Portland, Oregon's Ten Best Non-Tourist Areas for the Tourist to Visit

It is difficult to find places in Portland, Oregon that are not heavily visited by vacationers and tourists. Here however, are ten places that may interest the visitor when looking for quiet and less crowded areas.

Forest Park - located at NW 29^th avenue and Upshur Street this beautifully kept natural park is filled with trails for hiking, biking and equestrian usage. With the possibility of viewing as many as 112 bird species and 62 mammal species the animal lover will certainly enjoy a day at Forest Park. Walk the trails, have a picnic lunch and enjoy the peace of the Pacific Northwest with its great beauty without ever leaving the city. Forest Park was discovered originally in 1803 by William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition his description is true even today, Mr. Clark stated in his journal that the forest, "is filled with Douglas fir trees with trunks ranging from five to eight feet in diameter."

Holocaust Memorial - located in Portland's historical Washington Park once the visitor enters the park it is just a few signs away that visitors can visit this beautifully constructed memorial. Constructed to honor those families in the Metro Portland area that lost loved ones in this tragic time the Holocaust Memorial is a quiet and inspirational memorial for those who were lost. Sitting in one of Portland's most beautiful parks this area is great for walking, sun sitting, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors in the middle of the big city. Enjoy a wonderful picnic and the peace that this area of Washington Park brings with it.

Powell Books - with two locations the most interesting is said to be the downtown location at 1005 West Burnside Street. Powell books is filled with used and new books of every kind. Browse the shelves and enjoy the on location coffee café for quiet afternoon of reading and drinking some of the best coffee in the world. Once you find that book you so wished to read take it to the coffee shop and upon leaving take the book along for a reasonable price. Powell Books is one of many visitors haunts here in Portland, when interviewed after the filming of Twilight Robert Pattison (he play Edward the Vampire in this series of movies) stated that he spent almost every day at Powell Books in the quiet and peace of the bustling city.

Pearl District - location of this district is in Northwest Portland, with shops and specialty restaurants this location is great to walk, shop and well look at the beautiful architecture of the older buildings in Portland. Also located in the Pearl District is St Mary's Cathedral and the famous Children's Theatre one of Portland oldest most historical buildings. The Pearl District is a fantastic place to spend a sunny afternoon of quiet and learning.

Pittock Mansion - One of Portland's most famous homes, the Pittock Mansion will have some tourist and vacationers visiting but the crowds will be relatively small. Located at 3229 Northwest Pittock drive this mansion was built in 1914 this was the home of Henry and Georgiana Pittock with their lives paralleling the growth of Portland this family traveled here from Pennsylvania in 1853. At the age of 19 Mr. Pittock began working at the weekly Oregonian newspaper and at the age of 26 he married his wife. The mansion they called home is one of Portland's best-loved architectural sites for visitors and residents alike. Picnic on the grounds or make it a complete trip by visiting Forest Park through the connection of trails that lead from the park to the mansion from below.

Central Library - Another great architectural marvel in Portland is our central library. Located at 801 S.W. 10^th Avenue this historical site is a marvel to visit and enjoy the history within the walls. Build in September 1913 the Central Library has 17 miles of bookshelves. Located at the Library is Collins Gallery, John Wilson special Collections, Sterling Room for Writers and a nonprofit Resource Center. Not a visiting center for children but adults who enjoy history and love books will marvel at the site of the Central Library.

City of Portland - Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - located at 4201 W Franklin Street. This Rhododendron Garden is one of Portland's most beautiful sights when in bloom. A joint venture between the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and Portland Parks & Recreation this is a peaceful, quiet and beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon. Walk the paths and enjoy the beauty of this garden, learn some free cultivating methods and perhaps you can enjoy beautiful Rhododendron's at home.

Portland Saturday Market - is located under the Burnside Bridge and right beside the Max Tracks in downtown Portland. The Portland Saturday Market is a collection of local vendors who bring their works to the market to sell. Here is a great place to find those souvenirs for your friends and family at home. Enjoy lunch at one of the Portland Saturday Market food court carts, serving sandwiches, noodles, and much more. A Saturday afternoon at the Portland Saturday Market will give visitors a great way to connect with Portland's local and creative vendors.

Portland Hoyt Arboretum - Located at 4000 SW Fairview Boulevard just above Washington Park and the Oregon Zoo this beautiful location is fantastic for the nature lover. Visit www.hoytarboretum.org for more information and maps. Plant enthusiasts will love the variation of local vegetation; trees, flowers, bushes and many various forms of wildlife await the visitor to Hoyt Arboretum. A great place for family fun while hiking the trails of the Portland Hoyt Arboretum any day of the week, keep in mind week days may be less busy then weekends. Remember if you are going to be visiting Hoyt Arboretum to be prepared by bringing water, snacks; wear appropriate hiking shoes and cloths for the weather.

Hawthorne Street - One of Portland's most enjoyable streets in the city. Hawthorne Street is located in Southeast Portland. One of the biggest collections of shops, eateries, and sights in the city, Hawthorne Street has something for everyone. Visit, stroll, and eat along Hawthorne Street and learn what makes the city o Portland what it is best known for, individuality.