As a resident of Portland, Oregon, I’ve always laughed that the rainy season lasts from Halloween to the Fourth of July. And it’s not the type of violent but brief thunderstorms that are common in the south. The weather is dreary, dark, and incessant. It’s the kind that’s just soft enough that you don’t think you need to have an umbrella, yet it swirls about and soaks you completely.
If you’re going on a trip when rain is expected, make sure you have some indoor activities planned. Check out our top 15 Portland rainy-day activities, and 15 amazing things to do in Portland when it rains checklist so don’t forget to bring your umbrella!
Does it rain a lot in Portland?
In Portland, it does not rain all day, every day, contrary to common assumption. It rains a lot here to maintain its lovely, green appearance. The problem is that it usually rains before you even get out of bed. Not only that, but the per day rainfall in Portland is barely 0.01 inches.
This usually consists of a little sprinkle overnight or in the morning, with the occasional sprinkling in the afternoon. Now, we may get a few sprinkles here and there during the day, but it’s extremely rare to get a heavy downpour as you might anticipate.
There are many places to go when it rains in portland. You can enjoy yourself with your friends and family there and make your day special and memorable. We will also discuss here what to do when it rains. So, continue reading the article to get more information about Portland.
15 Amazing things to do in Portland, when it rains
1. The Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink
The Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink is a fun indoor place for the whole family, especially when it’s rainy weather. It is a roller rink located in Oaks Amusement Park, a city park a few miles south of Portland.
It is the country’s oldest and largest ice rink. It is known throughout the country as a “skaters’ paradise,” attracting both residents and tourists.
When it rains in Portland, Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink is one of the favorite places of many to go and enjoy. Tuesdays through Sundays, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Oaks Park is open to the public during the day.
2. Cinemagic Theater to watch a movie
Cinemagic Theater is a single-screen movie theater on Southeast Portland’s Hawthorne Boulevard. The theater shows a diverse selection of films, including new releases, second-run releases, and oldies.
Cinemagic Theater is a great place to go on a wet day in Portland if you want to spend some time relaxing indoors. The independent cinema provides a warm atmosphere and comfortable chairs. They also serve a wide range of meals and artisan brews.
3. Relaxing in hot pools
There are many indoor hot pools in Portland. There will always be a hot pool nearby, regardless of where you stay in Portland. There are hot pools practically everywhere in the city, including hotels, health clubs, and amusement parks.
On a cool rainy day, relaxing in hot pools is one of the nicest things to do. McMenamins Crystal Hotel Soaking Pool, Mt Scott Community Center & Indoor Pool, Columbia Swimming Pool, and Knot Springs are just a few of the top hot pools in Portland. Private jacuzzis are available in several of them.
4. Enjoy brunch
On a rainy morning, there’s nothing better than a cup of delightfully flavored coffee. Consider breakfast at a fancy restaurant if you’re looking for delightful and soothing fun activities to do in Portland on a rainy day.
Portland has a plethora of pleasant cafés and restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. Hunny Milk, The Hazel Room, Besaws, Mont, The Waffle Window, Gravy, and Mother’s Bistro and Bar are just a few of Portland’s greatest brunch spots.
5. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
The Historic Columbia River Highway (today known as Highway 30) runs for 75 miles along the Columbia River Gorge. It was the first designed scenic roadway in the United States, and it is now a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
While the Columbia River Highway is magnificent at any time of year, it is especially stunning during the rainy season when all of the streams are flowing and the fog gives the landscape a dreamy feel. When the weather is less than ideal, there’s no need to stay cooped up indoors in Portland. From indoor gardens to art galleries to breweries, this city offers a plethora of fun and engaging indoor activities for visitors and locals alike
Expect 3-5 hours to finish the entire drive, including pauses. To get to the freeway from Portland, travel I-84 to Corbett and exit 22. Then follow the Vista House signage.
6. Visit OMSI
A trip to the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) in SE Portland is both intellectually interesting and entertaining. “Inspire interest through exciting science learning experiences, support exploration and the sharing of ideas, and motivate informed action,” says the organization’s mission statement.
And they do it exceptionally effectively, with over 1 million visits and a ranking as one of America’s finest scientific centers!
Adults will enjoy the permanent and rotating exhibitions at OMSI, which aren’t just for kids. On their gigantic IMAX screen, they show daily submarine tours and incredibly interesting movies.
7. Play Games
Remember how much fun you had as a youngster in the arcade? Arcades are not only for kids, and they’re the ideal spot to hide from the rain. Ground Kontrol boasts over 100 of the top arcade games from the 1970s to the 2000s, as well as the Pacific Northwest’s biggest public pinball game room!
Minors are permitted every day from noon to 5:00 p.m., but it is primarily an adult gaming area with a bar serving beer, cider, and drinks. Wunderland is also a fun place to visit, with pinball machines, a movie theater, or even laser tag!
8. Do some Crafts
You’ll adore the DIY bars around rainy Portland if you like pinning pins on Pinterest for future DIY (do it yourself) projects.
You can choose from a number of projects at different price points at DIY Bar. Simply choose a project and they’ll offer the materials and instructions. They also have beer, wine, and cider on tap, so you can enjoy it as you make it on a wet day. For better prices and unlimited mimosa Sundays, go to their afternoon happy hour!
Painting pottery is another enjoyable pastime that can keep you warm and dry in rainy Portland. Every last Friday of the month, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Mimosa Studios hosts Margarita Night. It’s impossible not to have a good time while sipping margaritas and painting a unique gift for someone back home.
9. Sing Karaoke
You don’t need any talent to enjoy karaoke in Portland! So at tiki-themed Alibi in North Portland, you may sip mai tais while singing your favorite music. Or go to Dante’s “Karaoke From Hell” on Monday nights and sing with a live band.
At Devil’s Point, you can also sing out a tune while a stripper performs around you (awkward and hilarious but not meant for kids). On a rainy day in Portland, it’s the ideal way to spend the evening (or afternoon, or morning!).
10. Do some Crafts
You’ll adore the DIY bars around rainy Portland if you like pinning pins on Pinterest for future DIY (do it yourself) projects.
You can choose from a number of projects at different price points at DIY Bar. Simply choose a project and they’ll offer the materials and instructions.
They also have beer, wine, and cider on tap, so you can enjoy it as you make it on a wet day. For better prices and unlimited mimosa Sundays, go to their afternoon happy hour!
Painting pottery is another enjoyable pastime that can keep you warm and dry in rainy Portland. Every last Friday of the month, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Mimosa Studios hosts Margarita Night. It’s impossible not to have a good time while sipping margaritas and painting a unique gift for someone back home.
11. Go bowling at Punch bowling
Punch Bowl Social is a popular hangout for both kids and adults, with a variety of games to choose from. Bring your children here on a wet day if you are visiting a place with them. On a rainy day, bowling is one of the most exciting indoor pastimes.
Punch Bowl Social may be found in downtown Portland’s Pioneer Place Mall. It offers a posh bar with gastropub dishes on the menu. While bowling, you may eat delicious meals and drink craft beverages.
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday. They’re open till 1 a.m. on weekends. Between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Punch Bowl Social bar offers happy hour specials.
12. Go Skydiving
Rainy days may significantly dampen the enthusiasm of both locals and visitors in Portland, which is famed for its outdoor recreations. If you’re missing the outdoor thrills of Portland on a wet day, try indoor skydiving at in.
iFLY is a skydiving center located on Greenburg Road in Southwest Portland that offers an exceptional indoor skydiving experience in a safe and pleasant environment. It’s open from Monday to Sunday at various times, but mostly between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
13. Enjoy the Fireplace
The Fireside is a posh American eatery that serves gastropub dishes. The restaurant offers two fireplaces and a cozy atmosphere. On a wet day, sit by the fireside and unwind at The Fireside.
Craft cocktails, exquisite wines, and pub snacks are all on the menu. The Fireside is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
14. Enjoy Books
Powell’s City of Books is the world’s biggest independent bookshop, featuring both new and old books. On a rainy day, you might wish to lose yourself in Powell’s City of Books’ remarkable collection of books.
The bookstore is divided into nine color-coded rooms, each with 3,500 separate sections dedicated to a particular topic. The store sells books on a variety of subjects, including history, literature, science fiction, and romance.
If you are a voracious reader, you must spend a whole afternoon there perusing the incredible book collection. Powell’s City of Books is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. In addition to the bookstore, there is a coffee shop and a gift shop.
15. Visit Pittock Mansion
The Renaissance-style Pittock Mansion is located high in the West Hills. The chateau has 23 luxurious rooms and beautiful floral gardens. It was previously the private residence of Henry Pittock, a well-known Oregon publisher.
The Jacobethan library, Turkish smoking room, French-style drawing-room, and Edwardian dining room are all featured in the French-style castle. The interior of the mansion is elegant, and it houses excellent 19th-century antique paintings.
It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. On a wet day, you might like to spend a full evening here to discover the ancient Portlandian art blended with French embellishments.
Things to do in Portland When it Rains - FAQs
Our Verdict
On a bright day, Portland is truly the city of a thousand gardens, where you will be lavished with lush and flowery sights. But on the other hand, it is completely untrue to believe that if inclement weather strikes, you would be locked in your hotel room.
When the weather forecast predicts rain, go to the movies, visit museums or historical mansions, go roller skating, or experience Portland’s wonderful food and coffee.
