THE 10 BEST Portland Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Portland
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Nature & Parks
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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251 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (63)
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Northwest District
Zoos • Parks
Northwest District
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Scenic Drives • Valleys
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Northwest District
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Hiking Trails
Northwest District
Parks • Gardens
Northwest District
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What travellers are saying
- luvthecarribean!Saint Cloud, MN276 contributionsBesides hiking, this was my favorite activity in Portland while I was there visiting. The garden is huge, having 5 separate gardens each with a unique style. Definitely do the free tour you can sign up for online. It adds 100x more to it than viewing the gardens without. My volunteer tour guide was Michael, who did an amazing job. We had a few blind women on the tour and he gave incredibly vivid descriptions of the gardens and the walking paths for them. Great information! Beautiful oasis.
Btw, if you decide to visit the Lan Su Chinese garden, do it first otherwise it will be underwhelming compared to the Japanese garden.Written 21 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SteveK28762Worcestershire, UK132 contributionsWhat a lovely place to wander around, either briefly just to appreciate the gardens, or you could spend ages finding out about all of the different roses being grown. There are hundreds of different roses in every colour imaginable, laid out and maintained beautifully.
A really nice place to spend some relaxing time. Personally I could have done without the buskers though.
Note: There are various car parks within Washington Park. The one closest to the Rose Garden is very small but a parking ticket covers all of them, so you can move around.Written 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - B4Travel2San Jose, CA322 contributionsThe Grotto is a beautiful sanctuary owned by the Catholic Church, but open to everyone. It is an oasis of lush gardens, walking trails, a beautiful glass-walled chapel with a view overlooking the mountains, trees, and vistas. They hold a Saint Peregrine Mass, as St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of cancer and life-threatening illnesses, and people often go to these masses that are looking for solace, peace, spiritual healing, and support. We first heard of it from my uncle who was battling cancer.
When visiting relatives from out of state, we came here to look around. We came in December, so it was cold. At night they have a Festival of Lights, but the group I was with were all too cold to want to stay at night. In December, they also had a life-sized nativity scene outside, in front of the rocks.
It just all gives a sense of beauty and peace, and is a great place to go if you are needing some quiet introspection, want to have a peaceful walk, meditate, or, if battling an illness and want to attend the masses, to feel some uplifiting support. There was even a proposal happening, with flower petals strewn into the shape of a large heart while we were there, as the ambience is so serene.
People travel from far distances to visit the Grotto. It gives you a sense of peace, serenity, and nature. It is good for the soul.Written 16 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sara G.Saint Louis, MO771 contributionsThe Pittock Mansion, once home to publisher Henry Pittock, is a beautiful mansion and property in Portland. This historic estate has early 20th-century architecture and history on the Pittock family's legacy. The real highlight, though, is the panoramic view—it’s one of the best spots to take in the entire city of Portland. A perfect mix of history, beauty, and breathtaking scenery! So much history here.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- luvthecarribean!Saint Cloud, MN276 contributionsWorth it only if you have a history of Chinese culture or you take the free guided tour. Highly recommend the guided tour. Lucinda does a wonderful job!!
On the other hand, this garden oasis is surrounded by the homeless and a super sketchy area. You actually have to get buzzed in (security gate) by the Garden staff. As a solo woman traveler, I made it there from downtown, but was definitely not prepared to head back the same way alone. It truly freaked me out.Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WymeswoldOFBLoughborough, UK404 contributionsNice relaxing trails through woodlands, with a very impressive rose garden and some good views over the city. Pleasant way to get away from traffic.Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Guybrush T6 contributionsThe Oregon Zoo is an absolute gem! The layout is incredibly well thought out, making it easy to navigate while offering a natural flow from exhibit to exhibit. The design is not only beautiful but also feels immersive, allowing you to enjoy every part of the experience without feeling overwhelmed. The staff? Top-notch. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly well-trained. Every interaction was a pleasure, and you can tell they genuinely care about both the animals and the guests. An unforgettable visit that we’ll be recommending to everyone!Written 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,731 contributionsSome extraordinarily beautiful countryside in this agricultural valley noted for excellent wines. We stopped at one simple winery for a good tasting and noted that there were several guest houses nearby. Close to the city.Written 29 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew T299 contributionsThis is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7Written 16 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO771 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dorcas KSunnyvale, California196 contributionsA delightful park / garden. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I walked all around and soaked in the beauty, calm, peace and quiet. A very sweet place and I’ll visit again.Written 24 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wendi W15 contributionsAmazing park with forest trails and perfect for sunset! Come on the sunny day and you’ll have such a great time. Bring a blanket and have a picnic or just sit and relax!Written 9 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,731 contributionsDuring our few days in town, we wandered about quite a bit. One of the places we discovered was this very big and pretty park on the river and near downtown. Lots of people out on a sunny day.Written 3 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FiftyFifty5050Montgomery, UK897 contributionsWe have been staying near Laurelhurst Park for the past week, with dogs to look after and so, two to three times a day, I have walking the paths and grassy areas within the park with my charge.
I love this space, the city are spot on with the balance between a managed park and a natural environment. It is situated in a dip, with layers of paths following the circumference of the park, and then offshoots crossing the centre. From one side you enter level with the street but, on the other, there is a slope to navigate, and a tier of red brick steps take you all the way from the top to the bottom, with small paths leading off at various stages on the way down.
In the centre is an off-leash area for dogs, which is well used and despite the number of dogs and their owners who use the facilities, there are still a large number of squirrels, birds and, of course, ducks on the pond.
The pond has seating overlooking it and is home to a healthy duck population. The water is an unusual colour, almost teal, like the colour on the head of a male mallard, this becomes almost ethereal at twilight and during the golden hour.
Trees are super tall, giving the feeling of space. There are plaques underneath some trees to give visitors information and you can also find out about all the trees on information boards or by visiting the website of the park - I don't pretend to be an expert on trees by any means, but there are London Plane, Douglas Fir and Sequoia to name a few.
A Horse Shoe Pit is temporarily closed, but there is a skateboard park, a children's play area and tennis courts at one side of the park; and picnic benches abound, either single of long rows of them - you could have a soccer match (there isn't a pitch by the way) and seat both teams on either side of one long bench for a picnic after the game.
Toilet are provided on both sides of the park and water fountains are dotted around. Plenty of rubbish (trash) bins also.
The park is well used by locals and, on our Saturday morning walk, we came across a Tai Chi group going through their movements, a couple of walking groups chatting whilst they walked, cyclists, dog walkers, runners and lots of people just out for a stroll. Of an evening in the week, after work, a little warmth and sunshine brings people out to sit on the grass and chat.
There is plenty of colour provided by rose bushes, peonies and a multitude of flowers which, again, I can't name, but can appreciate. I did notice the first daffodils in bloom this morning.
A really wonderful resource for the community.Written 2 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Putnam BSeattle, WA90 contributionsA large park with many facilities - a playground, a swimming pool, wooded areas and lawns. Plus, of course, a large and well-tended rose garden surrounded by a walking path at a higher level making the whole array of roses visible at once. Closer inspection is also possible by walking down the stairs or a wheelchair ramp.
From the name, you might expect it to front on the Columbia or the Willamette River, but it is in fact surrounded by a city neighborhood and obviously popular with nearby residents.Written 29 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
