5 Things You Didn’t Know About Troutdale, Oregon

Updated 03/2025.

Located 12 miles east of Portland, at the confluence of the mighty Columbia river and its major tributary, the Sandy River, the city of Troutdale is known as the Gateway to the Gorge. So you can bet that Troutdale is a tourism hotspot — but many Portland home buyers overlook it as a place to settle down. They’re missing out.

Here are eight things about Troutdale, Oregon you may not know (if we give eight, we’re guessing you won’t know five of them) :

1. Troutdale is Named for a Fish for a Reason

Sea captain John Harlow bought the original land claim in the Troutdale area in 1872 and built an expansive estate. Ponds forming in the dales of his land held abundant populations of native trout — both cutthroat and rainbow, wild species that live on in the Sandy River today.

When Harlow convinced the railroad magnates to build a depot near his estate, more homes and a post office were soon to follow, and they called the town Troutdale. And yes, there are still great local fishing options!

2. Troutdale Has Its Own Tourism Industry

The city is a hub for recreation and business. Troutdale has close ties to Portland and its largest suburb, Gresham, as well as the nearby cities of Sandy and Corbett. McMenamins Edgefield, outlet malls, the Columbia Gorge, and Multnomah Falls are major tourist attractions for the region that not only are fun for visitors and residents but also provide constant revenue for the city.

FedEx and Amazon are also major employers in Troutdale, but most residents commute to Gresham or Portland for work.

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is in nearby Gresham and right on the border with Troutdale, and the school’s size of 33,000 students brings benefits. It supports 4,882 jobs in various fields.

3. Troutdale Is Big In Education Opportunities

In addition to employment, Mt. Hood Community College offers easy access to education, which also lends a youthful energy to the city. There are plenty of things to do around the college, from attending a concert by students in their famed jazz program to working out in their 2,000-square-foot rock climbing gym. All of this contributes to Niche.com giving Troutdale an “A” rating for nightlife.

4. Troutdale Encourages You to Get Outside and Have Fun

We’re not kidding about outdoor recreation. A five-mile stretch of the Sandy River forms Troutdale’s entire eastern border, while the Columbia River runs toward the Pacific along the north end of the city. You can walk to the water or take a forty-minute drive southeast to Mt. Hood National Forest. Rafting, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, snowboarding, skiing — pretty much anything you want to do outdoors, you can do here.

5. Troutdale Will Stay a Pacific Northwest Landmark

Downtown Troutdale is right on the Historic Columbia River Highway, a thoroughfare used by generations of pioneers, travelers, and merchants. Redevelopment at the Gorge’s Gateway promises to bring new business, housing, and a stronger sense of community to the city. Take a trip to Troutdale to tour homes and you won’t miss the striking new wood-and-stone-motif building that is the landmark of the downtown Discovery Block. A win for real estate values? You bet.

6. Troutdale Annual Festivals and Events

Troutdale is home to several notable events throughout the year:

Troutdale Arts Festival: Celebrated annually in June, this festival showcases local artists, musicians, and tasty food and beverages from local vendors.
First Friday Street Fair: On the first Friday of each month from June through September, this street fair transforms downtown Troutdale into a home for local artisans, food stalls, and live entertainment.
Music at the Market: During summer, the city organizes live music performances at the local market, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience regional musicians.

7. Troutdale Was the Celery Capital of the World

In the 1920s, Troutdale earned the moniker “Celery Capital of the World” thanks to its prize-winning celery. The area’s fertile, sandy soil and favorable climate resulted in high-quality crops, making it a popular site in Troutdale’s landscape.

The prominence of celery has declined over time due to offering a broader range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, but still remains part of the city’s colorful history.

8. Troutdale is a Home to Quality Antiques

With the city’s in-demand location near the gorge and long history, Troutdale has also become a destination for visitors. The city’s downtown is charming, home to art galleries, museums, and antiques. There are seven antique shops in the city and, though not large, offer many rare items and at reasonable prices.