Even more fun things to do in and around Portland

It doesn't matter if you live in the heart of Portland, west of the hills, east of the river, or south toward Wilsonville and Woodburn — there's always something fun to do!

Scroll through this list to see what activities you can get and enjoy!

AROUND PORTLAND

FOREST PARK IN PORTLAND — Known as America’s premier urban forest, Forest Park has more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads. The 5,200-acre park is located along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains. It’s a rare chance to take in the natural beauty of a forest within the city limits of a major metropolitan area. For more information, go online ( forestparkconservancy.org ).

SEE THE BLOOMS — At Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland, rhododendrons and azaleas begin blooming in February but are at their peak in April and May. Admission is $5, and children 10 and younger get in free. Hint: everyone gets in free on Mondays. Come to 5801 S.E. 28th Ave. to view the magic.

OAKS PARK — In April and May, Oaks Amusement Park, with all its carnival rides, games, and fun, will be open on Saturdays and Sundays. Summer will really get going Friday, June 15, when the park will start operating Tuesday through Sunday and extend weekend hours to noon to 8 p.m. More: oakspark.com .

CHERRY BLOSSOMS — After the chill of winter, it’s time to enjoy colorful cherry blossoms in April at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. The cherry blossoms are an excellent background for selfies or if you wish to take some family photos. The best spot to view the cherry blossoms is north of the Burnside Bridge, on the river’s west bank. The peak time to view these beautiful blossoms is in mid- to late-April.

PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE — This popular gathering spot in Downtown Portland is called Portland’s Living Room, and for good reason. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy lunch and gaze at the buildings in this bustling part of Portland. Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts more than 300 events each year. Look for the iconic pole with signs that point to different locations from the square, including Mount Hood, Vancouver, B.C., or even Timbuktu and Walden Pond. In addition, the square has several food carts. Also, inquire about buying a brick with your name on it. For more information, go online ( thesquarepdx.org ).

MULTNOMAH VILLAGE — You can visit Multnomah Village any day of the year and have fun visiting the unique shops, galleries, restaurants, wine bar, brew pub, professional services and Multnomah Arts Center. This tourist location is home to the Multnomah Days Street Fair on the third Saturday of August. The Holiday Gala takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of December. Enjoy Halloween in the Village. For more information visit the website ( multnomahvillage.org ).

VERA KATZ EASTBANK ESPLANADE — If you want a magnificent view of downtown Portland while enjoying a chance to work off a few of your lunchtime calories, visit the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, located where Southeast Hawthorne Avenue meets up with Southeast Water Street. The 1.5-mile-long esplanade extends north from the Hawthorne Bridge to the Steel Bridge. The esplanade offers connections to eastside neighborhoods with paved paths and biking and hiking trails. For more information, go online to portland.gov/parks/eastbank-esplanade .

HOYT ARBORETUM — Located in Portland’s Washington Park, the Hoyt Arboretum is referred to as a living museum of trees. The arboretum was founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate the community. It has 190 ridge-top acres and 12 miles of hiking trails. With more than 6,000 trees, there are 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. Hoyt Arboretum ( hoytarboretum.org ) is located at 4000 S.W. Fairview Blvd. in Portland.

OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY — According to OMSI, its mission is “to inspire curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, foster experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulate informed action.” Take part in Planetarium shows and theater shows. In addition, you can tour the USS Blueback submarine, located outside, close to the Eastbank Esplanade. OMSI’s first floor has an Exhibit Hall, a Space Science Hall, a Turbine Hall, and a science store with plenty of souvenirs. The second floor has an exhibit hall and a Natural Sciences Hall. There’s also a Science Playground for ages 0-6.

OMSI’s popular “Tyrannosaurs — Meet the Family” exhibit will be up through Sept. 8. It explores the most feared and revered of all the dinosaurs, using real fossils, life-sized skeletons, and multimedia to tell the story of the T-Rex family — the species. The exhibit was created by the Australian Museum, and is now touring the United States after being shown in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and Canada. It features recently added tyrannosaur discoveries, including the oldest feathery relatives of the T-Rex.

More: omsi.edu .

PITTOCK MANSION — It’s a bit of a climb up Portland’s West Hills, but Pittock Mansion, built in 1914, is a popular escape for visitors and residents alike. Newspaper publisher Henry Pittock, who has a rich history in Portland, made a financial empire during his lifetime by investing in real estate, banking, railroads, steamboats, sheep ranching, silver mining and the paper industry. As the weather gets warmer, bring a blanket and lunch and view the Portland skyline from behind the mansion. If the weather is clear, you can see Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Visit pittockmansion.org to learn more.

THE GROTTO IN PORTLAND — The scenic National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. Located at the main entrance of Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard, this 62-acre shrine offers a location of peace during troubling times. According to its website, the Grotto is “A place of peace, prayer and natural beauty.” It’s a Roman Catholic ministry of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. The Grotto was founded in 1924 by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer. For more information, go online ( thegrotto.org ).

OREGON ZOO — With an attendance of more than 1.5 million visitors per year, the Oregon Zoo, located in Portland’s West Hills, is a top tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest. Situated on 64 acres, the zoo, according to its website, aims to be a model of sustainable conservation of natural resources. In addition, the Oregon Zoo Foundation, the zoo’s philanthropic partner, “plays an integral role in supporting the zoo’s animal welfare, conservation and education programs.” The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has raised over $84 million for the zoo’s top priorities. To learn more about the zoo ( oregonzoo.org ).

PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET — Celebrate 50 years of the market in 2024. You can find handmade arts, crafts and food at Portland’s Saturday Market on Naito Parkway, alongside Waterfront Park. The market is the largest continuously open-air arts and crafts market in the United States. Many local, small businesses show off their wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. This event, popular with tourists and locals, runs through Dec. 23. For more information, go online ( portlandsaturdaymarket.com ).

In addition, farmers' markets continue at Hollywood, Rocky Butte, St. Johns, Sellwood Moreland, Woodlawn, Montavilla, Woodstock, Hillsdale, King, and Lents ( portlandfarmersmarket.org ).

PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN — Celebrating 65 years of the Portland and Sapporo Sister City relationship, "Vision of Place" welcomes the work of a local Portland photographer and Hokkaido-based photographers to showcase the beauty of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, through June 10 4 at Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave. More: japanesegarden.org .

PORTLAND’S HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD — Portland is a city of neighborhoods, each unique. Hawthorne is no exception, as its 43 city blocks contain vintage stores, boutiques and cafes. You can easily spend the day here and still not see everything. You’ll find food choices from around the world. Stop by Maruti Indian. Cubo has traditional Cuban meals, including pork with rice and chicken and rice. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai is a San Francisco-based Thai eatery. TarBoush Lebanese Bistro and Bar offers Lebanese treats. There is plenty of entertainment at this Southeast Portland tourist destination. Try out the Cinemagic Theater, the Hawthorne Theater, or the McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub. For more information, go online ( travelportland.com ).

PORTLAND TIMBERS AND THORNS — If you haven’t been to Portland’s Providence Park, you’re in for a real treat. Enjoy the Timbers and Thorns as they entertain fans with magical moves on the soccer pitch through spring and summer. It can be hard to get tickets, so you might have to be creative. The Timbers’ regular season runs through Oct. 19. If you love rivalry games, the Seattle Sounders are in town for a May 12 contest at Providence Park against the Timbers. The Thorns are also a great choice, and their season runs through Oct. 19. For more team and schedule information, go online ( timbers.com ).

OTHER SPORTS — The Portland Winter Hawks are enjoying a successful season in the Western Hockey League (winterhawks.com), while the Portland Trail Blazers are rebuilding in the NBA ( trailblazers.com ).

OREGON SYMPHONY — The Oregon Symphony has several upcoming shows, including “Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony,” 7:30 p.m. April 27, 2 p.m. April 28, and 7:30 p.m. April 29. Violinist Baiba Skride joins the symphony for Britten’s “Violin Concerto”; the symphony also plays Britten’s “Four Seas Interludes.” Also, it’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part I in Concert,” 7:30 p.m. May 25 and 2 p.m. May 26, and “The Music of Dance: Schubert & Strauss,” 2 p.m. June 1, 2 p.m. June 2 and 7:30 p.m. June 3. Other shows: “Brahms’ First Symphony,” June 8-10; John Malkovich in “The Music Critic at the Symphony,” June 12. All Oregon Symphony events take place at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. More: orsymphony.org .

LOCAL MUSIC — There are scores of Portland music venues to visit to listen to local bands and touring acts. Here are examples of some shows coming up to consider: Low Bar Chorale, sing-along, 7:30 p.m. April 30, Revolution Hall Show Bar ( revolutionhall.com ); An Orchestral Rendition of Dr. Dre 2001, 10 p.m. May 5, Crystal Ballroom ( crystalballroompdx.com ); Blitzen Trapper, 8 p.m. May 17, Aladdin Theater ( aladdin-theater.com .); The Wallflowers, 8 p.m. May 28, Aladdin Theater ( aladdin-theater.com ); The NowHere Band playing “Sgt. Pepper” and “Abbey Road,” May 30-June 2, Alberta Rose Theatre ( albertarosetheatre.com ).

HELIUM COMEDY CLUB — The club on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard continues to attract national acts. A top gig coming up at Helium Comedy Club is Aries Spears (“MADtv”), who comes loaded with impressions and takes on sports, current events and more. He’ll be appearing May 2-5. More: heliumcomedy.com/portland .

MODA CENTER MUSIC — Portland’s biggest venue has a lot of music events going on in the spring. On his “Holy Forever World Tour,” Chris Tomlin stops at Moda Center at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3. Legendary Seattle band Pearl Jam, on its “Dark Matter World Tour 2024,” plays at Moda at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10. More: rosequarter.com .

OUTDOOR CONCERTS — It starts in the spring and continues into the summer. The Portland-area summer concert season attracts people to outdoor venues. Noon Tunes brings musicians into Pioneer Courthouse Square (schedule TBA, thesquarepdx.org ), and the Oregon Zoo will likely hold a concert series again ( oregonzoo.org ). The RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield, Washington, features big acts, including Avril Lavigne on May 26 and Red Hot Chili Peppers on May 28 (see venue page at livenation.com ). McMenamins establishments get going with shows, including at Edgefield in Troutdale (Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton on June 2 and Cavetown & Mother Mother on June 14, edgefieldconcerts.com ) and Grand Lodge in Forest Grove.

PEDALPALOOZA — Rides galore are part of the annual Pedalpalooza bicycle campaign, which starts Thursday, June 1, and goes through Aug. 31. The Pedalpalooza website has a complete schedule and rides to take part in. Look for the announcement and details for the annual World Naked Bike Ride. More: pedalpalooza.org .

OHS — Oregon Historical Society continues to feature exhibits centered around the city and state. “Portland Past and Present,” which uses photographs from the OHS research library and contemporary photos from Peter Marbach, shows how major architectural and geographic features of Portland have changed (or not) over time. It runs till July 7. More: ohs.org .

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM — It’s always a fun time to visit the Portland Art Museum, and one of its new exhibits focuses on something we know and appreciate in the Portland area (home of Nike and Adidas). It’s “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks," through Aug. 11. It features 60 futuristic footwear designs reflecting an incredible mix of fashion, design, gaming, new media, architecture and material arts as well as sustainable and collaborative practices. More: portlandartmuseum.org .

WEST OF PORTLAND

WORLD’S TALLEST BARBER POLE — Did you know that Forest Grove claims to be home to the World’s Tallest Barber Pole? It’s 73 feet tall, with a sign that says “Ballad Town USA,” and it resides at Lincoln Park on Main Street. It was erected in 1973. Check out the details here: discoverforestgrove.org/attractions/worlds-tallest-barber-pole .

WILDLIFE REFUGE — Located at 19255 S.W. Pacific Highway in Sherwood, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of urban national wildlife refuges nationwide. Situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the refuge supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed. Visitors can enjoy a year-round trail that meanders through various habitats, including wetland views and oak savanna. With over 200 species of birds, the refuge is a fantastic bird-watching destination. Visitors can also keep their eyes peeled for other wildlife, including numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants and insects. In addition to walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can engage with the refuge through a variety of public programs and events, as well as environmental education for local school groups.

THE RESER — The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 S.W. Crescent St. in Beaverton, continues to attract top-notch entertainment acts. Among the shows this spring: Gabriel Kahane and Pekka Kuusisto “Council,” May 4; “Live Wire Radio,” May 16; China Forbes (of Pink Martini), “The Road” solo album release, May 18-19; “OBT By Design,” May 25. More: thereser.org .

CORNELIUS FARMERS MARKET — Join the city of Cornelius and Adelante Mujeres, a local nonprofit, for the fourth year of the Cornelius Farmers Market on Fridays, June 7 to Sept. 27. Enjoy all the area has to offer, including fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, soaps, and more. For more information, go online ( adelantemujeres.org/farmers-markets ).

BEAVERTON FARMERS MARKET — the Beaverton Farmers Market continues with its earlier spring offerings each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fresh foods, artisan goods, cooking demonstrations, food drives, food trucks and music are all on tap each week in the Farmers Market parking lot on Southwest Hall Boulevard between Third and Fifth streets. Altitude Beverages, Briar Rose Creamery, and Budapest Bakery and Deli are among the vendors. For more information, go online ( beavertonfarmersmarket.com ).

MOTHER’S DAY TEA — The historic Newell Pioneer Village will hold a Mother’s Day tea from 1 to 3 p.m. May 11 at the facility adjacent to Champoeg State Heritage Area south of Newberg. Tea will be served on Rebecca’s Tea Porch, which looks out over the park. Seating is limited, so making reservations early is suggested. The cost is $45 per reservation, and tickets may be purchased at newellpioneervillage.ticketspice.com/mothers-day-tea. For more information, email info@newellpioneervillage.com or call 503-678-5537.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK — Newberg’s First Friday Art Walk will continue in May, with galleries, tasting rooms and other businesses hosting guest artisans and musical groups and offering wine tastings and tasty treats. May’s event is set for 5-8 p.m. on the third day of the month. For more information, call 503-537-1010.

WEDNESDAY MARKET — The Newberg Wednesday Market is set to begin May 1 and continue through the end of September at the corner of Second and College streets. Vendors for the popular market, a joint effort of the Chehalem Park and Recreation District and Newberg Downtown Coalition, are currently being assembled. For more information or to register as a vendor, call CPRD Market Manager Erin Harrington at 503-550-5927 or email her at eharrington@cprdnewberg.org.

FOREST GROVE FARMERS MARKET — Launched in 2005 by Adelante Mujeres, a nonprofit providing holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latina women and their families, the Forest Grove Farmers Market offers a variety of products, including fresh produce, eggs, meats and baked goods. Farmers and food producers are on hand to answer your questions. The market is open every Wednesday from May 1 through Oct. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m., on Main Street, between 21st Avenue and Pacific Avenue. Hours are reduced to 7 p.m. after the first week of September. Visit forestgrove-or.gov .

HILLSBORO HOPS BASEBALL — Ron Tonkin Field is the home of the Hillsboro Hops and a great location to view the boys of summer. The Hops will take on their rivals, the Eugene Emeralds, Everett AquaSox, Spokane Indians, Tri-City Dust Devils, and the Vancouver Canadians. The Hops and their mascot, Barley, will soon have a new ball field, but for now, enjoy the many amenities and a cozy atmosphere at Hillsboro’s Ron Tonkin Field. The season started in early April and runs through Sept. 8. For more, visit milb.com/hillsboro .

CAMP AT SAND ISLAND — Located directly across from St. Helens, Sand Island Campground is a great camping option if you want beautiful views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood in Oregon. The 31.7-acre offshore overnight camping location includes docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections and water adventure rides. For reservations or more information, visit sandislandcampground.com .

McCORMICK PARK — St. Helens, in Columbia County, is noted for its vast selection of beautiful parks. One of the favorites of citizens and visitors is McCormick Park, located at 475 S. 18th St. The park has two large picnic gazebos with power, a skateboard park, BMX track and a mile of nature trails. A fun playground will entertain the young ones in your family. Other amenities include two lighted softball fields, two smaller baseball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Visit the Veteran’s Memorial, which features a real howitzer cannon. For more information, visit sthelensoregon.gov .

NOB HILL NATURE PARK — This is a hidden gem in Columbia County. Great for bird watching or flower study, the 6-acre Nob Hill Nature Park is an oak woodland habitat on a basalt bluff that provides spectacular views of where the Columbia River and the Multnomah Channel collide. The park offers a 1/3-mile nature trail loop with three different entrances. Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park tend to its pristine surroundings throughout the year, ensuring it is a restful and enjoyable location for visitors and residents alike. More information is online ( sthelensoregon.gov ).

ART WALK — Newberg’s First Friday Art Walk will continue in May, with galleries, tasting rooms and other businesses hosting guest artisans and musical groups and offering wine tastings and tasty treats. May’s event is set for 5 to 8 p.m. on the third day of the month. For more information, call 503-537-1010.

WATTS HOUSE — The Watts Pioneer Museum and Heritage House, located at 52432 S.E. First in Scappoose, was built in 1902 by J.G. Watts and remained a family home until the late 1970s. The Scappoose Historical Society maintains the Watts Museum on the second floor. Among its many attractions is a shawl worn by Elizabeth Matilda Nessley Watts (J.G. Watt’s mother) when she traveled the Oregon Trail by wagon train. The house is also beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. For more information, go online ( ci.scappoose.or.us ).

SHERWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS — This magnificent building, just steps from the library and city hall, has a motto: “Inspire, educate and enrich the Sherwood community through diverse activities that enhance the quality of life.” The Sherwood Center for the Arts is a valuable resource for local artists, arts organizations and patrons. The center is at 22689 S.W. Pine St. For a list of events, go online ( sherwoodcenterforthearts.org ).

EWING YOUNG PARK — Get away from the city by traveling to Newberg and enjoying the Ewing Young Trails. The scenic trails include a substantial footbridge and trail sections along Chehalem Creek. You’ll notice trails wrap around the perimeter of Ewing Young Park and cross the disc golf course. The trails are at 1201 S. Blaine St. in Newberg ( cprdnewberg.org ).

LANGER’S IN SHERWOOD — The Langer’s Entertainment Center has activities for every member of your family. Its website states, “Langer’s is dedicated to celebrating the pioneer spirit of Oregon’s earliest settlers.” You’ll notice that in the general décor of the center, which is located at 21650 S.W. Langer Farms Parkway in Sherwood. In addition to a wide variety of the latest in arcade game enjoyment, Langer’s offers a 46-foot Rock Wall designed after Smith Rock in Central Oregon. The rock wall contains seven routes. Adults can enjoy bowling, while young ones can participate in the Timber Town Jungle Gym, which features slides and ball shooters. A popular attraction is the High Ropes Course ( langersfun.com ).

WASHINGTON COUNTY WINE — France and Italy are known for their wines, but Washington County and its environs are giving those countries a run for their money. Forest Grove is surrounded by the most wineries in the Portland metropolitan area. So whether you’re in the mood for pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay or riesling, drop by one of the many wineries this region of Oregon has to offer. Many of these wineries are family owned. Among the wineries are Dauntless Wine Company, David Hill Winery, Gresser Vineyard, Montinore Estates and Apolloni Vineyards. For more information, go online ( forestgrove-or.gov ).

BG’s FOOD CARTEL IN BEAVERTON — Beaverton is emerging as an excellent location for foodies, and for those who need lunch on the go, try out BG’s Food Cartel, located across from city hall in the Creekside District. BG’s Food Cartel offers 31 food carts with a delicious variety of eats. In addition, the food pod area offers a speakeasy bar with indoor/outdoor seating. For more information, go online ( bgfoodcartel.com ).

WALTERS PERFORMANCES — In Hillsboro, the Walters Performance Series lineup of music and dance goes through May at Walters Cultural Events Center, 527 E. Main St. More: hillsboro-oregon.gov/services/recreation-fun/walters-cultural-art-center .

EAST OF PORTLAND

TRAIL EXPLORATION — Spring is a great time to explore the trails and viewing window at the Wildwood Recreation Site near Welches. If you are looking for well-maintained, kid-friendly trails and an opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, don’t pass up Wildwood. Springtime — after the snow melts and before wildflower season is in full swing — is a great time to visit. Wildwood Recreation Site is open through Thanksgiving weekend from 8 a.m. to sunset. If the gate is closed, look for the alternate trailhead parking area off Highway 26 and hike an extra 0.5 miles into the park. There are two trail options at Wildwood Recreation Site: the ¾-mile paved Streamwatch Loop and the gravel-and-boardwalk ¾-mile Wetlands Trail. These stroller-friendly and ADA-accessible trails take you through unique habitats and interpretive signs that teach you about the area. If the gate is closed, look for the alternate trailhead parking area off Highway 26 and hike an extra 0.5 miles into the park. From Portland, travel 40 miles east on Highway 26. Wildwood is located on the south side of the highway near mile marker 39.

ESTACADA FARMERS MARKET — The Estacada Farmers Market, a recurring event, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May through September. The market is at 502 S.E. Main St. and features local vendors offering handcrafted and homegrown goods. For more information, visit facebook.com/EstacadaFarmersMarket .

GRESHAM FARMERS MARKET — The Gresham Farmers Market is a recurring event from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from May through October. The eclectic gathering of vendors assembles in Downtown Gresham at the Center for the Arts Plaza, Northeast Third Street, and Hood Avenue. The market's mission is to provide a place for vendors who grow agricultural products, prepare foods and make craft goods. The market also offers consumers a place to purchase farm products and other goods directly from the producers to nurture a sense of community.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS — For anyone interested in putting on their game face, the Sandy Public Library hosts Dungeons & Dragons games from 6 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of each month. D&D is a role-playing game where participants explore fantasy worlds and embark on epic quests against dragons, giants, the undead, and more. Players create their character types and names. The games are held in the Community Room of the Sandy Library, 38980 Proctor Blvd. For more information, call 503-668-5537. Seats are limited. Registration is required by contacting Dungeon Master Steve Williamson at gaming@ruckerworks.com.

MULTNOMAH FALLS — A short drive east of Portland, the Northwest’s natural beauty is in full view at Multnomah Falls. Tourists worldwide have visited the falls, considered the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. More than 2 million visitors enjoy the site each year. Multnomah Falls is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain. The amount of water over the falls can vary throughout the year. It’s usually highest during the winter and spring months. While at Multnomah Falls, stop by the visitor center, the snack bar, and the ADA-accessible restaurant. Timed use permit requirements will resume in late May 2023 (exact dates to be announced). You may contact the Multnomah Falls Lodge visitor center at 503-695-2372.

SANDY SKATE PARK — If skating is your thing, you’ll have fun at the Sandy Skate Park, 17225 S.E. Meinig Ave., a 10,000-square-foot skate park near the southern end of the soccer field at Cedar Ridge Middle School. The facility opened in June 2000. Hours are 2:30 p.m. to sunset on school days and 8 a.m. to sunset when school is closed. For more information, go online ( ci.sandy.or.us ).

MILO MCIVER STATE PARK — Located along the Clackamas River in Estacada, about 45 minutes from Portland, the park provides a variety of recreational opportunities and plenty of space to explore the river, forest and fields. People can go rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at Estacada Lake and go on a self-guided tour of the Clackamas Fish Hatchery. You can hike or ride your horse on miles of trails, and ride bicycles on paved trails and roads. There’s also a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day-use Area. For more information, see Milo McIver State Park at stateparks.oregon.gov .

SOUTH OF PORTLAND

TRYON CREEK NATURE — If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Portland and its environs, head south. It’s only a 15-minute trip from downtown Portland to this oasis, where you can find woodpeckers, squirrels and owlets on 658 acres of second-growth forests. This natural area contains eight miles of hiking trails, eight bridges, and a boardwalk over a wetland. In addition, you’ll find horse trails and a bicycle path. For people of all abilities, there is a .3-mile barrier-free Trillium Trail. Tryon Creek State Natural Area is Oregon’s only state park within a major metropolitan area. For more information, call 800-551-6949.

THE DIBBLE HOUSE — To get a feel for Oregon when it was first settled, visit the Dibble House Historical Museum at 620 S. Molalla Ave. This site includes one of the few salt-box houses in Oregon. You’ll also find a former stagecoach station and an exhibit hall. For more information, go online ( cityofmolalla.com ).

McMINNVILLE FARMERS MARKET — This year-round market is located at the McMinnville Grange, 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road. Hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Look for local vegetables, fruits, herbs, meats, eggs, honey, jams, wool, nuts and handmade gifts, and meet farmers, bakers and artisans in person. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page.

WEST LINN HERON WATCH — You’re unlikely to see a heron on your backyard patio, so travel to West Linn’s Maddax Woods, located at 5770 River St., to feast your eyes on one of the largest Great Blue Heron nesting areas in the Portland metropolitan region. Show up and join a volunteer-led heron viewing from the observation deck at Maddax Woods. Events will be held on May 12 and June 2. Viewings are from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring your binoculars! Go online for further information ( westlinnoregon.gov ).

McLOUGHLIN HOUSE — Learn about a true Pacific Northwest pioneer by visiting the McLoughlin House, 713 Center St. in Oregon City, a short distance from Willamette Falls. McLoughlin, according to the home’s website, was a trained physician who served as the chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver from 1825 to 1845. This historic home was saved from demolition by the McLoughlin Memorial Association and moved to its present location in 1909. Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call 360-816-6230.

WOODEN SHOE TULIP FESTIVAL — Through May 5, visitors will enjoy fields upon fields of tulips at this festival, held at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, located at 33814 S. Meridian Road in Woodburn. In addition to the many fields, you can enjoy food, drinks, a souvenir shop, and wine. Individual season and day tickets are available (at the time this section was put together). The tulip farm expects the second and third weeks of April to have the best overlap of early-, mid- and late-blooming tulips. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go online ( woodenshoe.com ).

ENJOY OREGON WINES — May is Oregon Wine Month. This month focuses on the wine industry and includes special activities and promotions at wineries throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond. You can learn more about the Oregon wine industry online ( oregonwine.org ).

MUSEUM OF THE OREGON TERRITORY — Brought to you by the Clackamas County Historical Society, this museum at 211 Tumwater Drive in Oregon City is chock-full of exhibits on the local history of Clackamas County — from the Indigenous people who have called this land home for thousands of years, to modern industrial marvels that brought power to Portland. Special exhibits include the Kaegi Pharmacy — a complete pharmacy from the late 1800s and early 1900s — and the Industrial Hall focusing on the many industries of the Willamette Falls area. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Guests who have purchased tickets may stay until 4:30 p.m. As an additional incentive, the museum features excellent views of the Willamette River and the now-defunct Blue Heron Paper Company mill. This day-trip destination is inexpensive: $8 for adults, $5 for youth, $7 for seniors and veterans are admitted free. More: clackamashistory.org .

CLACKAMETTE PARK — Clackamette Park lies at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers in Oregon City, with easy access from I-205 and 99E. All year, visitors come from miles around to enjoy the many amenities of the 25-acre park, which include a boat launch, walking paths, horseshoe pits, an RV park, a swing set, a skate park and beach access. It's the perfect place to plan your next family get-together, birthday party, company picnic or special event. The park is at 1955 Clackamette Drive, Oregon City ( orcity.org ).

END OF THE OREGON TRAIL — Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1726 Washington St., in Oregon City, the End of the Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center is a window into the history of our state. For complimentary admission, check out a Cultural Pass from the Canby Library or one of the Clackamas County Library locations. The website provides more information and details regarding programs, events and winter exhibits. When you visit, see the center’s new film, “Oregon’s First People” ( historicoregoncity.org ).

OC FARMERS MARKET — The Oregon City Farmers Market has a new home at Clackamas Community College’s Oregon City campus at Clairmont Drive between South Beavercreek Road and North Douglas Loop. It’s at the Horticulture Department, specifically in Green Lots #1 on Oregon City’s main campus. There is plenty of parking for customers. The Winter Market season runs every other Saturday through April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year-round Farmers Market showcases local growers, farmers, ranchers, bakers, artisan food businesses, wineries, distilleries and cideries, in addition to sustainably-made artisan wares. Enjoy espresso and hot foods prepared on-site, such as fresh tamales and crepes.

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK — Ten spectacular waterfalls along the aptly named Trail of Ten Falls await at Silver Falls State Park. Technically, it’s a 7.2-mile loop, but if you take the little offshoot trails to get closer to the falls — and you absolutely should — it can be between eight and nine miles. The trail will be wet in places, so wear the sturdiest shoes you have. Silver Falls State Park is at 20024 Silver Falls Highway Southeast in Sublimity (near Salem). ( stateparks.oregon.gov )

PARKS FUN — Two of the nicest parks in the Portland-metro area are in West Linn and Lake Oswego. Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive in West Linn, offers 128 acres of quiet, forested land and up to eight miles of trails (westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/mary-s-young). George Rogers Park, 611 S. State St. in Lake Oswego, is 26 acres and includes baseball/softball fields, a soccer field, access to Willamette River, a memorial garden area, a playground, outdoor pickleball courts and picnic tables ( ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/george-rogers-park ).

YUMMY FOOD — Authentic Mexican cuisine, year-round, downtown Woodburn, with more than a half dozen regionally-specific cuisines, along with Asian and Russian options. Front and First streets. More: travelwoodburn.com .