July 4, 2012. Newly arrived to Portlandia, I convinced a friend to hike a large hill to view the fireworks more for the hike than with any expected view. Just in case, however, I brought my tripod. We could hear fireworks all around (nothing new) but as the sun set and we made our way over the top, what we witnessed was something out of a dream or a sci-fi movie. Fireworks as far as you could see. Big ones. Non stop explosions everywhere for miles upon miles. I have selected a few images here for your vicarious enjoyment. This madness lasted from at least 9pm through 1am. The views are looking north across northern Portland, the Columbia River and Vancouver, Washington.