Portland Packing List

From October to May, rain is nearly a daily experience in Portland. Downpours are rare, but a constant drizzle can be expected. The best way to combat the drizzle is with a windbreaker and hat. You can bring an umbrella, but most locals don't use them. You might attract attention as an out-of-towner if you unfurl an umbrella. Bring plenty of changes of clothing so you can change into something when you get back to the hotel.

No trip to Portland would be complete with a visit to Mount Hood. Bring some good hiking boots and a heavier coat. You can run into snow on Mount Hood even during the summer. When traipsing through the mountains in the winter, make the coat very heavy and bring along some gloves and a hat that will cover your eyes.

For being so far north, Portland actually has relatively mild winters with lows rarely dipping below freezing, but it can be a wet and uncomfortable cold so pack layers in case you want to change out of a sweater. Summer in Portland is mild, with the highs usually staying in the 80s. While it can get muggy enough to wear T-shirts and shorts, it can also turn quite cool, especially at night. Your best bet is to bring along a light jacket at all times. The Pacific Ocean stays pretty cold all year round, so a one-piece for women might be a better idea than a bikini. Take a thick blanket to the beach to avoid freezing when you come out of the water. Also, pack sunscreen because the lack of a sweltering heat can lead to underestimating its burning effects.

Be sure to bring along a camera and plenty of film, tape or storage discs. The Portland area is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers an almost endless opportunity for spectacular images, especially of Mount Hood and nearby Multnomah Falls.