White Stag Sign Portland
Portland's iconic neon sign, a glowing beacon in Old Town Chinatown, famous for its stag's red nose during the holidays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Sign is illuminated
White Stag Sign Portland
Best Time
Sign is illuminated

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Portland's iconic neon sign, a glowing beacon in Old Town Chinatown, famous for its stag's red nose during the holidays.
"The White Stag sign is a must-see Portland icon, especially magical when lit up at night!"
🎯 Catch the Glow
The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter. :flashlight:
👟 Comfy Footwear Essential
Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic White Stag Sign
Old Town Chinatown
Portland's beloved neon sign, a beacon of the city, especially when its stag's nose glows red during the holidays.

Holiday Red Nose
White Stag Sign
Witness the magical transformation as the stag's nose turns bright red, a festive tradition usually starting the day before Thanksgiving.

Historic Old Town Chinatown
Downtown Portland
Wander through Portland's historic district, soaking in the architecture and vibrant atmosphere surrounding the famous sign.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Glow
The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter.
:flashlight:👟 Comfy Footwear Essential
Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes!
:athletic_shoe:🎁 Holiday Magic
The stag's nose turns red before Thanksgiving – a truly festive sight!
:gift:📸 Photo Ops Galore
Great spot for engagement photos or just capturing Portland's iconic skyline.
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Glow
The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter.
:flashlight:👟 Comfy Footwear Essential
Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes!
:athletic_shoe:🎁 Holiday Magic
The stag's nose turns red before Thanksgiving – a truly festive sight!
:gift:📸 Photo Ops Galore
Great spot for engagement photos or just capturing Portland's iconic skyline.
:camerawithflash:💡 Sign History
Originally built in 1940, the sign has evolved over the years.
:bulb:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the White Stag Sign as an iconic and essential Portland landmark, especially when illuminated at night. The festive red nose during the holidays is a particular highlight. Some find the surrounding Old Town Chinatown area can be a bit gritty, but the sign itself remains a beloved symbol of the city.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The White Stag Sign is located in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the MAX light rail. Driving is also an option, but parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike to the sign, especially if they are already exploring downtown Portland.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options near the White Stag Sign in Old Town Chinatown. However, parking can be competitive, especially during peak hours or events. It's advisable to check parking apps or websites for real-time availability and rates.
Absolutely! If you're staying in or exploring downtown Portland, walking to the White Stag Sign is a great way to experience the city. It's a pleasant stroll through historic streets.
The best way to see the White Stag Sign is to visit during the evening when it's illuminated. Many people also enjoy seeing it during the day as part of a broader exploration of Old Town Chinatown.
While Old Town Chinatown is a historic area, like any urban center, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit streets and consider visiting with a group if you're concerned. The sign itself is a popular landmark, so there are usually other people around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to see the White Stag Sign. It's a public landmark visible from the street in Old Town Chinatown.
The White Stag Sign is typically illuminated nightly. In the fall and winter, it's generally lit from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The exact on-time can vary slightly due to its analog timer.There is no admission fee to view the White Stag Sign. It's a free, iconic piece of Portland's cityscape.
While there isn't a precise, fixed time, the sign usually begins to light up around dusk. In fall and winter, it's generally on from 4 p.m. onwards.
Yes, the White Stag Sign is a permanent fixture and can be visited year-round. However, its most festive appearance is during the holiday season when its nose turns red.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photos, aim for dusk or early evening when the sign is illuminated and the city lights are starting to twinkle. This creates a beautiful contrast and captures the sign's glow effectively.
Yes, the area around the sign offers several vantage points. You can get great shots from the street level, or if you can find a slightly elevated position, it can offer a broader perspective of the sign and the surrounding Old Town Chinatown.
Many couples choose the White Stag Sign as a backdrop for engagement photos, especially when it's lit up at night. It's a romantic and iconic Portland landmark.
For night photography, consider using a tripod to avoid camera shake. Experiment with longer exposure times and a lower ISO to capture the neon lights clearly. A wider aperture can also help in low light conditions.
Yes, during the holiday season, typically starting the day before Thanksgiving, the stag's nose on the sign glows bright red, adding a festive touch.
🎫 📜 History & Fun Facts
The sign was originally built in 1940 by the Oregon Sugar Company. It has changed hands and names over the years, with the White Stag reindeer being added later. It was originally shaped like Oregon and filled with lights.
No, the sign has evolved. It didn't always say 'Portland Oregon.' Initially, it featured different branding, and the 'Portland Oregon' text was added later as ownership and purpose changed.
The stag's nose is famously illuminated with a bright red light, especially during the holiday season, usually starting the day before Thanksgiving.
The sign was originally built in 1940 by the Oregon Sugar Company. The shape of Oregon would fill with white lights to resemble sugar.
The White Stag figure was added to the sign as ownership changed hands over the years, becoming a prominent feature of the iconic landmark.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of an Icon: History of the White Stag Sign
Over the decades, as ownership transitioned, the sign underwent several transformations. The iconic White Stag reindeer was added, becoming a distinctive feature. For a period, the Oregon silhouette was filled with the words "Made In Oregon," promoting local products. In 2010, the city of Portland took over stewardship, and the sign was updated to its current prominent display of "Portland Oregon."
Today, the White Stag Sign is more than just an advertisement; it's a symbol of Portland's identity. Its nightly illumination and the special addition of a red nose during the holiday season have cemented its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, making it a must-see attraction.
Experiencing Old Town Chinatown
Beyond the sign itself, Old Town Chinatown is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Visitors can explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a serene oasis, or browse the eclectic shops for souvenirs. The area also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its dynamic atmosphere.
When visiting the White Stag Sign, consider dedicating time to wander through the surrounding streets. This allows you to appreciate the historic architecture, discover hidden gems, and truly immerse yourself in the character of this important Portland neighborhood.
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