PORTLAND

Visitor, new in town, or just want to do something different? Go hiking with us in PORTLAND!

We provide transportation to and from your door, knowledge about cool places to go, and security.

Among the things that make Portland special is the abundance of hiking trails right in the city. Forest Park is a prime example. One of the world's largest forested city parks, it contains 5,000 acres and stretches 7.5 miles by 1.5 miles along the eastern slopes of Portland's West Hills. There are almost a hundred miles of trails threading through a relatively undisturbed coniferous forest ecosystem with spectacular views of the Cascade volcanoes.

Other great Portland hiking areas are Tryon Creek Park, Washington Park, Oaks Bottom, Council Crest, and Powell Butte.

We can combine a hike with sightseeing attractions such as the Washington Park Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Test Gardens, and Pittock Mansion, etc. We're reasonably flexible and can plan an outing to include what you want. We can also arrange to go mountain biking if you prefer.

Half Day Portland Hiking: $50 each person /Full Day - $75 each person ($100 Minimum). Call (877) 965-5100 or e-mail.

PITTOCK MANSION

We think the Pittock Mansion, built for Henry Pittock in 1914, is the coolest house in Portland. Henry was publisher of "The Oregonian" newspaper, a member of the first climbing party to summit Mt. Hood, and a founding member of the Mazamas Mountaineering Club. Knowing this, we understand why he built his house on one of the highest points in Portland with a stunning view of the Cascades Range -especially Mt. Hood.
Photo by David Campbell

Three generations of Pittocks lived in the house after Henry died in 1916, but they vacated the house in 1958. It fell into disrepair and the roof was heavily damaged by the 1962 Columbus Day wind storm. The City of Portland narrowly rescued the mansion from being torn down by developers and restored the building in 1965. It is now open for tours and is a delight! During the winter holiday season it is lavishly decorated in a festive theme.

A hike to the Pittock is wonderful way to spend a day. We start at the Portland Zoo and hike two miles up through Hoyt Arboretum and Forest Park. If we arrive between 12 Noon and 4 PM, we can take about an hour tour and then hike two or four miles back to the Zoo. An additional pleasant option is to have lunch ($20.00 per person additional) on the picnic tables on the lawn.

Price: Pittock Mansion hike and tour: - $60 per person. Includes guide, transportation, and admission to Mansion.

Wear hiking clothes and boots appropriate to the weather and trail conditions (muddy or dry).

’Twas the Night before Christmas . . . in Oregon

Famed children’s classic is the theme for Pittock Mansion’s festive holiday season, Nov. 24 – Dec. 31.

Clement Clark Moore’s classic, “The Night before Christmas,” provides the delightful theme for this year’s holiday celebration at Portland’s historic Pittock Mansion. Each of the mansion’s 23 rooms will reflect a verse from the familiar 1823 children’s poem.

Holiday season at the Pittock – when the early-20th-century home is elaborately decorated and features a festive holiday theme – is one of the mansion’s most popular events. This year, holidays at the mansion will be on view from Monday, Nov. 24, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

As they wander through the mansion, children will enjoy finding mice hiding throughout, even though, according to the poem, “not a creature was stirring not even a mouse!” Visitors will discover Santa getting ready, while Mrs.Claus and his elves make sure his suit and bag of toys are at the ready. Reindeer prancing on the mansion’s terrace will be set to deliver gifts to a scene of children “nestled all snug in their beds.”

Upstairs in the mansion’s “North Pole” bedroom, Santa will be placing gifts under the tree, “dressed all in fur from his head to his foot and his clothes . . .all tarnished with ashes and soot.” In the Pittock’s social room, a collection of Santa figures from around the world will be on exhibit.

Festive decorations will adorn the adjacent Gate Lodge, home to “estate steward” James Skene and his family from 1914 to 1953.

The Museum Store, also on the mansion grounds, will feature copies of “The Night before Christmas.” The store will offer other holiday-themed gift ideas, including items made by local designers and artists.