Portland Winter Escapes

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Portland has two distinct seasons: Those lush and sticky summer months, when residents pedal to work, walk the waterfront at dusk, and nurse ice-lattes at curb-side coffee stands. And the rest of the year, when the Pacific Northwest earns its reputation as the rain capital of the United States. Winter means wetness, and for those unaccustomed to exercise in damp socks and a waterproof shell this can be a real downer.

But the off-season in the Rust Belt has its advantages. While cursed with constant precipitation from October to April, Portland's Willamette Valley is kiddy-corner to some of the great recreational hot-spots of the region. The coast, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Cascade Mountains are all a quick drive away, and rain in town often heralds mondo surf, ripe rivers, and fresh powder further afield. There are the usual suspects for raw weather excitement, like skiing one of four resorts on Mount Hood, but escape from the city need not entail crowds and $50 lift tickets. There are other alternatives, and GORP has culled its sources to bring you the very best in cold-weather delights. So whether you're just visiting the Bridge City, or are lucky enough to live there, here are five sure-fire fixes for the winter doldrums.