THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Portland
Best Portland Hidden Gem Attractions
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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46 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Northwest District
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Northwest District
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Northwest District
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What travellers are saying
- Michael B7 contributionsThis place is breathtaking, I was not too sure what to expect but my girlfriend made me come here when we visit Portland and my god it has to be the place that made my Portland experience. The paying extra few bucks to go on top is worth it. Get to see very beautiful statues and alters. The view is to Amazing in the meditation room. Please be quite when in there because when I was there there was people talking and someone chewing with their mouth open like common be quiet and close that damn mouth 10/10 place
They also take Military Discount hereWritten 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Minnie M1 contributionA history buff, I was in heaven. My interactive experience led me through rooms arranged with colorful period furniture--bedsteads, wood & marble cabinets, sofas--and a sewing machine and sitting room overlooking both the garden and a vista of Portland. As visitors are guided (self tour) throughout the house, history boards and period photos incrementally tell the ongoing story of the mansion, late nineteenth/early 20 century Portland, and its citizens. Through the Pittock family’s personal story, my physical walk through the house sparked my thoughts to imagine what it might have actually been like to live during that time.
A small but pertinent point introduced the Pittocks as people I could relate to: much of the furniture currently arranged is not what the Pittocks brought to the mansion. They brought plain, simple, unadorned beds, tables, chairs from the small house they moved from. The furniture was not ornate. Just plain folks, but growing with the community.
(Other furniture there does represent the times and the history of other early families that also reflect Portland establishing itself in our state, nation, and globally. These contribute to a wider view on Portland, which I did enjoy.)
Spend time walking, observing, reading, imagining in this place.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jen PPortland, Oregon, United States7 contributionsThis beautiful garden has something to offer in every season. Much of the area has covered walkways so even if it’s raining you will be comfortable. You can gaze at the koi, relax and take in the view, or even read a book in the many different tucked away places. The BEST part of the garden though is the tea house! The staff are kind and knowledgeable l, the menu is full of tasty options, and I’ve never felt rushed out. Truly a respite and gem in the cityWritten 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew T324 contributionsThis is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7Written 16 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO964 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dorcas KSunnyvale, California206 contributionsA delightful park / garden. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I walked all around and soaked in the beauty, calm, peace and quiet. A very sweet place and I’ll visit again.Written 24 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ryan H4 contributionsReally fun time. Had a delicious pizza and beer at Tillamook Station beforehand, and then rode the Saturday train on the Springwater. Love the museum and everyone there was so happy to be there. Please support the great work these guys are doing to keep history alive and provide fun affordable train rides to the public.Written 15 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Putnam BSeattle, WA90 contributionsA large park with many facilities - a playground, a swimming pool, wooded areas and lawns. Plus, of course, a large and well-tended rose garden surrounded by a walking path at a higher level making the whole array of roses visible at once. Closer inspection is also possible by walking down the stairs or a wheelchair ramp.
From the name, you might expect it to front on the Columbia or the Willamette River, but it is in fact surrounded by a city neighborhood and obviously popular with nearby residents.Written 29 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Henry’s TakeSan Diego, CA1 431 contributionsTrail Series, Part 38
If you’re searching for a destination that provides a diversity of trail experiences in Portland, Oregon, you should consider Tryon Creek State Natural Area. It offers clearly marked unpaved trails for hikers, leashed dogs, and runners; paved trails for cyclists; and unpaved trails for equestrians. Many of the trails are dedicated to either hikers/runners or equestrians, but some of them intersect for joint use. It is at such a juncture that I had the pleasure of meeting “Panama.” While admiring his majestic stature, I noticed the “shoes” that he was wearing. While I assumed they were intended to increase his traction while on the trails, I was informed that they’re actually for protection. Apparently hooves are akin to fingernails and can be prone to compacting both mud and rocks (which can cause a horse discomfort). 🤷♂️
While a number of the trails are moderate in difficulty, those with mobility issues should find the Old Main Trail easier to navigate (located at the South end of the parking lot).
Although there is a myriad of trails to explore spanning many acres, access to Tryon Creek is prohibited (to protect the habitat of the Steelhead and Salmon).
The Nature Center located in the center of the park offers limited free parking, restrooms, water fountains, trail maps, and some concessions (with a separate equestrian parking area available for those with trailers).
Oregon State Parks also hosts regular weekend guided walks/hikes featuring various themes including “spiders”, “fantastic fungi”, and “Ghosts of the Park.” 😳
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#runningportlandWritten 26 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ellen28New York City, NY1 194 contributionsWe found this enjoyable. Fresh fruit (wonderful cherries), flowers, sauces, soaps… hundreds of stalls with items made with TLC. Hot food too to grab a bite and listen to music. Worth checking out.Written 1 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20 003 contributionsThis is a small yet very moving memorial in huge Washington park. It's beneath the Rose gardens and you can reach it on foot from them or park right close to it.
Moving path to the inscribed wall with a broken suitcase, doll, violin....Written 31 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3 939 contributionsI know it's freaky, but true. When we asked our son where he wanted to go for a summer vacation trip, he showed us pictures of this Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum. It was then we knew and decided that Oregon was where we were headed to explore. Parking for us was found about one block up and right off of NW Thurmont Street. We paid $2 to the City of Portland using their official mobile parking app, Parking Kitty. Pay to Park up to 4 hours is required in this area of the city 9AM-7PM Mon-Sat unless you have a Zone M permit. We didn't have a Zone M permit, nor do we know or care what that is.
Back in 2019, this same store and museum cost $5 for admission. Fast forward five years later to 2024 and it's $10 for a Gallery Admission One Ticket. Does that mean that in 2029, visitors can expect to pay $20? Woops, I shouldn't have divulged that information that I learned using my time machine since it may cause a paradox. So very sorry.
A poster on the front of the shop provides answers to "What the Heck is This Place? The Peculiarium is an ART GALLERY, featuring urban legends, pop culture, movies, sci-fi, and all things peculiar". We went in and saw what may have been a sculpture of a Deep Ones, a fish-like creature from the novel, The Shadow Over Innsmouth, written by H. P. Lovecraft. There was a framed photographed picture of Cassandra Peterson, who has played Elvira, Mistress of the Dark since 1981. Elvira herself visits Freakybuttrue every year on July 3rd. Don't miss the funny recounting of The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens told by a Peculiarium Intern. We also found a Wacked comic book on The Adventures of Tonya Harding and Her Pals. Who in the world is Tanya Harding? She's just some ice skater from Portland some may say. If you pay extra close attention, you may notice the singer Katy Perry may have also been interested in this particular display area. We also got to enjoy a haunted dollhouse, Vampire killing kit, alien autopsy, Bigfoot, Alfonse "Al" Capone memorabilia, and all things weird and peculiar.
Go with others. Have fun and take pictures at some of their exhibits like the cliffhanger skyscraper parapet and the alien autopsy table. Anything that you can look back at later to remember all the fun you had after deciding to stop by this little shop, that used to be a grocery store back in the 1960s, in northwest Portland is highly recommended.Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jim W.Atlanta, GA1 355 contributionsA local friend recommended driving up to this park for great sunset views. She was not wrong, and our timing turned out to be good.
You first have to commit to driving several miles up into the hills at the edge of the city (it seemed like the edge; I freely admit my local knowledge of Portland is relatively limited). As the name implies, this park is literally on the crest of a major hill, with commanding views in several directions (it would be all directions, but there are also a lot of trees around the perimeter. You can clearly see Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood.
We arrived around 8:20 p.m. or so in the summer. There is a large grassy area around the summit which was filled with picnickers. A short loop road surrounds the grass, and also is where you must park. This leads to a lot of parallel parking and the associated excitement with that. I nearly hit some cyclist who opted not to break speed or yield at all as I was maneuvering (I never saw him until he zipped by). I do some cycling to, but I'd have let the large car get out of the way, had it been me. There is a sporadic stream of cars circling the summit for spaces, so I think we lucked out, frankly.
Still, it was worth the 15-minute drive and the parking to check this out, especially at dusk.Written 28 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - vonifidePennsylvania102 contributionsElk Rock Garden is a quiet place to spend time and has a nice sense of garden hostory. The grounds were planted in the first half of the 20th century and contains many mature trees and ornamental shrubs, including a collection of Magnolia. Of course when I visited this August, the only Magnolia in bloom was M. grandiflora, but most of the other specimens were viewable from the paths that circle the garden and it was lovely to observe their different leaves, barks and forms. If I lived in the area, I would love to visit Elk Rock throughout the year, as it's clear that attention was paid to have enough of a diversity of plants that there would be something in flower every season.
The house was situated to take advantage of a view of Mt. Hood, which can be seen on a clear day from the east side of the building.Written 2 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - garyd22557Chagrin Falls, OH25 contributionsBeautiful hike through this butte. It can be a bit confusing as the interior trial maps don't show much of the butte. If you don't want to explore and possibly lose where you are, you should either get a map or take a picture at any of the trail heads. At the top there is a mountain/butte finder pointing out and giving some brief information of the buttes and mountains that can be seen. Check out the visitors center where it shows the various sized pipes that take water throughout Portland.Written 8 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
