Portland, OR

About the City
Geography
Climate and Weather
Landmarks and Attractions
Transport
Portland's Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Museums in Portland
Sport and Sports Legends in Portland
Universities and Educational Institutions
Healthcare Institutions in Portland

Portland, Oregon's largest city, known for its sustainability, craft breweries, and the motto "Keep Portland Weird." Nestled in the lush Willamette Valley, it's a hub of outdoor access, eccentric culture, and vibrant urban planning.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Full Official Name: Portland, Oregon
Administrative Role: Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon and serves as the county seat of Multnomah County . A small portion of the city also extends into Washington and Clackamas counties .
Country and Region: It is located in the United States, in the Pacific Northwest region. It is the primary city of the state of Oregon, a region known for its diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests and volcanic mountains to high deserts and a rugged coastline.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Portland is known by several prominent nicknames :

The Rose City: Its most famous nickname, which dates back over a century to the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. The city's mild, rainy climate is ideal for growing roses, and it is home to the renowned International Rose Test Garden .
Stumptown: This nickname from its pioneer days refers to the many trees that were cut down to allow the city to grow, leaving numerous tree stumps behind .
PDX: Derived from the airport code for Portland International Airport, this is a common shorthand used by locals .
Keep Portland Weird: An unofficial slogan that celebrates the city's embrace of counterculture, individuality, and eclectic local businesses .

Founding Date and Age

Year of Founding: European-American settlement began in the 1840s. The city was officially incorporated on February 8, 1851 .
Age: As of 2026, the city is 175 years old.
Founding Legend: The city was named after a coin toss. In 1845, two early founders, Asa Lovejoy of Boston, Massachusetts, and Francis Pettygrove of Portland, Maine, both wanted to name the new town after their respective hometowns. They settled the dispute with a coin toss, which Pettygrove won. The "Portland Penny" used in this toss is now a historical artifact on display .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: 45°31′12″N 122°40′55″W .
Positioning: Portland is located in the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, about 60 miles east of the Pacific Ocean . It lies in the shadow of the snow-capped Mount Hood .
Elevation: The elevation of the city center is approximately 50 feet (15.2 meters) above sea level, though the highest point in the city reaches 1,188 feet (362 m) .
Geographic Type: The city is a major port town situated in a fertile river valley, built on extinct Pleistocene volcanic hills .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Portland is a diverse economic hub :

Major Corporate Hub: It is home to the global headquarters of Nike (in the nearby suburb of Beaverton) and a strong cluster of athletic and outdoor brands .
Technology and Manufacturing: The region has a significant tech sector, sometimes referred to as the "Silicon Forest," as well as advanced manufacturing .
Green City Leadership: Portland is a national leader in sustainability, urban planning, and green technology services .
Brewing Capital: With over 200 craft breweries in the metro area, Portland is known as a global capital for craft beer .
Transportation Hub: It remains a major port for the Pacific Northwest and a key crossroads for interstate commerce .

Population and Demographics

City Population: According to the 2020 census, the city proper has a population of 652,503 . Data from 2024 estimates it at 635,749 .
Metro Population: The Portland metropolitan area is home to over 2.5 million people, making it the 25th-largest metro area in the U.S. and home to nearly half of Oregon's population .
Size Classification: Portland is a large city, the largest in Oregon, but not a million-plus city proper . It is known for attracting young, well-educated talent drawn to its lifestyle and culture .

City's "Calling Card"

Portland is a lush, green oasis of urban weirdness where a passion for the outdoors, craft culture, and progressive values intersect. Famous for its bumper-sticker slogan, it’s a place where you can hike in a vast urban forest in the morning, explore the world's largest independent bookstore in the afternoon, and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and world-class craft beer by night .

Geography

Mountains and Mountain Ranges

Mount Hood (Mount Hood): While not in the city itself, this iconic, snow-capped volcano dominates the view to the east. It is the highest peak in Oregon at 11,249 feet and a year-round recreation destination for Portlanders, offering skiing, hiking, and breathtaking scenery .

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

Willamette River (Willamette River): The river flows north through the heart of the city, dividing it into east and west sides. It is central to Portland's identity, lined with parks, bridges, and the downtown waterfront .
Columbia River (Columbia River): Forming the northern border of the city and state, this massive river is one of the largest in North America and a vital waterway for commerce and recreation, flowing from Canada to the Pacific Ocean .

Parks and Natural Areas

Portland is renowned for its extensive park system, boasting the highest number of parks per capita of any major U.S. city .

Forest Park (Forest Park): One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., covering over 5,200 acres with more than 80 miles of hiking and running trails .
Washington Park (Washington Park): A cultural and natural hub in the West Hills, home to the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the Oregon Zoo .
Cathedral Park (Cathedral Park): A unique park nestled under the stunning Gothic arches of the St. Johns Bridge on the Willamette River. It's a popular spot for festivals and offers a dramatic cityscape .
Mill Ends Park (Mill Ends Park): Recognized by Guinness World Records as the smallest park in the world, with a total area of just 0.3 square meters. It's a tiny circle of land that was originally a hole for a light pole .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Portland has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is often classified as a Mediterranean (Köppen: Csb) or marine west coast climate, heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean . The city is known for its overcast skies and rain from late fall through spring.

Average Temperatures by Month

The following data reflects the general climate patterns :

Warmest Month: August, with average highs around 27°C (81°F). July is nearly as warm and dry.
Coolest Month: December and January, with average lows around 3°C (37°F) and highs near 8°C (46°F).
Extreme Temperatures: Recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of -19°C (-2°F) to a high of 41°C (106°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Average Annual Rainfall: Portland receives about 1,119 mm (44 inches) of rain per year .
Wettest/Driest Months: November through January are the wettest, each averaging over 150 mm (6 inches) of rain. July and August are the driest, with August averaging as little as 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) .
Rainy Days: The city experiences approximately 155 rainy days per year, with precipitation falling on about 70% of days from November to April .

Sunny Days and UV Index

Sunshine: While summers are gloriously sunny, the rest of the year is often cloudy. Portland averages 155 rainy days, implying around 200 days with at least some sun.
UV Index: UV index peaks in the summer months (June-August), reaching high levels that require sun protection during outdoor activities.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Portland is from June to August .

Summer (June - August): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is warm, sunny, and dry with average highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24-28°C). The roses are in full bloom, and the city is alive with festivals like the Portland Rose Festival and outdoor concerts .
Fall (September - November): Early fall remains pleasant, with September being a beautiful, less crowded month. As the season progresses, rain increases and temperatures cool.
Winter (December - February): This is the wettest and coolest time of year. Days are short and overcast, with frequent drizzle and occasional freezing temperatures. It's a great time to explore indoor attractions like museums and bookstores .
Spring (March - May): The city begins to bloom. Rain is still frequent, but temperatures become milder, and the parks and gardens burst into color.

Landmarks and Attractions

The Iconic Landmark: Powell's City of Books

Full Name: Powell's City of Books
Opened: 1971
What it is: The world's largest independent new and used bookstore, occupying a full city block in the Pearl District .
Unique Features: It is famous for its color-coded rooms, its vast selection of over a million books, and its welcoming atmosphere for book lovers. It's a true literary landmark and a must-visit destination that perfectly embodies Portland's independent spirit.

The Architectural Gem: St. Johns Bridge

Full Name: St. Johns Bridge
Architect: David B. Steinman
Opened: 1931
Style and Features: A stunning steel suspension bridge with soaring Gothic-inspired towers painted a distinctive verdant green. It is the only steel suspension bridge in Portland and is designated as an official historical landmark .
Why It's Famous: Its elegant and dramatic design, spanning the Willamette River, is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. It provides the breathtaking backdrop for Cathedral Park below .

The Garden Sanctuary: Portland Japanese Garden

Full Name: Portland Japanese Garden
Architect: Professor Takuma Tono
Opened: 1967
Style: Considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, it spans 12 acres and features five distinct classic garden styles .
Features: Visitors can explore meticulously landscaped ponds, streams, rock gardens, and a traditional tea house, all with stunning views of Mount Hood. It's an oasis of tranquility within the city .

The Symbolic Garden: International Rose Test Garden

Full Name: International Rose Test Garden
Founded: 1917
What it is: The oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States, located in Washington Park .
Why It's Famous: It is the very reason for Portland's nickname, the "City of Roses." The garden features over 10,000 rose bushes representing hundreds of varieties, with new breeds constantly being tested. It offers a colorful, fragrant experience with spectacular city views.

Transport

Main Airports

Full Name: Portland International Airport
IATA Code: PDX .
Distance from City Center: Located about 20-30 minutes northeast of downtown, depending on traffic .
Getting to the City: The MAX Light Rail's Red Line provides a direct and affordable train connection from the airport to downtown and other parts of the city . Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Features: Consistently ranked as one of the top airports in the U.S. for its customer satisfaction, excellent local dining options, and unique design.

Major Highways

Interstate 5 (I-5): The primary north-south interstate on the West Coast, running through the heart of Portland and connecting it to Seattle to the north and Sacramento and Los Angeles to the south .
Interstate 84 (I-84): An important east-west highway that begins in Portland and follows the Columbia River Gorge east to Boise and beyond.
U.S. Route 26 (US 26): Another major east-west route, heading west to the Oregon Coast and southeast toward Mount Hood .

Public Transportation System

Portland is famous for its excellent and innovative public transit system, managed by TriMet .

MAX Light Rail: A regional light rail system with five color-coded lines (Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Orange) covering over 60 miles of track. It connects the city center, suburbs, and the airport .
Portland Streetcar: A modern streetcar system that operates three lines in the central city, connecting popular neighborhoods like the Pearl District, the South Waterfront, and the Lloyd District .
TriMet Buses: An extensive network of bus routes that blankets the city and suburbs, providing access to areas not served by rail .
Portland Aerial Tram: A unique mode of public transport connecting the South Waterfront district with the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) on Marquam Hill. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city .
Fares: Payment is streamlined with the Hop Fastpass card or mobile app, which works seamlessly across the bus, MAX, and Streetcar. A 2.5-hour fare is $2.50, and a day pass is $5.00 .

Biking and Walking

Bicycle-Friendly: Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with over 350 miles of bikeways and a high rate of bike commuting .
Bike Share: The BIKETOWN program offers thousands of shared bikes and e-scooters at stations throughout the central city for easy, short-term rentals .
Walkability: The city's compact downtown, with its small blocks (60m x 60m), is exceptionally walkable, making it easy to explore on foot .

Rail Stations

Union Station (Union Station): The historic train station in the Old Town/Chinatown district. It serves as a hub for Amtrak long-distance services, including the Coast Starlight (Seattle-Los Angeles) and the Empire Builder (Chicago-Portland) .

Portland's Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Portland’s food scene is a dynamic reflection of the Pacific Northwest, celebrated for its innovative spirit, emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, and a thriving community of creative chefs . From iconic regional berries to global flavors with a local twist, the city offers a unique culinary landscape.

Iconic Dishes and Local Specialties

Marionberry Pie (Marionberry Pie) The marionberry is Oregon's signature berry, a hybrid developed in the state in the 1950s and still primarily grown here . It is slightly larger and sweeter than a typical blackberry, with a distinct, slightly tart flavor that makes it the star ingredient in Portland’s beloved marionberry pie. This classic dessert is a true taste of the region. You can enjoy a slice warm, often with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, in cafes throughout neighborhoods like Hawthorne, Division, or Belmont .

Vietnamese Chicken Wings (Vietnamese Chicken Wings) Portland is home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the U.S., and its culinary influence is deeply felt . Vietnamese chicken wings have become a local comfort food favorite. The wings are marinated in fish sauce and lime juice, then deep-fried until golden and crispy, and are often served tossed with peanuts and a sweet chili sauce. They are a perfect dish to share, especially when paired with a local craft beer .

Smoked Salmon Chowder (Smoked Salmon Chowder) This comforting chowder perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest . It combines a creamy base of potatoes, onions, and vegetables with the region's world-famous smoked salmon, resulting in a thick, silky, and deeply flavorful soup. The best places to enjoy it are the seafood restaurants along the waterfront in the Old Port District or Northwest Portland, ideally with a side of crusty bread .

Dungeness Crab Toast (Dungeness Crab Toast) The Dungeness crab, native to the Pacific Northwest, is prized for its sweet and tender meat . In Portland, it's often served in a simple yet elegant preparation: on toasted bread with creamy ricotta, crème fraîche, or aioli. This dish highlights the quality of the fresh, local seafood, and restaurants like Jacqueline in Southeast Portland are known for their focus on such seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients .

The Food Cart Phenomenon

Portland is famous for its vibrant street food culture, centered around "food cart pods"—permanent clusters of food carts that often feature seating and other amenities . This is where you can find a huge variety of affordable and inventive food.

Jackfruit Tacos (Jackfruit Tacos) Reflecting Portland's renowned vegan and plant-based scene, jackfruit tacos are a popular and delicious meat alternative . Made with green, unripe jackfruit cooked with tomato paste, soy sauce, and maple syrup, it mimics the texture of pulled pork. For a true Portland experience, look for these and other late-night options at the food cart pod at 5th Avenue and Ankeny Street in Downtown Portland .

Local Ingredients and Sweet Treats

Hazelnuts (Hazelnuts) Oregon produces a staggering 99% of the commercial hazelnuts in the United States . This local bounty is a staple ingredient in Portland's culinary scene, appearing in both appetizers and desserts. A prime example is the Hazelnut Semifreddo (Hazelnut Semifreddo) , a popular Italian-style frozen dessert with a creamy, mousse-like texture and a rich, nutty flavor, often found in the Italian restaurants of the Pearl District and Sellwood .

Artisan Donuts (Donuts) Portland is a haven for donut enthusiasts, thanks to its inventive and often experimental flavor combinations . From maple bacon to Earl Grey frosting, the city’s donuts are known for pushing boundaries. Many shops use brioche dough for a richer, more tender treat. Voodoo Doughnut (Voodoo Doughnut) in Old Town has cultivated a massive following with its unique and extensive menu of over 50 artisan varieties, making it a quirky Portland institution .

Museums in Portland

Portland is home to a rich and diverse museum scene, ranging from the state's largest art museum to unique institutions dedicated to science, history, and quirky curiosities .

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum (PAM) , founded in 1892, is the largest art museum in Oregon and one of the oldest on the West Coast . Its permanent collection includes over 42,000 objects, with notable strengths in Native American art, Asian art, and graphic arts . The museum is currently undergoing a major expansion and renovation project, with many permanent collection galleries temporarily closed through mid-2025, but rotating exhibitions remain open .

Famous Artworks:

Ox-Cart (1884) by Vincent van Gogh – One of the museum's most valuable and well-known pieces, representing one of the artist's earliest works .
Waterlilies (1914) by Claude Monet – A iconic example of the Impressionist master's famous series .
Likunt Daniel Ailin (2013) by Kehinde Wiley – A contemporary portrait by the artist famous for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African Americans .

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) , located just across the Willamette River, is Portland's premier interactive science museum . It offers a hands-on learning experience for all ages.

Key Features and Exhibits:

USS Blueback Submarine: Visitors can tour a decommissioned Navy submarine, the last non-nuclear fast-attack submarine in the U.S. fleet .
Planetarium: The Kendall Planetarium offers immersive shows exploring the cosmos .
Empirical Theater: A large-screen theater that screens science and nature films.
"After Dark" Events: Regularly scheduled 21+ evenings that pair science topics with beer and wine .

Unique and Offbeat Museums

Portland's quirky personality shines through in its collection of unusual museums .

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium: An offbeat emporium and museum featuring displays of Bigfoot, aliens, and other paranormal denizens of the Pacific Northwest and beyond .
The Zymoglyphic Museum: A free mini-museum housed above a garage, functioning as a cabinet of curiosities. It focuses on a fictional, post-apocalyptic age with exhibits created from found objects, driftwood, and other materials .
Movie Madness: A beloved video rental store that also functions as a museum, displaying an incredible collection of original costumes and props from classic films like The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music .
Portland Puppet Museum: A place dedicated to the art of puppetry, featuring exhibits and shows for all ages, with free admission .

Cultural and Heritage Museums

These museums preserve and share the diverse stories of Portland's communities.

Portland Chinatown Museum: Tells the story of Portland's early Chinese immigrants through exhibitions in Old Town Chinatown, also showcasing work by contemporary Asian American artists .
Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO): Located in the heart of Portland's historic Japantown, JAMO's permanent exhibition documents early Japanese immigration to Oregon and the painful experience of Japanese American incarceration during World War II .
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE): The only Jewish museum in the Pacific Northwest, it explores Oregon Jewish stories, features contemporary art, and presents the history of the Holocaust through the stories of Oregon survivors .

Historical Museums

Pittock Mansion: This beautiful historic house museum, located in the West Hills, was the home of Henry Pittock, a prominent pioneer and publisher of The Oregonian. Visitors can tour the 20th-century mansion with its period furnishings and stroll the free-admission grounds .
Oregon Historical Society: Located in the downtown Park Blocks, this museum houses three floors of exhibitions on Oregon history. Its collection includes the famous "Portland Penny," an 1835 copper penny used in an 1845 coin toss to decide the name of the new city .
Oregon Maritime Museum: Housed on the Portland, a historic sternwheeler moored on the Willamette River. It is the last steam-powered sternwheel tug to operate in the United States .
Oregon Rail Heritage Center: A free indoor museum featuring three vintage steam locomotives and other restored trains, with a gift shop and occasional train rides .

Sport and Sports Legends in Portland

Portland is widely recognized as one of America's premier soccer cities, with a passionate fan base and a deep sporting history.

Iconic Stadiums and Arenas

Providence Park Providence Park is the heart of Portland's sports culture . Originally opened in 1926 as Multnomah Stadium, this historic venue is located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood, just minutes from downtown . With a capacity of approximately 25,000, its intimate design and steep seating create an incredibly loud and electric atmosphere, widely regarded as one of the best in North American soccer . It is the home stadium for the Portland Timbers (MLS), the Portland Thorns FC (NWSL), and the Portland State Vikings football team . The stadium has undergone several modern renovations, most recently in 2019, and is known for its unique traditions, like the Timbers Army supporters' group and the post-goal chainsaw celebration .

Professional Sports Teams

Portland Timbers (Portland Timbers) The Portland Timbers are a professional soccer team competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) . Founded in their current form in 1975, they have a long and storied history in the city. The Timbers won their first MLS Cup in 2015 and made another final appearance in 2021 . They are famous for their rabid fan base, the Timbers Army, and the incredible matchday atmosphere they create at Providence Park.

Portland Thorns FC (Portland Thorns FC) The Portland Thorns are one of the most successful and best-supported teams in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) . Founded in 2012, they consistently draw some of the largest crowds in all of women's soccer, sharing Providence Park and its passionate supporter culture with the Timbers . The Thorns have won multiple NWSL Championships, including the 2015 title which they hosted at Providence Park .

Portland State Vikings (Portland State Vikings) The Portland State Vikings are the intercollegiate sports teams representing Portland State University. Their football team competes in the Big Sky Conference at the NCAA Division I FCS level and plays its home games at Providence Park, adding a college football flair to the stadium on fall Saturdays .

Major Sporting Events

Providence Park has been the site of numerous significant sporting events, including the 2015 NWSL Championship . It has also hosted countless playoff matches for both the Timbers and Thorns. In its long history, the venue has hosted Olympic trials, concerts by legends like Elvis Presley and David Bowie, and even NFL preseason games .

Sports Museums

While Portland doesn't have a major dedicated sports museum, the history of the city's sporting life is interwoven with its historic venues. The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is currently located in nearby Beaverton, Oregon, and honors the state's greatest athletes and contributors to sports.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Portland is a hub for higher education, with a diverse range of universities and colleges offering strong programs in the liberal arts, health sciences, and more.

Major Universities in Portland

Portland State University (PSU) With a Fall 2025 enrollment of 19,697 students, Portland State University is the largest university in Portland . Located in the heart of downtown, PSU is a public research university known for its strong programs in Management, Public Health Education, Computer Science, and Criminology. Its urban campus is deeply integrated with the city, and it is a significant contributor to the local economy and culture . PSU is also home to the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, a collaborative venture with Oregon Health & Science University .

University of Portland The University of Portland is a private Catholic university located in the North Portland residential area . It is known for its strong undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, business, and education, and for its focus on liberal arts education in a close-knit campus community.

Reed College Reed College is a prestigious private liberal arts college known for its rigorous intellectual atmosphere, mandatory freshman humanities course, and senior thesis requirement . It has a reputation for producing a high number of future PhDs and Rhodes Scholars.

Lewis & Clark College Lewis & Clark College is another distinguished private liberal arts institution, consisting of a renowned College of Arts and Sciences, a highly regarded Law School, and a Graduate School of Education and Counseling . Its campus is located in a beautiful wooded setting in the Southwest Hills.

Specialized Institutions

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is Oregon's only academic health center, comprising schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry, as well as a major research enterprise . While its main campus is in Portland, it is a statewide institution. OHSU is a national leader in biomedical research and patient care, with its researchers and physicians at the forefront of fields like cancer, neuroscience, and gene therapy.

National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is a private graduate-level university and a pioneer in the field of naturopathic medicine . It is one of the oldest and most respected accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America, attracting students interested in natural health and wellness.

Other Notable Institutions

Multnomah University: A private Christian university in East Portland offering undergraduate and graduate programs .
Warner Pacific University: A private Christian liberal arts university also located in East Portland .
University of Western States: A graduate school specializing in chiropractic, naturopathic, and other health professions .

Healthcare Institutions in Portland

Portland is a regional hub for advanced medical care, with nationally recognized hospitals and specialized health centers.

Major Medical Centers

Providence Portland Medical Center The Providence Portland Medical Center is a major non-profit hospital and a key part of the Providence Health & Services network in Oregon . It is a Magnet®-designated hospital, the highest credential for nursing excellence in the U.S. and worldwide. The medical center is widely recognized for excellence in patient care and research across numerous specialties. According to U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24, it was recognized as a top regional hospital in 14 types of care, including Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Orthopedics, and Stroke care . It is also a major center for research in areas like cancer and heart disease.

Oregon Health & Science University Hospital The OHSU Hospital, part of Oregon Health & Science University, is the state's only academic medical center. It serves as a teaching hospital for OHSU's schools and is a hub for cutting-edge research and complex, specialized care. It is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in various adult and pediatric specialties. The hospital is known for its expertise in areas such as neurosurgery, cancer treatment, and advanced reproductive medicine. It is also a Level 1 Trauma Center, equipped to handle the most severe injuries.

Specialized Medical Centers

OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital Located on the OHSU campus, Doernbecher Children's Hospital is a nationally ranked pediatric hospital dedicated to the care of children. It is known for its family-centered care and its unique "Freestyle" program, where patient-artists design shoes for Nike.

Shriners Children's Portland Shriners Children's Portland is a specialty pediatric hospital providing expert care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the family's ability to pay. It is one of a network of Shriners Hospitals across North America and is known for its specialized, compassionate care.

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is another major hospital in Portland, renowned for its Oregon Burn Center, which is the only verified burn center in the Pacific Northwest, and its Level 1 Trauma Center. It is also a teaching hospital with a wide range of services.