North Portland

The arrival of the Interstate MAX line turned North Portland from an urban enclave tucked between downtown Portland and Vancouver, Washington, into a thriving neighborhood with dozens of specialty shops and gourmet restaurants scattered along its tree-lined streets. The Widmer Gasthaus is a popular neighborhood gathering spot that serves outstanding food and microbrew beer, while Gotham Tavern has received rave reviews for its Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Delta Park, a sprawling recreation complex complete with five lighted softball fields, a synthetic soccer field, and a sand volleyball courts, attracts sports enthusiasts from around the state. The 85-acre park features a playground, picnic area and nature trails.

ST. JOHNS
It is a small neighborhood located on the outskirts of North Portland where the Columbia River and the Willamette River flow together. It is home to one of the most impressive landmarks of Oregon-the St. Johns Bridge which is more than 2,000 feet along and holds the honor as the only steel suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley. The St. Johns Bridge spans the Willamette River and connects St. Johns with U.S. 30 northwest of Portland.

The downtown area features the St. Johns Historic Cinema, an old fashioned movie theater that plays popular films, McMenamins St. Johns Theater and Pub, a gathering place for second-run films and microbrew beer, and the John Street Café where original buttermilk pancakes and unique palette-pleasing omelets are breakfast favorites.

Cathedral Park is located beneath the St. Johns Bridge and is believed to be one of the 14 Lewis & Clark landing sites in the Portland/Vancouver area. The 23-acre park has a range of hiking trails and picnic areas as well as an off-leash area for dogs.

SAUVIE ISLAND
Sauvie Island is best known for its abundance in outdoor recreational opportunities, ranging from local farms, racing corn mazes to hiking and relaxing at the beach. The 12,000-acre island is home to hundreds of species of wildlife. He Howell Territorial Park, a 93-acre park features an orchard, picnic areas and hiking trails, is the setting of the Bybee Howell House, an authentically restored farmhouse built in the 1850s, and an agricultural museum. The island has dozens of U-pick farms with a variety of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables that are available throughout the year.