oregon – Travel Nurse Wanderer

Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, specifically in the state of Oregon. Portland is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene. The city is known for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines in convenient outdoor locations. Additionally, Portland is the home to many farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops.

Portland has several different neighborhoods, each offering a unique look, vibe, & diversity. Alberta was my favorite, but maybe I am biased because my favorite bake shop was located there.

alberta Arts district

Alberta Arts District is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its galleries, studios, and public art. Alberta street is lined with unique shops ranging from handmade to vintage, as well as artisan art. I absolutely loved this area and frequented the area as my favorite bake shop was nearby.

villevelo bAKESHOP

If you’re even in NE Portland area, please go check out VilleVelo Bake Shop. Jeff the owner is not only friendly and welcoming, but he makes the best savory tarts and desserts in the area. Bonus if you’re a Drew Barrymore fan and love ecleptic decor, check it out below.

Forest Park

Forest Park is a public municipal park in the Tualatin Mountains west of downtown Portland, Oregon, USA. Stretching for more than 8 miles (13 km) on hillsides overlooking the Willamette River, it is one of the country’s largest urban forest reserves. The Stone House located within the trail was actually the restroom building for the park back in the early 20th century. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and became a popular spot for local legends and ghost stories, leading to its nickname “Witch’s Castle.” Check out my buddy Che, the sweetest rescue ever and child to my roommate Brooke. We kept each other company and he made it bearable when I missed my tribe from back home.

downtown portland

Exploring downtown Portland was quite relaxing. Despite there being an increase homeless population and substance abuse problem, Portland is a beautiful city to visit, explore, and I highly recommend exploring their iconic area such as Powell books and Portland Waterfront and experience their beautiful cherry blossoms. I was even lucky enough to find my favorite Nicholas Sparks book, “The Wedding” I was also luckily to capture the cherry blossoms before leaving Portland and heading back to North Carolina. Let’s just say, it’s definitely a popular time of year, plan accordingly as parking can be difficult.

Living in Portland temporarily for work gave me the opportunity to take several day trips on my days off. Some trips were solo, some with co-workers, but one thing is certain…Oregon is an incredible state to wander off to.

columbia river gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning river canyon located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, straddling the border between the states of Oregon and Washington. The gorge is known for its dramatic landscape, including towering cliffs, lush forests, and numerous waterfalls.

Some of the most famous waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge include Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These waterfalls are easily accessible via hiking trails and scenic viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

cannon beach

I have visited Cannon beach before and the coastal view never gets old. Located only 8o miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach offers picturesque beaches, local art, and restaurants. Known for its natural beauty including the famous Haystack Rock. The sunset here was just spectacular.

mount hood

Mount Hood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing opportunities depending on the season. It is located about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland. The snow and winter vibes were just magical, we had a great time snow shoeing which was quite the workout.

depoe bay

Depoe Bay, Oregon, is a charming coastal city located along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its picturesque scenery, Depoe Bay is a popular tourist destination that offers opportunities for whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and exploring the nearby beaches and state parks. At 118 miles from Portland, spending the day here is not only is not only possible, but so worth it.

silverton (trail of 10 waterfalls)

Oregon is known for its stunning natural landscapes and numerous waterfalls. One of the most famous trails that features multiple waterfalls in Oregon is the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park. Located only 88 miles from Portland , makes it easy to spend the day there, pack a picnic, and enjoy the magnificent views.

Located near Silverton, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls is a beautiful 7.2-mile loop trail that takes hikers past ten breathtaking waterfalls. Some of the notable waterfalls along this trail include South Falls, North Falls, Double Falls, and Winter Falls. If you are planning to visit the Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon, be sure to check the current trail conditions, park regulations, and any necessary permits before you go.

hood river

Hood River is a charming town located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is known for its picturesque setting, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant community. Hood River offers outdoor activities, scenic beauty, & solace. Hood River is home to a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with several local breweries, cideries, and wineries offering tastings and tours. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced beverages and enjoy the vibrant food and drink culture in the area.

Willamette Valley

If you are interested in wine tasting near Beaverton, Oregon, I recommend researching and visiting some of the acclaimed wineries in the Willamette Valley region to experience the diverse and delicious wines that Oregon has to offer. While Beaverton itself is not a major wine-producing area, it is situated close to the renowned wine country of Oregon. The Willamette Valley, where Beaverton is located, is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir wines, which thrive in the region’s cool climate and diverse soils. Some notable wine regions near Beaverton include Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, and Ribbon Ridge, all of which are known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and other varietals.