Washington Park
Washington Park
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
This popular park offers miles of trails, an extensive rose garden, a large Japanese garden and a zoo. For information on free shuttles, attraction admission hours and pricing within the park, and maps, visit our website.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Northwest District
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1,381 within 5 kms
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599 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,003 contributionsHuge park above PortlandWashington park is located on a small hill in the western suburbs of Portland. Its elevated position offers some nice viewpoints over downtown, but there're many things to do as well: Japanese gardens (paying), Rose gardens (free), Holocaust memorial, many walking and cycling paths, etc... Parking could be difficult to find, specially on a nice sunny day and it's paying. Beware of leaving valuables visible in your car, there're many warning signs of car robbery.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 May 2024
- TennisStar602New Jersey714 contributionsWashington Park might as well be Portland‘s version of Central Park.My friends and I explored this park, and we especially enjoyed our tour of the International Rose Test Center. It was free to enter this park, but this park had only metered parking. I parked just outside of this park, and I was able to get free parking for the daylight hours. I saw many tennis courts and rosebushes. The Japanese Garden had an admission fee, so we did not go there. I even caught a small glimpse of the Portland skyline. This park had a restroom, a food truck, and a gift shop.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2024
- platpeepsBirmingham, United Kingdom615 contributionswashington Park, Portland OregonAbsolutely delightful open park space - we had probably visited a bit too early for the full display of roses in the rose garden, but it was looking wonderful despite being a bit early in the season! A wonderful stop off after a long drive from our previous desitination. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place. We loved the small Holocaust memorial garden. Just delightful, a real "oasis"!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 August 2024
- CountryGal5759Jackson, Ohio546 contributionsBeautiful Rose GardensWe found the park by chance on our way to the Portland Japanese Gardens. The aroma was unforgettable. We smelled the roses before we entered the park. So many beautiful roses overlooking the city. So beautifully maintained. Wish we would have gone here and skipped the entrance fee for the japanese gardens. We actually spent more time here and enjoyed the free park more than the Japanese Gardens.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 September 2024
- NeoWasHereFrederick, Maryland3,937 contributionsGet yourself lost into nature's beauty in an escape from life's troublesParking is a nightmare at this park. What is supposed to be a 6 minute drive from where we started, it took about an hour to get to and find a place to park. Drivers grind to a halt on SW Kingston Avenue where you will eventually pass perfectly good parking lots that are all full, then more parking spots all full, pass public restrooms that you need to use but can't because there is nowhere to park, playgrounds for kids but you can't use since you can't park, and then right before a monstrosity of a construction site of some reservoir, you may be able to find a parking spot like we did. After contributing $4.60 to the City of Portland through something called Parking Kitty, the long hiking journey began uphill and eventually on a trail that led to an empty amphitheater. More restrooms were found, but those ones were closed for some reason. Lovely. You can just hold it and like it. After all, there's beautiful roses in high bloom since it was June. Ooh, pretty! That'll keep your mind off of things. Then, if you can somehow manage to get through the wall of tennis courts, eventually one may finally find the Portland Japanese Garden. I don't know who designed this park, but those tennis courts are just in the way. Maybe, move them further away and provide more parking next to the attractions people come here to see would be a good idea. Is there any common sense left in the world?! Anyways, the roses were beautiful and the garden peaceful. I love the sound of nature and waterfalls. Nature's beauty far surpass any of these other nuisances.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 November 2024
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,576 reviews
Excellent
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Poor
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3
Jim W.
Atlanta, GA1,355 contributions
Jul 2022
To be clear, this review is for the park as a whole, while the constituent parts that we also visited within the park (the Hoyt Arboretum and the International Rose Test Garden) are reviewed separately.
This is a sprawling park built into the hills on the northwest edge of Portland. It is easily accessed from downtown or via I-5. In addition to the attractions noted above, the park also has a Japanese Garden (which had a long line and an entrance fee of around $15 per person) as well as the Portland area zoo. We did not tour either of those places. They had a number of tennis courts near the gardens as well.
The park also features at least one (probably more than one) children's playground and some memorials for some groups (veterans, etc.).
The biggest issue we had with this spot was parking. We had read that it gets crowded on weekends, so we visited on a Monday afternoon. It seemed pretty crowded then too, honestly! We tried to park at the Rose Garden, but the nearest spot we could find was over 1/4 mile down the hill. You also pay to park here (either via an app or entering your license plate at a kiosk). So once we did park, we didn't want to move the car to see another area as we were not sure if we'd find another space and we'd have to pay again.
The solution was to take the park shuttle bus, which runs every 20 or so minutes, I think (there are at least 2 buses making the loop). This was a great way to get from the Rose Garden to the Arboretum. Had we not already been tired after hiking there (plus prior hikes that day), it would probably have been an easy downhill 1+ mile walk back to our car. We instead rode the bus back. At least two areas of the park offer good views of mountains in the distance.
If I returned here, I'd probably try to arrive in the morning in hopes of finding a better parking space.
This is a sprawling park built into the hills on the northwest edge of Portland. It is easily accessed from downtown or via I-5. In addition to the attractions noted above, the park also has a Japanese Garden (which had a long line and an entrance fee of around $15 per person) as well as the Portland area zoo. We did not tour either of those places. They had a number of tennis courts near the gardens as well.
The park also features at least one (probably more than one) children's playground and some memorials for some groups (veterans, etc.).
The biggest issue we had with this spot was parking. We had read that it gets crowded on weekends, so we visited on a Monday afternoon. It seemed pretty crowded then too, honestly! We tried to park at the Rose Garden, but the nearest spot we could find was over 1/4 mile down the hill. You also pay to park here (either via an app or entering your license plate at a kiosk). So once we did park, we didn't want to move the car to see another area as we were not sure if we'd find another space and we'd have to pay again.
The solution was to take the park shuttle bus, which runs every 20 or so minutes, I think (there are at least 2 buses making the loop). This was a great way to get from the Rose Garden to the Arboretum. Had we not already been tired after hiking there (plus prior hikes that day), it would probably have been an easy downhill 1+ mile walk back to our car. We instead rode the bus back. At least two areas of the park offer good views of mountains in the distance.
If I returned here, I'd probably try to arrive in the morning in hopes of finding a better parking space.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solo traveler
38 contributions
Apr 2022
After finding that none of the local tour groups were running half day tours yet - too early in the spring - we decided to see what we could reach via local transit. We were staying downtown just a few blocks from a red line (tram) station. So we bought one day passes for $5 and headed out to Washington Park. The tram was easy to use despite slightly confusing directions from the front desk staff. The sidewalk stops are referred to as 'stations' even if there it's just a curb side stop. And not all stations have a kiosk to purchase the required ticket to board the trams.
We enjoyed riding through the city because we were able to see several different neighborhoods on our way to Washington Park. The stop for Washington Park is in an underground station. There is an elevator to take you to street level. We had read that there was a free shuttle to take you around the Park. We exited the station and were facing the Discovery Museum across the road. From that spot there were no signs indicating where to catch the shuttle. You have to go around the the side of the station building to see that the shuttle picks up there -every 15 minutes when we visited.
The shuttle arrived and we boarded along with 5 or 6 passengers. The ride through the park nice and it takes you near many of the sites in the park rose garden, Japanese garden, memorials, etc. It's a hop on hop off shuttle making all of the stops on each circuit.
We enjoyed riding through the city because we were able to see several different neighborhoods on our way to Washington Park. The stop for Washington Park is in an underground station. There is an elevator to take you to street level. We had read that there was a free shuttle to take you around the Park. We exited the station and were facing the Discovery Museum across the road. From that spot there were no signs indicating where to catch the shuttle. You have to go around the the side of the station building to see that the shuttle picks up there -every 15 minutes when we visited.
The shuttle arrived and we boarded along with 5 or 6 passengers. The ride through the park nice and it takes you near many of the sites in the park rose garden, Japanese garden, memorials, etc. It's a hop on hop off shuttle making all of the stops on each circuit.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
imrico
413 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a very nice area, with some great trails. This isn't a deep in the woods type of area and at times you can hear traffic surrounding, that's the only bad part. But the trails are nice and its close to the zoo, Japanese gardens and few memorials. Definitely a great place to visit for multiple things to do.
PRO TIP - So when I visited we had rented a car, and paid for parking near the zoo. If you're going to just walk the trails drive and find parking next to a trail's entrance for FREE.
PRO TIP - So when I visited we had rented a car, and paid for parking near the zoo. If you're going to just walk the trails drive and find parking next to a trail's entrance for FREE.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelHawks
Bainbridge Island, WA488 contributions
Sept 2021
How did we miss this Portland treasure? Okay, we did take our kids when they were little to the Children's Museum in Washington Park. And we attended a reception a couple of decades ago at the nearby Pittock Mansion. But how did we miss the outdoor Hoyt Arboretum, the remarkable variety of trees and all the trails to hike? The outdoor Vietnam Memorial alone is worth the visit. Laid out in circular fashion with nuggets of history for each year of the war throughout is fantastic! Both moving and informative it is worth taking time to read it all. The trails are just incredible and it's right of the MAX, and walkable from downtown. Shame on us; we will be back!
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb B
Red Oak, IA37 contributions
Jul 2021
Spent one day at the zoo and another walking around the International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum. If we had more time, we would have visited a few more of the attractions. We arrived using the TriMet MAX and on the second day took advantage of the free shuttle to take us to the different sites. We ate lunch at the zoo and that was a tasty meal at the Africafe. Enjoyable walking tours on both days.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiker-7
Sacramento CA154 contributions
May 2019
We hiked around the park with a friend from out of town. The park is beautiful and a safe place for a hike. You can walk for 30 minutes or many many hours depending on the route(s) you choose. A variety of habitats from woodlands to more open meadows attract a variety of birds. Early morning is best for bird watching. Always a good place to get some exercise.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy C
Atlanta, GA948 contributions
Aug 2023
One of the Portland highlights - make sure to visit the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum. Highly recommended. Given the cost of the parking within Washington Park, I suggest either taking mass transit or parking outside of the park and walking inside.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicks J
Edinburgh, UK47 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I absolutely loved my morning spent here. It’s walkable from the centre of Portland and is beautifully laid out, and very well sign posted. The Rose Garden is just stunning; the Holocaust Memorial is so very moving and the Sacajawea Statue is beautiful.
Well worth a visit.
Well worth a visit.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary W
Richmond, Australia865 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Had a lovely walk through Washington Park. It is quite a steep walk but well worth the exercise. Highlights include the Holocaust memorial which is extremely tasteful, the Japanese Gardens and the squirrels. Lots of paved walkways and a good spot for e-scooters.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllenChr
Oslo, Norway2,612 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
If you visit Portland be sure to visit the park. We took the tram from the center and when we came up from the station there is a free shuttle that takes you all around the park so you can hop-on-hop-off wherever you want. As the park is pretty big this is a nice option. It’s also great just to walk if you are in shape. We walked back down to town which was fine. The rose garden is fantastic (and free), the different monuments are worth a look. We did not enter the Japanese garden (long queue and high price).
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time should i allocate for Washington park? For a no rush stroll through the Japanese garden..rose garden etc?
Written 7 May 2019
Give yourself a whole hour or more for the Japanese Garden. Walk slowly. Take it all in. It's supposed to be serene, and being on a timeline messes with that.
The park itself is huge, so maybe set at least a half day aside if you can hang with nature.
Written 8 May 2019
Is there a restaurant in the park for eating lunch?
Written 4 February 2019
Ditto what others have said. There was a “hot dog” cart when we were there too. And take the free bus around the park to minimize the walking necessary. Have fun and check out the Roses!!!
Written 6 February 2019
Is there a big bike trail to ride around the park before it opens ?
Written 8 October 2017
No specific bike trails, but there are plenty of bikers on the winding roads through the park. Check out the park map.
Written 9 October 2017
Is "the Zoo" that they refer to the actual Oregon Zoo? Its confusing to me when I read the reviews about Washington Park....
Written 17 August 2017
Yes it is.
Plan for some congestion and parking challenges on weekends
Written 17 August 2017
How best to get to Washington Park from MAX red line.
Written 25 July 2017
The Red line...avoid the parking morass (not always) and park elsewhere...Downtown, the burbs wherever any max line is...
Written 5 February 2019
We are from Brazil.
Is it easy to park at Washington Park on Sunday ?
Written 11 July 2017
My kids and I will be in Portland for just an afternoon and evening, and I had the Japanese Garden on our agenda. Then found out it's actually located in Washington Park where several other places to see are located, too, like the children's museum, zoo, etc. Is everything located so far apart that we'd need to drive and park at the different locations, or do we park in one location and just walk to the locations we want to go?
Written 16 July 2016
P.S. The walk from the parking area to the top @ the Japanese Garden is steep. If your children are small-young or you have a stroller, suggest you use the shuttle, which is well scheduled.
Written 16 July 2016
Flying into to Portland sept 24th we have reservations for a place in Newport starting on the 25th not sure what to do or stay on the 24th I've only been to Oregon once and that was over in Bend so first time in Portland and Newport any suggestions as to what city to stay in on the 24th stay in Portland for the night or drive to Newport I would love to see the beauty of Oregon. Just me and my husband. Any suggestions on what to do, stay
Written 23 June 2016
I agree with Dan D. - it depends on your preferences. We enjoy staying in NW Portland in the Pearl District, because of the restaurants and accessibility to Washington Park. It's all so close you can hike then walk to lunch when you're done. We've been known to put on 10 miles without alot of effort. If you like the river, try staying by the waterfront. The Saturday market is always fun and there are loads of restaurants nearby. We usually stay at te Hilton as it's close to the river and shopping. If in the Pearl, we choose something that area. Transportation around the city is easy. No need for a car.
Written 9 July 2016
HI, is there any food available in the park? If so, where? Also, which areas such as the Rose Garden and Japanese require tickets/payment? Or is there an admission just to get into the park. I'm confused; not finding good information on the website. Thanks so much to anyone who can help.
Written 3 April 2016
I didn't pay anything but we just walked around. There are several indoor spots that may have food but I didn't go into them I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
Written 4 April 2016
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