Guidebook for Milwaukie & Portland

Peter
Guidebook for Milwaukie & Portland

Parks & Nature

Also called Spring Park Natural Area (where parking and trailhead is). Short 5-min. walk down dirt trail to pretty hiking and views along the Willamette River. Nice spot for summer sunbathing or swimming. Yes, the water is clean and swimmable. Best when water temperature reaches the high 60s in late June, July, August, early Sept.
20 locals recommend
Elk Rock Island
Southeast Sparrow Street
20 locals recommend
Also called Spring Park Natural Area (where parking and trailhead is). Short 5-min. walk down dirt trail to pretty hiking and views along the Willamette River. Nice spot for summer sunbathing or swimming. Yes, the water is clean and swimmable. Best when water temperature reaches the high 60s in late June, July, August, early Sept.
A nice biking and walking trail. The portion north of Park Avenue is the nicest, with public art and native plants that parallels the MAX tracks. It leads to Milwaukie's downtown riverfront park.
Trolley Trail
Trolley Trail
A nice biking and walking trail. The portion north of Park Avenue is the nicest, with public art and native plants that parallels the MAX tracks. It leads to Milwaukie's downtown riverfront park.
Charming, popular park in one of America's most attractive urban neighborhoods, the Pearl District, next to downtown Portland. Summertime brings out legions of families with kids playing in the fountain. Walk a few blocks north for two more parks! (Tanner Springs Park and The Fields Park).
41 locals recommend
Jamison Square
810 NW 11th Ave
41 locals recommend
Charming, popular park in one of America's most attractive urban neighborhoods, the Pearl District, next to downtown Portland. Summertime brings out legions of families with kids playing in the fountain. Walk a few blocks north for two more parks! (Tanner Springs Park and The Fields Park).
European-style park with a fountain, life-sized chess game, people-watching, and Flying Elephants deli for a cheap bite. Just a block away from Pioneer Square. Note that this park and downtown in general has suffered in livability since the COVID pandemic and growing homelessness.
20 locals recommend
Director Park
815 SW Park Ave
20 locals recommend
European-style park with a fountain, life-sized chess game, people-watching, and Flying Elephants deli for a cheap bite. Just a block away from Pioneer Square. Note that this park and downtown in general has suffered in livability since the COVID pandemic and growing homelessness.
Awesome views at a state park in the Columbia River Gorge. Take your pick between family-friendly beach and picnic areas or clothing-optional beach popular with free spirits and gay folks. Car-free? Do a web search for "Travel Portland car-free Columbia River Gorge" Need more info? Just ask me.
28 locals recommend
Rooster Rock State Park
28 locals recommend
Awesome views at a state park in the Columbia River Gorge. Take your pick between family-friendly beach and picnic areas or clothing-optional beach popular with free spirits and gay folks. Car-free? Do a web search for "Travel Portland car-free Columbia River Gorge" Need more info? Just ask me.
In the nearby Eastmoreland neighborhood close to Reed College, a beautiful garden with rhododendrons, a lake, and more. Peak bloom for rhododendrons is around Mother's Day weekend. www.crystalspringsgardenpdx.org
195 locals recommend
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
5801 SE 28th Ave
195 locals recommend
In the nearby Eastmoreland neighborhood close to Reed College, a beautiful garden with rhododendrons, a lake, and more. Peak bloom for rhododendrons is around Mother's Day weekend. www.crystalspringsgardenpdx.org
Just across the river and up a hill, Elk Rock Gardens of the Bishop's Close are located on a hillside estate overlooking the Willamette River Peter Kerr started the gardens in 1916 on a 13-acre estate that passed to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon after his death in 1957. www.elkrockgarden.org
13 locals recommend
Elk Rock Garden
11800 S Military Ln
13 locals recommend
Just across the river and up a hill, Elk Rock Gardens of the Bishop's Close are located on a hillside estate overlooking the Willamette River Peter Kerr started the gardens in 1916 on a 13-acre estate that passed to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon after his death in 1957. www.elkrockgarden.org
Beautiful park alongside the Willamette River. Believe it or not, our river is all cleaned up now and it's a great spot for swimming and lounging on the sandy beach. Stop afterwards at the cozy Muddy Rudder Pub nearby for a pint, pizza, and occasional live music.
59 locals recommend
Sellwood Riverfront Park
1221 SE Oaks Park Way
59 locals recommend
Beautiful park alongside the Willamette River. Believe it or not, our river is all cleaned up now and it's a great spot for swimming and lounging on the sandy beach. Stop afterwards at the cozy Muddy Rudder Pub nearby for a pint, pizza, and occasional live music.
A big tourist draw in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. But from here, you can do lots of other short hikes to explore the gorge and get away from the crowds. Car-free? For public transit there, do a web search for "Travel Portland car-free trips to the Columbia Gorge."
822 locals recommend
Multnomah Falls
822 locals recommend
A big tourist draw in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. But from here, you can do lots of other short hikes to explore the gorge and get away from the crowds. Car-free? For public transit there, do a web search for "Travel Portland car-free trips to the Columbia Gorge."
Large, pretty park with an awesome new nature playground for kids. Public transit: Ride MAX Orange Line from the Park Ave terminus station near the house and go north three stops to Bybee Blvd station. From there it's a short walk west, 5 min. into the park, and another 5 min to the Nature Playground.
51 locals recommend
Westmoreland Park Nature Playground
7530 SE 22nd Ave
51 locals recommend
Large, pretty park with an awesome new nature playground for kids. Public transit: Ride MAX Orange Line from the Park Ave terminus station near the house and go north three stops to Bybee Blvd station. From there it's a short walk west, 5 min. into the park, and another 5 min to the Nature Playground.
Beautiful nearby park next to downtown Milwaukie, with huge grassy area and a dock on the river. A 30-minute walk from the house (take the more scenic Trolley Trail, which parallels the MAX light rail tracks to the west). Or ride MAX one stop to Milwaukie Main St. and then walk west a few blocks. (Or catch TriMet #32 bus from the end of our street, traveling north (to the right), but that bus runs less often.
8 locals recommend
Milwaukie Riverfront Park
11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd
8 locals recommend
Beautiful nearby park next to downtown Milwaukie, with huge grassy area and a dock on the river. A 30-minute walk from the house (take the more scenic Trolley Trail, which parallels the MAX light rail tracks to the west). Or ride MAX one stop to Milwaukie Main St. and then walk west a few blocks. (Or catch TriMet #32 bus from the end of our street, traveling north (to the right), but that bus runs less often.

Food Scene

Great, healthful, and semi-gourmet Mexican food in nearby downtown Milwaukie. Casual, no table service. Great margaritas.
20 locals recommend
Cha Cha Cha Mexican Taqueria
11008 SE Main St
20 locals recommend
Great, healthful, and semi-gourmet Mexican food in nearby downtown Milwaukie. Casual, no table service. Great margaritas.
Legendary flour mill, restaurant, and retail store. Bob is a whole grains icon. Also great for gluten-free types. Totally worth a visit. Breakfast is very popular here. Not easily reached without a car.
31 locals recommend
Bob's Red Mill
5000 SE International Way
31 locals recommend
Legendary flour mill, restaurant, and retail store. Bob is a whole grains icon. Also great for gluten-free types. Totally worth a visit. Breakfast is very popular here. Not easily reached without a car.
This homey Thai & Vietnamese cafe also sells French-inspired confections like tarts & macarons. In the heart of charming Sellwood (Portland's southernmost neighborhood).
112 locals recommend
Jade Teahouse
7912 SE 13th Ave
112 locals recommend
This homey Thai & Vietnamese cafe also sells French-inspired confections like tarts & macarons. In the heart of charming Sellwood (Portland's southernmost neighborhood).
A Portland foodie take on the street food of India. It's addictively delicious. The khati roll is a winner. Stroll the rest of foodie row on SE Division between about 30th and 38th Ave.
625 locals recommend
Bollywood Theater
2039 NE Alberta St
625 locals recommend
A Portland foodie take on the street food of India. It's addictively delicious. The khati roll is a winner. Stroll the rest of foodie row on SE Division between about 30th and 38th Ave.
This should be categorized under "Entertainment" as much as "Groceries." Portland's most scenic, largest farmers market. Great people watching and gorgeous food under the trees at Portland State University, Saturdays 9am-2pm.
87 locals recommend
Portland Farmers Market - Office Location
240 N Broadway
87 locals recommend
This should be categorized under "Entertainment" as much as "Groceries." Portland's most scenic, largest farmers market. Great people watching and gorgeous food under the trees at Portland State University, Saturdays 9am-2pm.
Good, gourmet pizza along this strip of solid neighborhood food and coffee spots in Westmoreland.
122 locals recommend
Pizzicato Pizza
6042 SE Division St
122 locals recommend
Good, gourmet pizza along this strip of solid neighborhood food and coffee spots in Westmoreland.
Delicious Asian food, banh mi sandwiches, etc. with a great bar, cocktails, and Southeast neighborhood scene.
66 locals recommend
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division St
66 locals recommend
Delicious Asian food, banh mi sandwiches, etc. with a great bar, cocktails, and Southeast neighborhood scene.
Southern biscuits done right. And lots more delicious brunchy or even savory food like fried chicken and waffle. Great spot for breakfast, brunch. One block north of the MAX light rail (SE Clinton and 12th station).
145 locals recommend
Pine State Biscuits Division
1100 SE Division St
145 locals recommend
Southern biscuits done right. And lots more delicious brunchy or even savory food like fried chicken and waffle. Great spot for breakfast, brunch. One block north of the MAX light rail (SE Clinton and 12th station).
An historic lodge, brewpub, and outdoor concert venue at the gateway to the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Stroll the gardens, have a meal or a drink, maybe even stay for a big name summer concert. A good stop on the way to or from the Gorge to see Multnomah Falls. Part of the McMenamins chain of brewpubs and hotels in historic buildings around Oregon.
203 locals recommend
McMenamins Edgefield Winery Tasting Room
2126 SW Halsey St
203 locals recommend
An historic lodge, brewpub, and outdoor concert venue at the gateway to the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Stroll the gardens, have a meal or a drink, maybe even stay for a big name summer concert. A good stop on the way to or from the Gorge to see Multnomah Falls. Part of the McMenamins chain of brewpubs and hotels in historic buildings around Oregon.

Drinks & Nightlife

Cozy locals' pub at the east end of the Sellwood Bridge. Good food and great beer. Live music sometimes. Nice outdoor seating.
53 locals recommend
The Muddy Rudder Public House
8105 SE 7th Ave
53 locals recommend
Cozy locals' pub at the east end of the Sellwood Bridge. Good food and great beer. Live music sometimes. Nice outdoor seating.
One of the best brewers in the Portland area, this is Breakside's production facility with a small but worthwhile tap room up front. But it's tucked away in an uninteresting industrial park, with limited hours.
15 locals recommend
Breakside Brewery & Tasting Room
5821 SE International Way
15 locals recommend
One of the best brewers in the Portland area, this is Breakside's production facility with a small but worthwhile tap room up front. But it's tucked away in an uninteresting industrial park, with limited hours.
Gorgeous historic movie palace serving food, beer, and first-run movies. Don't miss their hidden Backstage Bar on SE 37th Ave just south of Hawthorne for a 70-foot tall ceiling and great atmosphere.
351 locals recommend
McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub
3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd
351 locals recommend
Gorgeous historic movie palace serving food, beer, and first-run movies. Don't miss their hidden Backstage Bar on SE 37th Ave just south of Hawthorne for a 70-foot tall ceiling and great atmosphere.
Terrific local brewery that represents the newest generation of young Portland brewers doing good work. Highly sustainable building design, too. The only downside is its location on a busy road.
126 locals recommend
Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell Blvd
126 locals recommend
Terrific local brewery that represents the newest generation of young Portland brewers doing good work. Highly sustainable building design, too. The only downside is its location on a busy road.
The nearest liquor store for hard alcohol if you want to make some cocktails. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Phone: 503-654-9020 or www.OregonLiquorSearch.com
Milwaukie Liquor Store
10804 SE Oak St
The nearest liquor store for hard alcohol if you want to make some cocktails. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Phone: 503-654-9020 or www.OregonLiquorSearch.com
Not quite a dive bar, but a kitschy local watering hole with retro black leather booths and dim lighting out of the 1950s. It's not self-consciously ironic or frequented much by hipsters...yet. ;-)
Golden Nugget Bar
11056 SE Main St
Not quite a dive bar, but a kitschy local watering hole with retro black leather booths and dim lighting out of the 1950s. It's not self-consciously ironic or frequented much by hipsters...yet. ;-)
Friendly local spot that used to be a dive bar, but now sees hipsters and friendly locals from SE Portland. But they show sports on the TVs anyway. Wood paneling and vintage kitschy beer signs. Decent food menu, too. At the heart of the Westmoreland neighborhood retail district stretching west on Bybee and north on Milwaukie Ave.
61 locals recommend
Kay's Bar
6903 SE Milwaukie Ave
61 locals recommend
Friendly local spot that used to be a dive bar, but now sees hipsters and friendly locals from SE Portland. But they show sports on the TVs anyway. Wood paneling and vintage kitschy beer signs. Decent food menu, too. At the heart of the Westmoreland neighborhood retail district stretching west on Bybee and north on Milwaukie Ave.
Includes Ringler's Annex and Al's Den, a cozy bar with free live music most nights 7pm-10pm in the basement of the Crystal Hotel. Mostly acoustic and indie bands. Occasional comedy nights.
12 locals recommend
McMenamins Crystal Hotel
303 SW 12th Ave
12 locals recommend
Includes Ringler's Annex and Al's Den, a cozy bar with free live music most nights 7pm-10pm in the basement of the Crystal Hotel. Mostly acoustic and indie bands. Occasional comedy nights.
A groovy spot for drinks (and bites) in a lofty space with vintage stereo vibes. Tucked away just across from Milwaukie Main Street light rail station. Walk past the food carts and across the street. Sometimes closed for private events, so check their website or Insta at decibel_drinks.
Decibel Sound & Drink
A groovy spot for drinks (and bites) in a lofty space with vintage stereo vibes. Tucked away just across from Milwaukie Main Street light rail station. Walk past the food carts and across the street. Sometimes closed for private events, so check their website or Insta at decibel_drinks.

Sightseeing

www.GoByTram.com Staggering views and a fun ride for only $4 round trip. Start in the South Waterfront neighborhood and ride it up to Oregon Health and Science University observation deck for great views. Best on a sunny day. You could also make a car-free trip of this by riding MAX light rail from our nearby station at SE Park Ave up north to OMSI / SE Water station, then walk over the scenic Tillikum Crossing bridge, then turn left on S. Moody Ave. to the aerial tram station. Two blocks south of there on Moody Ave is the charming Elizabeth Caruthers Park, heart of the fancy high-rise South Waterfront neighborhood. Two blocks east is the beautiful river greenway.
134 locals recommend
South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal station
3303 S Bond Ave
134 locals recommend
www.GoByTram.com Staggering views and a fun ride for only $4 round trip. Start in the South Waterfront neighborhood and ride it up to Oregon Health and Science University observation deck for great views. Best on a sunny day. You could also make a car-free trip of this by riding MAX light rail from our nearby station at SE Park Ave up north to OMSI / SE Water station, then walk over the scenic Tillikum Crossing bridge, then turn left on S. Moody Ave. to the aerial tram station. Two blocks south of there on Moody Ave is the charming Elizabeth Caruthers Park, heart of the fancy high-rise South Waterfront neighborhood. Two blocks east is the beautiful river greenway.
www.downtownoregoncity.org/ The original end of the Oregon Trail. Oregon City was the place to be before Portland was much to see. Today it has a charming historic main street, restaurants, and a cool 1950s municipal elevator. Ride the elevator for free to the top and turn right (south) to walk along a cliffside path for a view of Willamette Falls, the second most powerful waterfall in North America. Visit www.rediscoverthefalls.com to see what cools things are coming to this site.
Main Street
Main Street
www.downtownoregoncity.org/ The original end of the Oregon Trail. Oregon City was the place to be before Portland was much to see. Today it has a charming historic main street, restaurants, and a cool 1950s municipal elevator. Ride the elevator for free to the top and turn right (south) to walk along a cliffside path for a view of Willamette Falls, the second most powerful waterfall in North America. Visit www.rediscoverthefalls.com to see what cools things are coming to this site.

Entertainment & Activities

Historic amusement park on the shores of the Willamette River. Beautiful old roller skating rink with pipe organ, silly fun (small) roller coaster and other rides. Family-friendly and inexpensive.
208 locals recommend
Oaks Amusement Park
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
208 locals recommend
Historic amusement park on the shores of the Willamette River. Beautiful old roller skating rink with pipe organ, silly fun (small) roller coaster and other rides. Family-friendly and inexpensive.
$4 second-run movies in this great little cinema with a vintage neon marquee. Have your Pizzicato pizza and local beer while you watch good flicks. Then stroll foodie row stretching north and south of East Burnside along 28th Avenue.
329 locals recommend
Laurelhurst Theatre
2735 E Burnside St
329 locals recommend
$4 second-run movies in this great little cinema with a vintage neon marquee. Have your Pizzicato pizza and local beer while you watch good flicks. Then stroll foodie row stretching north and south of East Burnside along 28th Avenue.
Pedal one big bike with 14 other people on a tour of brew pubs in downtown Portland.
9 locals recommend
BrewCycle Portland - West
1108 NW Flanders St
9 locals recommend
Pedal one big bike with 14 other people on a tour of brew pubs in downtown Portland.
Ping pong palace with bar and food options. Fun spot!
35 locals recommend
Pips & Bounce
833 SE Belmont St
35 locals recommend
Ping pong palace with bar and food options. Fun spot!
Public library in a beautiful, modern new building. Great place go get outta the house and get work done or browse books and magazines. Good kids section for browsing or play.
Ledding Library
10660 SE 21st Ave
Public library in a beautiful, modern new building. Great place go get outta the house and get work done or browse books and magazines. Good kids section for browsing or play.

Shopping

Legendary maker of Pendleton wool blankets has a retail store with lots more than blankets. Gifts, clothing, fabrics, and cool crafty stuff. On the site of an old Pendleton mill. The other big one is up in Washougal, Washington, just across the mighty Columbia River and a good stop on a day trip out to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Pendelton Woolen Mill Store
8500 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Legendary maker of Pendleton wool blankets has a retail store with lots more than blankets. Gifts, clothing, fabrics, and cool crafty stuff. On the site of an old Pendleton mill. The other big one is up in Washougal, Washington, just across the mighty Columbia River and a good stop on a day trip out to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Huge outlet mall waaaay south of Portland. Many of our guests seem to enjoy shopping there (mostly the Canadians!). ;-)
100 locals recommend
Woodburn Premium Outlets
1001 N Arney Rd
100 locals recommend
Huge outlet mall waaaay south of Portland. Many of our guests seem to enjoy shopping there (mostly the Canadians!). ;-)
A huge, typical American shopping mall, with other stores across the street in strip malls.
53 locals recommend
Clackamas Town Center
12000 SE 82nd Ave
53 locals recommend
A huge, typical American shopping mall, with other stores across the street in strip malls.
Great spot for browsing down memory lane. Large vintage / antique store, with a sister store across the street. Fun for kids, too.
Stars Antiques
Great spot for browsing down memory lane. Large vintage / antique store, with a sister store across the street. Fun for kids, too.

Arts & Culture

One of our nation's best small liberal arts colleges, on a beautiful campus. Full calendar of free arts and cultural events, too, open to the general public.
79 locals recommend
Reed College
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
79 locals recommend
One of our nation's best small liberal arts colleges, on a beautiful campus. Full calendar of free arts and cultural events, too, open to the general public.
Nearby cinema with cheap $3 movies and just an extra couple of bucks for admission to their game room, which is fun for kids. Info: http://wunderlandgames.com/milwaukiecinemas.asp
18 locals recommend
Wunderland Milwaukie Cinemas
11011 SE Main St
18 locals recommend
Nearby cinema with cheap $3 movies and just an extra couple of bucks for admission to their game room, which is fun for kids. Info: http://wunderlandgames.com/milwaukiecinemas.asp
Our city's art museum. Solid collections and home to the NW Film Center for arthouse cinema.
785 locals recommend
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave
785 locals recommend
Our city's art museum. Solid collections and home to the NW Film Center for arthouse cinema.