Arbor Lodge Park
Address: N Delaware Ave & N Bryant St, Portland, OR 97217
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis courts, baseball field, horseshoe pit, off leash dog area, paved paths, playground, soccer field.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
Arbor Lodge park is accommodating of many different interests and activities. There is a designated grassy area for dogs to play in, off leash, as well as a soccer and baseball/softball field. Arbor Lodge park also boasts a very impressive play area. Play area features include an elevated sand table with a water pump, a xylophone, climbing walls of different challenge levels, accessible hill with slide and climbing net, oodle swing, omni-spin, universally-accessible adaptive swings seats along with standard and infant swing seats, and new sea turtle bronze sculptures by artist Peter Helzer.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Arbor Lodge Park is a great little park to take the family on a picnic, watch soccer or other games. It has a great playground with swings a mini climbing wall a big sandbox and other kid-friendly activities.
Overlook Park
Address: 1599 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, baseball field, basketball court, off leash dog area, paved paths, playground, soccer field.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
Overlook park is conveniently located right off of the MAX's yellow line, and is easily accessible by car or bike. There is plenty of open space to play with your dog, play frisbee or catch with your friends, and a fantastic, expansive views of the Freemont Bridge and most of downtown Portland. Along with the various sports fields, there is also a jogging track, playground and a large covered picnic area.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Great convenient location with a cool view of the city . It's not the largest of parks, but it's a fun place to catch an outdoor festival.
Cathedral Park
Address: N Edison St & Pittsburg Ave, Portland, OR 97203
Amenities: boat dock, boat ramp, canoe launch, dog off-leash area, paths, all-access restrooms, picnic tables, Plaza, riverfront views, and outdoor stage.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
Nestled underneath the St Johns bridge this is one of the more historically significant parks in Portland. This location has been a fishing camp for the indigenous tribes of the region for centuries, as well as hosting the Lewis & Clark expedition on April 2, 1806. James John, the founder of St Johns, settled and operated a ferry across the Willamette to the neighboring Linnton. It wasn't until 1970s that funds were raised to clean up the area and construct the gorgeous park. Bring a picnic and stay tuned for events on the outdoor stage throughout the summer.
Review:
Antonio 'the-van-man' Gaudi
Rating: Excellent
Chances are if you've bought a van in Portland you've been wooed by the shot of it under this bridge. The vaulting grey buttresses make a nice contrast with the greenery of the surrounding park. I love this park for its simplicity and proximity to the tasty foods in St Johns, but you could always pack a lunch!
Kelley Point Park
Address: N Marine Dr & Lombard St
Amenities: swimming, dog-walking, canoe launch, historical site, paths, picnic sites, riverfront views, hiking trails, vistas.
Hours: 6:00am-9:00pm
About This Park:
Kelley Point Park is one of the most popular 'summer day' destinations for Portland. The large stands of swaying cottonwood trees, the proximity to the mightly Columbia, and the plentiful walking paths firmly cement Kelley Point as a perennial favorite. The area is named after Hall Jackson Kelley, a mildly deranged New Englander who spent his life as a vocal advocate for settlement in the Pacific Northwest, and trying to seek payment for his proselytizing. Kelley believed there should be a great city at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette. Today there is a plaque commemorating his idealism, but little else remains of his ambition.
Review:
Buxflap's Legal Guardian
Rating: Excellent
Kinda weird to think this pretty spot is actually just a bunch of river dredgings.. but whatever. I take my dog, Buxflap, here all the time, he loves poking around in the shallows for minnows and flying in between the trees. The weekend makes kelley point a bit more of a 'party place' so if you're not into that, try earlier in the day or during the week.
Peninsula Park
Address: 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR 97217
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis court, baseball field, basketball court, horseshoe pit, fountain, paved paths, playground, soccer field, pool.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
Peninsula Park includes the city's first public rose garden, first community center and second oldest playground.
Review:
~~stoptosmellthefl0wers~~
Rating: Excellent
This park is very beautiful, so many pretty different colored roses. The grounds are well kept. A nice stroll through this park on a summer morning is a great way to start your day. Great waterfall in the middle of the park for pictures or just to sit and relax.
Pier Park
Address: N Lombard St & Bruce Ave
Amenities: accessible play area, accessible restroom, baseball field, basketball court, disc golf, paths, picnic tables, playground, skatepark, soccer field, softball field, splash pad, and tennis court.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
Pier Park, at a sprawling 87 acres and facilities for many different sports, is a gem of North Portland. One of the cities best skateparks is located here, along with one of the only disc golf courses in the Portland area. The whimsical picnic shelter and stands of Doug-fir present a good challenge for those new to disc golf, but the seasoned veterans may just enjoy the scenery.
Review:
Frolf You
Rating: Average
Bro let me tell you I have frolfed the world over, and there's just something about these big doug-firs that really get me going. By the way, it's pronounced 'frolfing' not 'gorisbee', common mistake bros but there you go. See you out on the links, remember, no beer in the park!!
Alberta Park
Address: NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211
Amenities: picinic area, restrooms, tennis courts, baseball field, basketball court, off leash dog area, paved paths, playground, soccer field.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight
About This Park:
This medium sized park features basketball courts, playing fields, and a large pavillion perfect for family reunions or company functions. There are several sensory play elements perfect for children of all ages. The tennis courts are popular with the local bike polo organization and tennis players alike. The wading pool has closed (per PPR order).
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Alberta Park is a great little park to take the family on a picnic, watch people playing bike polo and other games. It has a great playground with swings and a large pavillion that was perfect for a mini family reunion.
Buckman Field Park
Address: 300 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Amenities: soccer field picnic area, baseball field, playground.
About This Park:
This park features some of Portland's finest publicly maintained soccer pitches and baseball fields. The Buckman Field House was built in 1925, this piece of history contrasts nicely with more modern updates. A $2.3m renovation in 2011 created an all-weather synthetic field with stadium lighting. This park is the home of the Portland City United, the metro's classic soccer club. The sand pit and smaller playground are perfect for entertaining soon-to-be soccer stars.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Buckman Field Park is THE place to play, if you can grab a spot. I love the track around the field too, very useful for interval training. Of course.. after training, I just HAD to grab some Voodoo Donuts, right across the street!
Glenhaven Park
Address: NE 82nd Ave & Siskiyou St
Amenities: dog-walking, dog-run, skatepark, softabll field, tennis court, accessible restrooms.
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
This park has one of the most advanced dog parks in the city. There are rules and stipulations but all serve in one aspect or another to properly socialize, ensure safety, and overall create enjoyable experiences for both owners and their canine companions. Your dog must be up to date on their shots and have passed a behavioral evaluation. The skatepark features a small bowl, and many other interesting features.
Review:
Doggy Dane
Rating: Excellent
WOW my dog loved this park. After it got its 'badge' we go all the time. No unfriendly doggies biting at my pup! I can't recommend this regulated dog park enough.
Grant Park
Address: NE 33rd Ave. and U.S. Grant Pl. Portland, OR 97212
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis court, baseball field, basketball court, off leash dog area, fountain, paved paths, playground, soccer field, pool.
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
This park has a wonderful off-leash dog area, playing fields, and a recently updated track. The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden pays homage to Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins, and other characters from the eponymous books written by Beverly Cleary.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Grant Park has a little something for everyone. The new football pitch at the highschool is the result of a public/partnership between Nike, Ndamukong Suh (Grant Class of '05), and the high school. The off-leash dog area had a great vibe, but beware, it falls between two streets. So if you've got a wandering pup make sure to keep an eye on them.
Rocky Butte Natural Area
Address: NE Rocky Butte Rd, Portland, 97220
Amenities: historical site, natural area, public art, paths, hiking trails, and vista points
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
This sweeping natural area has sports some great hiking trails right in the metro area. Sitting at the intersection of the 84 and the 205 you'll barely notice those thoroughfare. The vistas from the top and along the trails are some of the best Portland has to offer. The views range from Mt. St Helens to Hood, you can see the airplanes taking off at PDX, and all the way up the Columbia to Camas.
Review:
Rockiest Butte Lover
Rating: Excellent
Some people say Rock Butte is the geekier and ugly little sister of Mt Tabor, the prom queen of parks. Those people have no idea what they're talking about. Rocky Butte's beauty lies in its trails and natural area, although the incredible panorama at the top isn't too bad! The trails are pefect for dawdling along, enjoying your afternoon, or if you think running is cool you can probably do that too. I wouldn't know.
Laurelhurst Park
Address: 3756 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis courts, basketball court, horseshoe pit, off leash dog area, paved paths, playground, soccer field.
Hours: 5:00am-10:30pm
About This Park:
One of Portland's oldest parks, this was formerly the location of Hazel Fern Farm. The farm belonged to William Ladd, who, in addition to developing a large portion of East Portland, laid the foundation stock for the future of the Oregonian cattle industry with his purebred Jersey's. Today you'll find immaculately landscasped open areas, copses of native trees, and the large pond that once watered his cattle. The various ducks, swans, turtles, and carp that inhabit the pond make for lively entertainment. In 2001, the park received the distinction of being the first city park to be named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Review:
Jane Duck
Rating: Excellent
Laurelhurst Park has some of the best ducks around. Seriously. I think the layout of the park is dope. I'm a bit of architecture buff, and this park is a prime example of the 'City Beautiful' movement, a reform philosophy of architecture and urban planning that aimed to reinstate the beauty and grandeur aesthetics into the fields. While opinions are divided on the end-goal of the movement there is no doubt that Laurelhurst is a gem of Portland.
Mt. Tabor Park
Address: SE 60th Ave & Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pit, off leash dog area, natural area, hiking trails, paved paths, playground.
Hours: 5:00am-midnight. The park is closed to motor vehicles all day Wednesday, and from 10:00pm to 5:00am all other days. The road gates at Salmon, Lincoln/Harrison, and Yamhill Streets will be closed during those times.
About This Park:
Who wouldn't want to hang out on a volcanic cinder cone? Mt. Tabor, located in southeast Portland, is great for walking, biking, city views, and more! Before becoming part of Portland in 1905, Mount Tabor was a rural farming community dating back to the 1850s. It became a city-recognized neighborhood in 1974.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Terrible
Mt. Tabor Park is literally a volcanoe so why are you here please go please we don't know when it's going to happen please plate tectonics are terrifying.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Address: SE 7th Ave & Sellwood Blvd
Amenities: natural area, paths, riverfront views, and hiking and biking trails.
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
Oaks Bottom is one of the best place to spot the herons of the Willamette. The wetlands are also home to all other kinds of water fowl, eagles, and deer. The floodplain itself is built on 400,000 cubic feet of construction waste, layered with soil. That somewhat unique substrate doesn't seem to bother the hawks, kestrels, coots, woodpeckers, and great blue herons that call the area home.
Review:
Prof OaksBottom
Rating: Excellent
As a Professor, I first have to say, that this wetland is absolutely suberb. The birds here are all top notch, and you definitely, definitely, should not try to catch any. I learned that it is highly frowned upon and was made to spend the afternoon at the neighboring carnival, which reeked of a distinct loneliness I haven't been able to pin point since the mid 80s...
Powell Butte
Address: 16160 SE Powell Portland, OR
Amenities: historical site, natural area, public art, paths, hiking trails, and vista points
Hours: Fall: 7:00 AM-8:00 PM (Labor Day until switch to Pacific Standard Time) Winter: 7:00 AM-6:00 PM (until switch to Daylight Savings Time) Spring: 7:00 AM-8:00 PM (until Memorial Day) Summer: 7:00 AM-10:00 PM (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
About This Park:
Powell Butte, an extinct cinder cone volcano, rises near the headwaters of Johnson Creek - an urban creek with remnant populations of native salmon and steelhead. The park is comprised of 608 acres of meadowland and forest. It is kind of out of the way for most people, accessible by bike on the Spring Water Corridor, or car/bus near SE Powell and SE 162nd. A large portion of the park was once used as a cattle grazing area and orchard. In fact quite a few of the orchard trees still exist. Miles of trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Abundant wildlife populates the park, including rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, ground squirrels, raccoons, gray foxes, skunks, bats, chipmunks, coyotes, and black-tailed mule deer. The park is home to many birds of prey with its open meadows, groves of wild hawthorn trees, forested slopes of Western red cedar, and wetlands near Johnson Creek.
Review:
George
Rating: Excellent
I'm OBSESSED with this place. The views are incredible, and the soft surface is great for walking, hiking, running, or biking. I ran 12 miles and the time passed so quickly due to to the beautiful views. Alot of the trails off the main trail are dirt and go up and down, so you really get your work out in. there are some openings where you have views of mountains, and the rural setting in front of it provides something different than other places in Portland.
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Address: SE Spokane St & Oaks Pkwy, Portland, 97202
Amenities: accessible restrooms, boat dock, canoe launch, dog off-leash area, paths, picnic tables, and riverfront views.
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
This park is a great off-leash dog area as well as a superb launching site for boats. In the summer the PP&R host concerts on Monday evenings, so stay tuned. The Springwater Corridor connects this park to Oaks Bottom and Portland, making it an easily accessible destination or a nice stop along the way. The riparian zone at the end of the park sports dragonflies and frogs. The park is great for lawn games as well as a picnic with friends.
Review:
Clam Johnson
Rating: Excellent
My infatuation for bocce ball has grown steadily for the past five years. Since I was introduced to "PETONK" in France in 2011 I have sought out places to play the grandest game wherever I go. I was delighted to find Sellwood Riverfront Park and its nicely manicured surfaces. Please, come join me, every Sunday at 10pm and we will play the most strategic game known to humanity.
Spring Water Corridor
Address: SE Ivon St to Boring, OR
Amenities: historical site, natural area, public art, paths, hiking trails, and vista points
Hours: N/A
About This Park:
The Springwater Corridor is the major southeast segment of the 40-Mile Loop which was inspired by the 1903 Olmsted plan of a parkway and boulevard loop to connect park sites. For the most part, the trail is well separated from the public road. The route is a scenic one, encompassing wetlands, buttes, agricultural fields and pastures, residential and industrial neighborhoods. Close to Johnson Creek, one of the last free-flowing streams in Portland's urban area, the trail criss-crosses the stream on its course to the Willamette River. The Corridor connects several parks and open spaces including Tideman Johnson Nature Park, Beggars-tick Wildlife Refuge, the I-205 Bike Path, Leach Botanical Garden, Powell Butte Nature Park, and Gresham's Main City Park. The Springwater Corridor is a multi-use trail. The paved surface is generally 10-12 feet wide with soft shoulders. The hard surface trail is designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, hikers, bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. Equestrian use is more common east of I-205 where a separate soft surface path meanders away from the main trail where topography allows.
Review:
Running Bucket
Rating: Excellent
One of these days I'm going to do the whole 40-mile loop of the Springwater Corridor. It's on my bucket list. For now, I will review the section I've done a few times: the stretch between OMSI and Sellwood. The path is paved, wide and well maintained. It's popular with cyclists, runners, walkers, parents with baby strollers and casual bike riders like me.
Woodstock Park
Address: SE 47th Ave & Steele St
Amenities: accessible play area, accessible restroom, dog off-leash area, horseshoe pit, paths, picnic sites, playground, soccer field, softball field, and tennis court.
Hours: 5:00AM-midnight
About This Park:
This park is a vital part resource for the Woodstock neighborhood. It has hosted high school softball games, movies, Woodstock School reunions, and an annual event known as 'Unimproved Road', an homage to a homey feature of southeast.
Review:
Woodstock4U
Rating: Poor
Honestly this park has seen better days. I love it, I have loved it, but maybe it has been loved just too hard. I know I certainly have. Love is a strange thing, and as people use the park and just discard it.. it's feelings get hurt. It stops being as lush, it falls into disrepair. Love this park. Love Woodstock.
Gabriel Park
Address: SW Vermont St, Portland, OR 97219
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, tennis courts, baseball field, basketball court, off leash dog area, paved paths, playground, skatepark, soccer field.
Hours: 5:00 am - midnight.
About This Park:
Gabriel Park is known for its large skatepark featuring 8,000 sq ft of snake run and 2,000 sq ft of unique perimeter features including a wall ride, pump bumps, tranny trench, and vert tranny to slappy curb. If you're not into hitting the slappy curb bring your favorite k-9 to the park's 1.75 acre off-leash dog area.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Gabriel is one of those rare city parks that has something for everyone. There are sports facilities (basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, volleyball), a skate park, off-leash areas, community gardens, and even a wooded area with a creek.
Tryon Creek State Park
Address: Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland, OR 97219
Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, natural area, hiking trails, paved paths.
About This Park:
The Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a state park located primarily in Portland, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the only Oregon state park within a major metropolitan area. The 645-acre park lies between Boones Ferry Road and Terwilliger Boulevard in southwest Portland in Multnomah County and northern Lake Oswego in Clackamas County and is bisected from north to south by Tryon Creek.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
AWESOME! this is a great park. wonderful seemingly endless trails through the beautiful Oregon forest. I am an outdoor enthusiast just having moved to the Portland area less than two months ago. I've been to a number of nice dog parks but wanted to find an actual hiking trail near where I live to take the dog. BINGO! this is the spot. The whole trail system looks to be well shaded and out of the sun.
Washington Park
Address: Head of SW Park Place
Amenities: accessible restroom, fountain, paved paths, unpaved paths, picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, soccer field, tennis court, hiking trails.
Hours: 5:00am-10:00pm.
About This Park:
Washington Park has got it all. Rose garden, Japanese Garden, Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, forestry museum, archery range, amphitheatre, children's museum, playgrounds, public art and acres of wild forest. There is something for everyone up there!
Review:
Joe the Playground Connoisseur
Rating: Excellent
Straight to the play structure, yo. That was the bulk of my visits to this place. I can't really write a comprehensive review about this place without slipping into 'War and Peace' mode. Too much to describe. Just go. Do NOT consider yourself a PDXr if you have not been here.
Waterfront Park
Address: Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison St & NW Glisan St
Amenities: accessible restroom, boat dock, fountain, paved paths, biking paths
Hours: 5:00am-midnight.
About This Park:
Waterfront park is a 36 acre park located along the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The most common uses for the park are jogging, walking, biking, skateboarding, fountain play, lunching, basketball, fireworks viewing, Segwaying and boat watching. Due to its recreational use, lunch hours (11:00 am to 1:00 pm) are peak-use hours for the waterfront park. In addition to recreational use, the park is also highly used by bike and pedestrian commuters during rush hours (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm) because the park is easily accessible to the downtown Portland workforce and provides a pleasant, off street thoroughfare away from vehicular traffic. It is currently home to the Waterfront Blues Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, Gay/Lesbian Pride Festival and the Bite of Oregon festival. The park is also the host of many Rose Festival events.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
Cool park. There are always a bunch of people around which makes this feel like a happening place. Great views of some of the PDX bridges and the east side. I recommend bringing family and friends here as a cool tourist spot to show off the cool bridges we have.
Forest Park
Address: Portland, OR 97231
Amenities: natural area, hiking trails, paved paths.
About This Park:
Forest Park is a public municipal park in the Tualatin Mountains west of downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Stretching for more than 8 miles on hillsides overlooking the Willamette River, it is one of the country's largest urban forest reserves. The park, a major component of a regional system of parks and trails, covers more than 5,100 acres of mostly second-growth forest with a few patches of old growth. About 70 miles of recreational trails, including the Wildwood Trail segment of the city's 40 Mile Loop system, crisscross the park.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
As the name implies, it is a park that is also a forest. There are a lot of paths within the park that I did not have enough time to explore. Nevertheless, I spent two hours here to get in a great run. The dirt paths are flat and clear. The forest is very beautiful with plenty of trees. I highly recommend this park if you are looking for a good spot for a run in Portland.
Jamison Square
Address: 810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Amenities: restrooms, fountain.
About This Park:
Jamison Square is a city park in the heart of Portland's Pearl District. The square hosts many events and has a great fountain for cooling off on hot days.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
This little gem is a real blessing. Portland is experiencing a real summer and we need free outdoor water play options. Jamison Square is great. Cascading water comes down a set of 3 stone high waterfall and build a small arched pool. The water fall stops after a few minutes and drains completely and then begins again.
Pittock Mansion
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Amenities: museum, paths, picnic tables, hiking.
Hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm
About This Park:
Pittock mansion is a French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills. The mansion's original owner and builder was Henry Pittock, newspaper and business tycoon of the early 20th century. The building boasted modern luxuries such as a central vacuum system, intercoms, and indirect lighting. The interior 46 rooms were modeled after places all over the world, most notably are the Victorian, Turkish, and French Renaissance influences. The mansion is a welcome stop along the trails that connects Washington Park all the way to the northern tip of Forest Park. The vistas from this popular tourist destination are expansive on a clear summer day, but if you're hiking up be sure to bring a watter bottle.
Review:
Mike Rowe
Rating: Excellent
This place is quite obviously haunted. When you catch yourself on the seond floor, in any of the childrens bedrooms, take a long look into the mirrors. She likes to appear on your right, little Annie Pittock. Her hair is always drawn back tightly in a bun and her petticoats seem to fill your vision. She likes to be brought up some biscuits from the kitchen, and if you're there, reading this, and you don't have biscuits... It's too late fo--
Wallace Park
Address: NW 25th Ave & Raleigh St
Amenities: picnic area, play area, accessible restroom, basketball court, dog off-leash area, picnic sites, playground, soccer field, softball field, and tennis court.
About This Park:
Wallace Park is home of one of Portland's greatest natural events, the roosting of the Vaux Swifts. They come in late August during their fall migration, and have been returning to Chapman Middle School since the 1980s. The park has a large dog-run that is very popular with local residents. Bring your lawn chairs and arrive early if you're coming to see the swifts, some 2,000 people come to watch the spectacle every year.
Review:
Jane Doe
Rating: Excellent
I love birds and all but these swifts were just second-rate. I gave them an excellent for effort though, because they seemed like they were trying hard to put on a show. I know lots of people care deeply about these tiny thigs, but I just can't get excited about them. They don't have much meat on them and they are an absolute devil to catch.