Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. With a population of 562,690 it is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area (MSA), the 24th most populous in the United States as of July, 2005.
Portland is proud of its parks and its legacy of preserving open spaces. Parks and Greenspace planning dates back to John Charles Olmsted's 1903 Report to the Portland Park Board, inspiring generations of urban greenspace advocates. In 1995, voters in the Portland metropolitan region passed a regional bond measure to acquire valuable natural areas for fish, wildlife, and people. Ten years later, more than 8,100 acres of ecologically valuable natural areas had been purchased and permanently protected for the public.
Portland along with Bend, Oregon are the only cities in the contiguous U.S. with extinct volcanos within their boundaries. Mt. Tabor Park was inadvertently built on one of Portland's; it is known for its scenic views and historic reservoirs. Forest Park is among the largest wilderness parks within city limits in the United States, covering over 5,000 acres . Portland is also home to Mill Ends Park, the world's smallest park. Washington Park is just west of downtown, and is home to the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park runs along the west bank of the Willamette for the length of downtown. The 37 acre park was built in 1974 after Harbor Drive was removed and now plays host to large events throughout the year. Portland's downtown also features two groups of contiguous city blocks dedicated for park space; they are referred to as the North and South Park Blocks.
The only state park in Portland is Tryon Creek State Park; its creek still has a run of steelhead. Adjacent to the park is the Tryon Life Community Farm, an aspiring urban ecovillage and educational center. The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden, which immortalizes three of the award-winning author's best known characters with bronze sculptures, quote plaques, and a fountain, is located in Grant Park, just a few blocks from the real Klickitat Street of "Henry Huggins" fame.
Leach Botanical Garden is a 15.6 acre botanical garden in the Southeast section of the city, emphasizing plants of the Pacific Northwest. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a 9.49 acre garden in the Southeast section of the city, adjoining Reed College, featuring more than 2,500 rhododendron, azalea, and companion plants. Hoyt Arboretum is a much-beloved Portland open space, covering 185 acres of ridge-top about two miles west of downtown. It is home to a collection of trees representing more than 1,100 species gathered from around the world. Audubon Society of Portland, founded 1903, is one of the largest local Audubon chapters in the country with over 10,000 members. The Chapter's book store, wildlife care center, and administrative offices are located on a 143 acre sanctuary nestled against Forest Park only 5 minutes from downtown Portland. The sanctuary trails are open to the public.
USA Travel Pal helps tourists plan their next road trip with detailed descriptions of thousands of hot spots around the USA with pictures and videos.
