RoadsideThoughts
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The Commemorative Quarter for Oregon







Outdoor Activities ...

As we travel, we like to pursue some of our interests (such as astronomy and bird watching).

When in Portland, we use the following websites to find information relevant to Portland and the surrounding area.

  • Weather ...
  • Astronomy & Satellites ...
    • Whether using binoculars, a small telescope or the naked-eye, the Heavens-Above website can help you to find your way around the night-time sky. In addition to detailed sky charts, their website will help you find planets, asteriods, comets, satellites and their tracks across the sky.
    • To give accurate results, Heavens-Above requires the latitude and longitude of your location. As a starting point, when we link to Heavens-Above, we pass this GPS location for Portland:
    • 45.521892, -122.685471
    • Once you're on the Heavens-Above website, you can improve its accuracy by giving a more precise longitude and latitude as your actual position.
    • The Heavens-Above Website, centered on Portland
  • Waymarking ...
    • Looking for somewhere out of the ordinary? Find a unique place and want to share it with others? Then it's time to visit Waymarking.com:
    • Waymark.com

Communities Also Named Portland ...

We found 32 communities that share the name Portland.

Within Oregon, the name Portland is unique.

Beyond Oregon, we know of another 32 communities that are located throughout in the United States and Canada. Of these 32 communities, 30 are located in the United States and two are in Canada.

  • Communities Elsewhere In North America ...
    • Alabama
      • Dallas County
      • This community is historic<1> and we have very little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Alabama community of Portland [Dallas County].
    • Arkansas
      • Ashley County
      • This Portland is located in Ashley County and lies 1,851 miles [2,978.9 km]<2> to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Ashley County community of Portland.
    • Colorado
      • Fremont County
      • This Portland is located in Fremont County and lies 1,028 miles [1,654.4 km]<2> to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Fremont County community of Portland.
      • Ouray County
      • This Portland is located in Ouray County and lies 924 miles [1,487 km] to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Ouray County community of Portland.
    • Connecticut
      • Middlesex County
      • This Portland is located in Middlesex County and lies 2,478 miles [3,988 km]<2> to the east northeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Middlesex County community of Portland.
    • Florida
      • Walton County
      • This Portland is located in Walton County and lies 2,213 miles [3,561.5 km]<2> to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Walton County community of Portland.
    • Georgia
      • Polk County
      • This Portland is located in Polk County and lies 2,125 miles [3,419.9 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Polk County community of Portland.
    • Illinois
      • Franklin County
      • We found mention of this community, but have little information.<3> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Illinois community of Portland [Franklin County].
      • Whiteside County
      • This Portland is located in Whiteside County and lies 1,645 miles [2,647.4 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Whiteside County community of Portland.
    • Indiana
      • Jay County
      • This Portland is located in Jay County and lies 1,918 miles [3,086.7 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Jay County community of Portland.
    • Iowa
      • Cerro Gordo County
      • This Portland is located in Cerro Gordo County and lies 1,461 miles [2,351.3 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Cerro Gordo County community of Portland.
    • Kansas
      • Sumner County
      • This Portland is located in Sumner County and lies 1,431 miles [2,303 km]<2> to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Sumner County community of Portland.
    • Kentucky
      • Adair County
      • This Portland is located in Adair County and lies 1,996 miles [3,212.3 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Adair County community of Portland.
      • Jefferson County
      • This Portland is located in Jefferson County and lies 1,941 miles [3,123.7 km] to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Jefferson County community of Portland.
      • Pendleton County
      • This Portland is located in Pendleton County and lies 1,992 miles [3,205.8 km] to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Pendleton County community of Portland.
    • Maine
      • Cumberland County
      • This Portland is located in Cumberland County and lies 2,537 miles [4,082.9 km]<2> to the east northeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Cumberland County community of Portland.
    • Michigan
      • Ionia County
      • This Portland is located in Ionia County and lies 1,862 miles [2,996.6 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Ionia County community of Portland.
    • Missouri
      • Callaway County
      • This Portland is located in Callaway County and lies 1,642 miles [2,642.5 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Callaway County community of Portland.
    • New York
      • Chautauqua County
      • This Portland is located in Chautauqua County and lies 2,133 miles [3,432.7 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Chautauqua County community of Portland.
      • Tompkins County
      • This Portland is located in Tompkins County and lies 2,269 miles [3,651.6 km] to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Tompkins County community of Portland.
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
      • This Portland lies 3,139 miles [5,051.7 km]<2> to the east northeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
    • North Dakota
      • Traill County
      • This Portland is located in Traill County and lies 1,205 miles [1,939.3 km]<2> to the east northeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Traill County community of Portland.
    • Ohio
      • Meigs County
      • This Portland is located in Meigs County and lies 2,114 miles [3,402.2 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Meigs County community of Portland.
    • Ontario
      • This Portland lies 2,234 miles [3,595.3 km]<2> to the east northeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
    • Pennsylvania
      • Lehigh County
      • We found mention of this community, but have little information.<3> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Pennsylvania community of Portland [Lehigh County].
      • Northampton County
      • This Portland is located in Northampton County and lies 2,379 miles [3,828.6 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Northampton County community of Portland.
    • South Dakota
      • Yankton County
      • We found mention of this community, but have little information.<3> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the South Dakota community of Portland [Yankton County].
    • Tennessee
      • Sumner County
      • This Portland is located in Sumner County and lies 1,962 miles [3,157.5 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Sumner County community of Portland.
    • Texas
      • San Patricio County
      • This Portland is located in San Patricio County and lies 1,844 miles [2,967.6 km]<2> to the east southeast of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the San Patricio County community of Portland.
    • West Virginia
      • Jackson County
      • We found mention of this community, but have little information.<3> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the West Virginia community of Portland [Jackson County].
    • Wisconsin
      • Jefferson County
      • This Portland is located in Jefferson County and lies 1,659 miles [2,669.9 km]<2> to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Jefferson County community of Portland.
      • Monroe County
      • This Portland is located in Monroe County and lies 1,557 miles [2,505.7 km] to the east of the Portland that is located in Multnomah County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Monroe County community of Portland.

Curious and Interesting Names Near Portland ...

As we travel, we always see a community with a name that gives pause. While there are names which are interesting or familiar, some catch our attention or strike our fancy. We always wonder about such a name. If time permits and the community is not too far, we'll usually try to make a side-trip.

  • Bonny Slope
    (5 miles [8 km] to the west)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bonny Slope have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bonny Slope
    • Bonny Slope is located in Multnomah County
  • Bridlemile
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bridlemile have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bridlemile
    • Bridlemile is located in Multnomah County
  • Champ
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Champ have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Champ
    • Champ is located in Multnomah County
  • Elk Rock
    (5 miles [8 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Elk Rock have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Elk Rock
    • Elk Rock is located in Multnomah County
  • Errol
    (5 miles [8 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Errol have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Errol
    • Errol is located in Clackamas County
  • Errol Heights
    (5 miles [8 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Errol Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Errol Heights
    • Errol Heights is located in Multnomah County
  • Fir
    (5 miles [8 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Fir have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Fir
    • Fir is located in Multnomah County
  • Garden Home
    (5 miles [8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Garden Home have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Garden Home
    • Garden Home is located in Washington County
  • Golf Junction
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Golf Junction have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Golf Junction
    • Golf Junction is located in Clackamas County
  • Graham
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Graham have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Graham
    • Graham is located in Multnomah County
  • Green Hills
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Green Hills have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Green Hills
    • Green Hills is located in Multnomah County
  • Kellogg Park
    (5 miles [8 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Kellogg Park have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Kellogg Park
    • Kellogg Park is located in Multnomah County
  • Continue List   (8 more) ...
    • Kings Heights
      (Less than 2 miles to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Kings Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Kings Heights
      • Kings Heights is located in Multnomah County
    • Knight
      (5 miles [8 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Knight have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Knight
      • Knight is located in Clackamas County
    • Ladds Circle
      (Less than 2 miles to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Ladds Circle have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Ladds Circle
      • Ladds Circle is located in Multnomah County
    • Maplewood
      (4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Maplewood have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Maplewood
      • Maplewood is located in Multnomah County
    • Riverwood
      (5 miles [8 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Riverwood have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Riverwood
      • Riverwood is located in Multnomah County
    • Sentinel Hill
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sentinel Hill have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sentinel Hill
      • Sentinel Hill is located in Multnomah County
    • University Park
      (4 miles [6.4 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for University Park have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for University Park
      • University Park is located in Multnomah County
    • Vermont Hills
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vermont Hills have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vermont Hills
      • Vermont Hills is located in Multnomah County

How Far From Portland to ...

We spend a lot of time looking through Gazetteers that were published in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the Gazetteers include the distance from a city such as Portland to various places of note, such as the White House.

With a nod to our favorite Gazetteers, the straight-line distance beginning in Portland and extending to:

  • Salem, which is the State Capital of Oregon, lies 43 miles [69.2 km]<2> to the south southwest (SSW). If you could walk a straight line from Portland to Salem, with an average speed<5> of 2.2 miles [3.5 km] per hour, it would take about three full days to make the trip. A horse and buggy averaging 3.2 miles [5.1 km] per hour would take just about two full days.
  • The White House (Washington, DC) is 2,346 miles [3,775.5 km] to the east (E). Driving, with an average speed of 63 miles [101.4 km] per hour, would take 5 days, a buggy would take 92 days and walking would take 134 days.
  • The shortest distance<6> to Jerusalem (specifically the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock) is 6,915 miles [11,128.6 km] and it lies to the north northeast (NNE).<7>
  • The distance to the Great Mosque of Mecca (specifically the Ka'bah - or Kaaba ) is 7,677 miles [12,354.9 km] and it lies to the north northeast (NNE).<8>
  • The distance to Saint Peter's Basilica (The Vatican) is 5,790 miles [9,318.1 km] and it lies to the north northeast (NNE).<9>

The official website for Portland: www.portlandonline.com/

The official website for Multnomah County: www.co.multnomah.or.us/

The official website for State of Oregon: https://www.oregon.gov/

Footnotes ...

<1>We use the term 'Historic' broadly and it generally means that the community no longer exists. However, it can also mean that the community might still exist, but was significantly larger or had a more 'official' existence in the past than it does now. Unfortunately our sources of data have proven to be unreliable. If you can provide us with more specific information about Portland, please let us know so that we can improve our accuracy.
<2>Our distances are not driving distances, but are calculated as a 'straight-line' (or point-to-point) distance. A straight line distance ignores things like rivers, canyons, lakes, et cetera - it's truly a line from Point A (ie- Portland) to Point B.Our distance measurements begin at a specific point in Portland. The point we use is located at these GPS coordinates - Latitude: 45.5219, Longitude: -122.6855    
<3>If we encounter the name of what might be a community, our methodology is to add that name to our Gazetteer as a placeholder. As we find more information about that community, it will be added to our Gazetteer.

Just as a reminder: Our definition of a community is rather broad and includes those places (or areas) where several families lived and had a name which identified that place. For example, you might hear somebody say that they are going over to Bird Creek to see Pete ... Bird Creek is just a gas station and a couple of homes at the crossroads. While it might not be on the map, everybody in the area knows it by that name.

Places of interest include buildings at a crossroad, several families clustered in a hollow or maybe the location of a way station. It also includes places like mines, lumber camps, ferry crossings, etc. The community might still exist, is now gone or only existed for just a short period of time.

Also keep in mind that Portland could have been on the original document by mistake, misspelled, the original/alternate name of a community that we've listed elsewhere or was placed in the wrong county. Sometimes a post office or train station would have a different name than the community where it's located, so two names might be referring to the same community - we're working to straighten it all out.
<4>The location has been supplied by the Geographic Names Information System - which is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While these values should be definitive, we found that accuracy can vary and you should double-check the location if accuracy is required.
<5>While we have tried to pick reasonable speeds, the rate of travel is very theoretical - obstacles like fences, hills, lakes, river crossings and rest stops have been ignored. When we say 'Days' of travel, we're assuming 8 hours of travel per day.
<6>The shortest line can be visualized by stretching a string on a Globe from Point A to Point B - this is known as a Great Circle Route. Where you might expect the shortest route from Portland to the Middle East to be East and South, the Great Circle Route actually lies to the North and East.
<7>The calculated bearing (or angle) to Jerusalem is 341.058 degrees.
<8>The calculated bearing (or angle) to Mecca is 342.54 degrees.
<9>The calculated bearing (or angle) to the Vatican is 328.127 degrees.









 

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This page was last modified/updated: 07 Apr 2024