Now, we know what you’re thinking. Portland’s North Shore? That’s not a thing. And you are right, but this week’s wander is more of a meander across several lesser-known northern neighborhoods that border the Columbia River, including Hayden Island, East Columbia, Bridgeton, and Sunderland. It’s not as shiny as Vancouver’s waterfront, but there’s plenty to do and see if you know where to look (plus floating homes are just plain cool), so let’s dive in.
Why You Should Visit This Week: Fair Weather and Fairways
Since 1972, The Standard Portland Classic has gone by many names and been held at a handful of local courses, but it’s always been an opportunity for fans to cheer on the world’s best female golfers. In a city that celebrates women’s sports, it’s no surprise that droves of people come out for a weekend of elite play in a picture-perfect setting. It’s a tournament that consistently delivers stories and surprises, so don’t expect a snooze-fest.
This year’s competition will be held at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Thursday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Aug. 16, and will feature a $2 million purse dispersed among the top finishers (more than $18 million has also been donated to local charities throughout the event’s history). Spend the day at The Sports Bra’s VIP viewing area on hole 15, or walk alongside your favorite golfer, it’s up to you. Tickets start at $25.
Eat & Drink: Friends Who Founded a Fish Shack
That’s the story behind Pal’s, a casual hangout on Hayden Island serving up handheld American fare such as tuna sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and shrimp rolls, as well as salads, grain bowls, and breakfast (before 11 a.m.). The outdoor patio caters to families, with climbing logs for the kids and Adirondack chairs for parents to sit back, enjoy a cocktail — Black Flag is what we’re having — and enjoy the view of sailboats sleeping in Tomahawk Bay Marina.
- 🌊 Buoyant bistros: Island Cafe serves up halibut fish and chips and coconut shrimp in a relaxed, tropical ambience. Sabor del Rio Cafe is a great spot for Puerto Rican tacos and planespotting as aircraft land at Portland International Airport.
- 🏔️ Upscale dining and vistas: Salty’s on the Columbia sets the scene for an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet brunch every Sunday.
- 🍝 Spaghetti on pizza: Doughboys Pizzatopia might just be the only place in Portland to find it.
- 🌮 Yucatan cuisine: Food truck Ta Bueno Ne has regional dishes like cochinita pibil panuchos, tamales, tortas, and poc-chúc.
- 🤠 Line dancing at Ponderosa Lounge & Grill: Hearty bites and hootenannies are the calling card for this country music bar.
Outdoors: Petals and Pumpkins
Tucked among industrial sites, there are pockets of nature to discover. Start your exploration at the Columbia Children’s Arboretum, 27 acres of groves, ponds, and picnic areas along a paved ADA-accessible route.
Sunderland Acres Lavender Farm offers private tours of its aromatic fields, where you can learn about small-scale agriculture and have a meet-and-greet with miniature donkeys and Babydoll sheep.
Broughton Beach is a sandy swimming spot on the Columbia River with views of Mount Hood.
Come fall, Fazio Farms puts on a harvest festival, complete with a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Have a hidden gem we missed? Send us a line to share your recs.
