Fall in Portland: Fun (and Distanced) Activities Around the City

Updated: January 2022

Who says you can’t have a blast and keep your community safe? While COVID-19 restrictions linger, Portland has found intuitive ways to get “back to normal” in a safe, healthy, and conscientious way. Restaurants, shops, and community events have all adapted their service models to keep the community safe. Let us tell you, we feel so fortunate to continue enjoying the city and each other while remaining safe. 

 

If you live in Portland, you know that as long as the weather is good, Portlanders will be making the very most of it. Now that we are in the fresher days of fall, with chill nights and warm mid-days, there are still a lot of options for distanced activities. So while the weather is still good—make the most of it! Here are a few activities and events to throw on your calendar to make the most of a beautiful Portland fall.

 

1.     Urban Hiking: 

a stone bridge over a forest

We love road trips, don’t get us wrong. But there is no need for travel when Portland is packed with epic hiking trails.  If you haven't gotten a chance to, stretch those legs! When we're in the amorphous grey blob of a PNW mid-January, you'll get to think back fondly on sunnier days in the forest! 

 

Here are our top hikes, by difficulty:

Easy

Moderate

 

Hard

 

2.  Neighborhood Biking: 

 

 

Portland is the 5th “most bikable” cities in the country for a reason! Gather friends, loved ones, or head out solo to bike along the river or through some of our beautiful residential neighborhoods. Laurelhurst and Ladds Addition both make for a lovely bike ride, as do the trails around Smith and Bybee, or the Springwater Corridor! As the leaves start to change, anywhere you go will be met with the colors and crisp air of fall. 

 

If you need to give your bike a little tune-up before the wetter days of winter, there's a bike shop in nearly every neighborhood. For North Portlanders, try Kenton Bicycle Repair (our personal favorite).

3.  Pack a Picnic: 

 

a tree in a park

 

Parks are one thing we have plenty of – gorgeous AND accessible. For extra peace of mind, place your blankets six feet apart and bond over lunch and drinks with loved ones! 

 

For all of our favorite parks, check out our Get to Know blogs, overviewing Portland neighborhoods. We feature parks in every blog under the “Popo & Archer” sections. 



4.     Farmer’s Market Hopping: 

 

a man cooking food on a grill

 

Our local farmers were seriously impacted by the pandemic. The Portland community is lucky to have so many amazing farmer's markets where we can engage with and support our farmers directly! Make an impact with your food purchases at your local's farmer's market. Can’t make it? Consider ordering fresh meat and vegetables from your local farmers for pick up or delivery! 

 

Find your local market here.

 

6.     Museum/Art Installations:

a living room filled with furniture and vase on a table

Check out the Portland Art Museum this season! Make sure to follow all state mandates, be safe, and enjoy the new exhibits. 

 

See what’s going on:




As we move forward through this rocky period, we encourage all of you to make the most of your Autumn in Portland. Mask mandates and safety protocols don’t dictate how much fun you can have! Be safe out there, friends, and protect one another. 

 

Have a beautiful fall!

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