Portland Guide » Attractions & Activities » Parks
Portland Attractions & ActivitiesParks
Looking for some peace and quiet? An idyllic spot to relax and unwind? You've made it to the right category. Here, we list some of the most beautiful and functional parks in the city. Many provide jogging and cycling trails, picnic sites, and large, open areas for throwing a Frisbee or walking your dog.
Address: 239 NW Everett, Portland, OR 97209
Occupying an entire city block near Chinatown, this walled garden was designed by landscape architects from Suzhou, Portland's sister city. Conceived of as a microcosm of the natural world, the garden offers a series of composed vistas and symbolic positionings of rock, water and vegetation. Courtyards, pavilions,...
Address: SW Council Crest Dr, Portland, OR 97201
Named for the belief that Native Americans once met here in council, the park was also the location of a now-defunct amusement park in the early part of the century. Although getting to the site can be something of a challenge (you may want to consult a good city map), the pay-off is well worth it. The spot provides...
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Address: SE 28th Ave and Woodstock St, Portland, OR 97214
Begun in 1950, this lovely garden is planted with hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas. The seven-acre haven is a beautiful spot throughout the year but truly comes into its own in April and May, when shrubs begin to flower and fill the landscape with incredible color and delicate blooms. Crystal Springs Lake adds...
Address: NW Skyline to St. Helens Rd, Portland, OR 97204
Huge Forest Park, the country's largest urban forest located within a city, encompasses more than 5000 acres. It's filled with 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails; runners have routes to follow as well. The park can be found on the eastern portion of the Northwest Hills and is only 10 minutes from downtown. The...
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Address: SW Naito Pkwy, from Clay St to Glisan St, Portland, OR 97204
Although Pioneer Courthouse Square and Powell's Books are often referred to as Portland's "living rooms," Tom McCall Park could also be named as such. Even in bad weather, a multitude of people congregate along the riverfront, and on nice days, families, bikers, bladers, and joggers all find a way to coexist...
International Rose Test Gardens
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Washington Park, Portland, OR 97205
These terraced gardens rise above Portland, offering great views of the city – that is, if you can keep from marveling at the gorgeous specimens all around. Instituted in 1917, the gardens give trial runs to various rose hybrids before they're introduced into the mass market. With over 8000 plants representing more...
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Composed of five individual gardens, this collective garden, designed by a Japanese landscape architect, opened in 1967. The manicured grounds capitalize on the beauty of the surrounding mountains and teach visitors to slow down and appreciate the series of vignettes they encounter. Each of the component gardens –...
Japanese-American Historical Plaza
Address: NW Naito Pkwy & Davis, Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, by Burnside Bridge, Portland, OR 97204
This site along the Willamette River commemorates Japanese-Americans restricted in internment camps during WWII. Several large boulders bear inscriptions reflecting the Japanese-American experience through word and symbol. Another sculpture stands at the Steel Bridge, and cherry trees distinguish the site. Nearby, the...
Address: 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236-5037
In a protected area near Johnson Creek, botanists Lilla and John Leach personally developed and planted this plot with some 1500 species of wildflowers, shrubs, ferns and irises. Native plants and specimens from their own collection combined to create a naturalized area that's been beautifully maintained for visitors....
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Head of SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205
Just minutes from downtown, this park offers residents and visitors 130 acres of lawns and gardens, with trails that connect to Forest Park and the Pittock Mansion. The park is also home to the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, International Rose Test Gardens, Japanese Garden, World Forestry...
