Portland Parks offer some of the most scenic and diverse outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and exploration. With 12,591 acres of public parkland and open space, including 10,000 acres managed by Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R), the city is truly a haven for nature lovers. For newcomers and those moving to Portland, the abundance of parks, gardens, and natural spaces ensures there’s always something new to explore, from urban greenspaces to sprawling forests and scenic coastal destinations.

Portland’s Park System and Green Spaces

Portland is home to an impressive range of parks, including 6 public gardens, 25 community gardens, 35 community parks, 5 golf courses, 47 habitat parks, 98 neighborhood parks, 12 regional parks, 12 urban parks, and thousands of acres of urban forest. In addition to the city’s extensive park network, Oregon boasts 153 state parks, 7 state forests, 16 national forests, and 19 national wildlife refuges, making it one of the most outdoor-friendly states in the country.

Must-Visit Portland Parks

Mt. Tabor Park
SE Salmon Way
Portland, OR 97215
503-823-2525
www.taborfriends.org

Built atop a volcanic cinder cone, Mt. Tabor Park offers stunning views of the city, winding trails, and peaceful picnic areas. With two open-water reservoirs, this 190-acre park provides a serene retreat from the bustling streets of Portland. It is also home to the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby, an annual event drawing both racers and spectators for a day of fun.

Washington Park
1715 SW Skyline Boulevard
Portland, OR 97221
503-823-2525
www.washingtonparkpdx.org

Located just minutes from downtown, Washington Park spans 400 acres and features some of Portland’s top attractions, including:

• Portland Japanese Garden
• Oregon Zoo
• Hoyt Arboretum
• International Rose Test Garden
• World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

A must-visit for newcomers, Washington Park provides both nature and culture in one incredible setting.

Forest Park
Portland, OR 97231
503-823-4492
www.forestparkconservancy.org

Covering 5,100 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. It features more than 80 miles of trails, including the 27-mile Wildwood Trail, making it a prime destination for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.

Mill Ends Park
SW Taylor Street
Portland, OR 97204
www.portland.gov/parks/mill-ends-park

Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest park in the world, Mill Ends Park is just two feet in diameter. While small in size, it’s a charming symbol of Portland’s quirky and fun-loving nature.

Beyond Portland: Scenic Oregon Parks

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
541-308-1700
www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa

With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, the Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking landscape of cliffs, rivers, and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing, or simply take in the stunning sights at Multnomah Falls and Vista House at Crown Point.

Ecola State Park
84318 Ecola State Park Road
Cannon Beach, OR 97110
800-551-6949
www.oregonstateparks.org

Situated on nine miles of pristine Oregon coastline, Ecola State Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the famous Haystack Rock, and winding trails through forested headlands.

Smith Rock State Park
Terrebonne, OR 97760
800-551-6949
www.smithrock.com/the-park

One of the best rock climbing destinations in the world, Smith Rock features over 650 acres of dramatic, rugged terrain with some of the toughest climbing routes. It also offers hiking, mountain biking, and camping for those who prefer to stay on the ground.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Kimberly, OR 97848
541-987-2333
www.nps.gov/joda

Known for its colorful rock formations and fossil-rich landscapes, the John Day Fossil Beds offer a fascinating glimpse into Oregon’s prehistoric past. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and paleontology exhibits at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.

Silver Falls State Park
Silverton, OR 97381
800-551-6949
www.stateparks.oregon.gov

Dubbed the “crown jewel” of Oregon parks, Silver Falls is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile hike that lets visitors walk behind a 177-foot waterfall.

Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake, OR 97604
541-594-3000
www.nps.gov/crla

As the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Oregon. With its unparalleled clarity, deep blue waters, and snow-capped cliffs, it’s a must-visit for camping, hiking, and scenic drives.

Why Portland Parks Are a Must-Visit

For newcomers and those moving to Portland, the city’s incredible park system offers endless opportunities for recreation, exploration, and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet walk through Washington Park, hiking the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, or taking in the panoramic views from Mt. Tabor, Portland parks provide an escape from urban life while keeping nature close at hand.

Beyond the city limits, Oregon’s stunning landscapes, from Columbia River Gorge to Crater Lake, offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. With so many natural spaces to explore, it’s no wonder that Portland is known as one of the greenest cities in America!

 

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