Listen, they don’t call Portland the City of Roses for nothing. And if you’re looking for the best places to see roses in Portland, Oregon – this local has you covered.

If you’re curious how Portland got its moniker (and many others), read this quick handy post. But essentially, we have the PERFECT climate for growing roses.

I’ve lived here my entire adult life and didn’t realize how fortunate I was until I started to appreciate flora. We have roses growing along the highway for Pete’s sake – we are lucky indeed.

But don’t just take my word for it – I’m going to share all my insider knowledge and back it up with photos. I hope you enjoy!

Best time for roses in Portland

Generally speaking, roses bloom from April to October. Crazy, huh? Such a large window!

It’s worth noting that different elevations experience peak bloom at different times. I’ll note peak times for each of the best spots for roses in Portland.

Let’s get to the good stuff!

Where to see roses in Portland, Oregon

Best spot for roses in Portland: The Portland International Rose Test Garden

Best time for roses: entire month of June
Address: 400 SW Kington Ave. Portland, Oregon 97205
Hours: The rose garden is open daily from 7:30am to 9pm, but I suggest coming as early as possible to avoid the crowds and heat.

Although technically called the Portland International Rose Test Garden, feel free to call it the Rose Garden and you’ll sound like a local in no time. This is by far the best spot for roses because it’s the LARGEST public rose garden in the United States.

You read that right.

With over 650 varieties of roses and upward of 10,000 bushes – there’s too many secrets to list. So make sure to read: Local’s Guide to the Portland Rose Garden for local tips and many (many) photos!

Washington Park

Best time for roses: May thru October
Address: 400 SW Kington Ave. Portland, Oregon 97205
Hours: Open daily from 5am to 10pm.

Few know that the Rose Garden sits inside of Washington Park – a show stopper in its own right!

Washington Park encompasses the Portland Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, Vietnam Memorial and the World Forestry Center.

Spend an afternoon hiking the trails that connect these world-class institutions and – you guessed it – stop and smell the roses. And believe me, there are so many roses to see. My favorite spot is by the tennis courts – just heavenly!

Arlington Heights Neighborhood

This is the neighborhood closest to Washington Park (read the rose garden). So it’s no wonder that so many homeowners have taken it upon themselves to grow mini rose gardens of their own.

I suggest strolling through the lovely streets, the homes alone are worth a gander! Wander aimlessly and be amazed at the landscaping feats of this stunning homes.

Peninsula Park Rose Garden

Best time for roses: Mid-June thru October
Address: 700 N Rosa Parks Way
Hours: 5am to midnight

I guarantee that you will be amazed by the rose garden at Peninsula Park – Portland’s first public rose garden.

This is a mini version of the Rose Garden, and when I say “mini” I definitely don’t mean lesser. But since it’s not as well known, you can expect less crowds – which is a win-win in my book.

What I enjoy most about Peninsula Park is the slowness of it. There’s four inviting hubs in the garden that encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy – there’s no better way to soak it all in.

Pittock Mansion

Best time for roses: June – August
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland, Oregon 92710
Hours: 10am to 4pm

If you’re in Portland and you don’t take the time to tour Pittock Mansion, were you really in Portland at all?

Jokes aside, make sure to visit the garden outside of the mansion (free) and soak in the stunning city views from the top. I suggest grabbing a blanket and some tasty snacks and enjoying a long picnic.

Ladd Circle Rose Garden

Best time for roses: May through October
Address: SE 16th Ave. & Harrison St.
Hours: 5am to midnight

One of the things I enjoy most about Portland are the charming neighborhoods. Ladd’s Addition is no exception and the rose garden definitely makes me biased.

It’s smaller than the other spots but you would be remiss to miss this charming rose garden.

To read about all the things I enjoy about living in Portland (and the things I don’t), read: Pros and Cons of Living in Portland, Oregon.

Best spots for roses in Portland, Oregon

Portland International Rose Test Garden
Washington Park
Arlington Heights Neighborhood
Peninsula Park
Pittock Mansion
Ladd Circle Rose Garden

Well, there you have it my friends. These are the best places to see roses in Portland, Oregon – I hope you enjoy!

If you have any questions whatsoever, make sure to reach out – happy to help!

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Until next time,

Antonina

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