Portland, Oregon Wellness Recommendations
Portland Oregon- The city of roses, hipsters, gourmet food and a lot of rain! This place is a haven of wellness and wonder nestled in the luscious Pacific North West.
I moved to Oregon when I was 17 years old seeking adventure, higher education and a different pace from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast. I now call this place home and am still constantly in awe of all the beauty and activities this place holds.
I have been lucky to host friends and family consistently throughout the many years I have lived here and am still always looking for new and exciting places and things to show them. Portland is definitely experiencing some growing pains, but hopefully all this growth will just increase it wonder and weirdness.
Wellness and self-care are so important to me and I love to share this outlook with others, so I decided to compile a list of wellness recommendations scattered around the city. So whether you are visiting, hosting friends and family or looking for some new ideas for a stay-cation here in Portland, I hope you will find this guide useful!
Acupuncture / Massage
These are my foundations of health and even if you only have a weekend in Portland, you have time to schedule in self-care!
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine- (My alma mater), This student clinic offers treatments six days a week and all appointments are supervised by dedicated and knowledgable teachers. Acupuncture appointments are 70 minutes long and are on a sliding scale of $25-35 per visit. To schedule a treatment, call 503-445-0951. Acupuncture not your jam yet, then you can also schedule an Herbal Consultation, where OCOM Master’s program students develop customized Chinese herbal formulas and prescriptions are filled on-site at the OCOM Herbal Medicinary. These appointments run 50 minutes and are only $5, plus cost of herbs. They also offer massage appointments in the style of Japanese Shiatsu or Chinese Tuina. These are 50 minute appointments ranging from $25-35 per visit.
East West College of the Healing Arts- A local institution that does professional trainings in licensure of Massage Therapy, They have a student clinic that runs from Mondays-Thursday and 45 minute massages are only 30$. To schedule a treatment call 503-233-6500.
Spa/Soaking Tubs
Knot Springs Social Club- This establishment is a modern and classy way to enjoy wellness. They have hot tubs “the springs”, saunas, a gym and offer a wide range of wellness treatments such as CBD massage, cupping therapy, even foot rubs. They encourage memberships with more affordable prices, but if you are visiting this place is a must see. Enjoy view of the Willamette river and downtown Portland while nourishing your body and soul. Check out their website (linked in the title of this section) or call 503-222-5668.
Everett house- This healing center in fully equipped with saunas, showers, massage therapists, chiropractic car, float tanks and an outdoor hot tub in a beautifully landscaped private yard (very Portland). They even added a sweet little tea house in the back. This is a great place to indulge in the best of self-care. FYI- The center is co-ed (except for specific times) and clothing is optional.Walk-in Hours are for Spa Sessions only (Hot Tub/Steam/Sauna) and are on a first come first serve basis. We do not hold appointments for spa sessions alone. For Chiropractic, Float, or Massage, Online Request or call (503) 232-6161 (Spa) or (503) 232-4099 (Chiropractic) to schedule an appointment.
Float on- This is a Float Tank center! Never heard of it!?! Then you especially need to try it out. Its a sensory deprivation experience. Essentially it is a large bathtub with salt water perfect for floating upon, perfect temperature, silence and a darkness. Its a great place to helps release tension and stress. Its hard to explain, just go! A session is 77$ for 90 minutes of bliss. Located on 4530 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, OR 97215
Healthy eats
Harlow- This amazing vegetarian restaurant features local organic foods, teas, beverages, sweet treats and really anything you can imagine that is delicious to consume. They have fresh juice, cbd mocktails and a wide ranging menu from breakfast to dinner and desserts. Located on 36th and Hawthorne it makes for a great place to pop in for lunch before a movie at the Bagdad, or a great brunch spot before hopping to some of the super cute boutiques on Hawthorne.
Kure juice - This is by far my fav juice bar in town! Well they actually now have 6 locations around town and they don’t just make juice, but delicious smoothies, acai bowls and hot bowls. Great for a quick pick me up or a light meal. Locations are - WEST END 408 SW 12th Ave, HAWTHORNE 4409 SE Hawthorne, DOWNTOWN 518 SW Taylor, INNER SOUTHEAST 77 SE Yamhill, PINE STREET MARKET 126 SW 2nd Ave, and PEARL DISTRICT 830 NW 13th Ave.
Yoga
Yoga is BIG in Portland and we are blessed with some amazing teachers and beautiful places to practice. Check out this article for a more detailed list of studios! Portland Yoga
Nature Cure
Lan Su Chinese Gardens- This place has always been extra special to me, so much so that I even got married there! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Portland, which isn’t necessarily as luxurious as it may sound, this place is an oasis of tranquility and beauty. They often offer lectures about Eastern Philosophy, Tai Chi classes, and events. The Tao of Tea, a local Portland Tea company also has a tea house inside the gates. This is a wonderful day to get away from the bustle of the city, sip some tea and gaze at the beauty of the pond. 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Gardens- It is essential that you check out the other various gardens in Portland if you haven’t already. If you head up the hill on the west side of town, it will lead you to the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboreum and Japanese Garden. Each one is amazing in its own way.
Tea
Tao of Tea- I mentioned this amazing tea company/ house above in the Chinese Garden blurb, but its so good it needs to be mentioned twice. The first location within the Chinese garden is called the TOWER OF COSMIC REFLECTIONS- Garden Admission Applies 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97210
Hours: Winter (October 15 – March 14): 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Spring (March 15 – May 14): 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Summer (May 15 – October 14): 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Special hours may apply during Chinese New Year. See Lan Su Garden website for details. 503-224-8455. The other location is 3430 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214 Hours: Daily: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.503-736-0119Townsends- This is another epic teahouse in town, they not only make delicious tea blends, but they be their own kombucha and distills their own spirits. They have four locations scattered through the city and their kombucha is delicious. (Brew Doctors)
Just outside the city-
Bagby Hot Springs- Enjoy the wild nature in this rustic hot spring bathhouse. These springs are about a 45 minute hike into the old growth forest. The trail is wide and quite accessible but please be prepared with water and hiking supplies. Tubs are first come first serve. There are private bathing rooms which have long tubs carved from western red cedar trees as well as four large circular hot tub style springs. Remember to pack out whatever your bring in such as trash or bottles. Glass is not welcome and please respect the land! Note that if you are traveling in winter the roads may be icy, dangerous or closed so please check current road conditions.
Waterfall highway -The Old Columbia Highway runs parallel to I-84 East and is a beautiful way to spend a day exploring the majestic beauty that surrounds the PNW. You will pass by amazing sights such as Multnomah Falls which is only about 30 minutes outside of the city and Vista House and amazing viewpoint overlooking the entire Gorge, with numerous waterfalls and short hikes shattered throughout the day. I often tell people to do this drive and end up in Hood River for some delicious food and some local brew, makes for an unforgettable day!
