Regardless of the time of year, staying active and fit while vacationing in Portland isn't difficult. Portland is the largest city in Oregon, with more than 535,000 residents as of 2006. Located on the the state's northern edge, near the Washington border, Portland is about an hour and a half from the coast and in close proximity to a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits.
Time Frame
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather, and the month of March can be hit or miss when it comes to wet weather in Portland. On average, the city sees 3.5 inches of rain in March, with average high temperatures in the low 50s and average lows in the high 30s. If you're planning on outdoor recreation during your March trip to Portland, pack warm, waterproof gear, just in case.
Hiking
Despite being a large city with more than half a million people, Portland features plenty of hiking trails that meander through nature settings. Forest Park, on the northwest side of Portland, is 5,170 acres of mostly forested land. Hike any section of the park's 30-mile Wildwood Trail and you'll feel like you're completely out of the city. In addition to a good workout, the trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bird watching.
Fishing
The Willamette River runs from north to south through the middle of Portland, and the Columbia River flows from east to west across the northern border of the city, where it separates Oregon from Washington. This proximity to rivers means an abundance of fishing opportunities, with salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and trout among the fish you can catch in and around Portland. Just avoid fishing the Willamette near Portland Harbor, where scientists have discovered fish with high levels of pollutants.
Bicycling
Portland is a bike-friendly city with dozens of designated bicycle trails. Rent a set of wheels at one of the city's many bike shops, then head out and explore the city. Rain or shine, bicycling in Portland provides beautiful scenery and great exercise. The waterfront district in downtown Portland has a paved path that runs along the western bank of the Willamette River. Or ride alongside the southern bank of the Columbia River, where a paved bike path stretches for more than 10 miles.
Healthy Eating
Portland is home to a network of farmers markets, but only one of them---the main market at Portland State University---is open in March. The market at Portland State is open on Saturdays from mid-March through December, and its vendors offer up a wide selection of locally grown and produced foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products and baked goods.
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