From waterfall hikes to secluded beaches, Oregon is an explorer’s paradise. While we love to hop in the car and drive to a quiet spot in the wilderness, you don’t always have to go far from the hustle and bustle of the city to find incredible outdoor spaces. Here’s a park right in Oregon’s largest city that is so large that it will take you weeks to explore all of it!
Washington Park is nestled right in the heart of Portland, but you'll feel miles away from the city in this special place. You'll find it at 4033 Southwest Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221.
The park includes so many attractions that it would take you weeks just to see them all — and you can come back over and over again to explore every inch of this 412-acre place.
With 15 miles of hiking trails, an arboretum, rose garden, Japanese garden, children's museum, zoo, forestry center, and countless public spaces, you'll never get bored here.
Photographers and nature lovers will want to spend all day at Hoyt Arboretum.
The arboretum is beautiful year-round!
Take a stroll along 12 miles of tree-lined trails, and feast your eyes on 2,000 species of trees and plants. Make sure to check out the visitor center to learn more about the plants and animals who live here. It's free to visit! The grounds are open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitor Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The International Rose Test Garden is a fairy tale place in the park.
You'll definitely want to stop and smell the roses here. With more than 650 varieties it will take a long time to see them all, but what a sight to see!
The terrace is a popular spot to read, relax, or enjoy a picnic.
The International Rose Test Garden is free to visit, and is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stop by for a free tour every day at 1 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Enjoy hours of quiet serenity at the Portland Japanese Garden.
With eight different areas that feature waterfalls, walkways, and cultural demonstrations, you'll fall in love with this special place.
Hours vary, depending on the season. There is an admission fee to enter the Japanese gardens.
Say hello to all the animals at Oregon Zoo.
There are more than 2,000 animals at the zoo, and if you haven't been recently, you've got to visit. The zoo has been undergoing a $125 million renovation since 2008, adding new enclosures, habitats, and upgrades to transform more than 40 percent of the property. The zoo is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
Don't miss Zoo Lights during the holiday season!
It's hard to pass up the 1.5 million twinkling lights at the zoo from November 21st through January 5th.
Click here to read our recent feature article about Zoo Lights.
Let the kids burn off a little energy at the Children's Playground.
Kids will love this shady playground with slides, swings, and a huge sandbox. It's also ADA-accessible, so every child can play.
Improve your skills at the archery range.
Bring your bow — the archery range is free! It's a beautiful place to practice, and it's open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Every day is a great day at the Portland Children's Museum.
Just set aside the entire day for this play space, because you'll have a hard time tearing your kids away.
The museum is full of hands-on fun, from the Treehouse Adventure to the Maker Studio. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out the World Forestry Center; a unique museum where you'll learn about the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and others all over the world.
This museum has all kinds of adventures, from river rafting to hands-on exhibits.
The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is just $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for kids.
What’s your favorite attraction at Washington Park? We’d love to see your comments!
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