Vacation in Portland, OR

Hello everybody,
My name is Stephanie and was banded on January 5. I am from North Dakota. I am planning a vacation with two friends for in August. We are flying into Seattle and the flying out of Portland. Going to be spending 3-4 days in each city. My question to you is what are some good attractions in Portland to go see.  I know about the Chinese and Japanese gardens, the rose garden, and the zoo. Any help would be appreciated. Also what is the weather like during the middle of August.
Stephanie

Check out this web site

http://www.mcmenamins.com/

the Edgefield, the Hotel Oregon, the Kennedy School, and the Grand Lodge are all in the Portland area. 

If you don't already have reservations these are great places to stay (and exceptionally reasonable).  If you have reservations elsewhere, check it out anyway, they have live music, fine dining, formal gardens, historical restorations, great art---fun.

The New York Times had an article-----Portland in 36hrs.  it hit a lot of the high spots.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/travel/15hours.html?fta =y

But they forgot to mention the walking tours of the Portland underground, also known as the Shanghai Tunnels

http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/underground_portla nd.php

enjoy!

another must see in Oregon is the Oregon coast.  Seaside, Lincoln city and Cannon beach..  The weather is usually in the upper 80's.  Not really that bad.  Oregon does get alot of rain, but usually sun during the summer months.

Peggy

Go see Multmomah Falls in the gorge too. I definately also recommend the coast. The zoo has a baby elephant born last August. He still  will be a baby then just bigger

I love Powells Book Store.  Pioneer Square in downtown Portland is a great place to hang out  Of course there is the Portland Farmers Market and all of that stuff. 

Good Luck! 
Julie

The weekend market is always fun to hit if you will be here on a sat./sun. Someone else mentioned the gorge and Multnomah Falls. I second that. Oregon coast is also a pretty good see. Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport.(Oregon Coast aquarium is pretty nice too).

The weather is beautiful in August.  September is when we get that 90 degree heat wave.  The downtown core has within fairly good walking distance the above mentioned Japanese Gardens (I've actually yet to go, but everyone loves it), the Riverfront was my first and great impression of Portland.  It's called Naito Parkway, and has a really neat fountain that everyone feels free to play in at one end, and views of the bridges and lots of people enjoying the city.  I don't think the lunch options are so plentiful down there, but a neighborhood called Northwest on 23rd has lots of good eats and little shops.  It's not right downtown, but it's a car/cab ride of about ten min.  Don't bother (sorrry Portland) with our official China town, because the real one has sprouted up across the river on 82nd Ave, where the ethnic diversity is thriving and living.  That's where I go for my Chines fix, but it's not just right across the river, and it's not a very beautiful part of town.  As a North Dakota person, I have to think seeing the coast is a worthwhile day.  Be warned though, it ain't gonna be warm.  Well, I'm from Florida and my version of the beach is sugar sand and warm water, ninty degrees and my chair sitting in the water lapping at my feet for hours.  Oregon is rugged, cold, and only fools are actually in the water.  I still haven't forgiven my son for going past the wave line and sending my paranoia into overdrive.  There are sneaker waves and currents, and I worry about much smaller things than that!!  But people LOVE the Oregon coast, and it's certainly a day worthwhile. 

My number one favorite is to do the jet boat tours offered at OMSI on the east side of the river.  It does cost about $25 per, but it is the greatest tour of the Portland area from the water.  It has great tour guides, they go all the way to the Oregon City falls, I've seen salmon jumping upstream, learned so much about the city and communities along our river, they do some fun donuts for thrills, and to see all the recreational boats and be one feels really fun.  I'm a real chicken, but I wasn't scared and liked going FAST.  I think it's well worth the money.  You can make reservations, and appeals to all ages.  They leave about every hour and there is parking at OMSI. 

Have fun!

Patty