Southeast Portland’s Mt. Tabor Park is a great spot for outdoor activities.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

Outdoors

Portland is the perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventure.

Southeast Portland’s Mt. Tabor Park is a great spot for outdoor activities.

Credit: Justin Katigbak

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 outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of flowers, tranquil gardens, urban hikes or just looking to get some fresh air, Portland has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Read on for our guides to getting outside, then head to our events calendar to find even more things to do outdoors in Portland.

Outdoors

a couple with a dog and another person sit on a park bench

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.

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.

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.

A woman holds a camera to her eyes in a traditional Chinese garden with a pond, pavilion and trees.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder taking up an entire city block houses an authentic Ming Dynasty style garden built by Suzhou artisans. Lan Su Chinese Garden offers a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown district.

Portland Japanese Garden

A haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty, proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden offers meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

tall bridge with circular bracing above a pond with ducks amid a forested park

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.

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.

people visiting a blooming Rose Garden in Washington Park

Portland International Rose Test Garden

The oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park features more than 10,000 roses, great views of the skyline and the Cascades.

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.

Head outside

a girl in a wheelchair on nature trail with a man and a dog

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.

A family with two small children a hike along a tree-shaded stream.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

Sunrise Hikes Near Portland

The secret is out: Oregon’s delivers some of the nation’s best hiking. Beat the crowds by heading out extra early to embark on a breathtaking sunrise hike.

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.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background

Spring Hikes Near Portland

There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Here are six Portland-area paths perfect for all-weather adventures.

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.
Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade

Named after former Portland mayor Vera Katz, this 1.5-mile esplanade provides a riverfront bike and pedestrian path between the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. The esplanade features public art and popular swimming docks.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

This 170-acre mix of meadows, woodlands and wetlands is the lower Willamette River floodplain’s largest remaining natural area, and a refuge for wildlife including threatened salmon and over 175 bird species.
Powell Butte Nature Park

This park is spread over 608 acres and features over nine miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The butte has three distinct habitat types: open meadow, mature Douglas fir forest and oak savanna.
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.

Wildlife Preserves

Experience nature not far from the city's hustle and bustle at these wildlife preserves.

a flock of Canadian geese take flight at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary

The Audubon Society of Portland Nature Sanctuary is a great starting place for hiking Forest Park and (of course) bird-watching.

Making the Outdoors Accessible to All

These fantastic local organizations are helping people of every culture, race and ethnicity experience the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.

Let's go!

A boy stands in a field of tulips with oak trees and people in the background

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

Family admires coi pond at Portland Japanese Garden

Spend Spring Break in Portland

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

two people enjoy a picnic with a scenic city view

Portland Picnic Guide

Nothing beats spreading out a picnic blanket on a sunny day, and Portland has no shortage of scenic spots where you can feast on local eats.

A city park in autumn with yellow leaves on the large trees and the ground

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.

a group of people gathered around a campfire on a snowy mountain

Snowshoeing on Mount Hood

Snowshoeing is a peaceful way to enjoy Mount Hood with friends and minimal gear and expense.

cars driving on snowy highway towards a snow covered Mount Hood

Winter Sports on Mount Hood

Just a 90-minute drive from downtown, Mount Hood sits right in the city’s backyard and makes for a heck of a winter playground.

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.

Camp Out

One person in a life jacket pilots a stand-up paddleboard in a river, with another person in the river looking on.

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.

Kayaking in and Around Portland

When the weather heats up, folks flock to the water. For paddlers, that typically means hitting one the many rivers in and near Portland.

families gathered at Willamette River beach

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

When summertime heats up in Portland, cooling off is as easy as heading to one of the city's many riverfront beaches or docks for a refreshing dip or getting the gear for water sports such as kayaking, or SUP.

Whitewater Rafting Near Portland

Conquer rapids, spot wildlife and experience nature in a new way at these favorite spots for whitewater rafting near Portland.

a wooden dock in a river with swimmers standing, sitting, or climbing out of the water, looks toward a city center in the fading light

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.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

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.

Fishing Near Portland

These four waterways — all less than an hour away from Portland — provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.

High-Flying Fun West of Portland

This aerial obstacle course combines the childhood thrill of tree climbing with zip lines, rope and tire swings, trapezes, ladders and tightropes.

Swing Through the Trees

Editor's Pick

Oct. 4–30, 2022

Corn Maze at Topaz Farm

Topaz Farm Cost Varies

Check out the incredible ParaNorman kid maze, designed by local Laika Studios. All proceeds support the regenerative farming practices on the farm. Over 130 acres on Sauvie Island, Topaz Farm is committed to no-spray, regenerative practices. Fresh local fruits and vegetables and delicious, seasonal farm foods such as house-made ice cream, grilled corn, hand pies,…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sept. 3–Oct. 31, 2022

The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch $6-8

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.

Editor's Pick

Attractions

Fall

For Kids

Halloween

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Oct. 7–9, 2022

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

Hood River Event Site TBA

This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 125 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. Festival-goers can load up on boxes of Hood River…

Editor's Pick

Festival

Food & Drink

For Kids

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Hollywood Farmers Market

NE Hancock St & NE 44th Ave Portland, OR 97213 Free

Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to…

Editor's Pick

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Lents International Farmers Market

Southeast Portland, OR Free

Lents International Farmers Market opens on Sunday, June 5, 2022, and is open every Sunday through November 20, 2020. The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by…

Editor's Pick

Cultural Communities

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Lake of the Commons Free

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

Editor's Pick

Events

Fall

For Kids

Halloween

Weird

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022

Run Like Hell Marathon

Milwaukie Elks Lodge Cost Varies

Join in for this fun, family-friendly Halloween-themed event on Saturday, October 29th. Dress in costume and join in for a Half, 10k, or 5k run/walk. 2022 theme: retro video games. All distances will start and finish at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge and mostly run along the flat, fast and paved Trolley Trail. There is plenty…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Sports

Editor's Pick

Nov. 18–19, 2022

BrewLights

Oregon Zoo $55 – $65

Join the annual BrewLights, a ZooLights brew festival experience just for the 21-and-over crowd, with dozens of local beer vendors to sample. Enjoy local food carts and dance to live music. BrewLights tickets include a souvenir cup and ten beverage tastings throughout the zoo. Guests can sample over 100 beer, seltzer and cider options from…

Editor's Pick

Beer

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Nov. 21, 2022–Jan. 5, 2023

ZooLights

Oregon Zoo $21 – $29

Kids and adults agree: it wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland without a visit to ZooLights. In addition to the classic walk through a dazzling display of 1.5 million lights, you can bring your family and friends to explore the lights by car with a drive-through experience on select nights. Plus, enjoy delicious treats! From…

Editor's Pick

Exhibition

For Kids

Outdoors

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