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, it boils down to this: the city has 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 to see roses in Portland
Generally speaking, roses bloom from May to October. Which is great because it gives you ample time to find roses in Portland.
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
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!
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.
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.
There’s four roses gardens in total here, broken up by south, north, east and west. All four rose gardens are found on the perimeter of Ladd Circle, which serves as an anchor point for the neighborhood.
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.
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.
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.
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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