Portland Metro: Portland
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - Portland
Daily: 6:00am – 10:00pm (March 1-Sept 30); close 6:00pm October-February
Location: Southeast 28th Avenue, one block north of Woodstock, between Eastmoreland Golf Course, Reed College
Distance: 9.49 acres
Why Go There? More than 2,500 rhododendrons, many rarely seen in the Northwest, azaleas, companion plants, trees provide dazzling display of colors from early spring into summer; fall tree colors. Pleasant, easy walking (popular during peak bloom, usually early May). Spring-fed Crystal Springs Lake attract many species of birds, waterfowl. After Labor Day through February, no admittance fees, also before 10:00am and all day Monday, during peak season.
Access: Parking lot + public transportation
More Information: Portland Parks & Rec
Elk Rock Garden at Bishop's Close - Portland
Daily: 8:00am-5:00pm
Location: 11800 Southwest Military Lane
Distance: Short
Why Go There? English landscape garden features a myriad of rare and unusual plants; a pleasant walk overlooking the Willamette River, south of downtown Portland. Allow an hour to stroll through the gardens/walk up the hill for spectacular views, native madrone woods. Open to the public since 1986, part of a stipulated donation of inherited property by founder's children.
Access: Drive + parking
More Information: Elk Rock Garden
Gabriel Park, Multnomah Village - Portland
Location: Southwest 45th & Southwest Vermont Streets
Distance: Short
Why Go There? 87-acre park has two small creeks, offers soft-surface and paved trails meandering through open and wooded areas; nearby recreation facility swimming pool. Close to Multnomah Village neighborhood, variety of shops, restaurants, cafes.
More Information: Travel Portland
Leach Botanical Garden - Portland
Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm, Sunday 1:00-4:00pm; Closed Monday, major holidays
Location: 6704 Southeast 122nd Avenue
Distance: One mile of paths, trails
Why Go There? 17 acres publicly owned, volunteer supported gardens; features northwest native plants, collections discovered or brought to Oregon from original founders, the Leach family. Property includes stone house; weekly guided tours, classes, botanic library, gift shop. Free admittance, donations welcomed.
Access: Drive, park across bridge from entrance + public transportation
More Information: Leach Garden
Marquam Trail to Council Crest Park - Portland
Daily: 5:00am- midnight (natural lighting only). Two hour parking limit, Marquam Nature Park; Council Crest Park motor access 8:00am-9:00pm April-October (7pm November-March).
Location: Southwest Portland hills
Distance: 3-4 miles, depending on chosen trailhead, route
Why Go There? On clear days Council Crest Park offers spectacular north, east mountain views: Saint Helens, Adams, Hood and Rainier; coastal mountain views, suburbs west. Trails well groomed, close to downtown, wend through city woods, crossing neighborhood streets while gaining elevation. Seasonal changes: springtime wildflowers; shady woods welcome on hot days; stunning fall colors. Marquam Nature Park, a popular trailhead, (some) parking, has wonderful bas relief mosaic depicting local flora, fauna, scenery. Multiple trail loops, options include parking at Council Crest, several side streets.
Access: Pedestrians, pets (no bicycles, motoring on trails); trail entrances have limited 2 hour parking. A few bus routes stop near Marquam Park trail entrances (#51 to Council Crest, weekdays only) + check public transportation routes
More Information: FMNP + Nature Park Loop + Nature Park Shelter Trailhead + PDX Nature Trails
Mt. Tabor Park - Portland
Location: Southeast 60th Avenue/Salmon Street
Distance: 1.5 miles or less roundtrip, depending on route
Why Go There? 190 acre park, an ancient volcanic cinder cone, shared, single use walk/bicycle/car paved road, unpaved trails; gently wind up approximately 300 feet through forested areas to expansive city view. Popular with dog walkers; summer evening concerts, events; annual adult soapbox derby. Park draws large crowds for events.
More Information: Portland Parks & Rec
Portland Sunday Parkways (PSP)- Portland
Sundays
Location: Varies, check website for schedule
Distance: Varies
Why Go There? City organized PSP Sunday walking/bicycling/public transportation events offer fun way to see different city areas; many educational, entertaining activities along routes.
Access: Drive, walk or bicycle to start locations. Public transportation encouraged!
More Information: PBOT
Ten Toes Express Walks (TTE) – Portland
Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings
Location: Varies, check website for schedule
Distance: Varies
Why Go There? TTE guided urban walks offer exercise, insight into different areas (neighborhood histories, century old trees, architectural styles, stairway shortcuts).
Access: Drive, walk or bicycle to start locations. Public transportation encouraged!
More Information: TTE
Tryon Creek Park - Portland
Location: 11321 Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard
Distance: 8 miles of walking trails (and 3 mile paved bike trail)
Why Go There? Urban state park short drive from downtown Portland, walks, hikes in shaded forest offer seasonal flora, events (springtime trillium festival, summer music concerts); nature center's interpretive exhibits.
Access: Parking lot
More Information: Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Vedanta Retreat - Scappoose
Daily dawn to dusk
Location: 23000 Northwest Gilkison Road
Why Go There? Privately owned by the Vedanta Society and graciously open to respectful walkers/hikers (no bicycles or pets allowed), 120 acres of trails meander through woods, offer views of 12 distinctly different religious shrines, meditation benches and a quiet place for reflection; donations welcome and are tax deductible.
More Information: Vedanta Retreat
Additional Resources
Oregon Hikers - Portland + Willamette Valley
Explore a list of hikes organized by region with information including difficulty, distance, elevation change, and notes