Hogan Butte Nature Park
Spanning over 100 acres, Hogan Butte Nature Park is one of Gresham’s most iconic outdoor attractions. Tucked away in the foothills of Mt. Hood, this park features woodland walking trails that take you through oak groves, meadows, and wetland areas. Along the trails, you’ll find educational signs describing the fascinating local wildlife, geology, and history of the butte. One of the most unique aspects of the park is the basalt formations that resemble an Irish castle! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trails or on the lawns surrounding the Hogan Butte Center. With its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere, Hogan Butte Nature Park is a must-visit during your first trip to Gresham.
Main City Park
If you’re looking to get in touch with Gresham’s artistic side, head straight to Main City Park. This lively green space in the heart of downtown hosts free outdoor concerts throughout the summer that showcase local jazz, blues, country, and rock musicians. The park also contains play structures for kids, a checkerboard plaza, and a splash pad to cool off in on hot days. Visit the Farmer’s Market Pavilion to browse locally grown produce, plants, and artisan goods. And don’t miss the 30-foot tall bronze salmon sculpture created by Rip Caswell – it’s the perfect spot for photos! With so much art, music, and culture, Main City Park is an excellent way to soak in the vibe of Gresham during your first visit.
Mount Hood
You can’t talk about Gresham without mentioning its beautiful views of Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak. While the mountain itself lies about 20 miles southeast of the city, you can take in spectacular views of its snow-capped summit from many spots in Gresham – no mountain climbing required! Some of the best places to admire Mt. Hood include the viewpoint atop Larch Mountain, the vista points along the Historic Columbia River Highway, and pretty much anywhere along the Springwater Corridor Trail. On extra clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Hood from Main City Park. Gresham’s postcard-perfect views of this dormant volcano make it easy to see why the city takes pride in this iconic natural landmark. Take advantage of the many gorgeous mountain photo ops during your visit!
High Desert Museum
If you want to dig into the cultural history of Central Oregon, the High Desert Museum is a must-see attraction. Though located just over an hour away in Bend, this world-class museum brings the landscape, wildlife, and stories of the High Desert to life through immersive exhibits and wildlife presentations. Some of the most popular exhibits include the glass-enclosed birds of prey habitat where you can see eagles, hawks, owls and falcons up close. The museum also features living history demonstrations like blacksmithing, cowboy poetry, and Native American dancing that provide a window into the region’s past. With its combination of nature, history, and art, the High Desert Museum is absolutely worth the scenic drive from Gresham for first-timers eager to explore Oregon’s natural heritage.
Japanese Garden
For a serene afternoon surrounded by nature and culture, spend some time strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden. Recognized as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, this tranquil urban oasis spans 12 acres in Washington Park. Carefully curated garden landscapes transport you across the Pacific through designs inspired by scenic spots in Japan. From bonsai trees and zen rock gardens to ceremonial teahouses, every element was crafted to provide an immersive experience into Japanese art and meditation. Visitors especially rave about the garden’s picturesque views overlooking the city and Mount Hood in the distance. Whether you share a peaceful cup of matcha tea or simply sit and reflect, the Japanese Garden is a rejuvenating getaway from the bustle of downtown Portland – less than 20 minutes away in Gresham.
Mt Hood Skibowl
Looking for outdoor adventures you can’t find just anywhere? Then mark Mt Hood Skibowl on your first time itinerary for Gresham! As the largest night skiing resort in America, Skibowl offers one-of-a-kind winter recreation just 35 minutes southeast of the city. By day, you can ski and snowboard on over 65 alpine runs spanning 960 acres of terrain. Once the sun goes down, keep the winter fun going on 20 lit slopes operating until 10 pm. The ski area even features a massive tubing park for exhilarating inner-tube sledding under the lights! If snow sports aren’t your thing, you can also shred the gnarly downhill mountain bike trails from spring through fall. With so many unique recreation opportunities right down the road, the Skibowl is an easy pick for thrill-seeking visitors.
Vista House
History buffs will appreciate a quick stop at Vista House during their inaugural tour of Gresham. Perched atop 722-foot Crown Point along the old Columbia River Scenic Highway, this lovely stone lodge was built in 1918 to commemorate early road development in the Pacific Northwest. The historic octagonal structure now serves as a free public observatory with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding basalt cliffs. Inside, you can browse exhibits on the construction of the original Columbia River Highway and check out the Vista House’s unique architecture. Not only does this spot provide breathtaking vistas, but it also offers an insightful look into Oregon’s transportation history in the early 1900s. Vista House makes for a rewarding short side adventure just 30 minutes west of downtown Gresham.
Multnomah Falls
No first visit to Gresham would be complete without witnessing the towering majesty of Multnomah Falls – the tallest waterfall in Oregon! At 620 feet tall, this roaring cascade in the Columbia River Gorge puts on an absolutely stunning display of natural beauty. The Multnomah Falls Lodge viewpoint area gives you an up close look at the upper and lower tiers of the waterfall set among mossy cliffs and ancient pines. From there, you can embark on a gentle 1.5-mile hiking loop across pedestrian bridges with nonstop river and waterfall views. Just a quick 30-minute drive from downtown, witnessing this thundering natural wonder should be at the top of any Gresham newcomer’s itinerary. Don’t leave without a photo!
Edgefield Winery
What better way to wrap up an action-packed day than by relaxing over award-winning wine? Luckily, the acclaimed winery at Edgefield is just 15 minutes southwest of Gresham in Troutdale. This stunning 1920s manor house turned bustling winery pours exceptional vintages from their own Two Angels and Edgefield labels. Beyond first-rate wine, Edgefield offers visitors bocce courts, live music performances, a seasonal outdoor movie theater, and casual pub fare at their on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect laid-back spot to unwind after your downtown Gresham adventures. Not a wine lover? Edgefield also brews craft cider, beer, and spirits on-site so every guest can find a drink suited to their taste. With its historic vineyards and lively atmosphere, Edgefield Winery is a quintessential addition to your first itinerary in Gresham.
How to Get Around Gresham?
One of the most important things to figure out when visiting a new city is…how will you get around? Thankfully, Gresham offers several convenient transportation options for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate the city:
Public Transportation
Gresham is served by TriMet, the public transit agency for the greater Portland metropolitan area. TriMet operates several bus lines that run through major areas of Gresham and connect to the MAX light rail system. The Blue Line MAX train provides frequent service between downtown Gresham and downtown Portland, making it easy to travel between the two cities without a car. Fares for TriMet buses and trains range from $2.50 to $5.50 depending on how far you’re traveling. TriMet also offers 1-Day and 3-Day unlimited ride passes ($5 to $12) for visitors, which can be a handy way to save on transit costs. Simply purchase your pass from ticket machines at any MAX station before you board. Keep in mind that TriMet reduced schedules on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. Using TriMet is an affordable and eco-friendly way for tourists to explore everything from Main City Park to Multnomah Falls without having to drive or find parking. Even seasoned public transit riders will want to review route maps and schedules ahead of time to efficiently navigate Gresham via bus and train.
Taxis and Rideshares
When public transit won’t get you exactly where you need to go, taxis and rideshares are solid options for getting around Gresham. Traditional taxi companies like Radio Cab and Broadway Cab offer metered fares starting at $2.50 plus $2.60 per mile. Keep in mind there are limited taxi vehicles working in Gresham though, so you’ll want to call or use their app to request a pickup rather than hailing a cab from the street. Ridesharing through Uber and Lyft tends to have shorter wait times for pickup and also provides fare estimates upfront through their apps. Rideshare fares vary based on demand but expect to pay around $1.50 base fare plus $1 to $2 per mile. When planning airport transportation, a taxi from downtown Gresham to Portland International will cost roughly $45 to $55 while an Uber/Lyft will be $35 to $45. For groups larger than 4 riders, calling a cab or rideshare can quickly get expensive. But they are reliable options for small parties that need to get to specific addresses promptly or travel outside normal transit hours.
Charter Buses
When traveling with medium to large groups of 10 riders or more, charter buses often provide the most convenient and cost-effective transportation in Gresham. Charter Bus Company Gresham offers a range of bus sizes from mini coaches to 56-passenger motorcoaches equipped with cushy seats, climate control, luggage storage, and even WiFi and restrooms on larger vehicles. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of setting your own itinerary and making as many stops as you want. Charter buses can take your group directly from the Portland airport to your hotel, then shuttle you between attractions and events across the Portland-Gresham region without waiting on public transit schedules. For larger tour groups, families, and events requiring transportation coordination, charter buses eliminate the hassle of splitting up and driving multiple vehicles. Professional drivers also handle navigation and parking so you can simply relax and focus on your Gresham travels. Contact Charter Bus Company Gresham at (971) 304-0402 for help planning your group transportation.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this first timer’s guide gets you excited to start your Gresham travels and helps you craft an amazing itinerary. With vibrant culture, outdoor recreation, historic sites, and gorgeous natural scenery, Gresham truly offers compelling experiences for visitors of all interests. And however you decide to get around—public transit, taxis, or charter bus—you’re sure to find the logistics of navigating this charming Portland suburb simple and straightforward. If you’d like assistance customizing a group tour of Gresham, the team at Charter Bus Company Gresham is ready to help. Call us today at (971) 304-0402 to begin planning your unforgettable trip. From airport transfers to transportation for weddings and corporate events, we’ll ensure your travels in Gresham are hassle-free. It won’t be long before you’re exploring the highlights, unearthing hidden gems, and embracing the welcoming small-town spirit that makes Gresham shine. We can’t wait to show you around!