This fresh-water lumber capital for the surrounding area has lush, emerald green forests and a manufacturer of lumber and wood products has a distinct abundance of natural resources. Complete with many coffeehouses and microbreweries, this city has a European sense of style. There are many skyscrappers and beautifully restored historical sites and buildings and one of the most important gateways to the Pacific Rim. Known as the "City of Roses," there are many flower-filled areas to behold. The Willamette River flows to join with the Columbia River to produce many natural resources. The heart of the lumber and forest products is among some of the resources here. The largest forested Wilderness Park in the nation, named Forest Park," has a traditional blend of tradition and whimsy.

In the 1800's over 300,000 people traveled over 2000 miles on the famous "Oregan Trail." Discoveries of gold during the Gold Rush and numerous Indian wars kept Portland very busy until the Civil War. Railroads and the Lewis and Clark Centenial Exposition lead Portland into the next century as a mature city. Indians canoeing between Oregan City and Fort Vancouver broke for camp in between to points at an opening in a grove of trees. This spot became the historical place known as "The Clearing."The Forestry Building," is the world's largest log cabin made of massive 54 feet high fir logs. An exhibit of the forest products industry is called the "Gallery of Trees, housed at the Forestry Building. A variety of flowers and shrubs are grown in the mild, wonderful climate. A leader in the export of wheat and lumber products, the freshwater port comes in at third in total tonnage on the pacific coast.

Major attractions in Portland are the "Oregan History Center," where yesterday and tomorrow are explored and "The Grotto" a sanctuary with a botanical gardens and many outdoor sculptures and shrines dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The "American Advertising Musuem" includes the history of American Advertising since 1863. The " Audubon Society of Portland has a 160 acre wildlife preserve where birds and other animals can be seen in their national habitat. The Oregan Coast Aquarium has over 190 native species of marine animals among the high cliffs, deep caves, rocky pools, rolling waves and spacious indoor galleries to view. The famous "Portland Rose Gardens, including the International Rose Test gardens is the oldest and largest rose test garden in the country. There are three public rose gardens and a spectacular view of the "City of Roses." The Oregon Musuem of Science and Industry has planetarium and laser shows, laboratory experiments and classes and camps for all ages. The Japaneese Garden is among the most authentic Japaneese Gardens outside of Japan. An authentic teahouse and a pavilion reflect the life of ancient Japan. The Oregan History Center has higlights from the Oregon Trail to the railroad. Many exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. The Metro Washington Park Zoo has a rain forest exhibit, tundras of Alaska and the forests of Asia; you can travel around the world in one afternoon. The Portland Art Musuem houses one of the largest exhibits of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the United States. The World Forestry Center will take you back 200 million years in the age of petrified wood as well as seeing the Tropical Rain Forest. These are just some of the area main attractions.

For the arts lovers, we have the "Portland Center for the Performing Arts," fifth largest in the nation. Portland's Broadway Theatre has the very best national touring shows brought to the Civic Auditorium. The musical "Guys and Dolls," and "Oklahomal" and "A Chorus llne, are regulars at the Musical Theatre Company. The Portland Opera has Mozart' s Magic Flutes, Leoncavallo's Pagliacci and Carl Offs Carmina Burana. Among annual events, there is the Portland Rose Festival complete with parades, fireworks, car races and much more. The Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade is the nation's second largest floral parade with the most spectacular floats ever made. For the car racing fans there is the 200 PPG Indy Car World Series event held in June of each year. In August the Mount Hood Jazz Festival features celebrity artists and is the largest festival of its kind in Oregon. In the fall, the Annual Greek Festival is held where a wealth of imported gifts, food boothes, taverns and live entertainment come alive.