If you’re in search of the best parks in Portland then you’re in the right place.

As a lifelong local, I never fully appreciated Portland’s greenery until I started traveling to other cities only to notice a lack of trees.

Little did I know how fortunate I was to grow up in a city with more than 279 parks!

The best part? Portland doesn’t fall victim to the folly of quantity over quality — Portland constantly ranks as one of the top 10 best cities in the country for green spaces.

Since I’ve lived here by entire life, I’ve had an opportunity to accumulate a personal list of the best parks in Portland. Because let’s face it, not all parks are created equal.

Quick tip before we start: Remember that you + sunscreen = best friends (forever). So remember to pack it before you leave the house. If helpful, here’s the only sunscreen I use.

Best Parks in Portland, Oregon

Fun fact: Did you know that Portland is home to both the smallest park in the world (Mill Ends Park) and the largest urban park in the United States? Read on to learn more, I hope you enjoy!

#15. Powell Butte

Powell Butte is located in Southeast Portland and is worth the drive from downtown, especially if you need an escape from the city. Spanning an impressive 600 acres, this one of the biggest parks in Portland.

As if the panoramic mountain views weren’t enough, the nature trails are nothing short of spectacular. In terms of hiking, this is one of the best parks in Portland for nature trails.

So bring a pair of hiking shoes and come during sunset for a spectacular and colorful display of Mt. Hood on a clear day.

Local’s Tip: Parking at Powell Butte is a bear. Swing by during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

#14. Portland Japanese Garden

Found inside Washington Park (in Northwest Portland), the Portland Japanese Garden deserves a special shout-out because it’s so beautiful. I simply couldn’t write a list of the best parks in Portland without including my personal go-to.

Originally opened in 1967, the Portland Japanese Garden is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America. And when you visit for yourself you’ll quickly see why.

The garden is perfectly manicured with a small pond, handful of waterfalls and moss-laden paths ripe for exploration.

The garden has something beautiful to offer every season of the year, but there’s something exceptionally beautiful about spring, which is why so make folks come here during Portland’s cherry blossom season.

Local’s Tip: Make sure to swing by the cozy Umami Cafe for matcha or tea for a little break or to warm up, you won’t be disappointed.

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#13. Council Crest Park

Allow me to share my ignorance for a second – it took me way too long to visit Council Crest Park. What was I thinking? If you’re looking for a park with great mountain views, look no further than Council Crest.

At 1,073 feet, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland, so you can bet the views from this park are glorious (especially during sunset).

You’ll see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and even Mt. Rainier.

So if I may offer some advice, head to the park for sunset as soon as you see a clear day in the forecast. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Grab a picnic blanket and a good friend and make an entire evening of it. We saw so many couples picnicking on the lawn. Not only is it romantic but it may restore your faith in humanity, even if only for a second.

Further Reading: 10 Jaw-Dropping Viewpoints in Portland

#12. Fields Park

Fields Park is located in the lively Pearl District, a neighborhood that perfectly blends modern design while still exuding a relaxing Portland vibe.

This Portland park is a great place to spend a weekday morning catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee from Ovation & Tea.

Grab a delicious brew and plop down on a bench or spread out in the lawn. Just know that the the lawn is an off-leash dog park, so you’re bound to see many cute pups during your visit.

It’s not uncommon for folks to picnic in the lawn and find themselves interrupted every few minutes by an excited dog.

Two-legged kids are not forgotten — there’s a great new children’s playground as well, tag the family along!

#11. Overlook Park

Overlook Park is absolutely lovely, especially on a crisp fall day. A patch of grass is shaded by a handful of trees, enticing visitors to linger with friends while lounging on picnic baskets and watching the sunset.

I suggest following suit during a warm summer night because the views of Portland are spectacular. You’ll get unparalleled views of the Fremont Bridge, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

There’s plenty of great restaurants nearby, if you’d like to swing by for a bite after the sun sets. Here’s a mini-guide on N Mississippi Avenue.

#10. The Portland Grotto

Let’s address the elephant in the room: even though the Portland Grotto meets all the requirements to be included on this list of the best parks in Portland, it’s not technically a park. It’s a sanctuary.

But tell that to your hiking boots, I mean, what does it matter, yeah?

Officially called the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, locals refer to this gem simply as “The Grotto.”

The Grotto is a Catholic outdoor shrine and sanctuary that spans 62 acres in a forest. Even though The Grotto is associated with the Catholic faith, all are welcome to enjoy the beauty and respite of this peaceful space.

Full of meandering paths, beautiful forestland and a botanical garden, there’s a few key areas to explore, but it’s important to know the lay of the land. The lower level (which houses the famous shrine) is free, but the upper level (full of statues, international shrines and beautiful gardens in $10 per adult.

If interested, I wrote a detailed guide on this gem: Visiting the Peaceful Portland Grotto

The Grotto in Portland — International sanctuaries in the upper level of the Portland Grotto | Best Parks Portland, Oregon

#9. Tanner Springs Park

Tanner Springs Park is yet another park in the heart of the trendy Pearl District. The park covers one city block but feels bigger in size thanks to the greenery and koi pond.

Few know that the area was once home to a lake that has since drained. Naturally, a dry lake bed didn’t serve the city much and the area was paved over. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for the city to make this into one of the most interesting parks in Portland.

The park is comprised of 368 railroad tracks and includes 99 pieces of specially-made fused glass. This is one of the more artsy Portland parks and speaks to our pride in recycling and caring for the planet.

I enjoy sitting down and watching the random jumble of folks that pass through, especially the kids mesmerized by the Koi fish.

Local’s Tip: Grab a delicious cup of coffee from Sister Cafe and stroll around the neighborhood, you’re sure to find something interesting. Lovejoy Bakery is a great option if you’re hungry.

#8. Peninsula Park

Peninsula Park is a formally-designed 16-acre park best known for the 5,000 roses that hit peak bloom between July and August (one of the best places to see roses in Portland). In fact, the rose garden at Peninsula Park is older than the International Rose Test Garden.

The layout of the park is unique for Portland and more reminiscent of European parks. But let me tell you, when the fragrant roses hit peak bloom you wouldn’t want it designed any other way — the park’s glory is on full display!

Likewise, this beautiful Portland park is full of firsts — the city’s first community center, public rose garden and is home to Portland’s second oldest playground.

So grab a comfortable blanket and your favorite novel, find a shady tree and relax the afternoon away.

Try to visit Peninsula Park when the roses are at peak bloom (June-July). It’s one of the best places in Portland for roses. Peninsula Park have more than 5,000 rose bushes and boasts over 60 varieties of roses!

#7. Pittock Mansion Park

Pittock Mansion Park has the best view of downtown Portland, so it should come as no surprise that this Portland park is swarmed with locals and tourists alike during the summer and fall months. The views are worth the crowds though, trust me!

The park’s high elevation makes it an ideal spot to catch a great view of Mt. Hood on a clear day. There’s four picnic tables at the viewpoints, so bring a snack and enjoy your time.

You may also notice a lot of hikers in the area, that’s because the trails surrounding Pittock Mansion are very popular.

#6. Laurelhurst Park

In a lot of ways, Laurelhurst Park feels like Portland’s living room. On warm days you’re bound to find locals meandering the forested paths, picnicking in the lawns, throwing a frisbee or mingling while watching their kids enjoy the playground.

This Portland park is where everyone comes together to enjoy the beautiful nature in Portland and the fact that the park is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Portland doesn’t hurt either — there’s a plethora of great restaurants nearby.

The star of the show is the duck-filled pond at the center of the park. I have so many fond childhood memories watching them interact with each other.

I also remember being amazed by the number of weddings in the park. Seriously, you’ll see newly-married couples taking photos in this park practically every weekend. Hard to blame them, this is one of the prettiest parks in Portland.

Fun fact: In February 2001 Laurelhurst Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places, the first city park ever listed on the national register.

#5. Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park has two claims to fame: The stunning St. Johns Bridge and the epic (FREE) jazz festival held every July.

Even if you can’t make it for the jazz festival, don’t miss an opportunity to have a picnic under this iconic bridge while watching the sun go down.

I mean, can you imagine a better picnic spot in Portland? Considering how beautiful the area is, it may surprise you to learn that the actual park was an afterthought — it was constructed 50 years after the bridge was built.

Today, this is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Portland and it’s inevitable that you’ll run into photographers practically every weekend of the year.

Also, since Cathedral Park isn’t located in the heart of downtown, it offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Hard not to like that!

Don’t miss: Cathedral Park’s annual jazz festival dates back to 1981 and is the largest (and oldest) free blues and jazz festival west of the Mississippi.

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#4. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is named after Oregon’s revered governor. The park swells with locals during lunch hour and it’s inevitable that you’ll be dodging bikers, walkers, skateboarders and young couples walking hand-in-hand.

The park hugs the Willamette River and spans from the Steel Bridge to the Hawthorne Bridge. There’s a plethora of benches peppered along the path, so sit on a bench for a few minutes and watch the world go.

There’s no denying that this is one of the best parks in Portland, but don’t just take my word for it! In October 2012, Waterfront Park was voted one of America’s ten greatest public spaces by the American Planning Association.

Also worth mention, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the best place in Portland to see the cherry blossoms during the spring season. More specifically, the stretch of cherry trees near the Steel Bridge (officially known as the Japanese American Historical Plaza). This area has the most breathtaking display of cherry blossoms in Portland, here’s proof.

https://vimeo.com/399698345

#3. Forest Park

Portlanders take outdoor recreation seriously and nowhere is this more evident than the busy trailheads at Forest Park, one of the best parks in Portland for hiking. Home to more than 80 miles of trails, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Spanning more than 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country.

If you need a starting point, I highly recommend hiking the Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion trail so that you can spot the iconic Witch’s Castle. It’s beloved by locals for its fascinating (and haunting) past, read more.

Bonus Points: During your visit, make sure to cross the Barbara Walker Crossing. It’s an award-winning new bridge that provides a safe pedestrian crossing over busy Burnside Street. Go during fall for spectacular color.

#2. Mt. Tabor Park

Sitting atop an (extinct) volcano, Mt. Tabor Park offers one of the best views of Portland. This is a great spot to bike, hike or simply enjoy a sunset picnic amidst locals. Found in the beloved Hawthorne neighborhood, the park sits atop an extinct volcano.

Get your heart pumping by hiking to the top of the water reservoir for breathtaking views. Better yet, settle in for the evening with a picnic basket and your best friend in tow, for a date you won’t soon forget.

Local’s Tip: You’re only a stone’s throw from Apizza Scholls, the BEST pizza in Portland — swing by!

#1. Washington Park

Washington Park is often considered the crown jewel of Portland’s robust park system and it’s not hard to see why. Named after the street that served as the park’s entrance, Washington Park was founded in 1871 — making it one of the oldest Portland parks

The breathtaking park spans 400 acres and houses six cultural institutions — like the beloved International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo and Hoyt Arboretum. Most of these spots have an admission fee, but the park itself (including the epic rose garden) is free to visit!

You can easily spend an entire day hiking the trails or popping off at the various institutions for a quick bite.

As a Portland local, I can confidently say that Washington Park takes the cake as the BEST park in Portland. I’ve visited the park well over 50 times and I still find myself amazed by the beauty. If you’re new to the area (welcome) make a beeline for the hiking trails at the Hoyt Arboretum.

Turns out you don’t need to leave the city limits to find yourself amidst stunning redwood trees! Hike the scenic Redwood Trail Loop, which takes you to the deck that provides an interesting vantage over the healthy redwood grove below.

Fun fact: The rose garden at Washington Park is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. How cool is that? To read more on the history, check out this post.

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Interesting Portland Parks to Know

Mill Ends Park

Blink and you’ll miss it — Mill’s End Park is not only the smallest park in Portland, but the smallest in the world.

In 1971, Guinness World Records confirmed what most Portlanders already knew — Mill Ends Park is the smallest park in the world.

Clocking in at a mere two square feet, Mill Ends Park is officially recognized as the smallest park in the world. It wouldn’t Portland if it wasn’t weird, right?

I’ll admit, This is also one of the strangest facts about Oregon, but hey — we’ll take the attention where we can get it.

Regardless, this little park is a beloved Portland treasure and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Portland. The tree was actually stolen once (in 2013) but promptly returned presumably due to remorse.

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Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

While not technically a park (this is a garden), Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is one of the best spots to see spring blooms in Portland, so I wanted to mention it.

Offering seven beautiful acres for visitors to explore, You won’t see many cherry blossoms in the garden (stroll the neighborhood if you’re itching for some), but you will find a dizzying display of colorful rhododendrons and azaleas.

These spring blooms start blooming as early as February, but don’t hit peak bloom until April (and even May). But believe me when I tell you they are worth the wait, you’ll be wowed by a stunning pop of spring color!

Best time to visit: April through May
Hours: Open daily from 6am to 10pm
Admission: $5 from March 1 to September 1 (FREE on Mondays), free the rest of the year.