Summer WAVE Excursion Options

On the Go with PDX Sports: Portland boasts a thriving sports scene, from the die-hard fans to the growing number of major sports apparel manufacturers that have made the Rose City their home base.  Join faculty in touring the sports management facilities of the Portland Timbers & Thorns and Portland Trailblazers and Winterhawks to learn about the sports industry and the Portland market. 

The Animal Kingdom: What do red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs have in common? They’re among the more than 230 species of animals thriving at the Oregon Zoo. A hub for science, education, and animal well-being, the Oregon Zoo is at the forefront of conservation efforts for species such as American Pikas, Western Pond Turtles, and California Condors. You’ll get to see them all and learn more about the zoo’s incredible work on this guided tour.

Chasing Waterfalls at Multnomah Falls: Come along with Outdoor Pursuits on a trip to Multnomah Falls—one of Oregon’s most stunning landmarks. The most-visited natural site in the Pacific Northwest, it’s also the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the gateway to the scenic Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We’ll drive to Multnomah Falls for pictures and take a 0.25-mile hike to the waterfall bridge. Transportation and snacks provided! 

The Sweet Life: Portland takes its sweets seriously, which is why there’s no shortage of outstanding bakeries, confectioneries, and ice cream shops in every neighborhood, for every taste. Try the slightly unhinged creations at Voodoo Doughnut or grab a few warm and cozy two-bite minis at Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai. Cloud City Ice Cream and Pinolo Gelato inspire lines out the door for their luscious seasonal flavors, while decadent (and vegan!) Missionary Chocolates will spoil you for truffles anywhere else. And that’s just the beginning! Take a tour of several of the hotspots making our sugar-spun dreams come true.

Nature Therapy and Mindfulness: One of the most celebrated and authentic Japanese gardens in the U.S., the Portland Japanese Garden inspires peace and tranquility.  Join faculty in touring this living experiential classroom to learn more about how mindfulness and connecting to nature can contribute to lasting health and wellness.  (Not open Tuesday, June 17.)

Portland’s Music Scene: Packed with music venues large and small, there’s no better place to catch a show than Portland. Join faculty in touring one of the city’s most iconic venues, the Crystal Ballroom, where local bands such as The Shins and The Decemberists first made their names.  Learn from music producers and musicians at Mississippi Studios and check out the popular shop, Vinyl Resting Place.

The World of Comics: Did you know Portland is a hotbed for comic books? Join faculty in exploring this vibrant niche in the city’s arts world.  Talk with locally based cartoonists, illustrators, writers, concept designers, graphic novelists, and storyboard artists to see how comics are produced and then visit one or two retail outlets (such as Excalibur Comics or Rose City Comics) to browse the finished products. 

Sustainable Foodways: Decades ago, Portland’s farm-to-table movement helped change the way the nation eats, and it’s still going strong today thanks to our abundance of small farms thriving all around the metro area. See and taste the impact for yourself on a berry-picking visit to Sauvie Island.  Learn from faculty and local farmers about local efforts to bring fresh produce to local restaurants and positively impact the food chain.