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If you’re looking for things to do in Portland on a rainy day, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great options that will keep you entertained. From visiting waterfalls and hiking trails to wine tasting and eating at great restaurants, Portland has something for everyone. Read on for our list of the best activities for a wet day in Portland, Oregon!

Does it Rain Every Day in Portland?

If you are not a Portland local, you are probably thinking “well doesn’t it rain every day in Portland?”. That is definitely the impression. However, it usually rains most days in Portland during the fall, winter, and spring. And in the summer it almost never rains.

The rain that happens in Portland typically is more of a light drizzle than a downpour and it usually does not rain for the entire day. This means that even if there is rain in the forecast, you can still have fun!

What to Wear in Portland When it Rains

Portland is quirky. And if you use an umbrella, Portlanders will definitely know you are a tourist. So if you want to blend in, it is better to use a raincoat.

If you are venturing around town, you might want to use a raincoat that blends in with your surroundings. However, in the outdoors, red and yellow raincoats make the classic Pacific Northwest photos.

If your raincoat is older, you may need to re-waterproof your raincoat. The best way to do this is with Nikwax. Appropriate cleaning and waterproofing of your rain jacket will help prolong its life and keep you dry in the meantime.

The other thing you will want for a rainy day in Portland is waterproof shoes. Either rainboots or just water resistant or waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes depending on your activities that you have planned.

Things to do in Portland When it Rains

Now that you know about how often it rains in Portland as well as what to wear when it rains, let’s talk about things to do in Portland on a rainy day.

Chase Waterfalls

On a rainy day in Portland, there’s nothing more refreshing than chasing waterfalls. In fact, this is my personal favorite thing to do in Portland when it rains. Not only are the waterfalls flowing with more power, there are also less people that want to venture out when it is raining.

What are the best waterfalls near Portland to check out on a rainy day? Multnomah Falls is the most popular destination, and for good reason: at 620 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The best way to experience the falls is to hike the 2.2-mile trail to the top. For those who want a shorter hike, Latourell Falls is only 0.4 miles round trip but it can be seen from a viewing platform only steps from the parking lot. Both of these hikes offer stunning views of the waterfalls from different angles. Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls are also particularly easy to access and offer views that will take your breath away.

If you’re short on time or don’t want to get wet, you can also see several waterfalls from the car on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is important to note that in the Columbia River Gorge area, you are now required to have a permit for your vehicle from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Watch a Movie on its Second Run

Not sure about things to do in Portland on a rainy day? Well, why not order a bucket of popcorn, head to a local theater, and enjoy your favorite second-run movie?

Because while second-run theaters don’t usually screen the newest releases, they do show movies that were well-received by audiences upon their initial release.

Plus, they tend to be way more popular with patrons since snacks and drinks tend to be a lot cheaper.

Also, be on the lookout for cult classic movie nights since fans sometimes dress up and shout out all the most iconic lines (think Rocky Horror Picture Show) of the movie they are watching, making the experience a whole lot of fun.

So, if you’d like to see a second-run movie yourself then be sure to visit local theaters like Laurelhurst Theater, Bagdad Theater, and Cinemagic Theater.

Go for a Hike

Hiking in Portland on a rainy day can be a great experience if you know where to go. Forest Park and Laurelhurst Park are two great options that are close to the city. Mt Tabor Park is another option that offers views of downtown Portland.

If you want to go a bit further, the Columbia River Gorge is worth the drive. There are many great hikes in the Columbia River Gorge to check out. One of the best things about hiking on a rainy day is the lack of crowds. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without having to worry about running into people every few minutes. With so many options available, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the best hikes near Portland.

If you are new to hiking check out these tips. Most importantly, bring water, snacks, a rain jacket, and a map. Make sure you tell someone else where you are going and when you plan to return. Lastly, remember to leave the trail better than you found it by picking up your trash and avoid carving/graffiti on rocks and trees.

Relax in a Hot Pool

As the rain pours down outside on a rainy day in Portland, a great way to pass the time is to grab a bathing suit and enjoy one of the city’s many hot pools.

In particular, The McMenamins Kennedy School is a great place to go since this former elementary school has been transformed into a super cool space with several bars, a movie theater, and even a heated pool.

So, for a small fee of just $5.00 per person, you can actually enjoy this pool any time between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Alternatively, you could always head over to Knot Social Club for a high-end, two-hour dip in their hot spring for $55.00 per person.

Or, visit Portland Tub and Tan to enjoy a private hot tub experience that comes complete with towels, a TV, a restroom, and lovely lighting.

Either way, relaxing in a hot tub is always a great rainy-day activity in Portland.

Pro Tip: If you want to visit a natural hot spring near Portland then check out Wind River Hot Springs, Carson Hot Springs Resort, Bagby Hot Springs, Breitenbush Hot Springs, and Austin Hot Springs.

Visit Silver Falls State Park

Although this is not in Portland itself, Silver Falls State Park is a short drive away from Portland. This is one of Oregon’s most popular state parks, and for good reason. The park is home to ten waterfalls, ranging in height from 27 to 178 feet. Visitors can explore the waterfalls via a network of trails, including the iconic Trail of Ten Falls. The trail loop provides up-close views of the park’s waterfalls, as well as access to some of the best hiking in the Silver Falls area.

While the waterfalls are impressive any time of year, they are particularly stunning during the rainy season, when the water flow is at its peak. The falls are at their most dramatic when the rain is actually coming down, and the silver mist that surrounds them is truly breathtaking. This is why visiting Silver Falls State Park is one of the best things to do on a rainy day near Portland.

For those looking for a shorter hike, Silver Falls State Park also offers a paved path that leads to several viewing areas. No matter how you choose to explore Silver Falls State Park, a visit during the rainy season is sure to be an unforgettable experience. This park costs $5 to park at and it is covered under the Oregon State Parks pass which is $35 for 12 months.

Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway

Also known as Highway 30, this 75-mile-long thoroughfare is a great place to go if you want to escape the rain and enjoy a scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge.

After all, many of the amazing waterfalls that you’ll see along this route are even more intense and beautiful in the rain, like Multnomah Falls.

Just be sure to allow at least three hours to do this drive so that you can spend time admiring 620-foot-tall waterfalls like Multnomah Falls.

It’s also worth noting that this was actually the first planned scenic road in the country. Accordingly, this spot currently sits on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark that is well worth a visit.

Sample Local Craft Beers

Portland Oregon is best known for its microbreweries and diverse selection of craft beers. Checking out some breweries is a great thing to do in Portland on a rainy day. There are over 70 breweries in Portland, so you’ll definitely be able to find something to your taste. Some of the best breweries in Portland include Deschutes Brewery, Cascade Brewing, and Laurelwood Brewing Company.

If you’re a beer lover, then Portland is the perfect place to sample some of the best brews in the country. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to sample the best that Portland has to offer without having to visit every single brewery out there. One popular option is to take a brewery tour. This way, you can learn about the brewing process while trying several different beers. Another great way to try local beers is to attend a beer festival. These events feature a wide variety of breweries, and they’re a great opportunity to sample multiple beers in one place. 

Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or malty stouts, you’ll find something to your taste at one of Portland’s many breweries. So why not head to Portland and sample some of the best craft beers in the country? You won’t be disappointed.

Eat at One of Portland’s Best Restaurants

If you are looking for things to do in Portland when it’s raining, why not check out a restaurant. Portland is known for its fabulous food scene, and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for world-class cuisine or a more casual dining experience, you’ll find it in Portland. Here are just a few of the best restaurants in Portland:

Le Pigeon is a must-visit for any foodie. The menu features French cuisine with an American twist, and the results are absolutely delicious. The brick oven roasted chicken is a standout dish, and the chocolate pot de creme is simply to die for.

Ox is one of the best restaurants in Portland, serving up world-class cuisine. The menu features inventive dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and the dining room has an elegant yet comfortable vibe. Ox is the perfect place to enjoy a special meal with family or friends, and it’s also a great spot for a romantic date night. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Ox is definitely worth checking out.

And no visit to Portland would be complete without a stop at Voodoo Doughnut. This unique shop offers up some of the most creative doughnuts you’ll ever taste, from the classic bacon maple variety to the candy-coated voodoo doll doughnut. No matter what your preference, you’re sure to find a doughnut (or two) that you’ll love at Voodoo Doughnut.

Sip Some Coffee at a Coffeeshop

If rainy days in Portland make you want to snuggle in, consider warming up with some coffee from one of Portland’s best coffeeshops. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffeeshops in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1999, Stumptown has become synonymous with quality coffee.

Stumptown roasts its own beans on site and offers a wide variety of coffee drinks, from classic espresso to cold brew. In addition to great coffee, Stumptown also offers pastries and light fare. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends.

Sample Some Wines at a Local Winery

The Willamette Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. In this region, pinot noir is king. The climate is perfect for this finicky grape, and the soil imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines. If you’re looking for a top-notch pinot noir, you’ll definitely want to check out a local winery near Portland, Oregon.

Visiting a local winery or wine shop is one of the best things to do in Portland on a rainy day. There are dozens of great wineries to choose from, but some of our favorites include Domaine Serene, Ken Wright Cellars, Solena Estate and Argyle Winery. With its stunning landscapes and delicious wines, the Willamette Valley is definitely worth a visit.

However, if you don’t want to make the trek to the wineries themselves, there are plenty of local wine shops right in downtown Portland. A favorite is Division Wines in Southeast Portland.

Check Out a Local Museum

There’s no need to let a little rain spoil your fun when you’re visiting Portland, Oregon. There are plenty of great things to do indoors, and one of the best options is to visit one of the many local museums. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a great choice for science lovers, with exhibits on everything from space exploration to engineering.

Or if you’re interested in art or history, both the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society Museum offer fascinating insights into the city’s past. And for something truly unique, the Northwest Children’s Theater and School offers hands-on theater workshops for kids of all ages. So whatever your interests, there’s sure to be a museum in Portland that’s perfect for you.

Visit the Zoo

There’s no need to let a little rain ruin your plans when visiting Portland, Oregon. In fact, there are plenty of things to do indoors on a rainy day. Why not start with a visit to the Oregon Zoo? The Portland Zoo was founded in 1888 making it the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River.

The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers. And it’s not just about the animals – the zoo also has a beautiful rainforest exhibit that’s perfect for exploring on a wet day. Bring your rain gear!

Things to do in Portland on a Rainy Day FAQs

How Do You Deal with Rain in Portland?

If you want to deal with Portland in the rain then be sure to wear a raincoat, waterproof rain boots, a good base layer, and use an umbrella.

Then, once you have all the right gear, go for a walk beneath some trees in areas like Mount Tabor and Forest Park.

How Rainy is Portland?

Portland receives around 36 inches of rain per year. Therefore, it is a rainy city but not quite as rainy as Seattle, which receives around 37.49 inches of rain annually.

How do you have Fun on a Rainy Day?

You can have fun on a rainy day by:

• Doing arts and crafts
• Watching a movie marathon
• Baking something amazing
• Creating a pillow fort
• Doing some puzzles
• Playing board games
• Scheduling a playdate
• Getting out of the house

Does it Rain Hard in Portland?

No, it doesn’t rain that hard in Portland. In fact, Portland only receives about 5 more inches of rain annually than the national average.

So, Portland really only receives about 0.01 inches of rain daily and doesn’t make it onto the list of the 20 rainiest cities in the USA.

Things to Do in Portland on a Rainy Day

When the rain starts pouring down and you can’t bear the thought of being cooped up inside your house or hotel room, don’t worry – there are plenty of things to do in Portland on a rainy day! In fact, some of the best things in life can be enjoyed when it’s wet outside. Hopefully you enjoyed our top picks for things to do in Portland when it’s raining. Which rainy day activity are you doing first?

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfalls in Oregon
• Sunset Spots in Portland Oregon that You Should Check Out
• 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

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