Weird, Wild & Wicked: A Portland Walking Tour for the Scandal-Curious

Let's step into Portland’s wild past and uncover the stories that made this city famous for its eccentric spirit and rebellious heart. This walking tour begins in Old Town, where we pull up the cobblestones to reveal the ghosts of rough-and-tumble early Portland. Once a lawless frontier outpost, the city was rife with scandal, from the infamous Shanghai Tunnels and floating bordellos to political intrigue and legends that grew as tall as the trees. Along the way, I'll tell you why Portland earned the nickname “Little Beirut,” how an Oregon governor once funded a rock festival, and how the city’s Naked Bike Ride became an unexpected symbol of protest and peace. There is so much to share! I will lead you through hidden corners and historic landmarks, rooftop viewpoints, plazas steeped in history, and sites of scandal and mystery, all while sharing captivating stories of Portland’s colorful past and curious present.

We will start in the cafe of a historic hotel and take in the rooftop view. Then we'll tread a path through Old Town and beyond to discuss scandals of yesterday and today. Our journey will include a Voodoo doughnut shop stop for a taste of Portland's sweeter side.