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North Portland’s Peninsula Park Rose Garden shares a block with a public pool and park.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Parks & Gardens

Portland’s green spaces range from flower-filled parks to polished gardens, urban forests to waterfront venues.

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North Portland’s Peninsula Park Rose Garden shares a block with a public pool and park.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

In a city as green as Portland, it’s only fitting that some of the top things to do are outdoor spots that appeal to home gardeners and hikers alike.

There are more than 200 parks and gardens within city limits, from forests to marshlands, trails to skateboarding rails. Home to the sprawling urban wilderness of Forest Park, along with the world’s smallest dedicated park, Mills End Park, Portland offers visitors a breath of fresh air wherever they are.

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Washington Park

Portland’s signature park offers gardens, museums, memorials, a zoo, wilderness and more.

Explore Washington Park

Go for the Green

Discover more of Portland’s dozens of beloved parks and gardens.

two people admiring a large blooming rhododendron

Round-Up of Parks and Gardens

Home to both a sprawling urban wilderness and the world’s smallest park, Portland offers visitors a breath of fresh air.

women pose in front of a wall of white roses

Peninsula Park & Rose Garden

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

waterfall in Portland\'s Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden

An authentic example of Japanese landscaping, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty with an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

covered bridge crossing a narrow garden stream

Lan Su Chinese Garden

An authentic Ming Dynasty style garden built by Suzhou artisans, Lan Su Chinese Garden offers a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown district.

sun dappled trail in forest setting

Forest Park

With 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike.

rows of benches face a rock wall and tunnel surrounded by moss, trees

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres of botanical gardens.

people visiting a blooming Rose Garden in Washington Park

Portland International Rose Test Garden

With great views of the roses and the skyline, the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is a must-see.

two people admiring a large blooming rhododendron

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.

a biker and two picnicking people in front of a tree lined reservoir

Mount Tabor Park

Open reservoirs, hiking trails and an extinct volcano await at this Southeast Portland park.

a boat is docked along the portland waterfront

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Once a bustling highway, this riverside gem offers more than 36 acres of strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments aplenty.

Parks with Playgrounds

Portland has over 100 playgrounds — check out our favorite places for little ones to play.

Let's Play
5 to try

Urban Nature Walks

Explore these verdant outdoor destinations sprinkled throughout Portland.

  • Mt. Tabor Park

    This popular park features expansive views, picnic areas, natural-surface and paved paths, a dog off-leash area, a playground and a performance stage, plus tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.

  • Laurelhurst Park

    Surrounding a scenic lake, Laurelhurst Park was the first city park named to the National Register of Historic Places. It offers picnic and play areas, a dog off-leash area and a horseshoe pit, plus basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.

  • Forest Park

    Portland's 5,200-acre urban forest, just minutes from the central city, stretches seven miles in length and contains more than 80 miles of trails.

  • Washington Park

    Washington Park is one of the oldest, most popular parks in Portland. It features 15 miles of trails and more than 400 acres of trees, gardens, playgrounds and attractions.

  • The Grotto

    This clifftop site features 62 acres of lush gardens and dozens of intricately carved shrines. Built as a Catholic sanctuary in 1924, the Grotto welcomes over 300,000 visitors of all faiths each year and hosts an iconic Christmas celebration.

Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary

This 150-acre refuge offers tranquility, trails and — naturally! — bird-watching only minutes from downtown.

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Explore the Outdoors

Portland is the perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure.

More Outdoors
a couple walks their dog in Forest Park

Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland

Put on some comfortable shoes and start walking — you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it.

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

Sauvie Island

Families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures on this island just northwest of Portland.

families gathered at Willamette River beach

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

The river, which bisects the city into east and west sides, is a virtual aquatic playground, with kayakers, fishers and swimmers enjoying the water.