Portland is the largest city in Oregon and is located in the
northwestern part of the state, directly across the Columbia River from Washington.
Portland is known for its liberal politics, its many parks, independent music, independent businesses and its proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, the Cascades (Mt. Hood in particular), and the Pacific coast. Its nicknames include the City of Roses,
Bridgetown,
Stumptown and PDX (after the city's airport).
The city is divided into "quadrants" (there are actually 5 sections) north and south by Burnside St. and east and west by the
Willamette River. North Portland is located norht of downtown, but east of the river which curves westward at that point.
Some well-known musicians from Portland include the Dandy Warhols, the Decemberists, Lifesavas,
Sleater-Kinney, the Mooney Suzuki, Elliott Smith, the Shins, Stars of Track and Field, and Pink Martini. Famous authors from Portland include Chuck Palhniuk, Beverly Cleary, Ursula K. Leguin and Katherine Dunne.
Portland is located in the
Willamette River Valley.