Greater Portland at a Glance
Encompassing the northern portion of the Willamette Valley near the Columbia
River, the Greater Portland area is the largest metropolitan area in Oregon,
holding almost two-thirds of the state's population. Unlike other major West Coast
cities, Portland's appeal doesn't
come from big visitor attractions and activities. Rather, this city thrives from
a relaxed, vibrant and charming atmosphere. Smaller cities around Portland offer
attractions such as farmers' markets, golf courses and wineries, with the markets
in Lake Oswego, Gresham
and Beaverton proving especially
popular. Numerous forested areas remain around Portland, which provide hiking
and backcountry biking opportunities. The Columbia River and its tributaries are
also popular with outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing and whitewater rafting.
The skyline is dominated by Mt. Hood, a mountain in the nearby Cascade Range,
and is considered the second most climbed mountain in the world after Mount Fuji
in Japan.
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