Things to Do in Portland in March

March Weather in Portland

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring emergence creates perfect hiking weather - cool 18°C (64°F) highs prevent overheating on trails, while early wildflowers begin blooming in Forest Park and Mt. Hood area
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to summer peak, with many hotels offering March-specific packages
Craft brewery scene peaks with Spring Equinox releases - March is when breweries debut seasonal IPAs and barrel-aged beers before summer crowds arrive
Columbia River Gorge waterfalls reach maximum flow from snowmelt and spring rains, creating spectacular viewing conditions at Multnomah Falls

Considerations

Rain occurs 15 days of the month with persistent drizzle - outdoor plans need flexible timing and waterproof gear is essential
Daylight is limited to 12 hours mid-month, restricting outdoor activities and creating shorter sightseeing windows
Many hiking trails above 900m (2,950 ft) remain snow-covered, limiting mountain access until April-May

Best Activities in March

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours

March snowmelt creates the year's most powerful waterfall displays. Cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures make the 3.2 km (2-mile) Multnomah Falls trail comfortable, while spring rains ensure maximum water flow. Crowds are 60% smaller than summer months.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead for transportation from downtown Portland. Tours typically cost $75-120 per person and include multiple waterfall stops. Look for operators offering rain gear and indoor vehicle options. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Powell's Books and Literary Pub Crawl Walks

March's rainy weather makes indoor cultural activities ideal. Powell's City of Books hosts spring author events, while literary-themed walking tours combine bookstores with historic pubs for shelter during drizzle periods.

Booking Tip: Self-guided literary walks are free, guided tours cost $25-40 per person. Book evening pub crawls on weekends 3-5 days ahead. Rain-friendly routes focus on covered areas and historic buildings.

Food Cart Pod and Brewery Hopping Tours

Spring beer releases coincide with March weather perfect for hopping between covered food cart pods. Breweries debut seasonal offerings while food carts serve comfort foods ideal for cool, damp weather.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost $60-90 per person including tastings. Food cart tours range $45-75. Book weekend tours 5-7 days ahead. Look for operators providing transportation between locations and covered meeting points.

Oregon Coast Day Trips

March storms create dramatic wave watching at Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Cool temperatures make 1.6 km (1-mile) beach walks comfortable, while storm watching from heated vehicles and coastal lodges offers spectacular Pacific viewing.

Booking Tip: Coastal day trips from Portland cost $85-140 per person. Book 10-14 days ahead for small group tours. Choose operators with heated vehicles and flexible indoor stops during heavy rain periods.

Mt. Hood Scenic Drive and Lodge Tours

Lower elevation routes remain accessible while offering snow-capped mountain views. Timberline Lodge provides indoor warmth with alpine scenery, and spring conditions create ideal photography lighting without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Scenic driving tours cost $70-110 per person. Private vehicle rentals for self-driving cost $45-80 per day. Book lodge dining reservations 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend visits. Check road conditions above 1,200m (3,937 ft).

Urban Cycling and Distillery Tours

March's cool temperatures make Portland's 560 km (350 miles) of bike lanes comfortable for cycling. Distillery tours provide indoor tasting experiences between outdoor cycling segments, perfect for variable spring weather.

Booking Tip: Guided bike tours cost $50-85 per person including bike rental. Self-guided rentals cost $25-40 per day. Book tours with indoor components for rainy day backup plans. Look for operators providing rain gear and route modifications.

March Events & Festivals

Early to mid March

Portland International Film Festival

Oregon's largest film event showcases 100+ films across multiple venues. Perfect indoor activity for rainy March days, featuring premieres, documentaries, and international cinema with director Q&As.

Throughout March

Fertile Ground Festival

Portland's theater community presents new works across 20+ venues. This monthly festival highlights emerging playwrights and provides excellent indoor entertainment during wet weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, as March brings 15+ rainy days with sustained drizzle

Waterproof hiking boots for trail conditions - even lower elevation paths become muddy with 89mm (3.5 inches) monthly rainfall

Layering pieces for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - morning 6°C (43°F) to afternoon 18°C (64°F)

Compact umbrella that fits in day pack - essential for food cart visits and outdoor market browsing

Merino wool base layers that dry quickly and resist odor in 75% humidity conditions

Sunglasses for rare sunny breaks - UV index reaches 4 on clear days with reflective wet surfaces

Waterproof phone case or dry bag for photography at waterfalls and coastal viewpoints

Comfortable walking shoes that dry overnight - you'll average 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily on foot

Light fleece or wool sweater for indoor venues - many restaurants and breweries keep cool temperatures

Quick-dry pants instead of jeans - denim stays wet for hours in March's damp conditions

Insider Knowledge

Powell's Books offers free maps of literary Portland landmarks - grab one to create self-guided tours between brewery stops during rain breaks

Food carts close early or skip days during heavy rain - check social media before traveling to specific pods, especially weekday mornings

TriMet day passes cost $5 and include bus, light rail, and streetcar - cheaper than parking downtown ($2-4/hour) and useful during wet weather

Local coffee shops like Stumptown and Heart provide free WiFi and encourage lingering during rain - perfect for planning next activities between showers