The Rose Garden in Washington Park.

Portland International Rose Test Garden

Stroll through the country’s longest-running rose test garden.

Updated Sept. 22, 2022 1 min read Washington Park

Know Before You Go

Car parking near the Portland International Rose Test Garden is extremely limited. Light rail, free shuttle (March–November), bus and walking are the best ways to reach the park.

The Portland International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Unofficially known as the Portland Rose Garden, the space features more than 10,000 roses. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world enjoy its sights and scents annually. The garden also offers spectacular views of downtown and Mount Hood.

The garden was conceived by Oregon Journal editor Jesse A. Currey in 1915 and approved by Portland Parks in 1917. It started as a safe haven for hybrid roses grown in Europe during World War I. Flowers began arriving in Portland in 1918, and the garden and amphitheater were dedicated in 1924. The grounds are split into several smaller areas: the Royal Rosarian Garden, the Shakespeare Garden and the Miniature Rose Garden.

roses bushes, climbing roses in large lush rose garden — Wander through the most fragrant rose garden May through September.

photo of Mt. Hood through the trees at the International Rose Test Garden — International Rose Garden is located right in Washington Park. There are thousand different types of roses to see and great place to have a picnic in the summer.

frame filled with purple roses on bushes in forest garden — Purple roses popping on a mild summer day at Portland International Rose Test Garden.

amphitheater with roses in forest setting — The amphitheater at Portland International Rose Test Garden, perfect place for a picnic or come for one of many outdoor summer events.

red roses over stone monument — William Shakespeare monument, just one of many public art displays at Portland International Rose Test Garden.

people on sidewalk of rose garden with city views in background

It’s unsurprising that this garden, located in Washington Park, is one of the City of Roses’ signature landmarks. The garden is open daily, and admission is free. While great city views are offered year-round, the best rose-viewing months are May through September. (When you’re finished admiring the flowers, head just uphill to the majestic Portland Japanese Garden for more fabulous flora.)

Free Rose Garden Shuttle

The Explore Washington Park shuttle stops at all the park’s major attractions and the Washington Park MAX station. From March through September, the shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. daily. In October, the daily hours are reduced to 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and in November, the shuttle runs on weekends only, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Tips for Visiting the Portland Rose Garden

How much does it cost?

The garden is free and open to the public, 7:30 a.m. –9 p.m. daily.

When is the best time to see the roses?

Portland’s roses are in bloom from late spring to early fall. Plan your visit any time from May through September to catch the best blooms.

Who takes care of the roses?

All 10,000 roses are maintained by volunteers in coordination with Portland Parks.

What kinds of roses are there?

Of the 10,000 rose bushes, there are over 610 varieties, ranging from miniature, tree, climbing, shrub and landscape shrub varieties, with Floribundas, Grandiflora, Hybrid Teas and David Austin roses on display. Find the names of each in the garden beds, and here is a map to help you find your way.

Is the Rose Garden wheelchair accessible?

Much of the grounds are grass or gravel, the main promenade was updated in 2017 to be wheelchair and stroller accessible with newly paved pathways.

What is the best way to get to the Rose Garden?

Car parking near the Portland Rose Garden is extremely limited. Light rail, bus and free shuttle service are the best ways to reach the park.

By bus/light rail: TriMet bus #63 runs from Providence Park to Washington Park. The bus stops near the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden.

Washington Park is served by the MAX light rail blue and red lines. From the Washington Park MAX stop, transfer to the Washington Park Free Shuttle, which will bring you directly to the International Rose Test Garden.

By car: From downtown, take US 26W to exit 72 (Zoo/Forestry Center) and follow signs to Washington Park. Pay to park in designated lots and streets ($2 per hour). For real-time parking information and construction alerts and closures, visit explorewashingtonpark.com.

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