Pilots Prevent
October 5, 2021
Summer may get all the love, but locals know that nothing beats October in Oregon. The air is crisp and cool, the leaves are turning glorious shades of red and gold, and the rains haven’t yet set in for the long haul. That’s why, when fall break arrives the week of October 11, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy all that the state has to offer.
We gathered up some great ideas to help you make the most of your time off. Whether you’re keeping close to campus or taking a road trip, there are tons of activities and opportunities to check out.
Residence Halls
“Residence Life plans to offer robust and fun opportunities for students to continue having fun and building relationships during Fall Break,” says Residence Life Director Andrew Weingarten. “We know that many students will be around, so we're planning fun and engaging events for those who will be here on campus.” Just one example: Kenna Hall is hosting a Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch trip and an evening cookie decorating event. Check with your residence hall staff to see what else is on the agenda that week.
Outdoor Pursuits
There are two organized trips planned for fall break that take full advantage of the beautiful fall weather in Central Oregon. (Space is limited. Sign up at recservices.up.edu.)
Climbing at Smith Rock: Four days of climbing at one of Oregon’s most popular and picturesque spots. The trip is beginner friendly, but students should have a strong understanding of basic top-rope belaying. Cost is $60 and all transportation, food and gear is provided.
Backpacking to the Summit of South Sister: Backpack for four days in the Three Sisters Wilderness and summit South Sister on the third day. The trip is beginner friendly, but students should be confident in their physical fitness. Cost is $60 and all transportation, food and gear is provided.
And don’t forget: Outdoor Pursuits stocks tons of outdoor gear for almost any activity, and it’s affordable too. Check out the full list of gear and plan your own outdoor adventure: https://www.up.edu/recservices/outdoor-pursuits/rentals-services.html
Around Portland
If you haven’t had a chance to check out some of Portland’s most popular attractions, or maybe it’s just been a while, now’s your chance. With the summer crowds gone you’ll have plenty of room to roam.
Watch the otters play at the Oregon Zoo and chow down on an elephant ear (the pastry kind of course)
Check out the current exhibitions and especially the extensive collection of Native American art at the Portland Art Museum.
Hike to Pittock Mansion and its panoramic views. Start at the Hoyt Arboretum trailhead for a 3.9-mile out-and-back trek through one of Portland’s top destinations. You can fuel up before or after at one of the many restaurants in the nearby Alphabet District neighborhood.
See the International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum all in one 4-mile walk through Washington Park. Plan ahead and make a reservation for the Umami Cafe at the Japanese Garden, where you can experience traditional Japanese green tea and sweets.
Walk across the St. John’s Bridge to the Ridge Trail trailhead for a hike along Leif Erikson Drive through Forest Park. The trail starts at the stairs about 200 feet south of the west end of the bridge. Once you get to the top of the stairs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the bridge.
Ride the roller coasters or do the hokey pokey at Oaks Park. The amusement park has rides, carnival games, mini golf, and an indoor roller rink. It’s dressed up for Halloween the entire month of October and just a short walk to some of the Sellwood neighborhood’s best cafes and restaurants.
Catch some live music at one of the great venues around the city, including Mississippi Studios, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Crystal Ballroom, Doug Fir Lounge, Wonder Ballroom, Hawthorne Theater, Roseland Theater, Edgefield Amphitheater, Alberta Rose Theater, Revolution Hall, Pondarosa Lounge and Grill, Holocene, and Star Theater
Day Trips
Sauvie Island: The 7-acre corn maze at Topaz Farm, just 8 miles from campus, is an intricate masterpiece that makes getting lost both fun and a little terrifying. You can also take a free hay ride, pick your own pumpkin, test your tooth fillings on caramel apples, and more.
Hood River Fruit Loop: It’s harvest time in the Gorge, a 1.5 hour-drive from campus, and that means u-pick orchards brimming with apples and pears, and farm stands like Draper Girls Country Farm stocked with hot apple cider and warm apple cider donuts. Check out live music and crafts at the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest Oct. 15-17, and be sure to save time for pizza in Hood River, fish and chips with river view at Brigham Fish Market, or a quick, easy, 1.5-mile hike along the Starvation Creek Trail to four waterfalls.
Oregon Coast: Three top destinations on the northern Oregon coast are less than 2 hours from campus. In Astoria, follow in the footsteps of the Goonies, get a cone of honeycomb ice cream at Frite and Scoop, and walk along the river to see river boat pilots in action. In Seaside, take a surfing lesson, walk the promenade and feed the silly, slappy seals or hike to Tillamook Head. In Cannon Beach, poke around the shops, go tide pooling at Haystack Rock, and soak up the sweeping views from Ecola State Park.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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