Things to Do in Portland in November

November Weather in Portland

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - Japanese maples and deciduous trees in Washington Park create stunning red-orange displays, best viewing windows are November 5-20th typically
Stormy season brings dramatic Pacific Northwest weather perfect for cozy indoor experiences - coffee shops, breweries, and bookstores are at their atmospheric peak
Shoulder season pricing on accommodations drops 25-40% compared to summer, with weeknight hotel rates typically $120-180 vs summer's $200-300 range
Mushroom foraging season peaks in November - chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and matsutake are abundant in Forest Park and Mount Hood National Forest areas

Considerations

Rain occurs 19 out of 30 days on average - not heavy downpours but persistent drizzle that can dampen outdoor sightseeing plans throughout the day
Daylight hours shrink to just 9 hours 20 minutes by month's end - sunset at 4:47 PM by November 30th limits afternoon outdoor activities
Many seasonal outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - some waterfall trails become muddy and treacherous, rose gardens are dormant

Best Activities in November

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours

November transforms the gorge into a dramatic landscape with waterfalls at peak flow from autumn rains. Multnomah Falls reaches maximum volume, and the misty conditions create ethereal photography opportunities. Fewer crowds mean unobstructed views and easier parking. The cooler temperatures make the 0.8 km (0.5 mile) hike to Benson Bridge comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically run $65-95 per person and include transportation from downtown Portland. Look for operators offering rain gear and indoor vehicle options. Many tours combine multiple waterfalls in 4-6 hour excursions.

Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Experiences

November is harvest celebration season in Oregon's wine country, just 64 km (40 miles) southwest of Portland. Tasting rooms offer special harvest wines and behind-the-scenes cellar tours. The rainy weather makes indoor tastings particularly appealing, and many wineries light fireplaces creating intimate atmospheres. Pinot noir and Chardonnay harvests are complete, allowing full cellar access.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 10-14 days ahead, typically $85-150 per person including transportation and 3-4 winery visits. Look for operators providing umbrellas and heated vehicles. Many offer harvest celebration packages with food pairings during November.

Powell's City of Books Literary Walking Tours

November weather makes indoor literary exploration ideal. Powell's offers special author event programming during the holiday season lead-up, and the surrounding Pearl District showcases Portland's literary culture. The cool, wet weather creates the perfect atmosphere for browsing the 1.6 km (1 mile) of bookshelves across four floors.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but organized literary tours of the surrounding neighborhood run $25-45 per person. Book literary walking tours that include indoor stops 3-5 days ahead. Many combine bookstore visits with coffee shop and publishing house stops.

Craft Brewery District Experiences

November weather perfectly complements Portland's renowned brewery scene. The Alberta Arts District, Southeast Division, and Pearl District brewery clusters offer warm, cozy environments ideal for rainy day exploration. Many breweries release special autumn seasonal beers in November. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) brewery trail in Southeast can be covered via heated transportation between stops.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $55-85 per person for 3-4 brewery visits with tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified operators who provide transportation and designated drivers. Look for tours including food truck stops and indoor brewery experiences.

Mount Hood Scenic Railway Fall Excursions

The 35 km (22 mile) railway journey through Hood River Valley offers spectacular November foliage viewing from heated vintage train cars. Apple and pear orchards display autumn colors while the Cascade Mountains provide snow-capped backdrops. The 4-hour round trip includes a stop in Parkdale with local orchard visits and cider tastings.

Booking Tip: Tickets typically range $35-55 for adults, with special November scenic excursions. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as fall foliage trains sell out. Trains run weekends only in November with some weekday options. All cars are heated and covered.

Washington Park Garden and Museum Complex

November showcases the International Rose Test Garden's structure and the Japanese Garden's autumn maple displays. The Oregon Zoo, Portland Art Museum satellite location, and Hoyt Arboretum offer indoor-outdoor experiences perfect for variable weather. The 1.6 km (1 mile) connecting trails between attractions have covered sections and the MAX light rail provides covered transportation.

Booking Tip: Individual attraction tickets range $8-20, with combination passes at $35-50. Purchase advance tickets online for 10% discounts. Many attractions offer heated indoor spaces and covered walkways. Plan 4-6 hours for the full complex with weather contingencies.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Portland International Film Festival Preview Screenings

Special advance screenings and filmmaker events begin in November as preparation for the February festival. Independent theaters throughout the city host intimate preview events with discussions and wine receptions, perfect for rainy November evenings.

Late November

Thanksgiving Holiday Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Local artisans and food vendors set up covered stalls selling holiday crafts, seasonal foods, and Oregon specialties. The market runs despite rain with heated vendor tents and covered walkways, making it a quintessential Portland rainy-day experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - not umbrella (locals don't use umbrellas, and November has 19 rainy days with consistent drizzle rather than downpours)

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good tread - Portland's brick and concrete surfaces become slippery when wet, essential for 152 mm (6.0 inches) monthly rainfall

Merino wool base layers - temperatures range from 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F) with 78% humidity making cotton uncomfortable when damp

Packable down vest or fleece - perfect middle layer for variable indoor/outdoor temperatures and easy to remove in heated spaces

Quick-dry pants in dark colors - avoid jeans which stay wet for hours and show every splash from puddles and bus stops

Warm wool socks and backup pair - feet stay wet longer in November's persistent moisture and cool temperatures

Small daypack with rain cover - for carrying layers as you move between heated indoor spaces and cool outdoor areas

Smartphone waterproof case - November's drizzle can damage phones during outdoor photography and navigation use

SPF 30 sunscreen - despite low UV index of 2, reflection off wet surfaces and occasional sun breaks require protection

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more screen time for navigation and indoor entertainment

Insider Knowledge

November is mushroom foraging season - Forest Park and Hoyt Arboretum have guided foraging walks where chanterelles and oyster mushrooms are abundant, but never forage alone without permits

Download the TriMet app and buy day passes ($5) instead of single rides ($2.50) - you'll use public transit more in November rain and the MAX light rail connects all major attractions with covered stations

Many restaurants offer 'Storm Day' specials during heavy rain periods - local establishments provide discounts on comfort foods and hot drinks when weather gets particularly nasty

Book accommodations in the Pearl District or Northwest 23rd - these neighborhoods have covered walkways, underground parking, and the highest concentration of indoor entertainment within walking distance