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 covered. Read on for our guides to getting outside, then head to our events calendar to find even more things to do outdoors in Portland.

Portland International Rose Test Garden

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

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.

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.

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.

Washington Park

Beyond big trees and picnic tables, Washington Park offers a zoo, two museums, gardens and more.

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.

Silver Falls State Park

Famous for its abundance of picturesque waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon at 9,200 acres (3723 hectares) and one of the most popular.

Mount Tabor Park

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

Where to Walk

In addition to Portland’s many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, your feet can take you to some fantastic places around town.

Head outside

$Portland\'s pet parents love hitting the trails in Forest Park.$

Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland

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

Hoyt Arboretum offers 12 miles of accessible hiking trails.

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

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

Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.

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.

Take in a tranquil sunrise at one of these Oregon parks and forests.

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.

Enjoy an autumnal walk along the Banks-Vernonia Trail.

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

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

$Oregon\'s famous Multnomah Falls is especially gorgeous when it\'s partially frozen.$

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms to downtown Waterfront Park.

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.

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.

Spend Spring Break in Portland

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

Enjoy a locally made picnic spread and a scenic view of the city.

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.

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.

$Visitors to Oregon\'s Fruit Loop can pick apples straight from the branch.$

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.

Snowshoeing on Mount Hood

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

Take a winter stroll through Irving Park in Northeast Portland.

Winter Walks in Portland

Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.

$Oregon\'s famous Multnomah Falls is especially gorgeous when it\'s partially frozen.$

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.

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.

Making the Outdoors Accessible to All

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

Let's go!

Yurt Camping Near Portland

Yurt camping near Portland offers a midway point between primitive camping and glamping with electricity, heating, windows and wooden floors.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Hood while camping at Trillium Lake.

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites located within an easy drive from the city.

$Portland\'s RV park offer amenities like heated pools, game room and fitness centers.$

RV Parks in and Near Portland

Whether you’re craving a woodland adventure, an urban exploration or just a great roadside view as you travel cross-country in your RV, Portland has it all – along with comfortable and convenient locations to park or set up camp.

Waterfowl at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife Preserves

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

Waterfowl 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.

$Make a new feathered friend at the Audubon Society\'s wildlife care center.$

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.

Enjoy unparalleled views of downtown Portland on a stand-up paddleboard.

Where to Stand-Up Paddle Board Around Portland

Find a fresh perspective on local waterways with these paddling classes, lake tours and even SUP yoga classes.

Kayakers paddle on the Willamette River near downtown Portland.

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.

Portlanders can cool off on a Willamette River beach in the summer.

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.

A raft plunges into Husum Falls on the White Salmon River.

Whitewater Rafting Near Portland

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

Spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool, clear waters of Punchbowl Falls.

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.

Double-tiered Latourell Falls is the waterfall closest to Portland.

Waterfalls Near Portland

Get your fill of natural wonders by visiting these waterfalls close to Portland.

The Clackamas River is a perfect coho fishing spot close to Portland.

Fishing near Portland

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

Nearby

Columbia County

Bird-watch on Scappoose Bay, cruise around on a path or exploring the historic community of St. Helens – Columbia County offers countless family-friendly activities.

Canceled

June 25–27, 2021

Festival of Balloons

Cook Park Prices Vary

Hot-air balloons take flight mere minutes from downtown Portland every summer.

Canceled

Events

Festivals

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

July 9–11, 2021

Oregon Country Fair

Virtual Ticket Prices Vary

Oregon Country Fair will be hosting Fair in the Clouds: A Virtual Event from July 9-11, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Delight in the Oregon Coutnry Fair’s world class entertainment, handmade crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises at every turn of the path. The Oregon Country Fair is nestled…

Editor's Pick

Festival

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Saturday, July 10, 2021

The Big Float

Tom McCall Waterfront Park $5-$175

Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Outdoors

Summer

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021

Bridge Pedal

Multiple locations $35-$70

The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on Portland’s car-free streets and bridges…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Aug. 27–28, 2021

Hood to Coast

Timberline Lodge

Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and walkers annually. The race fills up months in advance, but there’s no…

Editor's Pick

Health & Wellness

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

Water Lantern Festival

Laurelhurst Park Varies

Portland’s annual Water Lantern Festival is a beautiful experience where you’ll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water at Laurelhurst Park. This family-friendly event includes food trucks, pre-made floating lantern kits, markers, ascavenger hunt and more.

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021

Portland Marathon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park $99-$165

Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon is an excellent way to see a lot of Portland in one great run. The race starts and finishes at Waterfront Park, crossing four bridges and passing by some of the city’s most iconic…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Sports

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

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