4 Fall Adventures around Portland with No Car
Anyone hoping for a feline driver or a cat-shaped bus will be disappointed: CAT stands for Columbia Area Transit. But you will find much to appreciate if you’d rather not be behind the wheel through the windy, truck-packed Columbia River Gorge.
In Honor of World Car Free Day on September 22, let us remind you of a few reasons to spend zero time in a private vehicle: the price of gas is hovering close to five bucks a gallon; all the noobs are still figuring out how to pump it; the city's new speed and red light cameras have a dystopian-panopticon vibe; and somehow, two semi-trucks crashed into the Columbia River hours apart last month.
There's no official observation of World Car Free Day (in Portland, anyway), though the #WeekWithoutDriving challenge is going national this year, October 2–8 in conjunction with Virginia-based nonprofit America Walks. Whether you're taking the challenge or are just out of gas, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the start of fall without driving anywhere. Here are a few ideas.
4T Trail
MON–SAT if you want all 4 t's | Start and finish in downtown portland
Standing for train, trail, tram, and trolley the 4T attracts hikers and transit geeks alike: a train ride to the zoo MAX stop, a trek to Council Crest, then down and back up to OHSU, an aerial tram ride (Monday to Saturday only) down to the South Waterfront, and a connection by streetcar back to the heart to the city. It's around four miles of walking total. If you're hungry from all that, hop off the streetcar and head to Dough Zone to reward yourself with some xiao long bao.) Early fall weather is ideal for 4T: not too hot, not too wet, and not too slippery, with the satisfying crunch of dry leaves underfoot.
OrenKoFest
Noon–7 p.m. Sat, Sept 23 | Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station
Take the Blue Line MAX to Orenco Station for Hillsboro’s family-friendly take on Oktoberfest, happening right by the light-rail stop. The free, all-ages event features German food for purchase, a beer garden, children’s activities, a stein-holding contest ($20 contest entry fee), and live music from Doppelbock, Rockit Radio, and other acts. Yes, there will be alphorns.
Hood River Hops Fest
11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat, Oct 7 | Columbia lot, Downtown Hood River
Hop the 9:50 a.m. Columbia Gorge Express from Gateway Transit Center, and then catch a local connector at 11:05 to take you right downtown for the Hood River Hops Fest on October 7, or go another day and just enjoy an afternoon of eating, shopping, and strolling. Yes, this is a great way to use a 2023 GOrge Pass ($40, $20 kids—still plenty of time to get your money's worth).
Spirit of Halloweentown
Thru Oct 31 | Various locations in St. Helens
Take the Columbia County Rider (it's part of the NW Connector transit network) to St. Helens, where the 1998 Disney TV movie Halloweentown was filmed. Pumpkin photo ops pack the town every day from September 16 through Halloween for the annual festival. Tip: Take your bike on the bus so you can check out the decorated downtown on two wheels.
