Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

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Earth Day Portland features live music, food, kids’ activities and 100 local businesses.

Credit: Photo courtesy City Repair Project

Where to Celebrate Earth Day in Portland

Reconnect with Mother Nature at these parks, gardens and wildlife preserves.

Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

If Earth Day (April 22) could claim a capital, Portland would be a top contender. Thanks partly to locals’ passions for recycling, renewable energy, bicycle commuting and sustainably designed buildings, Portland routinely ranks as one of America’s greenest cities.

Having oodles of green space helps, too: More than 14,000 acres (5,666 ha) of parks and green spaces fill the city. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors this Earth Day, head to one of the locally beloved natural areas (and check out the list of upcoming Earth Day events) below.

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, a 26,000-acre (10,522 ha) island at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, is a federal wildlife preserve, and critter sightings are almost guaranteed. The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area provides sanctuary for more than 250 species of swans, herons, cranes, bald eagles and other animals. Other outdoor attractions include boating and kayaking; long, flat bicycling loops; and clothing-optional beaches.

Forest Park

Many choose to celebrate Earth Day by participating in Forest Park Conservancy’s annual Earth Day Oregon in Forest Park, the restoration of Portland’s backyard wilderness: Forest Park. This mammoth park attracts hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians with 70 miles of tree-shaded trails fanning out over 5,100 acres (2,064 ha). At the center of the action, the popular Wildwood Trail extends 26 miles (42 km) and conveniently connects trekkers to Washington Park, the historic Pittock Mansion and the Audubon Society of Portland. Best of all, this verdant retreat is only a few minutes from downtown Portland — and the nearest latte.

Washington Park

Accessible from downtown Portland via MAX light rail, Washington Park provides an array of family-friendly attractions perfect for Earth Day:

The 187-acre (75.7 ha) Hoyt Arboretum is home to more than 1,100 tree species — a lovely spot for an easy hike, as is the tranquil and meticulously maintained Portland Japanese Garden. Considered the most authentic, highly-ranked Japanese garden in North America, it’s a perfect place to quietly reflect on nature’s delicate beauty.

The nearby International Rose Test Garden, which boasts more than 10,000 rose plants in 500 varieties, and an unobstructed view of Mt. Hood offers visitors similar repose. The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum acts as an educational outpost for forest conservation, teaching visitors about different kinds of trees, habitats and forest sustainability.

Experience Nature Around Portland

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

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.

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.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Spend a day walking a lush, flower-filled canyon in Oregon’s only urban state park.

Wildlife Preserves

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

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.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Portland’s only state park, Tryon Creek lies just 15 minutes south of the city center. This 645-acre (261 ha) jewel includes 8 miles (13 km) of hiking trails, two horse trails and a 3-mile (5 km) paved bicycle path. To help maintain this natural area, people join the Friends of Tryon Creek for their annual Ivy Removal Volunteer Day where “eco crews” remove invasive plants and tidy the trails.

Join an Earth Day Clean-Up

Every Earth Day, SOLVE Oregon hosts an extensive lineup of clean-ups throughout the state, drawing thousands of volunteers who pick up trash, remove invasive weeds and plant native trees and shrubs in the state’s beloved outdoor spaces. Interested in participating in one of these clean-ups? Browse through SOLVE’s directory of dozens of Earth Day clean-ups and events happening in 2022 in Portland and beyond.

Get Outside

Celebrate all things outdoors with these natural areas and activities.

Go To Outdoors

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.

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.

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.