Portland’s Best Photo Spots

Mary Jane Balch is the "witch" in question, a woman who lived on the property in the late 1800s. Her husband was the first person officially hanged in the state, tried and executed for murder. The gutted stone building is not the real house of the witch - it was built in the 1950s as an innocent enough ranger station. The land itself is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of the widowed Mrs. Balch.

This lush, Asian botanical garden was a gift to Portland from Suzhou, the Chinese sister city. The gift was appropriate - Suzhou is primarily known for its exquisite gardens and parks. Located near the China Sea which opens into the Pacific, Suzhou has a similar climate to Portland although its Oregon counterpart is slightly drier. Many of the plants found here are native to China although most were gath...

In a city full of bridges, Cathedral Park stands out. Named for the towering bridge supported by Gothic-style rib arches, it once was a junkyard. The bridge itself was built in the 1930s but the junkyard wasn't transformed into an Eden until the 1980s. It is now a tranquil place to spend the day but there is also a lot of history here as many explorers and frontiersman, including Lewis and Clark, set foo...

The larger-than-life lighted sign is almost synonymous with Portland, even being referred to as the "Portland, Oregon Sign." Iconic and historic, the 1940s neon and incandescent bulb sign is to Portland what the Hollywood sign is to Los Angeles. Urban explorers to Portland are almost required to take a selfie with the stag sign as the backdrop - otherwise, you simply weren't here.

The Grotto's official name is the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, but this Catholic shrine and garden is anything but sorrowful. A 110-foot cliff is the garden's centerpiece, and the grounds are open year round with set daily hours. If you visit during the Christmas season, don't miss the Festival of Lights, which includes a choral concert.

By day this unique little enclave of Portland is popular for shopping and eating. By night the club-set have their choice of Asian eateries, cocktail lounges, dance clubs, and karaoke. Other attractions include the Shanghai Tunnels, Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Chinatown Museum, and the Saturday street market. Don't forget to try out the famous Voodoo Donuts with a great selection of specialty vegan variet...

5.5 acres of land encompass a beautiful Asian-inspired garden with a waterfall, teahouse, and close proximity to the Willamette River. There are also demonstrations to immerse you in Japanese culture such as the kimono, tea ceremony, and flower arranging. Sit back and enjoy live music from a Japanese harp or flute. Stop at the Umami Cafe for authentic matcha tea and honey cake. The garden is open from We...

The meaning behind this phrase is more profound than it seems; it is a tagline to support small, local businesses rather than large corporate conglomerates. In this context "weird" means authentic, eccentric, and unique. The mural of this unofficial city motto can be seen right across the street from Voodoo Donuts.

This whimsical temple and grounds feature a statue of Buddha, small bridges, and a manmade brook running through a relaxing garden. You can also participate in services and classes although it's best to go in person to find out the schedule (there's no business website). With beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere this is great stop in Portland.

The Oregon Zoo is a nonprofit organization, and a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To aid in conservation, the zoo has a survival program to augment the populations of 21 endangered species. If you visit in the summer, you will be able to attend live concerts. If you plan a trip in the winter, you will be able to witness ZooLights, the holiday light show. Whichever season you plan to visi...