A Breathtaking Look at Portland in the Snow (Photo Album)

It doesn’t snow in Portland often, so when it does, this local gets ecstatic! The last time we had a big snow day in Portland was back in 2017, so this year’s winter wonderland was very welcome in my book.

Will and I decided to stroll around town Saturday morning to get a first-hand look at our beautiful city dressed in snow, which changes everything about the landscape. I wanted to share some of the photos we took.

Also, if you’re interested, I’ve also written a survival guide to Winter in Portland.

What do I know about Portland in the snow?

For starters, I’m a lifelong Oregonian! I was raised in Portland and spent most of my adult life exploring this beautiful city.

Since meeting my husband (who’s not from here) I’ve made it a goal to show him all the coolest parts of the city, visiting every brewery, all the parks, and popping into every quaint shop we find.

My husband comes from a sunny state and Portland winters have been quite the adjustment for him! This is just a quick rundown of what Portland is like in the snow!

Portland in snow — *The famous vertical Portland sign on Broadway Street in downtown Portland covered in snow.*

Portland in the Snow

Most folks don’t think of Portland, Oregon as being a very snowy place, and rightly so. But every now and then, the city gets graced by snow and falls into a trance of excitement and disbelief.

snow in Portland — *Portland, Oregon’s Chinatown area covered in snow as a result of a February 2022 snowstorm that blanketed the city.*

Portland’s Chinatown Covered in Snow

So, when we woke up to a winter wonderland on a Saturday morning in mid-February we got up early(ish) to explore Portland in the snow. We decided to wander aimlessly with no particular destination in mind.

First things first, don the snow attire. We actually weren’t sure if we had any in our apartment as we’re currently in the process of moving, but fate was on our side. 😉

An Impromptu Ski Race Through Downtown Portland

As we walked down from NW toward Powell’s Books we started seeing folks on skis (so fun) and one gal mentioned there was an impromptu ski race slated to start in front of Powell’s bookstore. We made our way over to catch a glimpse, because we had all the time in the world.

Only in Portland… tons of folks dressed in full ski attire had gathered in short order to participate in this ski event – everyone excited at the prospect of this chance opportunity. I spotted some of the organizers deciding on the “course” and “rules” of the race.

If only we hadn’t already packed our skis! Folks of all ages were out with cute pups and fun gear.

portland, oregon in snow portland, oregon in snow

The scene was joyfully chaotic. Portland has been hit hard by business closures and this gave a group of COVID-weary (& fully masked) folks a chance to revel in the opportunity to join in this serendipitous event alongside other Portlanders.

Back to those pups, is there anything cuter than a dog in a jacket?

A Breathtaking Look at Portland in the Snow (Photo Album) - An Impromptu Ski Race Through Downtown Portland

Featured above: Winter hounds of Portland dressed to the nine.

And check out this scene! A full blown ski race in front of Powell’s Bookstore.

Featured above: An impromptu ski race in downtown Portland on a rare snow day.

We continued down the streets and across the river to soak in this rare day. We lingered for 4+ hours because we couldn’t convince ourselves to turn back, snow in Portland is so rare!