Writing Sample: 5 Portland Scenic Points You Can't Afford to Miss

If you're a Portland veteran, you may think you've seen it all: the Portland Oregon sign, the Unipiper, the bridges, the world’s smallest park. However, this weird, glorious city has a few scenic viewpoints hidden up its sleeve for urban adventurers, avid photographers, and casual hikers alike. Embark on a staycation and bounce around these gorgeous city viewpoints.

1. Pittock Mansion

This historic landmark was constructed from 1912-14 for Henry Pittock and Georgiana Burton and remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Despite it's close proximity to downtown, the vastness of the surrounding Forest Park makes it easy to forget that this beautiful piece of history overlooks the trendy Alphabet District. Hike or drive up here, snap a pic, tour the grounds, and then grab a bite to eat along NW 23rd right below. (Pro tip: The view is even more beautiful at night.)

2. Mt. Tabor

Circle around the park or walk straight to the top! You owe it to yourself to check out all of the places on this list at night and the view from the top of Mt. Tabor is certainly no exception. Portland might be the largest city in Oregon, but as far as big cities go, it's pretty petite. You can more or less see at the entire downtown area from the top of a volcano - yes, you read that right: "volcano." Don't worry, it's dormant (for now).

3. Vista Bridge

Overlooking the quiet, historic Goose Hollow neighborhood in SW Portland is the unobtrusive Vista Bridge. Also known as the Vista Avenue Viaduct, this 200 foot stone crossing is a peaceful place to get away from the hubbub of downtown while still being surround by the lush beauty of Portland. (Note: It has had a sad history since its completion in 1926 as it has been the site of over a dozen suicide attempts - a fact that can't be ignored no matter how lovely a view the modest bridge provides. Whether or not this deters you, we would be remiss in not paying tribute to those who have passed.)

4. Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade & Tom McCall Waterfront Park

One of the greatest features of downtown Portland is the Willamette River running directly down the middle of it. This is why I've combined two Portland areas into one entry on this list. There's a photogenic shot of the city at every point along the river and with a route that's roughly 2.5 miles long, that's a lot of photo opps. The waterfront loop takes you around the Hawthorne Bridge to the Steel Bridge and dips you down to water level, giving you a variety of vantage points from which to take in the City of Roses. Beware of cyclists - do not, I repeat, do not get in their way. You've been warned. (Pro tip: Walk down to the small dock just south of the Hawthorne Bridge, adjacent to OMSI. It's a pleasant place to just sit and look across the length of the waterfront area.)

5. Portland Aerial Tram

Having completed construction in 2006, the tram was a source of controversy in terms of use of taxpayer dollars. However, what isn't controversial is the magnificence of the view from that metal box 3,000 feet above the ground. The tram is mostly used by students and staff of OHSU, the hospital on the hill. Plus, take advantage of the fact that while it requires a ticket to go up, the cost of traveling down is free. Keep your camera at the ready; hike up to the station above and enjoy the breathtaking four minute ride down. (Pro tip: Be sure to look North toward the city and South toward the newest addition to Portland's family of bridges, the pedestrian- and MAX-only Tillikum Crossing.)

And there you have it. You now have no excuse not to clog your Instagram feed with some of the best views Portland has to offer!