6 Fun Things to Do in Portland, Oregon in March

When looking for Oregon vacation ideas, Portland is a city that truly comes to life in the spring. Check out our list of the top things to do in Portland, Oregon in March

There is a saying that you never experience Portland the same way twice. There are always new attractions and pop-up events happening. We share what to pack, where to stay and spring activities for a trip to Portland!

things to do in Portland Oregon in March

As winter recedes, the city’s renowned parks and gardens begin to bloom. It’s the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll along the Willamette River or explore the scenic trails of Forest Park.

March is also known for its unpredictable weather. So, when planning your day, be prepared for sudden rain showers interspersed with brilliant sunshine. Portland’s coffee culture is at its best during these cool, crisp days of early spring, with cozy cafés serving as ideal spots to unwind.

If you want to venture beyond Portland, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Oregon Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!

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What to Pack for a Spring Trip to Oregon

The weather during spring in Oregon is quite unpredictable, so layering is the name of the game.

  • Rain jacket – always be prepared for rain while you’re visiting Oregon, especially near the coast. 
  • Hiking shoes – If you’ll be exploring any hiking trails in Oregon, we recommend hiking shoes instead of sandals. After the umpteenth time of getting rocks out of the sandals, you’ll thank us!
  • Hiking socks – Darn Tough socks help prevent blisters, keep your feet dry, and are guaranteed to last. 
  • Water shoes – You’ll want shoes that are made to get wet AND protect your feet from the rocks. If you’ll be visiting the coastal beaches and tidepools, pack water shoes.
  • Sunscreen 
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Healthy snacks
  • Camera gear for travel photography
Portland in the spring
Portland in the spring

Things To Do in Portland, Oregon in March

As you’re planning your trip to Portland, here are a few guides for more things to see and do!

Portland Bucket List – Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture vulture, check out 50+ things to put on your Portland bucket list!

Portland with Kids – A list of ideas with the perfect balance of fun, education and unique experiences for kids, as well as adults!

Portland Dining Month in March 

Starting in 2009, Portland has dedicated an entire month to the celebration and experience of some of their most acclaimed eateries known as Portland Dining Month. In March, the top restaurants in the area offer three-course meals for an incredible price!

Portland Dining Month donates money to the Oregon Food Bank to help give back to the community, and there are more than 130 restaurants participating in this event!

Portland foodie, donut and winery tours!

Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Blooming Flowers in March

March is when the flowers start to bloom here in Portland, and there are so many different places to find your favorite flowers in bloom.

From rhododendrons to trilliums, here are some of the places you can find spring flowers in bloom during March. 

Downtown Portland
Downtown Portland

Portland Film Festivals in March

Two film festivals take place during March in Portland. The first is the Portland International Film Festival. This festival is usually two weeks long and has over 100 local premieres from all over the world. You can get a festival pass to see them all or see individual screenings if you prefer. 

The second film festival is Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, also known as POW Film Fest. This festival focuses on cinematic films of women and non-binary filmmakers from all over the world. This event includes panel discussions and workshops with some of the filmmakers who choose to participate. 

Portland St. Patrick’s Day Events

Locals and visitors gather together to celebrate Irish heritage with live music, Irish dancing, food, and more at Kells Irish Festival. This is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in the Northwest, and there are a limited number of passes to this festival. The festival is typically five days long and goes from Friday through Tuesday.

If drinking pints isn’t your style, join the 35,000 people who come out to the streets for the Shamrock Run in March! This is the second-largest running and walking event on the entire West Coast and has been a tradition in Portland since 1979. 

Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo in March

Originally the Portland Zoo, this zoo is located in Washington Park. Just a mere two miles from downtown Portland, this zoo is considered the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River! This zoo is over 64 acres long and has more than 200 different species of animals here.

There are 19 endangered species here and even specialized gardens. The Oregon Zoo is one of the largest visitor attractions with more than one million visitors each year! During the spring months, the weather is a little milder, making it the perfect time to visit the animals! 

Portland Hikes in March

Portland has a wide variety of different hiking trails that can be explored year-round. However, the first hike of spring is one of the best in Portland!

You can see wildflowers blooming before your eyes, see excellent bird watching, and take in the breathtaking scenery during the spring months. Here are some of the best spots to go for a hike in Portland during the spring. 

  • Dogwood Trail 
  • Lacamas Park 
  • Oak Island 
  • Wildwood Recreation Area 

Day Hiking Resources

Portland, Oregon has no shortage of things to do, and no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll always find something to do here!

Spring is one of our favorite seasons to visit because of the diversity in both activities and events! Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration to help you plan your next trip to Portland.

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4 Comments

  1. Amazing, we’ve been down in Portland Oregon once many many years ago for the Shakespeare fest, and drove down with our motorbike from Vancouver BC. We had a blast but unfortunately not enough time to explore the area
    Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 294. See you again next week!

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