Portland

About this city

Also known as: The City of Roses, Stumptown, PDX

Commanding a spectacular position at the convergence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in northwestern Oregon, Portland is the state's largest city and the undisputed economic, cultural, and creative engine of the region. Founded in 1851 at the terminus of the historic Oregon Trail, the planned city grew with astonishing speed as a colossal deepwater commercial port and railroad hub, funneling timber and grain commerce worldwide. Today, Portland is celebrated globally as a premier model of progressive urban planning, famous for its sprawling, dense layout interspersed with massive forested public parks and extensive light-rail infrastructure. The city boasts an award-winning independent culinary, micro-brewing, and specialty coffee scene, seamlessly blending its historic cast-iron brick warehouse districts with a dynamic global center for high-tech, design, and athletics.