Three Urban Excursions to Soak Up Summer in Portland

Bird Days of Summer

Can’t tell a flicker from a finch? Not a problem. The recently rebranded Bird Alliance of Oregon, formerly known as Portland Audubon, welcomes ultrabeginners (and beyond) to its series of free summer programs. Expect queer birding meetups, meditative bird-observation field trips, and, because all creatures are welcome here, dragonfly walks.

Forest Bathing

Perhaps you’ve heard about the much-touted benefits of forest bathing, the Japanese-rooted form of ecotherapy that entails being calm and mindful amid the trees. Think reduced stress, improved mood, and boosted immunity. Could you go plant yourself in Forest Park? Sure. But sometimes you need a gentle kick in the pants, which is where guided walks at Hoyt Arboretum or Leach Botanical Garden come in. 

Jetboat Tours

You’ve seen them, those 1,100-horsepower vessels careering down the Willamette, spraying walls of water as they spin doughnuts (and soak passengers in the process). And indeed, the trips run by Willamette Jetboat Excursions—along Swan Island, or to Willamette Falls—are fun and fast. But you’ll also learn a thing or two about this city’s bridges, shipyards, and wildlife.