What to do in Multnomah County, OR

Watch top sporting action, family shows and concerts by national and international artists at the Moda Center, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity for nearly 20,000 spectators. This popular venue is used for ice shows, rodeos, hockey games, conventions and more. The arena is also the home of the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team and the Portland Winterhawks, a junior ice hockey team.

There are a large number of exotic species on show at Oregon Zoo, such as fearsome big cats from Africa. Being located in such an environmentally-aware city, the zoo also takes its conservation responsibilities very seriously. For example, it has a highly successful breeding programme for its Asian elephants which has been in operation for over 50 years.

Multnomah Falls is among the most iconic and picturesque of the many cascades decorating the tributaries that flow into the Columbia River. Icy water drops majestically from its rocky summit, which is 611 feet (186 meters) high. Leave your car in the parking lot beside the highway and walk along the scenic trail for 5 minutes to see the waterfall in all its glory.

Portland Japanese Garden is known for being one of the most accurate reproductions of gardens of this type in another country. Make sure to take plenty of time for a gentle amble around, taking in the intricate and delicate design of these lovingly created spaces.

A retired submarine from the United States navy known as the Blueback, a massive OMNIMAX cinema, and five differently themed exhibition halls await you at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). As well as all of the fantastic exhibits, the museum's presentation is very inviting and participatory, and is sure to appeal to children and adults equally.