About Portland

Tours of Portland and vicinity will be available during the conference.

CHI 2005 will be held at the Oregon Convention Center, the first convention center in the U.S. to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating.

Portland, Oregon has consistently been rated one of the most livable cities in America. It has massive parks, the country's largest independent bookstore, bike lanes, the International Rose Test Garden, and a mild climate.

Portland skyline with Mount Hood; Portland Oregon Visitors Association

Portland is known for its green spaces and proximity to natural wonders like the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. The city is also known as an incubator for progressive urban planning, environmentally conscious public policy, and the sustainable development movement.

Columbia River Gorge; Portland Oregon Visitors Association

The largest of three Portland public rose gardens, the International Rose Test Garden was established in 1917, making it the oldest test garden in the United States. The 4.5-acre site features 9,000 rose plantings representing some 590 varieties, including Savoy Hotel, Livin’ Easy, New Zealand, Climbing Ophelia, and Sweet Juliet. From its vantage point in Washington Park, this terraced garden offers a spectacular view of downtown Portland, majestic Mount Hood and volatile Mount St. Helens.

Japanese Garden; Portland Oregon Visitors Association

Known as the most authentic Japanese Garden outside Japan, this beautiful 5.5-acre oasis encompasses a tea house, a pavilion and five garden styles. Designed to take advantage of “borrowed scenery,” the garden showcases the tall Douglas firs of the surrounding Washington Park and provides breathtaking views of downtown Portland, the Willamette River, and the nearby mountains. Within the garden’s core, visitors will discover winding pathways, a koi pond, bridges, lanterns, a dramatic waterfall and raked stone areas. Celebrating 40 years of beauty and harmony, the garden’s elements are designed to inspire meditation, reflection and calm.

Powell's City of Books; Powell's City of Books

Boasting more than 1.5 million volumes and occupying an entire city block, Powell's is the nation's largest independent bookstore. Visitors, however, needn’t worry about getting lost inside this biblio-labyrinth: Friendly staffers offer guided tours and distribute maps detailing the store’s floor plan and sections. Results of a recent expansion include the addition of an art gallery and space for author readings, an expanded Rare Book Room, the only three-door elevator west of the Mississippi, and, anchoring the new northwest entrance, the Pillar of Books sculpture. Powell’s in-house cafe is the perfect spot for people-watching.

MAX light rail at Oregon Convention Center; TriMet

Portland has long been known as a clean, green and friendly metropolis, with lots to do and even more to see. Leading the "City of Roses" into the 21st century is its economical, easy-to-use public transit system, which every year transports millions of visitors and residents through the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. On the TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs thoroughly, you'll find low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility. And since most buses are now equipped with bike racks, mass transit has become more user-friendly for the cycling set.

Portland International Airport (PDX) directly serves over 100 US and 17 international destinations, with regular connections from Seattle (45 minutes) and San Francisco (90 minutes). Service to downtown hotels and the convention center is provided with a direct light rail link from the airport.

For Further Information

http://www.travelportland.com/visitors/portland_profile.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/portland