Jim
Welcome! I've been operating hostels most of my life (see Our Story). I started this hostel in 1998 after seeing a need for more hostel beds in Portland. Born on the east coast in our smallest state, Rhode Island, I moved to my father's homeland, the Pacific Northwest, when I was 15. With a degree in counseling from The Evergreen State College and training as a carpenter, what better credentials can one have to create and operate hostels. So here I am enjoying an incredible life! Some of the things I enjoy are traveling, hanging out with my staff and travelers, and playing soccer on our team.
 

Britta
Guten Tag! I am from Germany and have been working at the hostel since 1998. I studied business management in Germany and spent my summer breaks in Portland and at the Seaside International Hostel. After college, I had the chance to come back to Portland and work for the hostel. I love what Oregon has to offer:  hiking along the Oregon Coast or in the Columbia River Gorge with its many waterfalls, skiing on Mt. Hood, biking around Portland, watching $2 movies at the Mission Theater, free concerts in parks all summer long, great local micro-brew beer, ... I am sure you'll have a memorable experience in Portland and Oregon!
 

Torello
I was born and raised in Inverness, CA, but have spent the last nine years playing in a band and working in bars and restaurants in NYC.  I am happy to be back out West and am having a great time exploring and learning all that Portland has to offer.  I have lived in Kaneohe, HI and Taos, NM and spent two summers working in Alaska.  I have stayed in hostels in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Thailand and hope to stay in more in the future.  I look forward to meeting people from around the world, so please stop by and say "Hi."
 

Tracy
I was born in NY and grew up in Connecticut before being forcibly moved to Virginia at 14.  I graduated from the College of William and Mary before moving to NYC to pursue a life on the stage.  I've traveled in Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela and would love to return to Angel Falls one more time.  I enjoy playing and watching sports and look forward to checking out our own Portland Beavers down at PGE Park.
 

Abby
Good day, and how do you do? I hail from the east coast city of bridges, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, though I've also lived in Los Angeles and Boulder, Colorado. After studying criminal justice at a small women's college in Pittsburgh, I fell for Portland because well, I never feel weird here, just right at home. I love that people here are generally so respectful of their city and the others who live in it. You'll see me cruising the streets on my vintage mopeds, running in the parks, and winding down with tasty local brews (try Roots Organic Brewing Co). I recommend that you check out our farmer's markets, walk along the riverfront, and just try to beat my high Tetris scores at the classic style arcade, Ground Kontrol! Most importantly, talk to me and tell me about the places you have been!

Alicia
Hello travelers! My name is Alicia and I am almost a native Oregonian (if you don't count my first ten years in Southern California). I admit our winters can get a bit long and soggy but spring, summer and fall are divine - and who doesn't love a nice muddy romp through forest park in February? Before settling in Portland to live, work and study, I spent a year in Africa where I fell in love with boda bodas, dung beatles and long Land Rover drives through the bush. I've also dabbled in the East and seen some beautiful sites in Canada and the Midwest. I hope your travels are as rewarding as mine have been, and that you have a fun n funky stay with us in Portland! 

Adam  
Hello,
I wasn’t born here but identify myself as from Portland, where I moved at the age of 11.
I hold a BA in Spanish, have traveled extensively in South and Central America, and lived for a bit in Bogota, Colombia, where I taught English language. 
Currently I’m enjoying meeting people from all over, trying to keep up on my Spanish, and trying to pick up a little French.
I look forward to hearing about your travels and sharing my enthusiasm for all the great things Portland has to offer. 
While in town I recommend sampling some of our great micro-brews, and browsing Powell’s City of Books (although not necessarily in that order).

Mimoe
Hello, Travelers!! I'm glad to see you!! I'm from Japan and I have been in Portland for almost 3 years. This is my last year in Portland. I have to enjoy this year, so tell me about your travel stories!! I went to professional cooking school in Japan before I came here, but I met American culture and I have fallen in love with it. I still love cooking, so tell me about your favorite food from all over the world!! Also Portland is a great place to experience beer!!! Portland has tons of micro brew beer!! Why don't you taste it!? Under the summer sunshine, drinking beer is the best time in Portland!! Find your favorite beer in Portland!! I hope you have great fun in Portland and enjoy your stay with us!

Lisa
Greetings Travelers!! My name is Lisa. I have moved to Portland from Chicago in 2008. I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin. and I am loving the milder weather! My last trip was to Africa and Europe and I can't wait to plan my next trip. Travel is a passion of mine as well as a great industry to work in. I worked at HI-Chicago a big downtown hostel for 3 years and now I am excited to be learning more about Portland and to be working here at HI-Portland Northwest. I would love to help you discover all the cool thrift stores, concert venues, brew pubs, hiking trails, and over all coolness that Portland has to offer! Also, make sure you think about taking a day trip to Astoria or Seaside to check out the coast of Oregon! If you see me at the front desk please stop by and tell me about your travels and where I should go on my next trip.

Murphy
Hi!  I’m Murphy and I have lived in a lot of places in the U.S.  I was born in Virginia, grew up in Louisiana, lived it Tennessee once, grew up some more in California, and recently became an Oregonian.  My family still lives in Louisiana, my home is in San Diego, but all my stuff is here in Portland.  And so far I am glad to be here!  Besides traveling to almost every state as a musician, I have traveled outside the U.S. to Greece, Italy, Ireland, England, and a little of Mexico.  I am trying to learn Spanish, so if you are a native speaker, Help Me!!  Welcome to Portland!