Portland Urban Outdoors

The outdoors isn't just about getting away from civilization; urban outdoor activities and possibilities are nearly endless, especially in Portland, Oregon. Portland values its relationship with nature: it's full of green trees, gardens, and ways to get back to nature without leaving the city limits. A few possibilities are highlighted here.

Outdoor Cycling in the City

No bike? No problem! If you're looking for a quality bike, head down to The Recyclery (730 SW 11th Ave, 97205 or 1417 SE 9th Ave, 97214, Portland, OR) for a primo used bicycle to ride. You can also pick up some cycling shoes and cycling gear at the downtown location on 11th.

If you're feeling adventurous or just want something cheap, head out to the Goodwill Outlet Store (1740 SE Ochoco St., Milwaukie, OR 97222) - colloquially known as The Bins - and pick up a rusty treasure for pocket change, then haul it over to the Bicycle Repair Collective (4438 SE Belmont St., 97215) for a tune-up. Then buy a shiny new cycling helmet there, or a cheapie at Fred Meyer (3805 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 97214; various locations) the Northwest's unionized department store. Cycling helmets are best bought new, in order to make sure they're structurally sound.

The Portland bike community is huge, and any active neighborhood in the city boasts its own bustling bike shop. Use Google to look up cycling shops in your area. You're on your way to some great urban outdoor adventures.

Outdoor Organic Gardening and Farming in Portland City Limits

Take a trip into sustainability: it's the outdoor adventure of a lifetime. Get out to Tryon Life Community Farm (11640 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, OR, 97219, 503-245-3847) for one of their permaculture training sessions. It's an organic farm where people live an organized communal lifestyle. Their permaculture workshops and sustainability classes teach everything from how to build a roof with material you find in the ground, to fire-making, medicinal herbs, fiber arts, gardening, and canning.

Then look to your own backyard to implement the outdoor skills you've learned; or, lacking a backyard, apply for a space in Portland's Community Gardens (various locations, see website.) They usually have a long waiting list, but many happy gardeners say it's worth the wait.

Great Parks for Outdoor Picnics in Portland

Finally, the simplest way to have fun outdoors in the city is to have a picnic - especially during those few summer months when it isn't raining. Portland Parks & Recreation has a fantastic search function called "Find A Park" on their website, useful for finding picnic spots in any neighborhood. The Park Blocks (between Broadway and Park, from NW Ankeny to NW Glisan and from SW Salmon to SW Jackson St.), are an easily accessible downtown location where picnickers can enjoy outdoor eating in the middle of the city. Laurelhurst Park (SE 39th Ave. & Stark St.) is another favorite location, with a pond and a walking path.

This is by no means a complete survey of possibilities for urban outdoor recreation in the city of Portland, but I hope this article has demonstrated that outdoor adventures are possible in the context of city living. Open your eyes to the possibilities, relax, and take that first step outside your front door.