Car Rental Portland - Exploring Portland

The International Rose Test Garden, located on a hill above the city in Washington Park, is one of the Portland area’s most beautiful attractions and well worth a visit. Likewise, the Japanese Garden, with beautiful views of Portland city and Mount Hood, a teahouse and five distinctive gardens, is a wonderfully serene environment to visit and is renowned for its authenticity.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden is an enclosed city which was intricately designed and laid out in delicate and detailed patterns by more than 60 Chinese artisans. Nine structures were built over the course of a year, incorporating 500 tons of rock imported from China. Ponds, rock features and bridges permeate this amazing structure, known as Lan Su Yuan, or the Garden of Awakening Orchids. For a special treat, visit the teahouse on the premises, which serves several blends of tea and light snacks.

Laurelhurst Park, on the east side of the river, is a peaceful green space shaded by trees and encompassing a lake, picnic areas and a playground. In the spring, visitors will be charmed by Reed College’s display of rhododendrons and azaleas in a tranquil, waterside environment.

Columbia River Gorge, situated a 45-minute drive from Portland, contains over 70 waterfalls, including Oregon’s tallest, Multnomah Falls, which is also the second highest in the country. A popular walking trail will take you to the top of the falls, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Columbia River. Farther east is the Hood River, one of the world’s best windsurfing spots.

Approximately 90kms east of Portland is Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain. As well as being immensely popular with alpine climbers, the mountain is home to an almost year round ski season.

Mount Hood Ski Bowl Winter and Summer Resort offers mountain bike trails, day and night skiing, free fall and reverse bungee jumping, and panoramic views. Cross-country trails and ice-climbing are also available on the mountain slopes.