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Overview Outline Instructors Registration Portland

About Portland


Portland, the city of Roses, is a "big, little city" at the confluence of the Columbia and the Willamette Rivers. While it is a city of 430,000, the largest port city between Seattle and San Francisco, it hasn't lost its small town charm.

There are 9,400 acres of parks in Portland. Attractions such as the International Rose Test Gardens, the Japanese gardens and Pittock Mansion offer pleasant diversions that depict the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Portland's nationally known light rail service provides easy access to the city's more metropolitan attractions which include the newly constructed Convention Center, the up-scale Pioneer Place shopping center, the RiverPlace marina and esplanade, and the promenade along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. From its quaint neighborhoods and coffee shop boutiques, its micro-breweries and live jazz, to its Saturday Market and its pro basketball team, this city has more than an abundance of activities and sights to please visitors and residents year-round. But the real beauty of Oregon lies beyond the city limits. South of Portland stretches abundant wine-rich country. To the east, above the Columbia River Gorge with its numerous trail, majestic vistas and waterfalls, rises Mount Hood and the Cascade mountain range. To the north is the sleeping giant, Mount St. Helens. West of Portland is Oregon's Silicon Forest where national standards in the computer industry are created. Just beyond is the Pacific Ocean. Strolling the easily accessed beaches can highlight any traveler's visit to the Pacific Northwest. All offer unique opportunities to experience and explore the pride of Oregonians.

Weather

August is, on the average, the warmest time of the year in Portland with high temperatures averaging in the mid 80's and night-time lows dropping into the comfortable upper 50's. August temperatures can, however, climb into the low 100's. If it gets too hot, though, relief can be found just a short drive to the coast where beach temperatures average upper 60's. Or, a quick trip to Mt. Hood will cool you off as well - you could even get in some August skiing on the Palmer snow fields above Timberline Lodge.

Chances for rain in Portland on any given day in early August hover around 10%. Occasionally we can get an afternoon thunderstorm but significant rain is unlikely. 

 - Jim Little
   KOIN Weather
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