Destination Information - Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland is the seat of Multnomah County, on the Willamette River near its junction with the Columbia River. The city lies along Interstate 5 on the Washington/Oregon border.

Founded in 1845, the city was named after Portland, ME. Its growth was spurred after 1850 when it was a supply station for the California gold fields. The railroad's arrival in 1883, the 1897 Alaska gold rush and the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition fueled further growth.

Today Portland, population 529,121, has the personality of a small community, as seen in the many Districts of Portland, and the activities of a large city. Year-round activities are abundant. Nearby Mount Hood provides recreation from skiing to hiking. The Willamette & Columbia Rivers offers many water sport opportunities.

The Portland Metropolitan Area enjoys a mild climate with no sharp extremes and just enough rain to keep it green.