Outdoors

Home to a sprawling urban forest, dozens of verdant public parks, gorgeous gardens and a sparkling river running through the middle of the city, there’s never a shortage of ways to explore Portland’s amazing outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of flowers, tranquil gardens, urban hikes, traveling with a pet, cycling, camping or just looking to get some fresh air, Portland has outdoor activities for every kind of enthusiast.

Take a Walk in a Portland Park

With nearly 300 parks, gardens, trails and natural areas in Portland and the metro area comprising 18,000 acres (7,284.3 ha), you’re never far from some greenery to enjoy. Explore Portland’s neighborhoods, take a stroll along the Willamette River, or explore some of the many lush gardens around the city — many of which offer glimpses of wildlife and stunning views of the river and, on a clear day, of nearby Mount Hood.

Hikes in Portland

At any time of year, and in any weather, you’ll find Portlanders hitting the many hiking trails around town. Within city limits, Forest Park offers 70 miles (113 km) of trails. Locals love the 4.9 mile (7.9 km) hike from Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion with scenic views across the city, and Wildwood Trail which winds through Forest Park’s many points of interest. Be sure to also check out Mount Tabor, which offers two easy trails and two more adventurous ones.

Hiking in Portland

Get out and explore the many trails and nature areas within and near the city.

Browse Hikes

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

Soft Hiking in Portland

A collection of accessible soft hikes perfect for leisurely strolls, low-impact exercise and lots of meandering dilly-dallying.

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities for everybody, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trails.

4T Trail

The 4T trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

Spring Hikes Near Portland

These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.

Seasonal Portland

Portland has a gorgeous range of seasons with year-round color and evergreen foliage to enjoy. Take a walk along the Willamette River to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring, have a picnic in Mount Tabor Park during the summer, hike through Forest Park in the fall and stroll through The Grotto for a colorful winter light display. Or pitch a tent and go camping in one of the many forests and camping spots near the city. In town, a visit to Hoyt Arboretum in any month of the year will reveal the splendor of Portland’s outdoors, no matter what the weather.

Seasonal Outdoor Fun

All four seasons in Portland offer their own unique set of fun events and experiences.

Explore the Region

Bird-Watching in Portland

Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

Portland Picnic Guide

With more than 275 parks within city limits, there’s no shortage of parks around Portland to spread out a picnic blanket and feast on local eats.

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

Where to Stand-Up Paddleboard Around Portland

Find out where to stand-up paddleboard in Portland, as well as where to find SUP lessons, paddleboard rentals, guided lake tours and SUP yoga classes.

Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color

Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.

Apple Picking Near Portland

Freshly-picked Pacific Northwest apples are a local favorite, and many Portland-area orchards allow visitors to pluck the fruit right off the branch.

Pumpkin Patches in and Near Portland

Get swept up in that autumnal feeling at these friendly farms just outside of Portland with U-pick pumpkin patches and fun family activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and festive autumn food and drink.

Sip and Savor Willamette Wine Country

Just south of Portland lies the Willamette Wine Valley, a rich wine country known for premium pinot noir, rolling hills and stellar bucolic views.

Water Activities

With a major river running through it, it’s no surprise that Portland and the surrounding region offer an abundance of water-centric fun, from paddling and swimming to floating, fishing and sailing, nearby.

Making the Outdoors Accessible to All

Visitors of all cultures, races, ethnicities, identities and abilities should feel comfortable basking in the magnificent natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and several fantastic organizations exist to help all people explore the great outdoors in and around Portland.

• Friends on Bikes connects and hosts rides for women and non-binary people of color, with monthly all-levels social rides, as well as “bike-packing” trips, workshops and happy hours.
• Through outings, skill sessions and climb nights at local rock climbing gyms, PDX Climbers of Color levels the playing field by eliminating the social and economic roadblocks that typically make the sport inaccessible.
• Portland’s Pamela Slaughter, the founder of the nonprofit People Of Color Outdoors creates safe and welcoming ways for Black, Indigenous and people of color to enjoy nature in and around Portland while learning about nature and the environment.
• Portland POC Hikes is a hiking group specifically for Black, Indigenous and people of color. Join their private Facebook group to learn about upcoming events.
• Vive NW is a nonprofit organization that connects local Latinx communities with the great outdoors with a wide range of dynamic events, including hikes, ski lessons, stand-up paddle boarding and snowshoeing excursions.

Outdoor Gear

The great outdoors isn’t just a way of life for Portlanders — it’s big business for local brands. Whether you need to shield yourself from the elements, outfit your feet in the latest cutting-edge sneaker designs or launch your passion for paddling, climbing, snowboarding, skating, kayaking or disc golfing, these local stores have you covered.

Parks and Gardens

Known as "The City of Roses," Portland is home to over 275 public parks and gardens.

Green Spaces

Laurelhurst Park

Just north of Portland's Belmont neighborhood sits Laurelhurst Park, one of the city's most scenic escapes with over 300 trees, a duck pond and an array of free public events.

Leach Botanical Garden

Walk through verdant treetops and breathe in the scent of a four-season pollinator garden in this urban oasis in SE Portland.

Hoyt Arboretum: Portland’s Museum of Trees

Hoyt Arboretum is Portland’s “living museum of trees” — and is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 12 miles (19.3 km) of hiking trails in Washington Park near downtown Portland.

Washington Park

Beyond picnics and verdant strolls, Washington Park offers up a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, an arboretum, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all lined by one of the largest urban forests, Forest Park.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February – June.

Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Hugging the Willamette River in downtown Portland, this once bustling highway now offers a strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments, and kid-friendly fun.

Peninsula Park & Rose Garden

Discover outdoor fun for the whole family — plus thousands of blooms — at Oregon’s oldest public rose garden.