THE 10 BEST Portland Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Portland
Category types
Nature & Parks
Awards
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.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
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 (66)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Northwest District
Scenic Drives • Valleys
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Northwest District
Hiking Trails
Northwest District
Parks • Gardens
Northwest District
…
Showing results 1-30 of 251
What travellers are saying
- Bridgette SwanMadison, WI63 contributionsThere are not enough words to describe my reaction, but I will say that this was my first experience with the history and encounter with a Japanese garden. Hence, I'm guessing this was the best place to begin outside of Japan. I left there feeling calm and contemplating the goodwill among humanity that started this all and seemed to continue, especially with the massive undertaking for the upkeep. Well done!!!Written 14 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Philip dUnited Kingdom187 contributionsThe gardens we still worthwhile seeing in late August, the gardens were well worth visiting. These 'Test Gardens' are very interesting. It was well worth seeing and quite interesting.Written 26 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- B4Travel2San Jose, CA319 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. - Nailah MKansas City, MO41 contributionsI didn't actually visit the mansion as I didn't have time. I had heard about the wonderful view overlooking the city and I wanted to experience it. The day I was able to visit was crystal clear and beautiful.
The mansion looks impressive with beautifully curated gardens. On my list for the next time I am in Portland.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dunori P3 contributionsVery nice with a utopian escape like feeling since it is in the middle of a metropolis but also somewhat pricey considering its size in my opinion.Written 27 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CountryGal5759Jackson, OH538 contributionsWe 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.Written 1 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Veronica O3 contributionsGreat place to see. Recommend. Worth of money. Would go again . It's well thought out. Enjoyed every second of it. Would revisit!Written 13 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,539 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 T290 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.
- Into the WoodsSan Francisco Bay Area, CA48 contributionsWonderful place for an easy nature outing during the heat of summer. At the visitor's center, we were given an abundance of information, and we chose the coniferous side of things to enjoy more shade.
Many families were here mid-morning on a Thursday, but parking was easy. We also saw folks waiting for the free loop shuttle that proceeds from here around Washington Park (which we've enjoyed on other days).
We often visit arboretums, botanical gardens, etc. when traveling. Some are vast, some are well-endowed... The city of Portland has been a hot mess for several years, but this place is an oasis of long-term planning, stewardship, and simple beauty.Written 13 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - beetcannerSouthern Nevada732 contributionsIf you love Rhodies and Azaleas, this is the place to be in early May, around Mother's Day. Well kept paths and landscaping plus lovely views of the lake. This is a garden to savor and sit on a bench to gather your thoughts. Highly photogenic.Written 13 May 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.
- 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. - Thomas VOakland, CA17,539 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, UK882 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.
