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If you’re looking for things to do in Portland Oregon in the winter, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great activities to keep you busy during those dark and chilly months. In this blog post, we’ll list 14 things that come to mind when we think of things to do in Portland during the winter. From restaurants and gardens to skiing and hiking, there’s something for everyone!

Best Things to do in Portland in the Winter

Whether you’re a local looking for something to do on a winter day or a visitor looking to experience all that Portland has to offer, don’t let the cold weather keep you inside your house or hotel room. There’s plenty to see and do in Portland, even in the middle of winter. Here are our favorites.

Enjoy One of Portland’s Great Restaurants

Portland is known for its foodie culture, and its restaurants do not disappoint. From high-end Michelin-starred eateries to locally-sourced cafes, the city has something to offer everyone. This is why eating at a local restaurant is one of the best things to do in Portland in the winter.

Here are just a few of the best places to eat in Portland:

• Le Pigeon
• My Vice
• Ox
• Gado Gado
• Xico
• Nostrana
• Eem
• Blue Star Donuts

In Portland, there are food cart pods scattered throughout the city. These pods are a great option if you can’t decide on what you want to eat. There are a variety of cuisines represented, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. Plus, the carts are often cheaper than sit-down restaurants. If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, definitely check out one of the many food cart pods! You won’t be disappointed.

Cozy Up in a Coffeeshop

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffeeshops in Portland, Oregon. The coffee is roasted on site and is always fresh. The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate about coffee, and they’re always happy to chat with customers and give recommendations. The shop has a cozy, intimate feel, and it’s often crowded with people working on their laptops or chatting with friends. There’s also a small selection of food items, including pastries and sandwiches. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is the perfect place to get a delicious cup of coffee or hot cocoa and relax for a while.

If you want to try a coffeeshop outside of Stumptown, check out this list of the best coffeeshops in Portland.

Visit a Local Winery

If you’re a fan of pinot noir, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Willamette Valley wineries near Portland, Oregon. The Oregon wine region is world-renowned for its pinot noirs. With over 600 wineries in the Willamette Valley, there are plenty of great places to sample this delicious varietal. You can tour the vineyards, taste the wines, and learn all about the process of making pinot noir. And of course, you can buy bottles of your favorite wines to take home with you.

If you don’t quite have time to make the weekend trip from Portland, you could also visit a local wine shop instead. A favorite is Division Wines although there are plenty to choose from.

Enjoy a Beer (or two) at a Portland Brewery

When most people think of Oregon, they think of lush green forests, towering mountains, and pristine waterways. However, the state also has a thriving beer scene, and there are plenty of things to do for visitors who love beer. There are many different breweries to choose from, but two of the most popular are Rogue and Deschutes Brewery.

Both breweries offer tours and tastings, so visitors can learn about the brewing process while enjoying some of the best beer in the country. So whether you’re a beer lover or just looking for things to do in Portland in the winter, be sure to check out Rogue Ales and Deschutes Brewery.

Check out a Garden, Museum or Zoo

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, Oregon during the winter months, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options. The Oregon Zoo is open year-round and is a great place to see a variety of animals, including penguins, lions and tigers. The Portland Art Museum is also open year-round and features rotating exhibitions of both local and international artists. And if you’re looking for something a little bit different, be sure to check out the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This outdoor garden is beautifully landscaped with ponds, bridges and pagodas. It is a great place to enjoy a quiet stroll on a cold winter day.

Go for a Hike

Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, even in the middle of winter. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to go hiking near Portland, Oregon. Forest Park is a popular option, offering more than 80 miles of trails to explore.

For those looking for a more challenging hikes, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge both offer stunning views and a chance to get away from the city for a while. Some of the waterfalls near Portland will even freeze which is a beautiful sight to see. Before setting out for a hike in either of these areas, be sure to check the trail conditions as you may need to pack snowshoes instead.

No matter where you go hiking, be sure to dress appropriately for the conditions and take plenty of water with you. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great hike even in the middle of winter.

Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

Portland may not be known for its winter weather, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things to do when the temperature dips. One popular activity is snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Both winter sports can be enjoyed near Mt. Hood, which offers miles of trails through pristine snow-covered forests. The scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll love getting some exercise in the crisp winter air. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family or friends. If you’re new to either activity, there are plenty of rental shops and lessons available.

Before heading out, be sure to grab a Sno-park pass or permit to avoid a fine. Sno-park permits are required between November 1 to April 30. These permits can be obtained online, at any Oregon DMV office, and by permit agents at resorts, retail shops, and sporting goods stores. Cost is $4 for a one-day permit, $9 for three-day, and $25 for a year.

And if you work up an appetite during your outing, there are also several cozy lodges where you can warm up with a hot drink and a hearty meal. So whether you’re a Portland local or just visiting for the winter, be sure to add snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to your list of things to do near Portland in the winter.

Try out Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding

When the snow starts to fall in Portland, it’s time to head to Mt. Hood for some downhill fun. Timberline is the closest ski resort to Portland, and it provides a great selection of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The ski season at Mt. Hood typically runs from November through April, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the slopes. And for those who prefer to stay off the slopes, there are plenty of other things to do at Timberline, including ice skating, sledding, and hiking. So whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder, Mt. Hood is the perfect place to enjoy winter in Portland.

Explore Downtown Portland

From festive holiday markets to cozy fireside bars, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Portland when the temperatures start to drop. Here are just a few of the best things to check out downtown during the winter:

The Holiday Ale Festival is one of the highlights of winter in Portland. Held annually in Pioneer Courthouse Square, the festival features over 50 different craft beers, all of them perfect for sipping on a cold winter day. There are also live music and food vendors, making it the perfect place to while away a few hours. Also in Pioneer Courthouse Square you can find a beautiful display of holiday lights and a large Christmas tree to celebrate the season making this one of the best things to do in Portland in December.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head to one of Portland’s many fireplaces bars. Places like Multnomah Whiskey Library and Vault Cocktail Lounge offer a cozy atmosphere where you can relax with a drink and some good company. 

Powell’s Bookstore is a must-visit for any book lover visiting Portland. Named after founder Walter Powell, Powell’s opened its doors in 1971 and has been Oregon’s largest independent bookstore ever since. Spanning an entire city block, Powell’s boasts over 68,000 square feet of retail space and over 1.6 million books. In addition to new, used, and rare books, Powell’s also offers customers a cafe, an art gallery, and plenty of comfortable places to sit and read. And because Powell’s is located in the heart of downtown Portland, it’s the perfect place to duck into on a cold winter day. So whether you’re looking for your next great read or just a place to warm up, be sure to add Powell’s to your list of things to do in Portland this winter.

So whatever your plans for the winter, be sure to add downtown Portland to your list of things to do. With its festive atmosphere and range of things to do, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the colder months.

Take a Scenic Drive down the Columbia River Gorge

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland in the winter, a scenic drive down the Columbia River Gorge is a great option. The gorge is home to Vista House, a historic lookout point with stunning views of the river. The Waterfall Corridor is another highlight of the drive. This is where you can see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon.

And don’t forget to stop at Bridge of the Gods, a historic bridge that spans the Columbia River. If you cross over the Bridge of the Gods, you can also make your scenic drive a loop by coming back via the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Portland in the winter or any other season, a drive down the Columbia River Gorge is sure to please.

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden

Looking for fun things to do in Portland in the winter? If so then head to Southwest Portland and explore the Japanese Garden in Washington Park. It stretches out over 5.5 acres of land and features a wide array of gardens just waiting to be explored.

Highlights include stunning plants, tranquil streams, incredible hiking trails, well-maintained walkways, and a lovely Japanese tea house.

So, start your visit on the Wildwood Trail and make your way down to the gardens while admiring incredible panoramas of the area. Just be aware that the garden is only open from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm from Wednesday through Monday.

Go for a Spin at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Venture out into the northeast corners of the city where you will find the Lloyd Center Ice Rink in Lloyd District. Then, continue inside a local shopping mall where you will find a spacious rink situated inside a beautiful atrium.

It’s the perfect place for beginners and experts alike to enhance their skills and enjoy a day on the ice. And if you’re a bit unsure of yourself you can always enjoy a lesson with one of their friendly instructors before trying your hand at broomball.

Head to Mt. Hood for Ski Bowl Tubing

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Portland in the winter then head over to Mt. Hood and try a bit of Ski Bowl tubing.

See, this unique experience can be enjoyed at Mount Hood Ski Bowl, which is a 960-acre area that has four chairlifts and 36 different trails. It’s also the only place on the mountain with conveyor belt access to tubing.

This amazing winter wonderland also sits at an elevation of 5,027 feet and is the largest night ski area in the country. Also, while you’re here be sure to check out one of their cool slides or enjoy a bit of go-karting if you need a break from the cold.

Check Out the Portland Winter Light Festival

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland in the winter then you cannot leave the area without experiencing the Portland Winter Light Festival.

Held annually throughout the month of February, this incredible event features an amazing array of interactive exhibits that sit along the Willamette River.

So, take a stroll on the Eastbank Esplanade and admire vibrant LED light displays that give residents/visitors a much-needed break from the long, cold winter

Things to Do in Portland in the Winter

The options for things to do in Portland Oregon in the winter are endless. Whether you’re into skiing, wine tasting, hiking, or exploring the city, there’s something for everyone. We hope this list has given you some ideas of what to add to your own winter bucket list. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy all that Portland has to offer!

Best Things to do in Portland in the Winter FAQ

Is Portland worth visiting in winter?

Portland is definitely worth visiting in the winter. Yes, most tourists visit the city in the summer but there are plenty of things to do in the city all winter long. Just be sure to pack a raincoat since it can get a bit rainy.

What is there to do in Portland in the winter?

Some of the best things to do in Portland in the winter include:

• Tubing at Mt. Hood
• Going on a tour of a brewery
• Doing whale watching
• Relaxing in Bagsby Hot Springs
• Going ice skating
• And so much more.

Should I visit Portland in December?

December is the perfect time to visit Portland, Oregon. Not only is the weather mild when compared with other states in the country but the crowds are less intense too.

Plus, cool damp weather gives visitors the perfect excuse to indulge in culinary delights or hit the slopes of nearby Mount Hood. Additionally, tax-free shopping makes this the perfect spot to pick up a few last-minute gifts.

Is Portland Oregon cold in the winter?

Portland, Oregon can get a bit cold in the winter with daily highs in the 50s (F) and daily lows in the 40s (F). However, temperatures can dip into the 20s and go well below freezing for a day or two.

And while it can rain quite a bit throughout the winter season, temperature fluctuations aren’t as great as in other states since the city sits along the coast.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

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• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Underrated Places to Visit in the Pacific Northwest
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
• 9 Things to do in Portland on a Rainy Day

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