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Multnomah County
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Explore Multnomah County for Portland’s food and culture, Forest Park, river towns, Sauvie Island farms and Columbia Gorge waterfalls.

Multnomah County brings together Oregon’s principal city, Portland, and a varied eastern landscape of riverfront towns, wooded hills, fertile islands and waterfalls. The county occupies the lower Willamette Valley around the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, extending east from Portland towards the foothills and western reaches of the Columbia River Gorge. Its geography makes it possible to combine museums, neighbourhood markets and independent cafés with forest walks, historic highways and dramatic river scenery.
Read more about Multnomah County
Portland is the county’s cultural and commercial centre, organised around the Willamette River and a collection of distinct inner neighbourhoods. Downtown, the Pearl District, Northwest Portland, the Central Eastside and Hawthorne offer contrasting architectural and social environments, while Washington Park rises above the western side of the city. The park contains the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo and forested trails, and links to the extensive urban woodland of Forest Park. Portland’s reputation for food, books, gardens, design and independent retail reflects a strong local culture of small-scale enterprise rather than a single traditional style.
East of the city, the landscape changes quickly. Gresham is the county’s second-largest city and a useful base for exploring the eastern metropolitan area, while Troutdale and the communities along the Historic Columbia River Highway provide access to waterfalls, viewpoints and the Columbia Gorge. Multnomah Falls is the best-known natural landmark, but the surrounding corridor also contains less developed trails, creeks and forest roads. The Columbia River itself forms the county’s northern boundary for much of its length, bringing maritime history, recreation and broad views beneath the Cascade foothills.
The county also includes agricultural and wetland landscapes, notably Sauvie Island, a large river island northwest of Portland whose farms, wildlife areas and seasonal produce stands offer a rural counterpoint to the city. Travellers should allow time for the substantial differences between Portland’s walkable central districts, the car-oriented outer suburbs and the Gorge corridor, where trail access and weather can affect plans. Multnomah County is therefore best understood not as one uniform urban destination but as a compact meeting place of metropolitan Oregon, working rivers, cultivated lowlands and the forested drama of the Gorge.

Getting to and around Multnomah County

How to get there

Portland International Airport is within Multnomah County, north of central Portland, and is the principal air gateway for Oregon and the wider Columbia River region. MAX light rail connects the airport with central Portland and other parts of the metropolitan area. Amtrak trains and intercity coaches serve Portland, while Interstate 5, Interstate 84 and other major roads provide access from Washington, the Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon. Troutdale and the eastern Gorge are reached most directly by road or regional public transport; travellers arriving by air should allow considerably more time for destinations beyond Portland.

Transportation

Portland’s central districts are served by MAX light rail, buses and streetcars, with much of the inner city practical on foot or by bicycle. Services become less frequent and destinations more dispersed in Gresham, Troutdale, Sauvie Island and rural areas, so a car is useful for combining waterfalls, farms and trailheads. The Historic Columbia River Highway has narrow sections, limited parking and seasonal restrictions, and some recreational sites are best reached by organised shuttle or local bus when such services are operating. Check current road, trail and transit conditions before travelling, particularly after storms or during wildfire season.

Best attractions in Multnomah County

Multnomah County’s attractions range from Portland’s museums, galleries, theatres and gardens to forest trails, river viewpoints and working agricultural landscapes. Washington Park concentrates several major institutions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden and Oregon Zoo, while Forest Park offers an extensive network of wooded paths within the metropolitan area. Along the eastern edge, Troutdale and the Historic Columbia River Highway provide access to the Columbia Gorge, where Multnomah Falls is joined by other waterfalls, creeks, viewpoints and hiking routes. Gresham and the surrounding foothills offer parks, community arts and gateways to outdoor recreation. Sauvie Island adds farms, seasonal produce, wetlands and wildlife habitat, although access and opening arrangements vary. The county’s appeal lies in this mixture: cultural attractions can be reached without abandoning the landscape, while natural sites remain subject to weather, conservation rules and traffic pressure.

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Best landmarks in Multnomah County

The county’s defining landmarks include the bridges and public spaces of Portland’s Willamette waterfront, where the river has shaped commerce, industry and civic life. Pittock Mansion, set in the West Hills, is a prominent early twentieth-century house with expansive views over Portland and the Cascade skyline. In Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden are important designed landscapes as well as visitor sites. Farther east, the Columbia River Gorge supplies the county’s most recognisable natural landmarks: Multnomah Falls descends in two principal stages beside the Historic Columbia River Highway, while the wooded cliffs and river corridor create a broader geographical identity. Crown Point and Vista House, although often combined with Gorge itineraries, are outside Multnomah County in neighbouring Clackamas County and should not be confused with county landmarks. Sauvie Island’s broad agricultural fields and river channels provide a quieter landscape landmark rather than a single monumental structure.

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Explore Multnomah County on the map

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Best restaurants in Multnomah County

Portland gives Multnomah County its broadest dining range, from food carts, bakeries and coffee roasters to neighbourhood restaurants, wine bars and ambitious kitchens. The city’s culinary identity is closely linked to Oregon’s produce, including berries, apples, pears, mushrooms, hazelnuts, vegetables and locally raised meat, while the rivers and nearby Pacific coast influence the availability of salmon, shellfish and other seafood. Farm-to-table cooking is common but should be understood as part of a wider regional food economy rather than a single county tradition. Gresham, Troutdale and east-county communities offer cafés, breweries, family restaurants and international cuisines, while Sauvie Island is known for seasonal farm stands, u-pick produce and rural refreshments. Oregon wines, craft beer and cider are widely represented, and travellers should distinguish products made locally from those simply sold in the county.

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Best shops in Multnomah County

Portland’s shopping character favours independent businesses, books, design, vintage clothing, locally made goods and food products rather than a single enclosed retail district. Downtown and the Pearl District contain established retail streets and galleries, while neighbourhoods such as Northwest, Nob Hill, Hawthorne and Alberta are known for smaller shops, cafés and creative businesses; their commercial mix changes over time. Portland Saturday Market is a long-running open-air marketplace associated with local arts and crafts, although dates and arrangements should be checked before visiting. Farmers’ markets across the county provide Oregon produce, preserves, baked goods and prepared food, with seasonal variation. Sauvie Island is useful for farm stands and autumn produce, while Gresham and Troutdale offer practical shopping, antiques and independent local businesses. Look for hazelnuts, berries, craft beverages, ceramics, books and regional food products, and avoid assuming that an item sold locally was necessarily made in Multnomah County.

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Multnomah County essentials

Currency and Payment
Multnomah County uses the United States dollar (USD), like the rest of Oregon and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Portland, Gresham and most established visitor businesses, although small farm stands, markets, cafés or rural operators may have minimums, unreliable connections or cash-only arrangements. Carry a modest amount of cash for incidental purchases and keep a card available for deposits or transport payments. Oregon has no general state sales tax, though this does not remove every possible local fee or charge.
Safety
Use normal urban precautions in Portland and other busy areas: keep valuables out of sight, remain aware around transport hubs and avoid leaving belongings in parked vehicles. Outdoor risks include slippery rocks, steep or uneven trails, falling branches, rapidly changing weather and strong currents in the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Obey closures and warning signs at waterfalls, cliffs and swimming areas. Summer smoke and wildfire conditions can affect the Gorge and forested districts, while winter rain can produce flooding, landslides and difficult driving on rural roads.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 throughout Multnomah County for police, fire or ambulance emergencies. Give the exact trail, road, viewpoint or river access location when calling from an outdoor area, and do not assume that mobile coverage is continuous in the Gorge or Forest Park. For a non-urgent medical or safety concern, use established local services rather than blocking emergency lines. Follow official instructions during wildfire smoke, severe weather, flooding or road closures, and never enter a closed trail or roadway to reach a viewpoint.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect marked trails, private farmland, wildlife refuges and Indigenous cultural places, and pack out rubbish where facilities are limited. Do give cyclists and pedestrians space and allow passengers to leave public transport before boarding. At waterfalls and riverbanks, stay behind barriers and do not climb wet rocks for photographs. Do not pick crops on Sauvie Island without permission, trespass on rural land or assume that a swimming-looking stretch of river is safe. Tipping for table service, taxis and similar hospitality is a customary United States practice rather than a Multnomah County rule.
Local Tips
Portland’s districts have different rhythms, so use a neighbourhood-based itinerary instead of treating the city centre as the whole county. Early starts help with popular Gorge viewpoints and reduce parking pressure. The eastern side of the county is a practical base for combining Gresham, Troutdale and nearby Gorge sites, whereas Sauvie Island is better paired with north-west Portland than with eastern excursions. Farmers’ markets and farm stands are strongly seasonal, and local produce varies by month; check current listings rather than expecting every farm attraction to operate year-round.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey[hey]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYeah[yeah]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[no prob-lum]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sorry]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it go-ing]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[good. you?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[do you speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m vegetarian[I’m vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leave me a-lone]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doctor]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feeling well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just browsing]
How much is it?What's the price?[what's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s pricey[that’s pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?[can you make it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Ten thirty[ten thirty]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a ticket to...]

History of Multnomah County

Chinookan Homelands and River Trade

Long before Portland was founded, the lower Willamette and Columbia river system was home to Chinookan peoples, including communities whose economies and travel routes were closely connected with fishing, gathering, trade and river transport. The rivers were not barriers but major corridors linking settlements and neighbouring peoples. Archaeological evidence and surviving cultural knowledge place the county within a much older landscape of managed resources and established exchange. Later settlement disrupted Indigenous communities through disease, land seizure and federal policy, but Native presence and cultural work remain part of the region’s contemporary identity.

Exploration and the Overland Migration Era

The Lewis and Clark Expedition travelled through the lower Columbia region in 1805–06, adding an American expansion narrative to a landscape already well known to Indigenous peoples and fur traders. During the nineteenth century, emigrants travelling the Oregon Trail increasingly reached the Willamette Valley, often completing the final difficult portage around the Columbia River rapids by road or boat. Missionaries, traders and land claimants followed, and the settlement that became Portland grew near the Willamette’s junction with the Columbia, benefiting from its strategic position.

Portland’s Foundation and River Economy

Portland was incorporated in 1851 and expanded through timber, grain, shipping and commerce. Its location on the Willamette, with access to the Columbia and the Pacific, encouraged deep-water trade and connections with inland Oregon. Railways later strengthened its role as a regional distribution centre, while docks, warehouses and industrial sites reshaped the riverfront. The city’s growth was accompanied by exclusionary laws, displacement and unequal access to housing and employment, realities that form an essential part of understanding Multnomah County’s development.

Farms, Orchards and Transportation Corridors

Outside Portland, the county’s lowlands and river islands supported farming, orchards, dairying and market gardening. Sauvie Island became particularly associated with agriculture because of its fertile soils and proximity to urban markets. Roads, electric interurban lines, railways and bridges linked rural districts to Portland and to communities along the Columbia. The Historic Columbia River Highway, completed in the early twentieth century, represented a new form of scenic infrastructure: it served transport while deliberately framing waterfalls, cliffs and river views as destinations for motorists.

Industrialisation, Migration and Vanport

The Second World War transformed the lower Columbia industrial region, bringing shipbuilding and large-scale employment that attracted workers from across the United States, including African American migrants who faced discrimination in housing and employment. Vanport, built rapidly north of Portland in what is now Multnomah County, became one of the country’s largest wartime housing projects. A catastrophic flood destroyed it in 1948, displacing tens of thousands of residents. Its short existence and the subsequent loss of housing helped shape Portland’s racial geography and remain central to local historical interpretation.

Parks, Urban Renewal and Environmental Awareness

During the twentieth century, Multnomah County expanded its system of public parks and protected landscapes, including Forest Park and sites along the Columbia Gorge. Portland’s waterfront was also rethought: parts of the former Harbor Drive were replaced by Tom McCall Waterfront Park in the 1970s, reflecting growing support for public river access and urban environmental planning. The opening of Portland’s light-rail system in 1986 and later investment in cycling and street improvements reinforced the county’s reputation for experimenting with alternative transport and urban design.

Contemporary Regional Identity

Today Multnomah County combines a substantial metropolitan economy with a strong public culture of food, books, gardens, cycling, craft production and environmental stewardship. Portland’s identity has been shaped by both civic experimentation and persistent debates over housing, homelessness, inequality, transport and land use. Eastern communities have distinct suburban and industrial histories, while the Gorge and agricultural districts face the pressures of recreation, conservation and climate-related wildfire risk. The county’s present character is therefore the result of continuing negotiation between urban growth, working landscapes and protected natural areas.

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Welcome to Multnomah County, Oregon, a land of breathtaking landscapes, bustling urban scenes, and rich cultural heritage. With Evendo, your 100% free travel guide app, you can immerse yourself in all that this magnificent county has to offer. Whether you're marveling at the iconic Multnomah Falls, exploring the vibrant streets of Portland, or dining at renowned restaurants like Le Pigeon or Pok Pok, Evendo offers the ultimate guide to make your trip unforgettable.

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