I’m actually a huge fan of the winter months, the coldest season of the year can also be the most beautiful and fun if you know where to seek out the best winter activities. Most visit Portland in the summer, but I believe this season is also an extraordinary time of year. From atmospheric and cozy mountain getaways to awesome “Ski Bowl Tubing,” here are my favorite things to do in or near Portland in the winter…

- +1 503-223-1321
- 611 SW Kingston Ave
- 10:00 am—7:00 pm


- +1 503-337-2222
- 14040 OR-35, Mt Hood
- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Take a beautiful winter hike at the Japanese Garden
Located in Washington Park in Southwest Portland, Japanese Garden features diverse styles of botanical gardens in an outdoor space stretching across 5.5 acres.
I think Portland Japanese Garden is a beautiful urban oasis that attracts locals and travelers alike. It features intimate walkways, a Japanese tea house, twisting streams, and hiking trails.
You can start your hike at the Wildwood Trail west of the Japanese Gardens. As you hike down to the Japanese Garden, you indulge in the mesmerizing views of the gardens.
I’d personally suggest going on an out-and-back hike as it allows you to explore every corner of Japanese Gardens. Japanese Garden is open Wednesdays through Mondays between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Pros
The garden offers educational experiences
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities
Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture
Cons
Visitors need to pay an admission fee
Weather Sensitivity
Nearby Attractions
International Rose Test Garden
Must Do Things
Hiking nearby trails
Tea at the teahouse
Facilities
A shop offering Japanese-themed souvenirs
gifts
Wheelchair for disabled people
Book a cozy winter mountain cabin getaway
If you are visiting Portland in winter, you may want to stay in a secluded cabin amidst the snowy terrains of Mt. Hood.
There are many superb cabins on Mt. Hood that offer deluxe amenities, including hot tubs and fireplaces.
In addition to upscale amenities, log cabins provide easy access to all outdoor winter recreations, including snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and ice-skating,
Our Choice for Cozy Cabin Rental in Mount Hood – Koselig Cabin
Pros
Many cabins offer upscale amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces
Breathtaking views and a picturesque winter
Great choice for a romantic winter getaway
Cons
Can be isolated
They can be costly
Nearby Attractions
Summit Meadow Cabins
Must Do Things
Hiking
Ice skating
Facilities
Well-equipped kitchens
Hot tubs and fireplaces
Go Snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows
On the southeastern front of Mount Hood, Mt. Hood Meadows is a resort with more than 2,000 acres of skiable area. It is the largest ski resort on Mt. Hood and features expansive and diverse terrain for skiers of all levels.
In addition to snowboarding and skiing opportunities, the resort offers scenic chair rides and access to a wide range of hiking trails. The best time to indulge in snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows is in summer.
As you snowboard through meadows, you enjoy the spectacular mountain views. The resort also has a lodge offering daycare, food, and drinks. Mt. Hood Meadows is open to the public Wednesday through Monday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Pros
Unique opportunity for summer snowboarding
Access to hiking trails and scenic chair rides
On-site lodge with facilities like daycare
Cons
Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive
Snow conditions and weather can impact the quality of skiing
Nearby Attractions
Timberline lodge
Must Do Things
Fall Harvest brew dinner
Participate in snowboard leagues
Facilities
Day cares for children
Organize special events
Go ice skating at Lloyd Center Ice Rink
In the Lloyd District of Northeast Portland, Lloyd Center is a shopping mall with a unique skating rink in an atrium. Lloyd Center Ice Rink accommodates skaters of all levels of ability.
Whether you have ice-skated before or not, you can try it at Lloyd Center Ice Rink. They have super friendly teachers who encouragingly teach specific skills.
Lloyd Center Ice Rink also offers other ice sports, such as broomball. It is open every day between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. On weekends, they stay open till 8 p.m.
Pros
Accommodates skaters of all levels
Opportunity to engage in ice sports
Helpful and encouraging teachers provide instruction
Nearby Attractions
Kaiser permanente grand avenue dental office
Must Do Things
Try ice-skating
Engage in broomball
Facilities
Ice skate and equipment rental services
Facilities for playing broomball
Go Ski Bowl Tubing (Mt Hood)
While in Portland, you must try skiing bowl tubing on the snowy terrains near Mt. Hood. There is a particular area for this snow sport near Mt. Hood. Located near Government Camp in Clackamas County, Mount Hood Skibowl is an outdoor space with a skiable area of 960 acres.
The recreation area features four chairlifts, 36 running trails, three surface lifts, and three conveyor lifts. It is the only place on Mt. Hood that features conveyor-assisted tubing.
Mount Hood Skibowl is the largest night ski area in the United States, with an elevation of 5,027 feet. In addition to skiing, Mount Hood Skibowl offers deluxe lodging, adventurous slides, and go-karts.
Pros
Many cabins offer upscale amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces
Breathtaking views and a picturesque winter
Great choice for a romantic winter getaway
Cons
It may also lead to a sense of isolation
They can be costly
Nearby Attractions
Summit Meadow Cabins
Must Do Things
Hiking
Ice skating
Facilities
Well-equipped kitchens
Hot tubs
fireplaces
Snowshoeing at Timberline Lodge
A few miles from Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, Timberline Lodge is a mountainside ski resort offering excellent snowshoeing opportunities.
Timberline Lodge features massive terrains of snow at an elevation of 4,540 feet. The resort has a remote ski-in/ski-out hut for groups. It also has an elegant restaurant, two laid-back bars, and other amenities that make your snowshoeing experience even more extraordinary.
Pros
Unique conveyor-assisted tubing experience
A vast skiable area
Variety of Snow Activities
Cons
Participating in multiple activities can be expensive
Some restrictions may apply for tubing
Nearby Attractions
Mt. Hood Cultural Center
Must Do Things
Snowboarding
Go-karting
Facilities
Deluxe lodging options for visitors
Offer transport for luggage
Portland Winter Light Festival
Portland Winter Light Festival is a series of events every February in Portland. The festival provides Portlanders with interactive experiences with various imaginative works.
Portland Winter Light Festival takes place along the shores of the Willamette River. The events add vibrancy to the wintry darkness through a massive array of light installations.
As you stroll along the Eastbank Esplanade, you see beautiful artwork featuring fire, LED, and tungsten lights.
It is a series of pop-up installations throughout Portland and beyond
Pros
Beautiful displays
Supports and promotes artists
Fosters a sense of community by bringing people together
Cons
Only take place in February month
Can get crowded
Nearby Attractions
Willamette River
Must Do Things
Enjoy live performances
Participate in workshops
Experience diverse food options and beverages
Facilities
Stages and areas dedicated to live performances
Tents or designated areas for a night market
Ugly Sweater PDX Movement
The Ugly Sweater PDX movement is a yarn-bombing project initiated by a team of local knitters. The yarn installations are found in city parks, streets, and other public places.
You can find these colorful handmade creations everywhere, from statues to trees to sculptures. These installations represent the artistic vibe of the city.
Unlike other yarn bombing or guerilla art projects, the Ugly Sweater PDX movement offers much more than satisfaction to the beholder’s eye. It brings awareness to an annual clothing drive that helps homeless people across the city.
Pros
Allows individuals of various skill levels to participate
Transforms public spaces with colorful and eye-catching installations
Awareness and Charity
Cons
Yarn installations might damage the environment
Yarn-based art is susceptible to weather damage
Nearby Attractions
N/A
Must Do Things
Admire yarn installations
Participate in knitting events
Facilities
Offers knitting events
Colorful yarn-based art displays
Oregon Cascades
Portland offers a wide range of unique outdoor adventures and winter sports. If you like skiing or snowshoeing, you may also want to try fat tire biking in the snow.
Mt. Hood National Forest boasts massive terrains blanketed by snowstorms that are perfect for fat tire biking. These terrains offer an excellent riding experience even under challenging conditions.
Portland has many fat biking destinations, from Oregon Cascades to Mt. Bachelor to Mt. Hood. Easily one of the best things to do in the winter near Portland, Oregon.
Pros
Adventure opportunities
Boosts local tourism and the economy
Stunning panoramic views
Cons
Some areas may be difficult to access without a car
Nearby Attractions
Target shop
Must Do Things
Hiking
Fishing
Zip lining
Facilities
Campgrounds
First aid center
Restaurants and cafe
Bagby Hot Springs
Many natural hot springs around Portland, many of which feature private bathhouses. Portland’s most frequented hot springs sites include Bagby Hot Springs, Breitenbush Hot Springs, and Carson Hot Springs Resort.
Carson Hot Springs is a resort hotel with a bathhouse and spa services. Breitenbush Hot Springs features three well-maintained soaking pools and many smaller outdoor tubs.
Bagby Hot Springs is nestled amidst towering old-growth fir and cedar trees in Mount Hood National Forest.
Pros
Natural Relaxation
Immersed in a beautiful forested area
Cons
Natural and Unpredictable
Reservation challenges
Nearby Attractions
Salmon river trail
Detroit Lake
Must Do Things
Enjoy a tranquil escape
Practice yoga
Facilities
Changing Rooms
Tubs and Bathhouses
Sauna and Steam Dome
Tamanawas Falls
Tamanawas Falls is a beautiful waterfall over a giant lava cliff near the eastern base of Mt. Hood. The terrain around Tamanawas Falls features gorgeous trees, including Engelmann spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir.
You can snowshoe to Tamanawas Falls through Tamanawas Falls Hike, an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 560 feet. The course features gradual elevation and is ideal for snowshoeing.
As you snowshoe along the picturesque Cold Spring Creek, you explore all parts of Hood River. As you climb above the creek, you tumble over smaller waterfalls.
Pros
Offers an excellent snowshoeing experience
The trail showcases a diverse range of trees
Hiking alongside Cold Spring Creek
Cons
Weather conditions
especially in winter
Busy during hike season
Nearby Attractions
Lost lake
Must Do Things
Enjoy snowshoeing
Feel the nature
Facilities
Tamanawas Falls trail is a natural outdoor area and does not have built facilities
Trillium Sno-Park
Massive terrains surround Mt. Hood, blanketed with snowstorms. These terrains suit all types of winter sports near the mountains, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Sledding is considerably easier than snowshoeing and skiing. Mt. Hood is home to a massive recreational area that offers a wide range of winter sports. The best place to go sledding near Mt. Hood is Trillium Lake. It is also fun to sled at Timberline Lodge at night.
Breakside Brewery
Pros
Known for high-quality
well-crafted beers
Offers a food menu
allowing patrons to enjoy beer
Brewpubs provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere
Cons
Craft beers can be relatively expensive
Consumption of alcoholic beverages carries risks
Nearby Attractions
Firehouse restaurant
Relay resources
Must Do Things
Explore their diverse craft beer
Engage with fellow patrons
Facilities
Tasting room
Outdoor seating
Portland is home to some of the best breweries in the Pacific Northwest. Breweries are in all parts of the city, from the northeast to the southwest.
Some of the most popular breweries of Portland include Breakside Brewery, Level Beer, Upright Brewing, Culmination Brewing, and Von Ebert Brewing Pearl, all of which feature indoor and patio seating.
You must take a biking or walking brewery tour to learn more about beers.
Pros
Designated areas for sledding
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Cons
Parking may be limited during peak times
Nearby Attractions
Mt hood
Must Do Things
Sledging
Snowshoeing
Facilities
Restrooms
Picnic tables
Moda Center
If you are a basketball fan, you must attend an NBA Game while you are in Portland. Moda Center in North Portland hosts almost all sporting events in the city.
It is an indoor sports arena configured for basketball with a seating capacity 19,393.
Moda Center is home to the Portland Trail Blazers, a professional basketball team based in Portland. You enjoy fantastic food and drinks as you cheer for your favorite team during an NBA game.
Pros
Live NBA Experience
Moda Center offers a variety of food and drink
Game is accompanied by entertainment
Cons
NBA games can be relatively expensive
Securing tickets for high-demand games
Nearby Attractions
NE wheeler and multnomah SB
Must Do Things
Enjoy entertainment
Relish diverse food option
Facilities
Restrooms
Vip lounges
OMSI Portland
Gingerbread Jamboree is a yearly fundraising event at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The event raises funds for the Junior League of Portland and promotes community volunteerism.
At Gingerbread Jamboree, you get insights into the science behind creating gingerbread houses. If you visit Portland with family, you must attend the annual Gingerbread Jamboree. Gingerbread Jamboree is a fantastic family event that brings holiday bliss to locals and visitors.
The event provides families with a unique and memorable gingerbread house-building experience.
Pros
Offers an educational experience combined with entertainment
Offers a wide range of activities
Provides a social setting for adults.
Cons
Closed on Monday
Limits access to only those above 21 years old
Nearby Attractions
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Must Do Things
Indulge in great food and craft cocktails
Groove to the beats of live music or DJ sets
Facilities
Food and drink options
Accessible restroom facilities
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Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
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