March 15, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

67º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 7:17 p.m.
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Either/oar

Floating in a kayak in the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area.

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area does a good Florida Everglades impression. | Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the Portland area. These water sports also offer both physical and mental health benefits that extend far beyond a day on the water.

Where the map turns blue

Here are a few local options for getting your feet wet:

Cathedral Park, 6635 N. Baltimore Ave.
Gaze up at the vaulted underbelly of the St. Johns Bridge, Portland’s tallest.

Willamette Falls, 120 McLoughlin Blvd., Oregon City
From the boat launch at Jon Storm Park, paddle 1.5 miles upriver to feel the mist on your face from the second largest waterfall by volume in the country.

Rooster Rock State Park, Interstate 84, Corbett
You can either keep close to the shoreline to watch Columbia River windsurfers, or venture to the calm lagoon beneath the basalt cliffs where the Vista House is perched.

Hagg Lake, Gaston
Half of this large Washington County lake is a wake-free zone, and you can actually rent a kayak for the day through the parks department. Life jackets are also available to loan.

A Proxi map shows locations to paddle a kayak across the Portland region, from Mount Hood to the western edge of Washington County. — Use this map to explore even more destinations and contribute your own favorites.
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Map via Proxi

Trillium Lake, NF-2612, Government Camp
Watching the sunrise over Mount Hood while floating these tranquil waters is a bucket list experience.

Silverton Reservoir, 4381 Silver Falls Drive NE, Silverton
No gas motors are allowed on this small lake which also sports floating swimming platforms. Parking is limited and costs $5.

Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way
Set a course for the south end of the city to do a little people and dog watching along the shoreline and maybe even house hunt for a floating home.

Fun facts + safety tips

Events

Friday, March 15

Portland’s Irish Festival | Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | Locations vary | $20-$60 | Cheer for local boxers as they take on Irish fighters, join the Shamrock Run, watch Irish dancing and bagpiping, and imbibe a pint or two at Oregon’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Rip City Remix vs. South Bay Lakers | Friday, March 15 | 6 p.m. | Chiles Center at the University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland | $5-$150 | Anti Lakers Blazers Club, assemble.

Saturday, March 16

PIR Volunteer Fair | Saturday, March 16 | 9-11 a.m. | Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., Portland | Free | Learn how you can be a part of the upcoming motorsports season, with responsibilities ranging from flagging to sound.
Sneak Peek Summer Camp Expo | Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Trackers Earth, 1265 Lloyd Center, Portland | Free | It’s never too early to start planning for summer; learn more about a variety of camp options, including martial arts, archery, art, and more.
Storm Large and the Oregon Symphony with Jimmie Herrod | Saturday, March 16-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $25-$117 | Two immense talents take the stage for two nights of unforgettable music.
Live Wire with Luke Burbank - 20th Anniversary Event | Saturday, March 16 | 3 p.m. | Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Ste. 110, Portland | $25-$45 | Celebrate the iconic radio show’s 20th anniversary with an all-day festival, featuring founder interviews, special guests, music, comedy, and storytelling.

Sunday, March 17

The Amazing Bubble Man | Sunday, March 17 | 11 a.m. + 3 p.m. | Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton | $20-$30 | This performance will have all ages floating in their seats.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Community

Hear that? No? Exactly. It’s the sweet sound of silence coming to you in 2026 when Portland starts to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers. That year and the next, the devices will be prohibited for the first eight months of the year; in 2028 they’ll be banned year-round. Violators could be fined. (KGW)

Traffic

Sunday morning, legions of leprechauns will swarm the streets of downtown Portland for the 46th annual Shamrock Run — and humans should expect traffic. Expect delays and closures along Southwest Naito Parkway, Southwest Barbur Boulevard, and other streets. The event should finish around 1 p.m. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Real Estate

In this Arlington Heights home, you don’t even have to step outside for a forest bathing session — just stand in front of its floor-to-ceiling windows that look onto Washington Park’s wooded boundary. Old and new seamlessly intersect here, from the Leroy Setziol-carved front door to the concrete island. (Portland Monthly)

Drink

Sun’s out, suds out. If you’re looking to enjoy a libation or two en plein air during this weekend’s spell of pleasant weather, check out these bars and breweries that have patios. You’ll find Sunday tunes at Rontoms and bocce ball at The Rambler. (KOIN)

Biz

Lightning Bar Collective is turning its former Sweet Hereafter space into Bar Loon, a new venture that will have a light and airy vibe with European-style small bites and some vegan options. Look for it to open at 3326 SE Belmont St. in early June. (Eater Portland)

History

From Saturday, March 16 to Sunday, March 24, the Genealogical Forum of Oregon will host a free open house, featuring 20 online and three in-person classes. Visitors will also be able to use the research room to explore their familial roots and take tours of the library.

Feel Good

When Rose City Book Pub reached out to the community for financial support, they authored quite a heartwarming story, raising over $28,000 (the goal was $10,000) with an online and live auction, plus a matching gift. Items on offer ranged from a Lego diorama to a “pump your own gas demo.” (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Answered

Congratulations to Natalie M., who was the first newsletter reader to get a perfect score on Wednesday’s map address quiz. You must really know your way around Portland.

Sports

Take that, tanking. Big performances from Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons helped the Trail Blazers hold on for a home win on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Hear the game breakdown from Locked On Blazers.

Finance

Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

Community

💸 Countdown to tax day

A letter board reading taxes sits on top of American currency.

Taxes... one of life’s guarantees. | Photo by Karolina Grabowska

We’re one month away from the day that more often than not elicits a groan — Tax Day is April 15.

Although companies like TurboTax offer paid tax preparation and filing options, there are a variety of free resources that Portlanders can utilize.

CASH Oregon | This nonprofit’s IRS-certified volunteers provide their services to people and families who earn less than $64,000 a year, with virtual and in-person options available.

United Way of the Columbia Willamette | Through a partnership with H&R Block, this organization supports thousands of families with their state and federal taxes each year.

AARP Tax-Aide | The nationwide volunteer-run assistance pays special attention to taxpayers 60 and older; locally, places like Meals On Wheels People, Vancouver Public Library, The Milwaukie Center, and more host appointments.

This is your friendly reminder that there is a record $5.6 billion revenue surplus being returned to taxpayers this season. Calculate your kicker.

The Buy

The ultimate car vacuum kit, which plugs right into your car’s 12v aux outlet. The mini vacuum + parts come in a compact case, so you can easily and neatly store them in your trunk.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

Did you know Portland is home to pinnipeds? No, I’m not talking about animals at the Oregon Zoo — some far-from-sea lions were spotted on a raft near Hayden Island this week, soaking up the sun and barking at paparazzi. This time of year, they swim up the Columbia River to feed on the smelt and salmon. Maybe you’ll see them if you go kayaking.

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