Portland OR (Oregon)

Portland is a river port and the largest city in Oregon USA, with total area approx 145 mi2 (376 km2). By population (around 630,000 / metro 2,4+ million) Portland OR is ranked the USA's 26th most populous city and 23th most populous metro area.

Vigor Industrial's Vigor Shipyard is on Swan Island (Swan Island Industrial Park on Willamette River, land area 174 hectares/430 acres), approx 4,5 mi / 7 km from downtown Portland. The shipyard's floating drydock is North America's largest (with capacity to handle large-sized cruise vessels) and often serves ships from the fleets of CCL-Carnival, RCI-Royal Caribbean, NCL-Norwegian, Princess, HAL-Holland America and other major cruise companies.

Portland is in the Willamette Valley region (Pacific Northwest USA), located at the confluence of Columbia and Willamette rivers. Roughly 60% of the Oregon state's population resides within the Portland metro area. The settlement was named after Portland ME, and began to be populated during the 1830s close to the end of the Oregon Trail. The water access offered convenient transportation of goods. The timber industry was an important force in the early economy of the city. At the turn of the 20th century, the city of Portland had a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous port cities, a hub for racketeering and organized crime.

After the city's economy experienced an industrial boom during WW2 (1939-1945), its hard-edged reputation started to dissipate. Beginning in the 1960s, it became noted for growing liberal political values. Portland earned a reputation as the bastion of counterculture, that proceeded into the 21st century.

Portland is set against the backdrop of magnificent Mount Hood, and lies south of Washington state line on Willamette River, close to its junction with Columbia River, approx 100 mi (160 km) by river east of the Pacific Ocean. This deepwater port can handle oceangoing vessels and yet it's also not far from sea, desert and mountains. Nearby places to visit include the 259-m (850-ft) Multnomah Falls (Columbia River Gorge), Bonneville Dam and Mt Hood National Forest. Mt Saint Helens, Mt Rainier and Mt Adams in WA can also be visited from Portland OR.

The city is well-known for its splendid public gardens. The annual Rose Festival (in June ) features boat- and car races, visiting US Navy ships and a grand street parade. The city is filled with late-19th-century architecture, museums and mansions. Many 1860s brick buildings feature cast-iron columns and 1890s ornate terra-cotta designs. Chinatown Gate is recognizable by its 5 roofs, 64 dragons and 2 huge lions - the entrance to Chinatown District.