Portland, Oregon, a city well-known for its lush green spaces and stunning natural beauty, is home to a variety of parks catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Be it a refreshing morning walk, an adventurous hike, or a family picnic, the city’s parks offer a welcome retreat for everyone. From expansive urban forests to riverside gems, the best parks in Portland showcase the city’s commitment to preserving nature and promoting outdoor recreation.
Among the numerous parks that grace the city, some stand out for their unique offerings and picturesque landscapes. Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, boasts over 80 miles of hiking trails and spans more than 5,200 acres of breathtaking wilderness. For those seeking waterfront views, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, located along the west bank of the Willamette River, is a popular destination for joggers, cyclists, and family outings.
With so many exceptional parks to choose from, visitors and locals alike can find their perfect outdoor escape within Portland’s city limits. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll through a peaceful garden or an invigorating hike with stunning vistas, Portland’s best parks offer an unrivaled experience for all nature lovers.
Washington Park
Washington Park, often considered the crown jewel of Portland’s robust park system, spans over 400 acres and offers various attractions for visitors to enjoy. The park caters to different interests, from stunning gardens to engaging museums and a diverse zoo.
International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is a major attraction for rose enthusiasts. It features thousands of rose varieties and serves as a testing ground for new breeds. The garden is maintained to showcase the beauty of roses in a captivating outdoor setting.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is an exquisite representation of traditional Japanese landscaping. This serene space, meticulously crafted with diverse plant life, stone arrangements, and water features, offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city of Portland.
Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo hosts more than 2,600 animals, making it a captivating destination for families and animal lovers. With exhibits representing diverse habitats and species, this zoo is an engaging experience for all ages.
World Forestry Center
An educational institution, the World Forestry Center is a significant part of Washington Park. The Discovery Museum, housed within the center, offers interactive exhibits and displays promoting sustainable forestry and conservation.
Hoyt Arboretum
Covering 190 acres with a vast collection of trees and plants, Hoyt Arboretum is dedicated to preserving rare species and promoting environmental education. The arboretum’s diverse flora and well-maintained trails make it an inviting location for nature walks and outdoor exploration.
Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, spanning more than 5,200 acres of land. It features over 80 miles of trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Portland’s stunning natural surroundings. In this park, you’ll find a wide variety of trees, including bigleaf maples, red alders, and Douglas firs, as well as a diverse range of plant and animal species, truly making it a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Pittock Mansion
One of the popular destinations within Forest Park is the Pittock Mansion, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views of both the forest and Portland’s skyline. To reach the mansion, visitors can take the scenic 5-mile round trip trek from Lower Macleay Park, which also serves as a gateway into the rich ecosystem of Forest Park.
Sanctuary
Forest Park serves as an urban sanctuary for many plant and animal species, providing a refuge for both wildlife and humans alike. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, it offers a tranquil space to connect with nature and experience its restorative effects.
Hiking Trails
There are numerous hiking trails within Forest Park, catering to a variety of skill levels, ranging from the casual walker to the experienced hiker. Some notable trails include:
- Macleay Park Trail: A scenic 5-mile trek, starting from Lower Macleay Park, that leads you to the Pittock Mansion.
- Maple Trail: Known for its lush deciduous umbrella, this trail offers a delightful walk, especially during the fall when the leaves of bigleaf maples display vibrant shades of crimson and gold.
- Firelane 5: This narrow natural surface trail is the only one within the park open to bikes, and can be combined with Saltzman Road and Leif Erikson Drive for multiple circuits. However, it is important to note that motorized mobility devices, e-bikes, and electric scooters are not allowed in the park, apart from exceptions for people with disabilities.
Visiting Forest Park is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while still being close to the conveniences of urban life. Enjoy the serenity of the trails, the rich biodiversity of the park, and the stunning views from the Pittock Mansion, all within Portland’s city limits.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Located along the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers a beautiful setting for various outdoor activities. The park spans over 36 acres and is a popular destination for strolling, biking, and enjoying the scenic views of the river and bridges. Let’s explore some specific areas within the park that contribute to its charm.
Hawthorne Bridge
The Hawthorne Bridge is a distinctive feature of Tom McCall Waterfront Park. As one of the oldest vertical-lift bridges in operation, it connects the western downtown area to the eastern part of the city. The bridge is a major attraction for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles and offers fantastic views of the river and nearby landmarks.
Steel Bridge
Another notable bridge within the park is the Steel Bridge. This double-decked vertical lift bridge not only accommodates vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists but also light rail trains on its lower deck. Just north of the Steel Bridge, visitors can find the Japanese American Historical Plaza, which features a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms during the spring season.
Eastbank Esplanade
The Eastbank Esplanade is a 1.5-mile-long pedestrian and bike path that runs along the east bank of the Willamette River, opposite to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The esplanade is connected to the park via several bridges, including the Hawthorne and Steel Bridges. With plenty of seating areas, public art, viewpoints, and access to nearby attractions, the esplanade adds another dimension to the experience of visiting the park.
Southeast Portland Parks
Southeast Portland offers a variety of beautiful parks and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. These parks provide opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and recreation in picturesque settings.
Laurelhurst Park
Located at SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd and Stark Street, Laurelhurst Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Portland. The park features a spring-fed pond filled with ducks and is surrounded by acres of towering trees and expansive green lawns, making it a perfect spot for picnics, leisure walks, or family outings.
Mt. Tabor Park
Mt. Tabor Park is an extremely popular destination in Southeast Portland for hiking, running, dog-walking, and picnicking. The park is located close to the Hawthorne neighborhood, making it easily accessible for a day of exploration. With its unique cinder cone landscape, Mt. Tabor offers stunning views of downtown Portland.
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Nestled along the Willamette River, Sellwood Riverfront Park is a picturesque spot for a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, picnicking, or playing with your pets. The park also offers a glimpse of the beautiful wildlife that inhabits the area.
Westmoreland Park
Westmoreland Park is a popular spot for families, featuring a large playground, sports fields, and duck pond. It also contains a nature-based play area, providing children with the opportunity to learn about the PNW environment while engaging with the park in a fun, interactive way.
Reed College
Although not technically a park, the campus of Reed College offers an abundance of green space and wooded trails for students, faculty, and visitors to enjoy. The campus features a beautiful canyon, providing a natural oasis perfect for quiet contemplation, studying, or strolling through nature plots before or after attending classes or lectures.
These Southeast Portland parks provide a diverse range of recreational and relaxation opportunities in a highly accessible and picturesque environment. Each park offers its unique combination of natural beauty, distinctive features, and amenities to ensure a memorable experience for all who visit.
Outdoor Activities
Portland is a city known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, with plenty of opportunities for engaging in various activities. In this section, we’ll explore some outdoor activities available in the city’s parks, including hiking and walking trails, cycling and running paths, tennis courts and playgrounds, and urban forests and green spaces.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Portland’s parks offer numerous hiking trails and walking paths for people of all skill levels. One of the city’s most popular parks for hiking is Forest Park, which has over 80 miles of trails and is one of the largest urban forests in the country. The park’s diverse and beautiful forest offers a wide range of trails, from easy family-friendly walks to more challenging wilderness hikes.
Cycling and Running Paths
For those who prefer cycling or running, many of Portland’s parks feature dedicated paths for these activities. Parks like Washington Park have well-maintained paths and trails that provide scenic views of the city. Portland also has a reputation as a bike-friendly city, and many parks offer ample routes for cyclists to explore.
Tennis Courts and Playgrounds
Many of Portland’s parks provide facilities for sports enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy the outdoors. Several parks, such as Laurelhurst Park and Mount Tabor Park, have tennis courts and kid-friendly playgrounds, giving viewers a satisfying blend of sports and leisure activities. These areas cater to visitors of all ages, making them popular destinations for both local residents and tourists.
Urban Forests and Green Spaces
Portland is known for its urban forests and green spaces, which provide a refreshing break from city life. Washington Park is one of the oldest and best-loved parks, having 410 acres of greenery and several key attractions within its borders. Other popular green spaces in Portland include the Portland Japanese Garden and the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, both offering peaceful and beautiful environments for relaxation and leisure.
Whether you’re looking to hike or cycle through the city’s parks, play tennis with friends, or enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful urban forests and green spaces, Portland offers countless outdoor activities for everyone.
Unique Parks and Gardens
Tanner Springs Park
Tanner Springs Park is a charming urban oasis in Portland’s Pearl District. This tranquil park, designed for relaxation and contemplation, features a natural wetland, meandering pathways, and an eye-catching art installation made from old train tracks. The park also has benches and wooden platforms, allowing visitors to sit and observe the local wildlife that resides in the wetland.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 170-acre city park in Southeast Portland, offering a glimpse of native Oregon wildlife in their natural habitat. The park features a variety of habitats, including meadows, wetlands, and wooded areas, attracting diverse bird species such as eagles, hawks, and herons.
Along with bird watching, the park also has trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, making it an excellent outdoor destination for all interests.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Located near Reed College, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden boasts a breathtaking collection of over 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants. The garden spans across 9.49 acres and provides a serene environment for visitors to appreciate the vibrant blooms, picturesque water features, and scenic bridges.
The garden is particularly beautiful during spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom, but it’s worth visiting year-round for its lovely landscapes and peaceful setting.
