Shopping
Oregon doesn’t have sales tax! We often partner with Portland-based retail companies such as Adidas and Columbia Sportswear. Ask the front desk if passes are available because often you’ll find yourself shopping at employee prices, (50% off!). Washington Square Mall is just across the freeway. Washington Square is the Pacific Northwest’s premier shopping center with a diverse selection of over 170 premier apparel and popular digitally native brands including Nordstrom, Apple, Peloton, lululemon, Blue Nile, Pandora, Pottery Barn, plus delicious dining options like Din Tai Fung, The Cheesecake Factory, Red Robin, Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe, and Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill.
TUALATIN VALLEY
We invite you to soak in the Oregon experience. In Tualatin Valley—our Oregon—you go at your own pace, slow if you like. We’re a place built of friendly, local communities, in a region of lush, natural beauty. So, take a wander in the farmers market. While away an afternoon tasting wine. Bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder, and a pair of comfortable shoes. There is so much to explore. And no matter what you choose, you’ll uncover something memorable. Once you experience Tualatin Valley, you’ll know Oregon is yours, too. https://tualatinvalley.org/
Columbia River Gorge (about an hour from NWFC)
The following stops can be completed in order, just plug into your GPS and enjoy!
- The Portland Women’s Forum provides a beautiful view of the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge.
- The octagonal Vista House was once a rest stop when the Columbia River Historic Highway was completed. Pretty views, historic exhibits, small cafe.
- Check out Latourell Falls. Walk to the lower falls. There’s a paved trail, less than a quarter mile, to the base of the falls.
- Visit Multnomah Falls. This is the granddaddy of waterfalls in Oregon.
- You’ll find concessions, bathrooms, gift shop, exhibits, and an easy stroll to the base of the falls.
Neighborhood strolls
The following streets have great cafés and window shopping.
- Nob Hill: NW 23rd Ave., between NW Glisan St. and NW Kearney St.
- Hawthorne: SE Hawthorne Blvd., between SE 32nd Ave. and SE 38th Ave.
- Mississippi Ave: N Mississippi Ave., between N. Beech St. and N. Mason St.
Portland gardens (about 20 minutes from NWFC)
These are downtown and are worth visiting year-round.
- The Portland Japanese Garden is purportedly the best Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Pro-tip, get there early to get parking. It opens at 10:00. Gorgeous gardens, gallery space, gift shop, and café.
- If it’s a clear day, set your GPS for Council Crest Park. It’s the highest point around Portland with beautiful views (if the air is clear) of four or five mountains.
- The Lan Su Chinese Garden is less of a “plantings” garden and more of a plants-with-hardscape garden. It’s pretty different and authentic.
Fun food!
Portland is known for food carts! They are all over town, but it’s good to go to food cart “pods” so there are a bunch of options in one place. GPS to “Hawthorne Asylum,” “The Bite on Belmont” or “PROST! Marketplace” for downtown/east side options. Or GPS to Beaverton’s “BG Food Cartel” for a big selection close to the club.
History/culture (each is 20-20 minutes from NWFC)
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Historical Society Museum
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Freakybuttrue Peculiarium – you’ll have to google this to see if it’s your cup of tea. It’s a hit with teenagers, so if you have the heart of a teenager, it might be worth a visit.
- Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals – a weirdly comprehensive collection if you’re into that sort of thing.