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When it rains…go outside

Air tours Portland

Like it or not, rain is a regular in Oregon. I think that’s pretty well known and established. But just because it rains doesn’t mean you just sit inside and mope about.

In Portland, our summers are usually incredibly pleasant with temperatures rolling over that 100º mark (thankfully). That’s not to say it doesn’t get warm, because it does, it’s just not unbearable. With temperatures like that, being outside is hard not to enjoy. But, on occasion, it does rain in the summer, and a lot of people would rather just “wait it out” indoors watching MASH reruns. If that you’re usual mindset, maybe we can help convince you to do otherwise.

First suggestion: Let’s says it’s late July and a weather system comes in with rain in the forecast. Don’t pout because that is an awesome time to explore the outdoors in the summer. For starters, crowds are smaller (remember, they’re all watching MASH) which makes for easier parking at popular places, less congested roads, and trails if you choose to hike. Which is something I highly recommend doing rain, sun, wind, or snow. Hiking is great.

Just a few weeks ago it was a tad drizzly out and we decided to go for a hike in the Columbia River Gorge. Honestly, this was one of the best hikes I’d been on for a few reasons. First, it’s just nice to be outside. I think we can all agree on that. Second, because it was a bit drizzly, the temperatures were cool making the experience much more enjoyable considering my incredibly low tolerance for heat, and, like mentioned before, less people.

As a side note, people aren’t bad, but nobody likes being in the outdoors trying to enjoy the tranquility when a bunch of loud mouthed enthusiasts come about shouting and ruining the serenity (serenity now…..)!

Also, because it’s such a short drive from Portland, it’s a perfect getaway. Hike for as long or as little as you want, it’s up to you and that’s the beauty of it.

Second suggestion is a shameless plug and that is to enjoy a tour of the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Portland, or Mt Hood with us. I’m often asked what tour I recommend, and I am biased, but the fan favorites are the Columbia River Gorge. With three different options and room for up to 5 people per tour, our pricing is low, the views are great, and the experience is awesome. Don’t believe us, check the reviews.

Often we get phone calls from people asking to cancel their flight or reschedule because of the rain. Sometimes we will accommodate that request, and I sort of understand why people want to reschedule, but at the same time I don’t really get it. When it’s cloudy and/or raining, the Gorge is a mystic wonderland filled with layers of clouds, the blues and the greens of the water and the forests become more vibrant, and the experience is far more surreal and almost unreal.

We like sunset tours too, of course. But the beauty of the Gorge is unmatched the world over with so much natural diversity and we feel pretty lucky to play around in their on the ground and in the air.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Portland on a rainy day, or you just want a different vantage point of Multnomah Falls, our tours are just what you need. And starting at just $39 per person, where else are you going to find that?

At that price, you might as well fly and drive the Gorge…the best of both worlds.