Destination Guides: Portland, United States - City Information

Population:                  529,121

Elevation:                    50 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   134.3 square miles

Location:                     Located in the northwest section of Oregon, very near the Canadian border, at the intersection of Interstate Highway 5 from the north and south and Interstate 84 from the east. 

 Time Zone:                  Pacific Time Zone (when it’s noon in Portland, it’s 2pm in Chicago and 3pm in New York City.  Portland observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

Summer is by far the busiest season in Portland.  Beginning in early June with the annual Portland Rose Festival, visitors flock to this beautiful city to experience its beauty and tranquility.  With the high temperatures near 80 F in the summer and the nights in the mid – high 60’s, it’s the perfect time to experience many of the outdoor activities available.  It is also the time of year with the most sunshine and the longest days.  Spring and fall showcase the vast number of beautiful neighborhoods and parks.  With the changing of the seasons, both in the spring and in the fall, the area comes alive with a host of breathtaking colors.  Winters are chilly but not cold with the low temperatures still approaching the mid 30’s F. 

How to Get There:

By Air

Portland International Airport

7000 NE Airport Way

Portland, OR 97218

503-944-7000

The airport, located 10 miles east of downtown Portland is served by many of the recognized national and international airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers. 

Ground Transportation

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service is available both at the airport as well as throughout the city.

By Car

 The major routes to the city are Interstate 5 from the north and south, and Interstate 84 from the east.  I-405 arcs around the west and south of downtown; I-205 bypasses Portland to the east; and U.S. 26 runs west to the Pacific coast.

By Train

Amtrak

800 NW Sixth Ave.
Union Station
Portland, OR 97209

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound

550 NW 6TH Ave.
Portland OR 97209

503-243-2310

How to Get Around:

Both walking and public transportation are easy ways to get around this visitor friendly city.  Tri-Met public buses, the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail system, and the Portland Streetcar are all free within Fareless Square, the area between I-405 on the south and west, Hoyt Street on the north, and the Lloyd Center area, which is also where the convention center is located. 

For schedules and further information call: 503-238-7433.

For all activities outside the city, a personal or rental car is recommended.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day, Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day, 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day, last Mon. in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve, Dec. 31