Car Rental in Portland, Oregon

Portland was founded in 1843, and the naming of the town actually came down to a coin toss. The two founders of the city both wished to use the name of their home cities, which were Portland and Boston. Unable to make a decision, a coin toss decided the fate of the town. Due to relatively easy access to the Pacific Ocean, and fertile lands ideal for farming, Portland experienced rapid growth, and became the beautiful city it is today.

Set in the Willamette Valley, Portland is surrounded by pristine wilderness and dormant volcanos, an ideal area to tour with a rental car. Auto Europe offers several car hire pick up locations in Portland, Oregon, and a large fleet selection, so finding a car rental in Portland is both easy and economical.

Touring Portland, Oregon with a Car Rental

For an insight into the history of this interesting city, check out the Oregon History Centre, where you can learn of the area's past. Here you can also see the famous Portland Penny, which was used in deciding the name. Known as "The City of Roses", Portland has many parks and gardens, and even celebrates an annual rose festival. To relax and unwind on your trip, drive your hire car out to one of the city's gardens and enjoy the peace and quiet. Notable gardens in the city are Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, The Grotto Gardens, and the Chinese Classical Garden.

Interestingly, Portland is home to both the largest park in the US, Forest Park, as well as the smallest park in the world, Mill Ends Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the park, which is only 60cm across in size, and found on South West Naito Parkway.

A highly recommended drive for those fortunate enough to be travelling with a hire car, is the Historic Columbia River Highway which heads west from the city. Drive along the highway, which follows the Columbia River, and enjoy the spectacular views of forests and gorges. There are over 70 waterfalls on this stretch of river, and many can be accessed along the highway. For a scenic view of the surrounding area, drive your rental car to nearby Mount Hood, from the top of which there are fantastic lookouts.

Useful Distances and Day Trip Ideas in Portland, Oregon

Discount Car Hire in Portland, Oregon with Auto Europe

Auto Europe makes car hire in Portland, Oregon easy and affordable. You can select book your car rental in Portland with Auto Europe over our safe, reliable and secure online booking system. For more information, read our Car Rental FAQ page, read our Terms and Conditions, or Contact Us.