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.

stairs up a hillside covered in bright blooms of flowers and fresh spring growth on trees

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.

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.

$A wooden sign reading \"Mill Ends Park Portland Parks & Recreation\" stands on a concrete ring enclosing a small planter filled with an evergreen bush and light green grass$

Mill Ends Park

Located in downtown Portland, the world’s smallest park is kind of a big deal. The stories of how Mill Ends Park came to be hold a big surprise for 452 square inches.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

person walking among tall evergreen trees in a wooden trail

Soft Hiking in Portland

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

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.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

two people enjoy a picnic beneath a tree 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 delicious grab-and-go eats and scenic spots for a feast.

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.

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 wearing a life jacket pilots a stand-up paddleboard in a river while a second person in the water looks 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

Ongoing

Piano Push Play

Citywide

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

Editor's Pick

Events

Music

Summer

Weird

Editor's Pick

Sept. 2–Oct. 31, 2023

The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch $8 – $10

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

Aug. 2–Sept. 30, 2023

Dahlia Festival

Swan Island Dahlias Free

Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pick out and order your favorite dahlias for Spring delivery and planting. Purchase…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Sept. 28–30, 2023

O- Tsukimi, The Moonviewing Festival

Portland Japanese Garden $65

Moonviewing, or O-Tsukimi in Japanese, is the custom of gazing at the full moon and enjoying its sacred beauty. Portland Japanese Garden schedules this beloved annual tradition to coincide with the harvest moon from September to early October. During Moonviewing, people gather to appreciate the moon’s beauty and pray for good fortune and an abundant…

Editor's Pick

Cultural Communities

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sept. 28–30, 2023

O-Tsukimi Moon Viewing Festival

Portland Japanese Garden $50 – $65

Editor's Pick

Cultural Communities

Exhibition

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sept. 1–30, 2023

Chapman Swift Watch

Chapman Elementary School Free

Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.

Editor's Pick

Attractions

Events

Fall

Outdoors

Weird

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

McMenamins Edgefield Prices Vary

With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.

Editor's Pick

Events

Music

Summer

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Hollywood Farmers Market

Hollywood Farmers Market 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

Rocky Butte Farmers Market

Mannahouse Church parking lot at the base of Rocky Butte Free

Rocky Butte Farmers Market, an iconic urban neighborhood market featuring affordable locally grown foods and artisan products, weekly children's activities, live entertainment, and a dog-friendly, energetic block party vibe, is back for the 2023 Season. The market's goal is to lower barriers to market participation for beginning and under-represented vendors and to strengthen connections within…

Editor's Pick

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023

Dogtoberfest

Lucky Lab Brew Pub

Celebrate the fall with a day full of pampering and dog-friendly activities at the annual Dogtoberfest – Portland’s pet-friendliest Oktoberfest party and biggest dog wash. Enjoy music, food, beer–including a special brew made just for DoveLewis–and pet-loving vendors, all while your pup receives a wash and nail trim. Donations and proceeds from the event go…

Editor's Pick

Beer

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023

Portland Marathon

Tom McCall Waterfront Park Cost Varies

The fast and beautiful Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health is the best way to experience the Rose City. With four epic bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town, the Portland Marathon, presented by OHSU Health, offers the most unique race…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Sports

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Lents International Farmers Market

Lents International Farmers Market Free

Lents International Farmers Market opens on Sunday, June 4, 2023, and is open every Sunday through November 19, 2023. 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

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

Hood River Hops Fest

The Columbia Lot $10 – $35

The Hood River Hops Fest returns for its 19th year, celebrating the fresh-hopped beers of this beloved region. Awarded silver medal for best beer festival from the Willamette Week, Oregon Beer Awards, the Hood River Hops Fest is an annual celebration of beer’s bitter friend, freshly harvested hops. World-renowned hop-growing regions surround Hood River County,…

Editor's Pick

Beer

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Oct. 13–15, 2023

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

Hood River Event Site $0 – $20

The valley’s best farms and orchards bring their bounty to Hood River Harvest Fest with stands full of produce, giant displays of apples, pears, squash, raw honey, beautiful flowers, local plants, herbs, and more. Stock up for the season with basketfuls this autumn’s harvest. The artists and makers you will find at Hood River Harvest…

Editor's Pick

Festival

Food & Drink

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Oct. 21–22, 2023

Matsutake Hunting at the Oregon Coast

Japanese American Museum of Oregon $50

Join fellow Friends of JAMO on a field trip to hunt and gather matsutake mushrooms on the Oregon Coast. Trip Details: Meet at Adobe Resort in Yachats on Saturday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.The event fee covers orientation, guided mushroom collecting in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Saturday dinner, and Sunday breakfast. Participants are responsible…

Editor's Pick

Cultural Communities

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023

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. 28, 2023

Run Like Hell Half Marathon

Milwaukie Elks Lodge Cost Varies

Join in for this fun, family-friendly, Halloween-themed event on Saturday, October 28. Dress in costume and join in for a Half, 10k, or 5k run/walk. 2023 theme: Saturday Night Live. Come dressed as your favorite character from the iconic tv show. This event is fun for the whole family, with live music, a costume contest,…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Sports

Editor's Pick

Oct. 28–29, 2023

Howloween

Oregon Zoo Free with admission

The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this Halloween tradition, where costumed trick-or-treaters learn about healthy habitats for wildlife with engaging activities throughout the zoo. Complimentary treat bags are available for participants. In keeping with the zoo's mission, all the treats come from companies that are committed to using deforestation-free palm oil. Bring…

Editor's Pick

Festival

For Kids

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Nov. 17–Dec. 31, 2023

Silverton Christmas Market

The Oregon Garden $0 – $20

Join an awe-inspiring light display and market at the Oregon Garden Resort. This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. Visit…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

Portland’s Tree Lighting will be live in person at Pioneer Courthouse Square the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th. Featuring a joyful sing-along with Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale from Pink Martini, local musicians and chorale singers, this event is the highlight of the holiday season downtown. Join in the celebration as Santa Claus flips the…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Was this page helpful?