5 Hostels in Portland, Oregon, USA

About Portland

A testament to Portland’s laid-back nature, Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy flipped a coin in 1845 to determine the name of the plot of land they’d been settling. Pettygrove ultimately won and named the city after his home town, Portland, Maine. Portland’s other nicknames include The City of Roses, or ‘Rose City’, Beervana, Stumptown, and Bridge Town, or ‘Bridge City’; which are appropriate for the city’s mild climate, amazing breweries, massive surrounding forests, and eight large bridge crossings in the city centre alone!

Hostels in Portland are centrally located within a short walk or quick train/streetcar/bus/bike ride of the various trendy districts (Yeah, it’s easy to get around). Staying near the Alberta Arts District will give you diverse opportunities to explore unique Portland art, shopping, and dining options. The Pearl District is another place to consider while booking your Portland hostel; it is teeming with art galleries, restaurants, and shops and boutiques that you will not want to miss.

There are also Portland hostels that are less central, which are perfect for travellers looking to experience more of Oregon’s wilderness. These give you quick access to amazing views and hikes along the legendary Oregon Coast, massive old-growth forests, and gorgeous lakes. Keep in mind that although there are buses, having access to a car would make exploring the natural side of Oregon much easier; plus, you’d be able to go at your own pace!

There is no shortage of entertainment in Portland no matter what you’re looking for. Try to keep true to the unofficial slogan “Keep Portland Weird”, and let loose a little! Experiencing some of the 50+ local breweries is a must; and any self-respecting bookworm will make their way to Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.

Portland is nestled between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers; so it is peppered with parks, river beaches, and bridges. We recommend renting a bike and pedalling along some of the numerous bike paths to get the full experience. Once you’ve cycled around a bit, you’ve probably earned a trip to one of Portland’s trademark doughnut shops (Voodoo Donuts is our favourite, but that conversation can become divisive).

While you’re in Portland, it’s worth heading out to see Mount Hood. Aside from the heart-stopping views, Mount Hood is also home to the Timberline Lodge, which was used while creating the classic horror film “The Shining”. You can also ski/snowboard there year-round, so it may be worth renting some gear just to say you skied in July! Once again, you can take a bus there hassle free!