Washington Park
Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
Washington Park is an urban park that includes the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Children’s Museum, Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, amphitheater, memorials, archery range, tennis courts, soccer field, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art and many acres of tranquil wild forest with miles of trails for hiking. It’s easily accessible via either car or Max from downtown.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
Easily accessible to downtown, Tom McCall Waterfront Park runs adjacent to the Willamette River and is often bustling with joggers, cyclists, picnickers, and others who want to enjoy the fresh air and the water. You definitely do not want to miss it in the spring, when the park’s numerous cherry trees absolutely explode with blossoms — it’s a sight to behold.
International Rose Test Garden
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Located in Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is home to over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties. Visit between April and October to see the blooms, with the peak happening around June. Take a peaceful and fragrant stroll through the rows and forget your cares, enjoy the unbeatable skyline view, or snap some amazing floral selfies.
Portland Japanese Garden
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Tucked into the scenic West Hills of Portland, above Washington Park and near the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty. Proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the 5.5-acre space includes an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.
Laurelhurst Park
Address: SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
Laurelhurst Park is a peaceful, wooded, 26.81-acre city park in Southeast Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood. A paved walk runs around the perimeter of the park, perfect for walkers and joggers, and a large, grassy expanse is ideal for picnics and kids. Arguably the park’s most popular feature is the duck pond, with a resident cast of ducks, geese, fish and turtles.
Multnomah Falls
53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
At 620 feet (189 m), Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall. Located just 30 miles east of downtown along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the cascade offers both wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms and steep hiking trails that lead all the way to the top. Fed by rainwater and snowmelt, the falls’ steady stream runs year-round. Whether you climb to the top or peer up from the bottom, dress warmly and wear shoes with traction, because the waterfall’s spray makes the entire area cool and slick.