Parks
The variety of Portland’s parks ensures that there’s something for just about everyone, from the world’s smallest park (Mill Ends) to one of the largest urban natural areas in the country (Forest Park).
Portland aspired to be a city of parks starting in 1852. Those first parks (now known as the Plaza Blocks and South Park Blocks) were designed to help residents enjoy the simple things in life, and to steer them away from those darker ones that tempted good Portlanders (ahem, beer). These days, more than 12,500 acres of parks and open spaces in more than 250 locations house six public gardens, about 200 parks, five golf courses, and thousands of acres of urban forest.
True to the city’s nicknames, Rose City or City of Roses, the fragrant favorite is found at many of the area’s parks. There is no one official reason for the city’s moniker, but many suggested ones. The first known reference was in 1888 at an Episcopal Church convention. And though the first Rose Festival was held in 1907, the city did not officially take the nickname until 2003.
No one can say that Portlanders don't have a sense of humor, because there is no other way to explain how Mill Ends Park—the world’s smallest city park, according to Guinness World Records—has survived since 1948. What started out as a hole where a light pole was supposed to go became the darling of Dick Fagan, a local journalist whose office overlooked it. Visit the hole—we mean park—at S.W. Naito Parkway and Taylor Street.
Blue Lake Regional Park. This park in suburban Troutdale, the gateway to the Columbia Gorge, has a swimming beach and a water spray ground that's packed on hot summer days. You can also fish and rent small boats here. The disc golf course is gold level accredited and this is a great place for a hike on the surrounding trails or for a picnic. 21224 NE Blue Lake Rd., Fairview, Oregon, 97024. 503/797–1850; www.oregonmetro.gov/parks.
Cathedral Park. Whether it's the view of the imposing and stunning Gothic St. John's Bridge, which rises some 400 feet above the Willamette River, or the historic significance of Lewis and Clark having camped here in 1806, this 23-acre park is divine. Though there's no church, the park gets its name from the picturesque arches supporting the bridge. It's rumored that the ghost of a young girl haunts the bridge, and that may be true, but if you're told that it was designed by the same man who envisioned the Golden Gate Bridge, that's just a popular misconception. Dog lovers, or those who aren't, should take note of the off-leash area. N. Edison St. and Pittsburg Ave., North, Portland, Oregon, 97203. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Council Crest Park. The highest point in Portland, at 1,073 feet, this 43-acre bluff-top patch of greenery is a superb spot to take in sunsets and sunrises. Along with nearly 180-degree views of the Portland metro area, a clear day also affords views of the surrounding peaks—Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Rainier. A bronze fountain depicting a mother and child has been erected in the park twice; first in the 1950s and the second in the 1990s. The peaceful piece was stolen in the 1980s, uncovered in a narcotics bust 10 years later, and then returned to the park. Trails connect Council Crest with Marquam Nature Park and Washington Park. It's quite busy on weekends so visit on a weekday, if possible. 3400 Council Crest Dr., West Hills, Portland, Oregon, 97239. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Laurelhurst Park. Completed in 1914 by Emanuel Mische, who trained with the iconic Olmsted Brothers landscaping design firm, resplendent Laurelhurst Park's hundred-year-old trees and winding, elegant paths are evocative of another time, and may trigger an urge to don a parasol. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Laurelhurst offers plentiful trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, an off-leash area for dogs, a serene pond with ducks, and many sunny and shady picnic areas. Take a stroll around the large spring-fed pond and keep an eye out for blue heron, the city's official bird. On the south side of this 31-acre park is one of the busiest basketball courts in town. Though the park is always beautiful, it is especially so in fall. The trendy dining and café culture of East Burnside and 28th and Belmont Street are within walking distance. S.E. 39th Ave. and S.E. Stark St., Southeast, Portland, Oregon, 97214. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Marquam Nature Park. Itching to get a hike in but no time to get out of Portland? Just minutes from downtown are 193 acres of greenery and 5 miles of trails to explore. No playgrounds or dog parks here, just peace and quiet. Maps of trails that range from 1 to 3.5 miles—some of them quite steep—are available at the shelter at the base of the trails and on the Friends of Marquam Park website. The park's Marquam Trail connects to Council Crest Park and continues through Washington and Forest parks. SW Marquam St. and SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Homestead, Southwest, Portland, Oregon, 97239. www.fnmp.org.
Oaks Bottom Wild Refuge. Bring your binoculars, because birds are plentiful here; more than 400 species have been spotted, including hawks, quail, pintails, mallards, coots, woodpeckers, kestrels, widgeons, hummingbirds, and the sedately beautiful blue heron. The 140-acre refuge is a flood-plain wetland—rare because it is in the heart of the city. The hiking isn't too strenuous, but wear sturdy shoes, as it can get muddy; part of the park is on top of a landfill layered with soil. Southeast Portland's Springwater biking and pedestrian trail connects Oak Bottoms with downtown. SE 7th Ave. and SE Sellwood Ave., Sellwood, Southeast, Portland, Oregon, 97204. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Peninsula Park & Rose Garden. The "City of Roses" moniker started here, at this park that harks back to another time. The city's oldest (1912) public rose garden (and the only sunken one) houses about 5,000 plantings of roses. The daunting task of deadheading all these flowers is covered in classes taught to volunteers twice a season. The bandstand is a historic landmark, and the last of its kind in the city. This 16-acre North Portland park also contains a 100-year-old fountain, Italian villa–inspired community center, playground, wading pool, tennis and volleyball courts, and picnic tables. 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Piedmont, North, Portland, Oregon, 97217. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Sauvie Island. If it's a day to take advantage of gorgeous weather then drive about a half hour northwest of Downtown to Sauvie Island. The island has a wildlife refuge, three beaches (including Collins Beach, which is clothing-optional), superb biking and hiking trails, and several farms offering "u-pick" bounty. To get to the beaches, take U.S. 30 north to Sauvie Island bridge, and turn right; follow N.W. Sauvie Island Road to Reeder Road and follow signs. There's plenty of parking at the beaches, but a permit is required ($10 for a one-day permit, available at the general store at the base of the bridge). N.W. Sauvie Island Rd., Sauvie Island, Oregon, 97231. www.sauvieisland.org.
Sellwood Park. Nearly 8 acres of tall old pines make a visit here purely relaxing. A paved path circles the park and most of the action—ballpark, pool, football field, playground, and tennis court. Sellwood also sports a terrific location; Oaks Bottom Refuge, Oaks Amusement Park, and the Willamette River are nearby, and the Sellwood neighborhood has charming shops and restaurants, convenient for a takeout picnic. SE 7th Ave. and SE Miller St., Sellwood, Southeast, Portland, Oregon, 97202. www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Portland is chock-full of parks, but this is the only state park within city limits. And at 658 acres, there's plenty of room for all its admirers. The area was logged starting in the 1880s, and the natural regrowth has produced red alder, Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, and western red cedar, giving home to more than 50 bird species. The eastern edge has a paved trail, in addition to 15 miles of trails for bikes, hikers, and horses. Before heading to the trails, stop by the nature center to check out the exhibits and topographical relief map. 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd., Southwest, Portland, Oregon, 97219. 503/636–4398; www.tryonfriends.org. Daily 7 am–dusk, Nature Center 9–4.
