Things to Do in Portland in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Portland
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer peaks, and you'll actually get reservations at popular restaurants without booking weeks ahead
- The city's food scene hits its stride in March - this is when local restaurants roll out spring menus featuring Oregon asparagus, morel mushrooms, and the first strawberries from Hood River farms
- Crowds thin out considerably after the winter holiday rush but before spring break tourism kicks in, so you'll get shorter lines at Powell's Books and Voodoo Doughnut (though honestly, Voodoo always has a line)
- March weather creates perfect conditions for the city's famous coffee culture - those drizzly mornings give you an excuse to duck into every third-wave roastery you pass, and there are dozens worth visiting
Considerations
- Rain happens on about one-third of March days, and it's that persistent Pacific Northwest drizzle rather than dramatic downpours - not enough to cancel plans but enough to make you wish you'd brought better rain gear
- Temperatures fluctuate wildly in March, sometimes swinging 10°C (18°F) in a single day, which makes packing frustrating since you'll need both a warm fleece and short sleeves
- Daylight is still relatively short at 12 hours, and combined with frequent cloud cover, it can feel darker than the actual hours suggest - sunset around 6:30pm means evening outdoor activities wrap up earlier than summer months
Best Activities in March
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours
March is actually ideal for waterfall viewing because winter snowmelt combines with spring rain to create maximum flow rates - you'll see Multnomah Falls and the dozens of other cascades at their most dramatic. The 30 km (19 miles) Historic Columbia River Highway is less crowded than summer months, and the cool temperatures make hiking comfortable. That said, trail conditions can be muddy, so waterproof boots matter here. The gorge gets about 15 rainy days in March, but waterfalls look better in mist anyway.
Portland Food Cart Pod Tours
March weather is cool enough that standing outside eating isn't miserable, but the rain means you'll want to hit pods with covered seating areas. The city has over 500 food carts clustered in pods throughout neighborhoods, and March is when many carts introduce spring specials. Locals tend to go between 11:30am-1pm for lunch and 5:30-7pm for dinner. The variable weather actually works in your favor - rainy days mean shorter lines at popular carts.
Powell's City of Books Extended Browsing
This is genuinely the world's largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block with color-coded rooms across three floors. March's drizzly weather makes this the perfect indoor activity, and you'll need 2-3 hours minimum to properly explore. The store hosts author readings and events almost daily - check their calendar when you arrive. Locals treat Powell's as a legitimate destination, not just a bookstore, often spending entire afternoons here.
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tours
March is the quiet season in Oregon wine country, located 40-80 km (25-50 miles) southwest of Portland. The vineyards are just starting to wake up from winter dormancy, and tasting rooms are significantly less crowded than summer months. You'll get more attention from staff and better conversations about the wines. Oregon specializes in Pinot Noir, and March is when wineries pour their newly released vintages. The weather is cool and often misty, which honestly adds to the atmosphere.
Forest Park Hiking Trails
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States at 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres), with over 130 km (80 miles) of trails right inside city limits. March means muddy conditions on many trails, but the forest canopy provides natural rain protection, and you'll see early spring wildflowers starting to emerge. The Wildwood Trail is the main artery - well-maintained and suitable for moderate fitness levels. Morning hikes work best before afternoon rain typically rolls in around 2-3pm.
Craft Brewery Neighborhood Tours
Portland has more breweries per capita than any US city, with over 70 within city limits. March is a great time to explore them because you're doing indoor activities anyway when rain hits. The Southeast Portland brewery district clusters a dozen breweries within walking distance of each other. Many breweries release spring seasonal beers in March. The local approach is casual - most breweries are warehouse-style spaces with picnic tables and food carts parked outside.
March Events & Festivals
Portland International Film Festival
This is the longest-running film festival in Oregon, typically running for two weeks in early March with 100+ films from 30+ countries. Screenings happen across multiple downtown venues. It's a legitimate cultural event that locals actually attend, not just a tourist attraction. You'll find a mix of international cinema, documentaries, and shorts that won't get wide US distribution. Worth planning around if you're a film enthusiast.
Shamrock Run
One of the largest running events in the Pacific Northwest, with 15,000+ participants doing 5K, 8K, and 15K routes through downtown Portland. Even if you're not running, the post-race festival in the waterfront park has live music, food vendors, and a notably festive atmosphere. The race typically happens mid-March on a Sunday morning, and parts of downtown close to traffic, so factor this into your planning if you're visiting that weekend.