Life in Portland, Oregon A haven for those seeking wellbeing, community, culture, and an environment steeped in natural beauty, Portland, Oregon, is an ideal place to study natural medicine. Cascade Mountains and the Columbia Gorge Situated in the northernmost part of the Willamette Valley, Portland is nestled between the Coast Mountain Range to the west and the Cascade Range to the east. Prominent peaks, including Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier, can be seen on clear days. Mount Hood offers hiking trails, snow sport areas and campgrounds. To the east, only 30 minutes from downtown, is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Scenic Highway provides easy access to hiking trails, river beaches, inspiring views and the stunning Multnomah Falls. This series of dramatic waterfalls reaches 620 feet, making it the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation.
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Portland | www.ncnm.edu
Pacific Coast The Pacific Coast, with its rugged rocky headlands and lush forests, is a 90-minute drive from Portland. Sprinkled along 300 miles of public beach are small and inviting coastal communities that provide a treasure trove of local art, food and lodging.
Agriculture The Willamette Valley stretches deeply into southern Oregon. This region offers organic produce, locally roasted coffee, fresh bouquets of colorful flowers and fine wine. The Valley’s wineries are internationally acclaimed for the Pinot Noir grapes grown in the region.
Climate Known for its extended, bloom-filled spring, the Portland area enjoys a mild turn of the four seasons. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s with little precipitation, and mild winters deliver the rare occurrence of snow within the city. While Portland has a reputation for rain—on average 37 inches a year—other large cities, such as Atlanta, get more precipitation. A benefit of our mountain rainfall is an abundant water supply—among the purest in the nation.