Living in Portland

In addition to regular weekday events such as games and concerts, the weekends offer the opportunity to enjoy Portland and the Pacific Northwest. Students can engage in fun dorm activities or explore the Portland area with their friends (by signing out with the dorm parent on duty).

Portland, Oregon

Known for its eco-friendliness, avant-garde restaurants, food carts, and coffeehouses, Portland is a vibrant city with extensive cultural and recreational activities. The city is host to the iconic Powell's City of Books, the Lan Su Chinese Tea Garden, the Oregon Zoo, and Washington Park's International Test Rose Garden, as well as a formal Japanese Garden. With a thriving art, theater, and music scene, there is an endless array of opportunities. For sports enthusiasts, Portland is home to Nike World Headquarters, Adidas North American headquarters, the Portland Trailblazers (NBA), the Portland Thorns (professional women's soccer), and the Portland Timbers (professional men's soccer).

Learn more -Travel Portland

Outdoor Adventures

Perched on the Pacific Rim, nestled between the ocean and the mountains, bordered by both natural wetlands and urban development, OES is a prime location for outdoor adventures. Our outdoor program allows all upper school students (day and boarding) to join weekend outings to the beaches, mountains, and rivers of Oregon.

Activities that are offered include:

  • Beach getaways and surfing on the Oregon Coast
  • Backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding in the Cascade Range
  • Rock climbing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting in central Oregon
  • Wind surfing in the Columbia Gorge

Explore the Pacific Northwest - Travel Oregon

Portland Facts

  • 80 miles to the Pacific Ocean, 60 miles to Mt. Hood
  • 70 miles of hiking trails in Forest Park, one of the country's largest urban forest reserves
  • 1,000,000 books at Powell's City of Books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world (occupies an entire city block)
  • 12 bridges span the Willamette River which divides Portland into east and west
  • 550 types of roses (7000 bushes) at the International Rose Test Garden
  • 500 food carts
  • Portlanders eat more ice cream per person than any other city in the United States