The rain is back. Somewhere around the end of October, Portland's sky settles into its long gray season, and it usually hangs around until spring. If you're searching for rainy day things to do in Portland, you're in good company: this city has had a lot of practice. We're a grower-owned Portland dispensary on NE Columbia Blvd, about 11 minutes from PDX, and our crew grows in Southern Oregon, so we know a thing or two about working around the weather. Here are our favorite ways to make a wet day feel like a plan instead of a setback.
Rainy Day Things to Do in Portland, Close to NE Columbia Blvd
McMenamins Kennedy School
You don't have to cross the river to find one of the city's coziest rainy day hideouts. McMenamins Kennedy School, at 5736 NE 33rd Ave, is a short drive from our shop. It's a historic elementary school that first opened in 1915 and now holds hotel rooms, a restaurant, a handful of small bars, a brewery and a movie theater.
The real rainy-day move is the soaking pool. It's open to the public daily, but non-hotel guests need a reservation, booked online up to 14 days ahead. Soaks run an hour, towels aren't provided, and from October to April the pool closes on the first and third Tuesday of each month for maintenance. Check McMenamins' pool page for current pricing before you go.
More Rainy Day Things to Do in Portland's Central City
If you're up for a drive or a MAX ride downtown, the central city is packed with places that don't care what the sky is doing.
Powell's City of Books
Powell's fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used and out-of-print books. It's the kind of place where an "hour" quietly turns into an afternoon. Pick a section and wander.
Portland Art Museum and the Rothko Pavilion
The Portland Art Museum opened its transformed campus in November 2025. The new Rothko Pavilion has a glass facade and an open main commons, and it connects the museum's two historic buildings, so you can move between galleries without stepping back into the drizzle. The front door is at 1219 SW Park Ave.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Rain is part of the show at Lan Su, a one-block garden at 239 NW Everett St in Old Town. Water on stone and still ponds is the whole mood. When you've had your fill of the drizzle, the two-story Yun Shui Teahouse overlooks Lake Zither. Fall and winter hours (through March) are 10am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm, and the garden is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry sits on the east bank at 1945 SE Water Ave. Beyond the main museum, there are planetarium shows in the Kendall Planetarium and tours of the USS Blueback submarine, both Tuesday through Sunday. Heads up: both are ticketed separately from general admission.
Rainy Night Plans for the 21+ Crowd
Once it's dark by dinnertime, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade at 115 NW 5th Ave is a solid call. It's all ages from noon to 5pm, then 21+ with valid ID after 5pm. Rows of classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines make for a loud, happy evening out of the rain.
Or circle back to Kennedy School for a movie at its on-site theater. Either way, one friendly reminder: Oregon law doesn't allow cannabis use in public places, and that includes arcades, museums, gardens and theaters. Enjoy your purchases at home.
Rainy Season Is Hard on Flower (An Oregon Cannabis Tip)
Here's the grower in us talking. Damp air is the enemy of a good jar. The same humidity that makes Portland so green can leave flower soggy or musty if it's stored in a leaky bag on a windowsill. Keep it in an airtight glass jar, somewhere cool and dark, and don't stash it in the fridge, where moisture can build up. We wrote a whole guide on how to store cannabis so it stays fresh if you want the full rundown.
Planning a Stop at Our Portland Dispensary Near PDX
Building a gray-day loop that starts or ends in NE Portland? We're right on NE Columbia Blvd, about 11 minutes from the airport. Our dispensary near PDX guide has directions and parking details. A few things to know before you come in:
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 7pm.
Payment: Cash only. There's an ATM inside.
Prices: Tax is already included in every price you see, so the number on the shelf is the number you pay. There's a $20 ounce on the shelf every day (the strain rotates).
ID: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing you're 21 or older.
Order ahead: Browse our live menu online and place an order for in-store pickup, so you can get in and out before the next downpour.
Planning further out? Our November in Portland guide covers the Portland Book Festival, ZooLights and the rest of the month's events.
Come Say High
Rain or shine (let's be honest, mostly rain), we'd love to see you. Come say high at TKO Farm Direct, 851 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97211. We'll have the farm-direct flower ready. You bring the umbrella.
Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.