15 Awesome Things to do in Portland in The Winter

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…

Top 3 Best Things to do in Portland in The Winter
1.
q l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Beautiful Gardens
Take a beautiful winter hike at the Japanese Garden
2.
w l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Winter Vacation
Book a cozy winter mountain cabin getaway
3.
e l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Winter Sports
Go Snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows
Best For Beautiful Gardens

Take a beautiful winter hike at the Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden winter Portland

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

Best For Winter Vacation

Book a cozy winter mountain cabin getaway

Winter Sunrise Log Cabin

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

Cabin in Mount Hood

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

Best For Winter Sports

Go Snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows

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

Best For Ice Skating

Go ice skating at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

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

Cons

Limiting late-night or early-morning skating options

Popular times may lead to crowded rink conditions

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

Best For Ski Tubing

Go Ski Bowl Tubing (Mt Hood)

Ski Bowl Tubing near Portland

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. 

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

Best For Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing at Timberline Lodge

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

Best For Seasonal Event

Portland Winter Light Festival

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

Best For Street Art

Ugly Sweater PDX Movement

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

Best For Thrilling Winter Sports

Oregon Cascades

Fat Tire Biking near Portland

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

Best For Relaxation

Bagby Hot Springs

Carson 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

Best For Beautiful Scenery

Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls winter

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

Best For Family Fun

Trillium Sno-Park

Mt Hood sledging

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. 

Best For Beers

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

Brewery Tour Portland

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

Best For Sports Fans

Moda Center

NBA Game Portland Oregon

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

Best For Bakers

OMSI Portland

Gingerbread Jamboree at OMSI

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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