vehicle comes with an extra tall roof so that everyone feels comfortable and not cramped. There are oversized windows to allow for the best visibility for our guests!
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We generally prefer to limit our group size to 12 travelers to ensure that everyone is comfortable and relaxed. Throughout the high travel season, one can expect tour group sizes to be around 6 to 12 people. During the rest of the year, group sizes can typically range from 2 to 8.
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All three main stops on the Portland City Tour do require a leisurely stroll to fully explore each area. However, the distance and pace are up to you. The stops on the city tour typically also offer a bench or somewhere to sit during our wanderings for a more relaxed experience.