Multnomah County, OR

The smallest yet most populous among Oregon’s 36 counties, Multnomah County is home to approximately 766,135 residents and is the county seat of Portland, the state’s largest city. It was created as a combination of two of the state’s counties – the northern part of Clackamas County and the eastern part of Washington County – and its name was coined after the Chinook word for Lower River. Since its establishment in 1854, it has developed into the thriving communities of Gresham, Fairbank, Troutdale, Portland, Wood Village, and Maywood Park, and offers many wonderful experiences and amenities for the entire household.

Multnomah provides a large variety of preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and has numerous exceptional school districts (including Riverdale School District and Corbett School District). Some institutions in the area include:

• Abernethy Elementary School (Grades ranging from K-5, current enrollment: 518)

• Astor School (Grades ranging from K-8, current enrollment: 443)

• Beaumont Middle School (Grades ranging from 6-8, current enrollment: 578)

• Benson High School (Grades ranging from 9-12, current enrollment: 933)

• University of Portland (Acceptance rate 62%, undergraduate enrollment: 3,741, 2015 – 2016 censuses)

From the magnificent, memorable Multnomah Falls to Portland’s endless recreation centers, parks, and pools, Multnomah County has hundreds of outdoor activities, wildlife sites, and places/events to bring the community together. Below is a list of some recreational areas and parks the county has to offer.

• Ainsworth State Park: Located in eastern Multnomah County next to the historic Columbia River highway, Ainsworth State Park is a must-visit for avid campers and hikers.

• Multnomah Falls Recreation Area: The 611-foot tall roaring Multnomah Falls (also known as the Bridal Veil) is only 30 minutes away from Portland and is an extraordinary experience for guest and residents alike. In contrast with many of the West’s iconic falls, Multnomah does not dry up during the summer months, and its underwater spring ensures water flow during colder climates, so you can enjoy walking near its exhilarating sprays year-round.

• Portland Japanese Garden: Located in King Ave, Portland and one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is home to beautiful koi, a 100-year old Pagoda lantern, eight garden spaces, and other enriching cultural characteristics.

• Lewis & Clark Campground & RV: With babbling brooks, beautiful scenery, and diverse wildlife, the Lewis & Clark Campground & RV site awaits in the southwestern region of Columbia River Gorge.

Like any other western county, much of Multnomah, including Portland, enjoys a temperate, Mediterranean climate with oceanic features. Typically, the county gets around 66-inches of rain each year, and almost no snow. The average January low and July high is 34°F and 79°F, respectively, but temperatures can occasionally waiver into extreme highs and abnormal lows.

Besides libraries, services for seniors/people with disabilities and community partnerships, the county also provides many recreation centers/parks, an excellent transportation system (TriMet, Ride Connection, District Senior Center Transportation, etc.), restaurants, grocery stores, health services, and animal care services.

Neighborhoods in Multnomah County have a smorgasbord of styles: some consist of modern, contemporary buildings while others have late 1800s vibes. Portland, in particular, is filled with vibrant, urban and suburban communities, and it is relatively easy to find residences with access to restaurants and other establishments.