Why Portland is an Underrated City, and Oregon is an Underrated State

I have a travel bucket list on my bulletin board at home. Bali is at the top, followed by Rome, Amsterdam, and a collection of other cities.

A city that is not on it?

Portland, Oregon.

When my friend Abigail suggested that we go visit Annie, another friend of ours in Portland during the summer I was excited, but it wasn't a place I would think to go under other circumstances.

When Annie picked us up from the airport, I remarked that the city reminded me of our own home city, which is Boston. There was one striking difference though. The city of Portland is surrounded by tall mountains, shrouded in curtains of mist and clouds. One of them is Mount St. Helens, and I embarrassingly only knew that because it's referenced in the Percy Jackson book series I read as a kid. The city is surrounded by the Willamette River, with rocky shores that reminded me of a New England beach. People surround the water's edge constantly, hopping in to cool their body from 95 degree temperatures. Dogs roam freely, either swimming alongside their owners, or playing on the shore. People are leisurely kayaking or out on lounge chairs. Portland's city-goers are not stressed by the hustle of summer.

The city itself is undoubtably alive. I've grown up going to Boston, and I've been to New York City several times. Portland has a smaller feel, which gives you more room to appreciate it. Every street corner has another artist, a musician, or a mural being painted. We were able to be there during the Pride parade, and the streets flooded with humans of all kinds, and a sea of rainbow colors. Diana Ross was playing, and the people sang and danced. The energy was insatiable, like they knew Portland was a place that they could be free.

Probably my favorite part of the trip was our visit to the International Rose Test Garden. It was gorgeous array of flowers with beautiful architecture, and a cafe to boot. I wandered the garden rows, smelling each of the sweet perfumes. Abigail, Annie and I even had a miniature photo shoot in the gardens.

Annie and I at the rose garden!

However, all of our adventures in Oregon were not limited to the city of Portland. One of our final destinations was Cannon Beach, where an enormous slab of rock rests within the waters, close by the shore. This landmark is known as Haystack Rock, is surrounded by misty clouds. It appeared to be base-camp for many of the beach's birdlife. It was mysterious, and powerful to look at, which is why it drew many onlookers.

Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Another one of Oregon's natural gems is Latourell Falls. Located outside of Portland, it is a beautiful gorge waterfall, accompanied by a hiking trail. We skirted up the trail just enough to glimpse the rushing water surrounded by lush greenery. Unfortunately one of us ended up getting sick, so we had to trek back down, but not before snapping a couple of pictures!

I came to Portland not knowing what to expect, and not expecting to love it so much. It is a city with a thriving culture, fantastic food options, and is surrounded by natural beauty you can't find anywhere else.

I've since made some adjustments to that travel bucket list I have on my bulletin board.